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Member Reviews

Lucy and her loveable group of friends are back again with another solid outing from Canadian cozy mystery pro Eva Gates.

When the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library prepares to host a young adult book festival, things become complicated when the featured author is found dead on librarian Lucy McNeil's back porch. With a gaggle of the author's fans, as well as his suspicious wife, constantly throwing a wrench into the investigation, Lucy is forced to put her detective hat on lest another murder happen on her property.

Anytime I read one of the Lighthouse Library Mysteries, it's as if I am coming home to a cast of characters that I need a good catch up with. From Lucy to the cheeky Charles to the quirky Teddy, this book is a summer vacation in literary form.

Ms. Gates has a knack for having a strong tie-in to other famous books, helping enrich her story even further and firmly place it in the real world instead of an unreality.

The mystery of this book took a turn that I was not expecting, and this coming from a dedicated cozy mystery reader. The concept of the young adult fiction festival also has me wanting to reach for some of my old favourites.

Literary lovers unite for this series addition, which also beautifully sets the stage for another instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

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Delightful addition to the series. The series introduced a character who if she continues in future books could be a potential victim. The ending promises changes for the future.

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This is the first Eva gates book and the first Lucy McNeil mystery that i have read. The story is set in a small town and the author has captured the small town charm really well.
The book starts with a public library planning to host a literary events with one of the nest selling YA author in attendance
Lucy McNeil is a librarian and her knack for solving mysteries attracts the author's attention and he pays a visit to her. One moment she is confused as to what is the reason for the author's visit and the very next moment she is shocked to find him dead on her porch!
The story keeps you hooked throughout and my favourite scenes are the ones where the fans do crazy stuff near McNeil 's deck pay homage to the author. They are iytright hilarious and a little worrysome too.It is a cozy read overall.
That being said story in itself is a lukewarm effort and a little predictable . Its a Comfort read as not much action takes place but something is constantly happening that will keep you interested. Connor and Lucy make a beautiful couple and the town's people are equally lovely. I would have loved a little more mystery and action.
But nevertheless the book makes up for an entertaining read. Try this one out. Snuggle in your cozy blankets with hot chicolaand this book.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

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The library is hosting a YA (young adult) book festival and when the headliner turns up dead there's no telling who might have done the dirty deed. A jealous local author tired of playing second fiddle to an author she considers her inferior? His bougie wife who loves nothing more than making drama, no matter who she has to take down to do it? A lunatic fan, angry that the author is discontinuing the series that made him famous? Or someone else entirely?

I've been reading this series since it first began and I have to respect how the author has allowed the characters to move on with their lives, not leaving them suspended in the same place. I loved the beginning of the series when Lucy is getting on with her life, moving to the lighthouse and living upstairs, single with her cat and finding her way in life. It's true to life that she would find love and need to leave the lighthouse, get married, etc., but it's still hard to watch/read. I miss the good old days. Colin is fine, kind of blah, but fine and he brings with him new storylines and angles. The new house is nice, but it's nothing like the lighthouse. Louise Jane being around all the time now that she lives in the lighthouse is not my favorite, but does make for good tension in the story.

In this book there's constant references to Lucy's stomach being upset or her being tired, thinly veiled hints to an impending pregnancy announcement. To avoid sounding like a giant B, I will say that the pregnancy thing is a trigger for me and it seems to be all the rage in cozies right now so seeing it here was kind of ugh (though I hope this doesn't go the way of the Blue Ridge Library mysteries where in the next book the babies are suddenly 5 years old and all this time has passed that we completely missed out on).

Overall, the story was not my favorite but although I can't say I'm crazy about the direction things are going, I did enjoy the book and I will definitely be continuing the series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

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Another splendid visit to the OBX marred only by a very clever murder. When the death occurs very close to home, Lucy has no choice but to help the police with their investigations. Lots of twists and turns and insight into both the publishing and the political world make for a very entertaining read.

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Lucy and the gang never disappoint. While her guest waits on the porch for refreshments, he is murdered by an arrow. He said he had something to tell her, but now she and her friends will have to investigate to see what his message was. Love the lighthouse setting.
Goodreads

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It is hard to believe that this is the 12th adventure in the Lighthouse Library mystery series! But, Eva Gates only gets better with experience. This is a wonderful visit to the Outer Banks. Lucy once again ends up in the middle of a murder investigation without even trying. While she and her staff are preparing for a YA book festival, one of the authors is murdered on Lucy deck. The author’s widow makes life miserable for Lucy and puts her in a bad light. But, as always, Lucy is able to ferret out the truth and bring a murderer to justice. As with all series, it is more fun to read the books in order, but this one works well as a stand alone. NetGalley was kind enough to provide me with an advanced copy, but the opinion is my own.

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I enjoyed this book. Another murder for Lucy to help the police solve. The young adult author for the libraries book festival is murdered on Lucy's deck.

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This was a strong twelfth book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, it had everything that I was hoping for from the previous entries. The mystery was everything that I was looking for and worked in this genre. The characters still felt like they were supposed to be there and was glad I continued to read this series. Eva Gates wrote this perfectly and can’t wait for more.

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I absolutely love this series--it's one of my favorite cozy series. This one, though...despite the interesting set-up with the visiting author for the YA conference who gets killed on Lucy's porch. I feel like the killer is telegraphed too obviously, which is disappointing. And anytime a female protagonist who "wants a family someday" starts having an upset stomach, you pretty much know where that book's going to end. So, I love the characters and the Bodie Island Lighthouse, but I don't love this book quite as much as I'd like to.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This series has been around for quite some time but is still very enjoyable. Great characters and a fabulous location for anyone who likes the coast and lighthouses and libraries. Can't go wrong, right? A very unusual manner of death in this installment which made it even more interesting. Would definitely recommend!

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Well written and plotted. Culprit not obvious but there were tiny hints. A satisfying mystery. I received this as an advance copy from the author and NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I enjoy a mystery and this one played out nicely!!! I really enjoyed the way the book flowed!!! Perfect for fall!!!🍂

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Lucy and Connor are settled in their home on the beach. Lucy continues as librarian but remains very adept at solving crimes. When a Young Adult author drops in at her home and is shot with an arrow, the detecting begins. This series has developed a great deal. Lucy has married, settled tiffs with others and become respected in the community. When the wife of the deceased begins to shade Lucy, everyone is quick to her defense. But who killed the author and why did he want to privately speak with Lucy? Love that this series shows the librarians as multifaceted people with wide interests. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc. There is a nice surprise at the end plus the introduction of a character who could cause trouble for Lucy.

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Another great cozy mystery from this author. I love this series so I was excited to read the newest book. A YA author dies on the back deck of Lucy's home - by a bow and arrow - who would do such a thing?! It was a fantastic mystery with a lot of suspects, interesting characters and storylines, and a fabulous ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

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This series has come a long way from when Lucy was new to town and living in the lighthouse. I love how much growth and development has taken place. This is book 12 so you need to start with the first. The setting, a library in a lighthouse, is absolute perfection. The characters are charming and the mystery is always satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

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#ShotThroughtheBook #NetGalley is another unique addition to this series.
Each book always has a part that suddenly grabs me, dragging me into a world usually filled by colorful, quirky characters.
Lucy does not disappoint with her investigative skills, and I always love following her along, hoping I can put the clues together with her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

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A favorite cozy mystery series, Eva Gates once again weaves a wonderful narrative in 'Shot Through the Book'. The narrative focuses on the death of a Young Adult Author on the back deck of Lucy's home by bow and arrow. The inclusion of a teen fan club, obsession, and Young Adult dystopian novels makes this the ideal book to introduce teen readers to the Cozy Mystery genre. As a popular genre, this is ideal for students and their adult family members who are readers to enjoy together.

Thank you crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc in return for an honest review.

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I love this series! The beautiful setting of the OBX and the Lighthouse Library (oh if only such a thing existed!) make these books a book lovers friend. Lucy has an unexpected visitor who is promptly murdered on her porch; his wife is casting aspersions on Lucy as the town Nancy Drew and the police department for working with her, making this case even more difficult. I did miss Josie and aunt Ellen (who had a tiny role), but enjoyed the library staff coming together. A very enjoyable book!

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Even the title is intriguing. This talented author has written a page turner. Secrets and red herrings…mystery and mayhem…family and friends…I like this author and this story. Thanks Netgalley.

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