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Lighthouse Library Mystery #9
Death by Beach Read
Librarian Lucy’s new historic house comes with a lot of baggage and family secrets. Can she put them to rest or will a killer bring Lucy’s family to their downfall, in the 9th Lighthouse Library mystery.
It’s spring in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home at last, a historic cottage on the Nags Head Beach. The house needs a lot of renovations, but they worked hard over the winter to get it ready. Lucy is now happily immersed in her work at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, planning her wedding, and decorating the house. That is, until a dead body disrupts their peaceful new abode.
The first night Lucy’s alone in the house, with the company of Charles the library cat, she hears sounds. Investigating they see footsteps in the dust of the unfinished living room, and the door to the outside is open. Lucy's reminded that the house is said to be haunted: forty years ago the teenage daughter of the owners fled in the night, and never again stepped foot inside her family home.
But the sounds have an all-too-human origin and one evening Lucy and Connor find the dead body of a man they don’t even recognize in their kitchen. They soon realize he has a long-time connection to their house. Lucy's forced to find out what happened all those years ago and why it’s threatening her happiness today.
Meanwhile, the Classic Novel Reading Club is reading The House of the Seven Gables by Nathanial Hawthorne, a book about another old house full of secrets. Can Lucy find parallels to her own situation in Hawthorne’s fiction before the killer strikes again?
It’s spring in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home at last, a historic cottage on the Nags Head Beach. The house needs a lot of renovations, but they worked hard over the winter to get it ready. Lucy is now happily immersed in her work at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, planning her wedding, and decorating the house. That is, until a dead body disrupts their peaceful new abode.
The first night Lucy’s alone in the house, with the company of Charles the library cat, she hears sounds. Investigating they see footsteps in the dust of the unfinished living room, and the door to the outside is open. Lucy's reminded that the house is said to be haunted: forty years ago the teenage daughter of the owners fled in the night, and never again stepped foot inside her family home.
But the sounds have an all-too-human origin and one evening Lucy and Connor find the dead body of a man they don’t even recognize in their kitchen. They soon realize he has a long-time connection to their house. Lucy's forced to find out what happened all those years ago and why it’s threatening her happiness today.
Meanwhile, the Classic Novel Reading Club is reading The House of the Seven Gables by Nathanial Hawthorne, a book about another old house full of secrets. Can Lucy find parallels to her own situation in Hawthorne’s fiction before the killer strikes again?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2022
143 people are currently reading
1,158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
April 30, 2023
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the 9th book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series. I love this series, and I have read the other books in this book series before picking up this book. I love the characters in this book. I loved the mystery/suspense in this book, but I did miss her living in the lighthouse. I hope the next book in this book series will have more of the lighthouse library in it. I am glad she has Charles the library cat at her new house. I cannot wait for her wedding. I did enjoy getting to know Connor's father. I did not guess the killer or who was messing with Lucy's house. Great Fun Read. I re-read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really liked the narrator of the audiobook. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Crooked Lane Books) or author (Eva Gates) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
November 2, 2021
"The Lighthouse Library Mystery Series is a cozy mystery series with librarians, lighthouses, cats and, of course, murder!" I'm sorry I have missed #1-8 in the series, but it did not take away from this little treasure of a mystery. The coolest part is the atmospheric setting of Nags Head and the Outer Banks barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Eva Gates writes a heck of a descriptive story that glides you right into the scenery. The setting appears as a charming and cozy Hallmark movie! I loved the lighter mystery feel.
With Lucy, the librarian of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, as the main character be ready for a journey on this hunt for a killer. With her fiance, Connor, who is also the mayor of Nags Head, they are remodeling their dream home on the beach. The house has a dark past to it! 40 years ago the previous owner's daughter ran out of the house in the night never to return to it again. The haunt continues when they return one day to find a murdered man in their house.
Such a simple, light book with a cute little character, Charles the cat. With footprints of sand in the house, a secret trap door and slight uncanny noises, Lucy delves into this mystery to find a killer before the killer finds her.
Thanks NetGalley for this fun mystery read in exchange for my honest review.
With Lucy, the librarian of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, as the main character be ready for a journey on this hunt for a killer. With her fiance, Connor, who is also the mayor of Nags Head, they are remodeling their dream home on the beach. The house has a dark past to it! 40 years ago the previous owner's daughter ran out of the house in the night never to return to it again. The haunt continues when they return one day to find a murdered man in their house.
Such a simple, light book with a cute little character, Charles the cat. With footprints of sand in the house, a secret trap door and slight uncanny noises, Lucy delves into this mystery to find a killer before the killer finds her.
Thanks NetGalley for this fun mystery read in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2022
This is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery centred around the main character, Lucy Richardson who works in the library in a small town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The fictional library is located in a lighthouse and prior to moving into a lovely old house she is renovating with her fiancé Connor McNeil, the town Mayor, Lucy used to live in an apartment at the top of the lighthouse. She also used to look after the delightful library cat Charles, who now comes home with her after work and is also a central character in the series.
When Lucy and Connor return to their house after a night out, they find the body of a stranger on the floor. It turns out that he has a connection to the house, although hasn't been in the town since he left as a teenager. Lucy is well known for helping the police solve cases with her sleuthing and is determined to find out what the man was looking for and who killed him. This is the ninth in this fun mystery series and will be enjoyed by those who have been following all the characters and events in the town through the series but also has enough backstory to work well as a stand alone mystery.
With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for a copy to read
When Lucy and Connor return to their house after a night out, they find the body of a stranger on the floor. It turns out that he has a connection to the house, although hasn't been in the town since he left as a teenager. Lucy is well known for helping the police solve cases with her sleuthing and is determined to find out what the man was looking for and who killed him. This is the ninth in this fun mystery series and will be enjoyed by those who have been following all the characters and events in the town through the series but also has enough backstory to work well as a stand alone mystery.
With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for a copy to read
April 13, 2022
So Lucy and Connor still have not made it to the altar. Maybe the next book. This author really enjoys drawing things out!
In the duo do at least manage to move in together. Their new home is a beautiful house on the beach which maybe comes with its own resident ghost. It certainly has lots of surprises. Of course one of them is a dead body and Lucy is set on more detective work.
One of my favourite things about this book was that at last Lucy decided to fight back - with words any way. In previous books I have been irritated by the way she accepts people who are really rude to her. In this one she slams a few doors in people's faces and gets some good verbal responses in. Go girl!
Nice characters, a good story, a cute cat. All very enjoyable and I am still looking forward to the wedding.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In the duo do at least manage to move in together. Their new home is a beautiful house on the beach which maybe comes with its own resident ghost. It certainly has lots of surprises. Of course one of them is a dead body and Lucy is set on more detective work.
One of my favourite things about this book was that at last Lucy decided to fight back - with words any way. In previous books I have been irritated by the way she accepts people who are really rude to her. In this one she slams a few doors in people's faces and gets some good verbal responses in. Go girl!
Nice characters, a good story, a cute cat. All very enjoyable and I am still looking forward to the wedding.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 25, 2025
Death by Beach Read is the 9th book in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries written by Eva Gates. Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this collection revolves around Lucy, a late 20s transplant from Boston, who works at a local library set in a charming lighthouse. Her mother's family is from the area, and when she returned two years earlier, Lucy realized she had a penchant for discovering dead bodies and solving crimes. She and her fiancé, Connor the mayor, recently purchased a house that is supposedly haunted, not that they believe in those things. Weeks after moving in, they find a dead body... someone had broken in while they were visiting Connor's family. What's it all about?
Gates is a wonderful cozy mystery writer; I've enjoyed all the previous books in this series plus her other ones written under the name Vicki Delany. The setting is well described and inviting, as are many of the supporting cast in these books. Lucy can be a bit terse, but dealing with some of her intrusive friends and colleagues requires it. A blast from the past shows up, and usually Diane brings trouble. This time, she seems to have settled into her widow role and stopping causing problems. Perhaps it's only temporary. She even helps provide background info on Lucy's house's previous owners. As the clues unfold, Lucy and Connor realize that someone is lying to them, and thankfully, their cat saves the day on a few occasions.
Enjoyed this trip to the Outer Banks. The mystery was thoughtfully planned and offered several potential solutions. One angle seemed to fade away with the victim's wife; she kinda disappeared at the end and left a thread unwound (for me) in the story. Not giving away any spoilers... just saying something wasn't closed out properly... or maybe I missed a key reveal by reading so quickly (it's so easy to flip those pages in the excitement of the secret killer reveal)! Glad to be caught up in the series and looking forward to Lucy's impending nuptials perhaps in the next book.
Gates is a wonderful cozy mystery writer; I've enjoyed all the previous books in this series plus her other ones written under the name Vicki Delany. The setting is well described and inviting, as are many of the supporting cast in these books. Lucy can be a bit terse, but dealing with some of her intrusive friends and colleagues requires it. A blast from the past shows up, and usually Diane brings trouble. This time, she seems to have settled into her widow role and stopping causing problems. Perhaps it's only temporary. She even helps provide background info on Lucy's house's previous owners. As the clues unfold, Lucy and Connor realize that someone is lying to them, and thankfully, their cat saves the day on a few occasions.
Enjoyed this trip to the Outer Banks. The mystery was thoughtfully planned and offered several potential solutions. One angle seemed to fade away with the victim's wife; she kinda disappeared at the end and left a thread unwound (for me) in the story. Not giving away any spoilers... just saying something wasn't closed out properly... or maybe I missed a key reveal by reading so quickly (it's so easy to flip those pages in the excitement of the secret killer reveal)! Glad to be caught up in the series and looking forward to Lucy's impending nuptials perhaps in the next book.
June 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
Last Book of 2022! This was a great read. A murder mystery with just a smidge of romance.
Last Book of 2022! This was a great read. A murder mystery with just a smidge of romance.
June 8, 2022
This is the ninth of the Lighthouse Library Mystery series and what a fun series it is! I have enjoyed reading them and always look forward to a new one. Afterall, what an imaginative and great idea to combine a library with a lighthouse, especially on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In this addition, Lucy and Connor are living in their new house and renovating it in pieces. When a body is found in their kitchen, it brings back some old memories for residents and not good ones. Someone is trying to frighten Lucy by appearing at moments at night and during storms. The person whodunit is a surprise that I didn't see coming until it is almost revealed. This is a great mystery to watch unravel with recurring interesting and quaint characters in a lovely setting. I highly recommend for those who enjoy cozy mysteries in a coastal setting. Great summer read.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
December 8, 2021
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series to read. Lucy is a fun amateur sleuth and I do especially have a soft spot for amateur sleuths that work in libraries or bookstores. Lucy and her fiancé Connor have bought a house that they are working n fixing up. It is old and has a lot of history and creaks at night. Lucy is shocked when she returned home one day to find a dead body in her kitchen. Of course she can’t leave all the detecting to the police, although she did pretty quickly share all she learned with them and collaborated pretty well. I liked the story quite a lot and really enjoyed the newly introduced character of Jo. I’m ready for the next book and hopefully the wedding (although maybe they can have their wedding off from murders?)
June 14, 2022
I have read this series from the beginning and have enjoyed every one and "Death by Beach Read" was no exception. This was a fun read with Lucy and Connor buying and fixing up an old house that they bought from Ralph and Jo Harper. It was their family home. Lucy works for Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in Nags Head and Connor is the mayor and dentist. There are all the other characters from the other series as well as the added new characters. The story takes off when Lucy and Connor come back from dinner to find a murdered man in their kitchen. The victim is finally identified as Jimmy Harper, Ralph's twin brother. They are surprised when they discover how Jimmy got into their house through a trap door in the pantry. Other strange things start to happen with the old house that Lucy has to figure out as well as to who killed Jimmy and why. Dianne Uppiton has returned to town and is hoping to be part of the community again. The reader is kept in the dark until the very end who the murderer is.
I look forward to the next in the series to see what adventure Lucy and Connor have as well as what happens to the other characters that remain in the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishers for this ARL.
I look forward to the next in the series to see what adventure Lucy and Connor have as well as what happens to the other characters that remain in the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishers for this ARL.
January 7, 2023
Elise Arsenault did an excellent job narrating this fun and suspenseful cozy mystery. Lucy thinks she may be going crazy, between wedding planning and moving into a new house, she starts to believe that someone may be coming and going from the new house or is it just haunted as is the old story about the house. When an unknown man is found dead in her kitchen, the question is how did this man even get in to the house? There’s a lot going on and I really enjoyed listening to this story. I thank Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
June 11, 2022
“Death by Beach Read” is Lucy Richardson’s story, her first person narrative. Until recently she lived in a cozy home on the fourth floor of the lighthouse where she is the Assistant Director of the library housed there. She has always loved books, and as a child she imagined that the characters in books came out at night to chat with each other. She was destined to be a librarian.
Lucy is soon to be married to Connor McNeal, and the couple has just moved into their “dream” house. At least it will be their dream house when Conner and his dad finish the remodeling. It is a classic old beach house built partially on stilts, and even has sliding boards to allow them a view of the water at high tide. They both love that old house; they just hope that the house will love them back since rumor has it that the house is haunted. Lucy was even warned that she should not marry Connor and should not move into that house. She thinks all that “stuff” is just nonsense and that the house is just an old house. That is, until she finds a dead body on her new kitchen floor.
“Death by Beach Read” is book nine in the “Lighthouse Library Mystery” series, but as a first time reader, I had no trouble following along. There are a few references to past events, but needed information is seamlessly included as part of the current narrative. The characters are genuine and likable. Their words and deeds smoothly move the story along; they make things happen.
I also listened to the audio version of “Death by Beach Read” narrated by Elise Arsenault who has a multi-dimensional voice that creates an atmosphere that is at various times is melodic, reassuring, and matter of fact. At other times there is urgency in the narration, a tone of anticipation and yet dread of what is to come. Voices of the characters are distinct with the appropriate emotion and accent, although male voices are somewhat of a challenge. The narrative flows nicely with fluid dialogue transitions.
I received print and audio review copies of “Death by Beach Read” from Eva Gates, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media. The book is quick to read with a little mystery, a little suspense, and a lot of fun. It is a simple story told simply well. The audio version provides a different experience, with the narrator perhaps supplying a little more absorbing involvement for the reader. Both versions are filled with compelling personalities as well as some mystery and suspense.
“Death by Beach Read” is now available in print, as an eBook, and as an audiobook from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books
Lucy is soon to be married to Connor McNeal, and the couple has just moved into their “dream” house. At least it will be their dream house when Conner and his dad finish the remodeling. It is a classic old beach house built partially on stilts, and even has sliding boards to allow them a view of the water at high tide. They both love that old house; they just hope that the house will love them back since rumor has it that the house is haunted. Lucy was even warned that she should not marry Connor and should not move into that house. She thinks all that “stuff” is just nonsense and that the house is just an old house. That is, until she finds a dead body on her new kitchen floor.
“Death by Beach Read” is book nine in the “Lighthouse Library Mystery” series, but as a first time reader, I had no trouble following along. There are a few references to past events, but needed information is seamlessly included as part of the current narrative. The characters are genuine and likable. Their words and deeds smoothly move the story along; they make things happen.
I also listened to the audio version of “Death by Beach Read” narrated by Elise Arsenault who has a multi-dimensional voice that creates an atmosphere that is at various times is melodic, reassuring, and matter of fact. At other times there is urgency in the narration, a tone of anticipation and yet dread of what is to come. Voices of the characters are distinct with the appropriate emotion and accent, although male voices are somewhat of a challenge. The narrative flows nicely with fluid dialogue transitions.
I received print and audio review copies of “Death by Beach Read” from Eva Gates, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media. The book is quick to read with a little mystery, a little suspense, and a lot of fun. It is a simple story told simply well. The audio version provides a different experience, with the narrator perhaps supplying a little more absorbing involvement for the reader. Both versions are filled with compelling personalities as well as some mystery and suspense.
“Death by Beach Read” is now available in print, as an eBook, and as an audiobook from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books
March 13, 2022
Outstanding story telling once again brings us to the Lighthouse Library gang to entertain and delight while untangling a mystery from long ago that ties to a recent murder. Once again Lucy finds herself in the eye of the storm as she must quickly untangle the mysterious happenings at her new home before she finds herself the next alleged ghost to haunt the house. The characters are well developed with interesting and unique personalities that draw you in and keep you turning pages as you cheer them on as they unweave the tangled history involved in the most recent murder. This series quickly became a favorite due to the setting inside a lighthouse turned into a public library, but the characters keep me coming back for more and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
May 20, 2022
The past is intruding on the present in this mystery and light romance set in Nags Head, North Carolina. I grabbed this book, even though I hadn't read anything else in the series, mainly because it is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I'm a North Carolinian and enjoy reading books set in my home state when I get the chance.
Lucy and Connor, who are engaged, have been lucky enough to buy one of the historic cottages on the beach at Nags Head, NC know as one of the "unpainted aristocracy". They have a lot of work to do to renovate the house while both working their regular jobs. Lucy works at a library set in Lighthouse and she used to live on the premises as well before moving in with Connor. Connor is the town Mayor and is also a dentist. Connor and his Dad are doing most of the renovations themselves, while Lucy is working on wedding planning and decorating the house.
The house has a somewhat disturbing history and rumors of a ghost who haunts the premises. Lucy and Connor both dismiss the idea of a ghost. Then there are some unsettling occurrances where Lucy hears things in the house, sees someone watching her from the window, and then a man is found murdered in the house. Something is definitely wrong and Lucy begins asking questions and "investigating".
This was a fun, cozy mystery. I like the setting, but there's not a lot of description of the area. There is some discussion of the history of pirates and rumrunners at the Outer Banks. I enjoyed the way the community came together during times of trouble with a helpful attitude. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the first person narration.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 7, 2022.
Lucy and Connor, who are engaged, have been lucky enough to buy one of the historic cottages on the beach at Nags Head, NC know as one of the "unpainted aristocracy". They have a lot of work to do to renovate the house while both working their regular jobs. Lucy works at a library set in Lighthouse and she used to live on the premises as well before moving in with Connor. Connor is the town Mayor and is also a dentist. Connor and his Dad are doing most of the renovations themselves, while Lucy is working on wedding planning and decorating the house.
The house has a somewhat disturbing history and rumors of a ghost who haunts the premises. Lucy and Connor both dismiss the idea of a ghost. Then there are some unsettling occurrances where Lucy hears things in the house, sees someone watching her from the window, and then a man is found murdered in the house. Something is definitely wrong and Lucy begins asking questions and "investigating".
This was a fun, cozy mystery. I like the setting, but there's not a lot of description of the area. There is some discussion of the history of pirates and rumrunners at the Outer Banks. I enjoyed the way the community came together during times of trouble with a helpful attitude. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the first person narration.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 7, 2022.
June 11, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Spring has sprung in the Outer Banks and Lucy has a lot on her plate. Working at the library, planning her wedding to Connor, and decorating the new historic home on the beach she and Connor have purchased and moved into. Connor and his dad have already done tons of work on the place. Not handy with tools whatsoever Lucy is looking forward to painting and buying furniture to make the house feel like home.
Charles the library cat now comes home with Lucy every day as Louise Jane has now been formally hired by the library and installed herself in Lucy’s Lighthouse Aerie. Connor is away at a conference so Lucy and Charles are spending their first night alone in their new home. They are awakened by sounds that have nothing to do with the wind outside or the house settling. When Lucy investigates she finds the patio door open and footprints in the sawdust.
The noises continue after Connor returns, along with some spooky shadows, and then one night they find a dead body in their kitchen. They do not recognize him at all but later find out he does have an old connection to their new home.
Before they find out who killed the man and why, Connor and Lucy find a hidden entrance to their home, some interesting things in the attic, and someone lights their brand new deck on fire.
The Classic Novels Reading Club is reading Nathanial Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables. That draws some interesting visitors to the group. Also, Lucy starts to find similarities between that house full of secrets and her new cottage on the beach. Will it help her solve the case before someone else is killed?
I love this series!
This time most of the story takes place away from the wonderful and amazing Bodie Island Lighthouse Library with Lucy and Connor settling in and working on their new home but that just added to my enjoyment of this series. These characters and all of the supporting cast have grown so much over the course of this series in very natural ways that it is a pure joy to visit them wherever they are.
There have been some staff changes at the library. I think it is fun that Louise Jane is now truly working there and living in Lucy’s old space but that hasn’t tempered her love of spreading her ghostly tales any chance she gets. She does get along well with the other new hire, Denise Robarts. Surprisingly even Lucy is getting along better with Louise Jane too, at least in small doses. I did love that Lucy was very confident about her place in the scheme of things and was stronger in dealing with people who had a tendency to push her too far than she had been before. Charles, the library cat, branched out in this story too. Traveling back and forth between Lucy’s home and the library is a big step for him. Some of his actions and reactions are quite comical and I love that he plays a key role in the story.
Again Ms. Delany had put forth one heck of a mystery. Finding a body at Lucy’s new home was a great way to introduce the place to readers, especially its history and secrets it may hold. It also gave way to introduce some very interesting new characters and their ties to the community and some of its residents. A character I had thought was gone from the area for good also returns with what appears to be a clear agenda. Putting all this together you have a marvelously plotted mystery with some terrific twists. The author delivered a robust mystery that kept me guessing almost to the very end and rapidly flipping those pages.
As always the setting for this story was heavenly. How wonderful to step out your back door and be right on the beach. The window views are fantastic as well. I would call the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library my literary happy place and now Lucy and Connor’s cottage on the beach is a close second even with the renovations not being quite complete. Sitting on that deck with a book in my hand enjoying the ocean’s sounds and breezes sounds absolutely idyllic to me.
Death by Beach Read was a fun and entertaining book that took me on a great virtual vacation. I can’t wait to return to the Outer Banks hopefully in time for Lucy and Connor’s wedding and all the other happenings Ms. Delany has in store for us.
Spring has sprung in the Outer Banks and Lucy has a lot on her plate. Working at the library, planning her wedding to Connor, and decorating the new historic home on the beach she and Connor have purchased and moved into. Connor and his dad have already done tons of work on the place. Not handy with tools whatsoever Lucy is looking forward to painting and buying furniture to make the house feel like home.
Charles the library cat now comes home with Lucy every day as Louise Jane has now been formally hired by the library and installed herself in Lucy’s Lighthouse Aerie. Connor is away at a conference so Lucy and Charles are spending their first night alone in their new home. They are awakened by sounds that have nothing to do with the wind outside or the house settling. When Lucy investigates she finds the patio door open and footprints in the sawdust.
The noises continue after Connor returns, along with some spooky shadows, and then one night they find a dead body in their kitchen. They do not recognize him at all but later find out he does have an old connection to their new home.
Before they find out who killed the man and why, Connor and Lucy find a hidden entrance to their home, some interesting things in the attic, and someone lights their brand new deck on fire.
The Classic Novels Reading Club is reading Nathanial Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables. That draws some interesting visitors to the group. Also, Lucy starts to find similarities between that house full of secrets and her new cottage on the beach. Will it help her solve the case before someone else is killed?
I love this series!
This time most of the story takes place away from the wonderful and amazing Bodie Island Lighthouse Library with Lucy and Connor settling in and working on their new home but that just added to my enjoyment of this series. These characters and all of the supporting cast have grown so much over the course of this series in very natural ways that it is a pure joy to visit them wherever they are.
There have been some staff changes at the library. I think it is fun that Louise Jane is now truly working there and living in Lucy’s old space but that hasn’t tempered her love of spreading her ghostly tales any chance she gets. She does get along well with the other new hire, Denise Robarts. Surprisingly even Lucy is getting along better with Louise Jane too, at least in small doses. I did love that Lucy was very confident about her place in the scheme of things and was stronger in dealing with people who had a tendency to push her too far than she had been before. Charles, the library cat, branched out in this story too. Traveling back and forth between Lucy’s home and the library is a big step for him. Some of his actions and reactions are quite comical and I love that he plays a key role in the story.
Again Ms. Delany had put forth one heck of a mystery. Finding a body at Lucy’s new home was a great way to introduce the place to readers, especially its history and secrets it may hold. It also gave way to introduce some very interesting new characters and their ties to the community and some of its residents. A character I had thought was gone from the area for good also returns with what appears to be a clear agenda. Putting all this together you have a marvelously plotted mystery with some terrific twists. The author delivered a robust mystery that kept me guessing almost to the very end and rapidly flipping those pages.
As always the setting for this story was heavenly. How wonderful to step out your back door and be right on the beach. The window views are fantastic as well. I would call the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library my literary happy place and now Lucy and Connor’s cottage on the beach is a close second even with the renovations not being quite complete. Sitting on that deck with a book in my hand enjoying the ocean’s sounds and breezes sounds absolutely idyllic to me.
Death by Beach Read was a fun and entertaining book that took me on a great virtual vacation. I can’t wait to return to the Outer Banks hopefully in time for Lucy and Connor’s wedding and all the other happenings Ms. Delany has in store for us.
October 17, 2021
Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates is the ninth book in this cozy mystery series and was another excellent addition to the series. I always enjoy visiting the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library and Nags Head. The beautiful North Carolina setting described by Ms. Gates always makes me want to move their and become a part of this vibrant group of characters.
I felt like I was visiting old friends when I began reading. Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home which is a work in progress. Although the home was originally a family home, it hadn't been lived in for over fifteen years. The plot is tightly woven with characters who are not only likable but entertaining as their conversations often caused me to smile, a few deft twists and turns and a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my ereader. This was another enjoyable reading experience and I hope there will be many more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I felt like I was visiting old friends when I began reading. Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home which is a work in progress. Although the home was originally a family home, it hadn't been lived in for over fifteen years. The plot is tightly woven with characters who are not only likable but entertaining as their conversations often caused me to smile, a few deft twists and turns and a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my ereader. This was another enjoyable reading experience and I hope there will be many more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
December 30, 2024
I am so embarrassed. I can’t believe I did this to myself again. Let me explain.
I began this series years ago and then took a break. What I didn’t realize is that I had actually picked up and read this book and “Death Knells and Wedding Bells” when the books initially came out. I. Just. Forgot. That. I. Did.
This is what happens when you read a lot of books. And, get hooked on a lot of series! What I didn’t do after reading these books the first time, was review them. So, that is what I will do now.
Oh goodness.
Bear with me. Please.
For anyone who is into this series, imagine yourself in front of a fireplace with a hot cocoa wrapped in your favorite comfy blanket. Because this is how one is meant to feel reading one of this author’s books. If you haven’t read this series, please start at the beginning.
Her mysteries are a low-key comfort cozy. Because this is that kind of a series. Those who are already into it, feel like you are one of their friends with the characters Lucy and Conner. And, as their friend, we can’t help but feel excited that they are finally moving into their first home together. A historical home that Conner and his Dad, have been newly renovating located on the Nags Head beach. We are also anxiously awaiting their wedding as planning is also happening between these pages.
But…and, there is that but, because in these stories, a murder does occur. And, of course, Lucy is always involved in trying to solve it. That’s quite the job for this librarian, right? And, it doesn’t help when this body shows up in their newly renovated old house.
Now, what was this person doing at their home? Now, knowing that this is a historic home, could something be hidden here that this individual could be looking for that the murderer also wanted? Hmmm…
Sit back. Enjoy your cocoa. Stay warm in front of the fire. Because, who doesn’t love the beach and a library as their go-to-setting? And, there is always Charles the Library cat. (See cover!)
So, let the pages fly by as you enjoy the scenic setting, the historical background shared, along with whatever the Classic Novel Reading Club members may bring to the table. Sometimes we don’t want to, or even need to, work too hard with the mysteries we read. 😀
I began this series years ago and then took a break. What I didn’t realize is that I had actually picked up and read this book and “Death Knells and Wedding Bells” when the books initially came out. I. Just. Forgot. That. I. Did.
This is what happens when you read a lot of books. And, get hooked on a lot of series! What I didn’t do after reading these books the first time, was review them. So, that is what I will do now.
Oh goodness.
Bear with me. Please.
For anyone who is into this series, imagine yourself in front of a fireplace with a hot cocoa wrapped in your favorite comfy blanket. Because this is how one is meant to feel reading one of this author’s books. If you haven’t read this series, please start at the beginning.
Her mysteries are a low-key comfort cozy. Because this is that kind of a series. Those who are already into it, feel like you are one of their friends with the characters Lucy and Conner. And, as their friend, we can’t help but feel excited that they are finally moving into their first home together. A historical home that Conner and his Dad, have been newly renovating located on the Nags Head beach. We are also anxiously awaiting their wedding as planning is also happening between these pages.
But…and, there is that but, because in these stories, a murder does occur. And, of course, Lucy is always involved in trying to solve it. That’s quite the job for this librarian, right? And, it doesn’t help when this body shows up in their newly renovated old house.
Now, what was this person doing at their home? Now, knowing that this is a historic home, could something be hidden here that this individual could be looking for that the murderer also wanted? Hmmm…
Sit back. Enjoy your cocoa. Stay warm in front of the fire. Because, who doesn’t love the beach and a library as their go-to-setting? And, there is always Charles the Library cat. (See cover!)
So, let the pages fly by as you enjoy the scenic setting, the historical background shared, along with whatever the Classic Novel Reading Club members may bring to the table. Sometimes we don’t want to, or even need to, work too hard with the mysteries we read. 😀
October 28, 2021
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free digital copy of this book*
Lucy is a snoot. She works at a library in a lighthouse in the Outer Banks and just bought a house of the "unpainted aristocracy" with her fiance, who's also the mayor of their town, Nags Head. Lucy lies all the time. She claims not to defend herself, but then, she's always cutting people off when they're speaking, making excuses to leave when people are annoying her, and generally just acting like she's better than everyone else. At the end of the novel, she even says, "So many people love me." In context, it still sounds as insufferable as it sounds out of context.
The people in the novel who are disreputable all wear patched clothing and are unkempt. There's a whole thing about the main criminal in the story having a beard. Lucy even says something like, "Most criminals are stupid, or so I've heard," to make it clear, in case we weren't sure, that she'd never associate with the "criminal type." She goes to great lengths to describe what people wear as if that matters and characterizes people through their looks rather than through their actions and dialogue alone, which would suffice.
It's hard to like a book when I don't like the main character, and she's the first-person narrator. There was such a discrepancy between how she acts around others and how she narrates that it threw me off to start, and then, all these other things nagged at the back of my mind while I read. The story itself is okay, but the ending is so melodramatic and again relies on cheap tricks. Most of the book moves slowly, and there are so many extraneous details. For instance, Lucy tells us that she put her breakfast dishes away and then, using dashes, adds that she didn't eat anything "fancy," just cereal and toast. Okay......
I don't like being mean about books. I did enjoy the plot to some degree (though there was great fodder for a better story with the rumrunning, the secret entrance, and the family treasure that definitely wasn't played up enough), and I was curious about whodunnit (though I am not ashamed to admit that I looked ahead because I didn't care enough to endure the little suspense there was and wait), and some of the characters are interesting. Reading the book reminded me of watching a Hallmark movie--a small town, where everyone knows everyone and is connected through marriage, family, or friendship. It's charming in that way.
Finally, I don't like Connor and Lucy's relationship. It's made this big deal that they're not married and yet bought a house, like the author is anticipating that people will judge them? I think someone in the book even comments on them living together before marriage. And then, Lucy tries to be this strong person, investigating the crimes, but when Connor's around, she "melts into his arms" and "purs" (yes, she says, "I purred" when he was massaging her back), and he tells her what to do, and it's all disturbing.
Okay, now, I sound judgmental, and I apologize, but I really didn't like Lucy, and I think the book contains way too many unnecessary details. I don't recommend it, and I wouldn't read another Lighthouse Library Mystery.
Lucy is a snoot. She works at a library in a lighthouse in the Outer Banks and just bought a house of the "unpainted aristocracy" with her fiance, who's also the mayor of their town, Nags Head. Lucy lies all the time. She claims not to defend herself, but then, she's always cutting people off when they're speaking, making excuses to leave when people are annoying her, and generally just acting like she's better than everyone else. At the end of the novel, she even says, "So many people love me." In context, it still sounds as insufferable as it sounds out of context.
The people in the novel who are disreputable all wear patched clothing and are unkempt. There's a whole thing about the main criminal in the story having a beard. Lucy even says something like, "Most criminals are stupid, or so I've heard," to make it clear, in case we weren't sure, that she'd never associate with the "criminal type." She goes to great lengths to describe what people wear as if that matters and characterizes people through their looks rather than through their actions and dialogue alone, which would suffice.
It's hard to like a book when I don't like the main character, and she's the first-person narrator. There was such a discrepancy between how she acts around others and how she narrates that it threw me off to start, and then, all these other things nagged at the back of my mind while I read. The story itself is okay, but the ending is so melodramatic and again relies on cheap tricks. Most of the book moves slowly, and there are so many extraneous details. For instance, Lucy tells us that she put her breakfast dishes away and then, using dashes, adds that she didn't eat anything "fancy," just cereal and toast. Okay......
I don't like being mean about books. I did enjoy the plot to some degree (though there was great fodder for a better story with the rumrunning, the secret entrance, and the family treasure that definitely wasn't played up enough), and I was curious about whodunnit (though I am not ashamed to admit that I looked ahead because I didn't care enough to endure the little suspense there was and wait), and some of the characters are interesting. Reading the book reminded me of watching a Hallmark movie--a small town, where everyone knows everyone and is connected through marriage, family, or friendship. It's charming in that way.
Finally, I don't like Connor and Lucy's relationship. It's made this big deal that they're not married and yet bought a house, like the author is anticipating that people will judge them? I think someone in the book even comments on them living together before marriage. And then, Lucy tries to be this strong person, investigating the crimes, but when Connor's around, she "melts into his arms" and "purs" (yes, she says, "I purred" when he was massaging her back), and he tells her what to do, and it's all disturbing.
Okay, now, I sound judgmental, and I apologize, but I really didn't like Lucy, and I think the book contains way too many unnecessary details. I don't recommend it, and I wouldn't read another Lighthouse Library Mystery.
July 8, 2022
Another great addition to this series! I like Lucy and Connor as a couple and how they handle stuff together. The mystery of a "haunted" house and then a murder kept me interested in the story (I would've finished it faster but I went on vacay and didn't have it with me). I've always been interested in homes with secret doors. I will have one in my future home!
January 10, 2023
Death by Beach Read is the ninth book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series.
I enjoy reading books about places I've visited, and this takes place on the Out Banks of North Carolina, Nags Head and Bodie Island Light House. Such a beautiful area. While the lighthouse in the story houses a library, living quarters and offices from visiting I know there is no room for this but its fiction so allowable it is.
Having read and enjoyed others in this series I am familiar with the characters Lucy, a transplant from Boston and Connor, the very busy mayor. They have moved into a newly renovated beach house and are settling in with her library cat Charley.
Her first night alone in the house provides to be too spooky with sounds coming from the closed off upstairs area and footprints in the dust.
When a body of a man the homeowners don't even know turns up in their house it's time to take into account the old rumors about the house being haunted.
Will the cat's nosing around turn up anything but mice in the empty and dusty areas of the home?
Action, suspense, wedding planning, a library, a cat, sleuthing this book has all you need to be satisfied with a great cozy mystery.
I am enjoying this series and a lot of the same characters in each book. Wonderful, easy to follow plot. Some cozies can confuse you with too much going on, not so with this one. Recommended!
Pub Date: 07 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoy reading books about places I've visited, and this takes place on the Out Banks of North Carolina, Nags Head and Bodie Island Light House. Such a beautiful area. While the lighthouse in the story houses a library, living quarters and offices from visiting I know there is no room for this but its fiction so allowable it is.
Having read and enjoyed others in this series I am familiar with the characters Lucy, a transplant from Boston and Connor, the very busy mayor. They have moved into a newly renovated beach house and are settling in with her library cat Charley.
Her first night alone in the house provides to be too spooky with sounds coming from the closed off upstairs area and footprints in the dust.
When a body of a man the homeowners don't even know turns up in their house it's time to take into account the old rumors about the house being haunted.
Will the cat's nosing around turn up anything but mice in the empty and dusty areas of the home?
Action, suspense, wedding planning, a library, a cat, sleuthing this book has all you need to be satisfied with a great cozy mystery.
I am enjoying this series and a lot of the same characters in each book. Wonderful, easy to follow plot. Some cozies can confuse you with too much going on, not so with this one. Recommended!
Pub Date: 07 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 3, 2022
We return to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where Lucy and Connor have found a home. It needs renovations, but it is an unpainted aristocracy which is what they wanted, and it is in a terrific location (on the beach). Lucy loves her job, her fiancé, and her new home. She has started her wedding plans, but there are still many items to complete. But then strange things begin to happen in the house. Footsteps, doors left open, and footprints in dust in the unfinished living room. The house is rumored to be haunted, but Lucy is not buying the paranormal explanation. Then one evening, Lucy and Connor find a man dead in their kitchen. When they learn the victim’s identity, Lucy discovers that the man had a connection to their home. Lucy intends find out why the man was in their home, how he got in, and who killed him. It is a coincidence that the Classic Novel Reading Club is reading The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Lucy finds a few parallels between the book and what has been happening at her new home. Lucy soon learns that her house troubles are not over. Can Lucy clear up the mystery before the killer strikes again? Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates is ninth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a delightful series. I thought Death by Beach Read was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I enjoy the wonderful descriptions of the Outer Banks. I would love to live in that area. All our favorite characters are back plus a couple of new additions. Charles, the library cat, returns with attitude. Charles is one smart cat and a good judge of character. The mystery was fun. It was well-plotted with red herrings and good clues. I like how the mystery ties into the book that the book club is reading. I was delighted with the spookiness of the mystery. I was able to solve the mystery early in the book, but that did not hinder my pleasure. The reveal was exciting and provided the answers Lucy had been seeking. I loved the descriptions of the unpainted aristocracy homes including Lucy and Connor’s. I was sorry when my visit to the Outer Banks came to an end. Death by Beach Read is a hauntingly good time with unpainted aristocracy renovations, baffling footsteps, a Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, a jolly Louise Jayne, a haunted history, a mystifying murder, and a fiery finish.
June 8, 2022
As a lover of cozy mysteries, I knew I would be on to a winner with this 9th book in ‘A Lighthouse Library Mystery’ series! Death By Beach Read ticked all the right boxes before I had even started reading and the setting of a library in a lighthouse is incredibly alluring.
Eva Gates has drawn a lot of fun characters in this fabulous mystery. Likeable Lucy Richardson is a librarian who moved to the Outer Banks, North Carolina and she has a lot going on in this book. She is engaged to Connor McNeil and the two are now living together in an old house on the beach in southern Nags Head, that was in disrepair but is now being renovated by them. When Lucy hears noises during the night, she gets up to see what's happening but only finds dusty footprints. A few nights later, Lucy and Connor arrive home and there's a dead body on the kitchen floor.
It was great to be back with protagonist Lucy who possesses the necessary attributes of any great sleuth – intelligence, curiosity and keenness. There is a good number of characters in Death By Beach Read and Charles the cat is, of course, an ever-present favourite. The fluidity of the author's writing continues to impress, the details of the plot are very well executed and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. The author did a brilliant job of setting the scene and dropping clues whilst still making identifying the perpetrator challenging. I very much look forward to returning to the Outer Banks with Lucy in book #10 and reading the earlier books in the series that I've missed, too! So entertaining and engaging, Death By Beach Read is definitely well worth the time invested.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Eva Gates has drawn a lot of fun characters in this fabulous mystery. Likeable Lucy Richardson is a librarian who moved to the Outer Banks, North Carolina and she has a lot going on in this book. She is engaged to Connor McNeil and the two are now living together in an old house on the beach in southern Nags Head, that was in disrepair but is now being renovated by them. When Lucy hears noises during the night, she gets up to see what's happening but only finds dusty footprints. A few nights later, Lucy and Connor arrive home and there's a dead body on the kitchen floor.
It was great to be back with protagonist Lucy who possesses the necessary attributes of any great sleuth – intelligence, curiosity and keenness. There is a good number of characters in Death By Beach Read and Charles the cat is, of course, an ever-present favourite. The fluidity of the author's writing continues to impress, the details of the plot are very well executed and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. The author did a brilliant job of setting the scene and dropping clues whilst still making identifying the perpetrator challenging. I very much look forward to returning to the Outer Banks with Lucy in book #10 and reading the earlier books in the series that I've missed, too! So entertaining and engaging, Death By Beach Read is definitely well worth the time invested.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 18, 2022
The ninth book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series is another winner. I’ve enjoyed this entire series and am happy that it looks like there will be another. After all, we need to have Lucy and Connor make it to the altar! I thought I’d miss the lighthouse aerie, where Lucy lived before her engagement, but her new home with Connor is just as interesting and plays a big role in this book. When one of the former occupants is found murdered in her house, Lucy has to investigate. A lot of interesting history is revealed and a nasty character from the past comes back into town. I like this series quite a bit and am looking forward to the next one.
March 4, 2022
The name did not match the story, but that in no way detracted from it being an excellent mind-boggler. This one challenged Lucy to the end. An entertaining cozy puzzler with a twist, gripping even.
July 31, 2022
Death By Beach Read makes me want to spend time at the beach and a library. I am happy to read about Lucy and Connor’s upcoming wedding, and their new family home sounds charming. Even Charles, the library cat, seems to love his new place. But when rumors of hauntings surround them, Lucy and Connor do their best to ignore the stories. But not long after moving in, they find a stranger's body on their kitchen floor, and Lucy cannot relax until she solves the mystery of the man’s identity, how he got into their house, and who killed him.
Lucy is always a bit hard to take as a character; she can sometimes be a bit on the foolish and unintelligent side. She doesn’t always say and do the right thing and never seems to learn from past mistakes, but… it is easy to love her despite her faults. Connor would make an outstanding mayor; any small town would be thrilled by his dedication and hard work. The lighthouse library would be a dream for readers and writers to enjoy. And of course, Charles, the library cat, who now appears to be a permanent fixture in Lucy’s home, is a cat lover's dream come true. I would love to spend my evenings in their new family home enjoying the view.
There are stories of how the old family home was haunted and how the owner's teenage daughter was terrified one night and never stepped foot inside the house again. The body Lucy and Connor find is not anyone they recognize, and they can’t figure out how he got into the locked house. But if not for Charles, they might not live long enough to find out either. Lucy is determined to find out who is ruining her and Connor's new home and putting a damper on their future.
The suspect pool is small and includes community members, the victim's family, and an unexpected spouse. The evidence is thin but enlightening, and once the reader has all the facts, they. Once they figured out how the victim was getting into their family home, they changed all the locks on all the doors before moving in; it doesn’t take long for them to figure out his identity. But the motive for killing him is elusive. The killer is a fun character and not easy to find but definitely adds some tension and action to the story. It isn’t until the very end that Lucy and Charles, her beloved library cat understand the why of and the who of it all and puts this case to bed.
It isn’t until the very end of Death By Beach Read that Lucy and Charles understand the why of and the who of it all and discover the killer, a treasure, and reunite a lost, lonely woman with the world. The ending will have readers smiling and cheering. I, along with all of the fans of this series, can’t wait for the next installment and Lucy’s wedding!
Lucy is always a bit hard to take as a character; she can sometimes be a bit on the foolish and unintelligent side. She doesn’t always say and do the right thing and never seems to learn from past mistakes, but… it is easy to love her despite her faults. Connor would make an outstanding mayor; any small town would be thrilled by his dedication and hard work. The lighthouse library would be a dream for readers and writers to enjoy. And of course, Charles, the library cat, who now appears to be a permanent fixture in Lucy’s home, is a cat lover's dream come true. I would love to spend my evenings in their new family home enjoying the view.
There are stories of how the old family home was haunted and how the owner's teenage daughter was terrified one night and never stepped foot inside the house again. The body Lucy and Connor find is not anyone they recognize, and they can’t figure out how he got into the locked house. But if not for Charles, they might not live long enough to find out either. Lucy is determined to find out who is ruining her and Connor's new home and putting a damper on their future.
The suspect pool is small and includes community members, the victim's family, and an unexpected spouse. The evidence is thin but enlightening, and once the reader has all the facts, they. Once they figured out how the victim was getting into their family home, they changed all the locks on all the doors before moving in; it doesn’t take long for them to figure out his identity. But the motive for killing him is elusive. The killer is a fun character and not easy to find but definitely adds some tension and action to the story. It isn’t until the very end that Lucy and Charles, her beloved library cat understand the why of and the who of it all and puts this case to bed.
It isn’t until the very end of Death By Beach Read that Lucy and Charles understand the why of and the who of it all and discover the killer, a treasure, and reunite a lost, lonely woman with the world. The ending will have readers smiling and cheering. I, along with all of the fans of this series, can’t wait for the next installment and Lucy’s wedding!
July 30, 2022
3.5-3.7 stars. Okay, I took away points because while I really liked the book, Lucy is incredibly stupid!! I seriously cannot believe that after, what, 5-7 murders she hasn’t learned her lesson? She hadn’t learned NOT to confront the suspect ALONE??? She hasn’t learned to not withhold information from the police or Connor that may help resolve the mystery??? Urghhhh I get it, it’s a cozy blah blah. But I’ve read cozy mysteries with excellent main characters who are not continually this dumb and who IMPROVE!!!
Anyway. Connor and Lucy have moved into their home as they plan their wedding. They arrive home one day to find a murdered man in their newly renovated kitchen. They soon learn the victim is connected to the previous owners. Lucy decides to get involve and investigate the murder plus the alleged ghost haunting the home and a treasure that may be in the home.
Between dealing with the onerous Diane, fake wives, suspicious fires, Louise Jane and her ghost stories, wedding planning, secrets are finally revealed.
Anyway. Connor and Lucy have moved into their home as they plan their wedding. They arrive home one day to find a murdered man in their newly renovated kitchen. They soon learn the victim is connected to the previous owners. Lucy decides to get involve and investigate the murder plus the alleged ghost haunting the home and a treasure that may be in the home.
Between dealing with the onerous Diane, fake wives, suspicious fires, Louise Jane and her ghost stories, wedding planning, secrets are finally revealed.
April 30, 2022
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
This is my first read in the Lighthouse Library series, so whilst I missed some of the little details, it didn't stop me enjoying the story.
I did feel that sometimes the author was trying to misdirect us by giving us superfluous information, but this could just be me.
I liked the mystery, I liked that Lucy seemed to grow a pair as the book progressed (I don't know what she was like in the other books, but she was a bit of a doormat at first in this one).
Quirky characters, a fun cat and a mystery that I did not guess right away. I would read more of this series in the future.
This is my first read in the Lighthouse Library series, so whilst I missed some of the little details, it didn't stop me enjoying the story.
I did feel that sometimes the author was trying to misdirect us by giving us superfluous information, but this could just be me.
I liked the mystery, I liked that Lucy seemed to grow a pair as the book progressed (I don't know what she was like in the other books, but she was a bit of a doormat at first in this one).
Quirky characters, a fun cat and a mystery that I did not guess right away. I would read more of this series in the future.
September 7, 2022
I always enjoy my visits with Lucy at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Although this book was more at her new home it was still an enjoyable visit.
Lucy and Conner have made one more step closer to forever by buying a home to fix up. This home is full of mystery and unfortunately a murder. Who killed the twin brother of the seller and why?
I was completely shocked at who the murderer was and why. I can’t say I’m sorry to see that character go away.
I do miss Lucy living in the lighthouse. There was just something about knowing she could pop down and read any book she wanted that was appealing.
I do enjoy the classic book pairings with each book. I have never read The House of Seven Gables and am thinking of giving it a try.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Lucy and Conner have made one more step closer to forever by buying a home to fix up. This home is full of mystery and unfortunately a murder. Who killed the twin brother of the seller and why?
I was completely shocked at who the murderer was and why. I can’t say I’m sorry to see that character go away.
I do miss Lucy living in the lighthouse. There was just something about knowing she could pop down and read any book she wanted that was appealing.
I do enjoy the classic book pairings with each book. I have never read The House of Seven Gables and am thinking of giving it a try.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
November 20, 2021
If you're looking for a suspenseful cozy mystery that explores a historical case rife with family drama, Death by Beach Read would be a great read for you.
My favourite thing about this book was the inclusion of scenes full of tension and action. It added a suspenseful feeling to the book while still remaining a cozy mystery at its heart. I felt as if there was really something at stake for Lucy, the protagonist, as she went about solving the mystery, making for a gripping read. The mystery itself was well-written, with many layers to unravel.
At the same time, I didn't love Lucy as a character. I found that she could be a bit judgemental of other people at times (particularly people she did not care for), whereas people she was more sympathetic to got the benefit of the doubt. I think there are a few moments where she could be considered TSTL (too stupid to live) - it's not for all of the book, but I just thought I'd throw that warning out there in case this is a trope you'd really like to avoid.
Many of the other characters are colourful figures, so if you're not a big fan of Lucy, you might enjoy reading about everyone else. I especially liked learning more about the family members involved in the main family drama in this book.
This is the first book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series I've read. While it is possible to read and enjoy this book without knowing about the other books in the series, as I did, I feel that some scenes would be more thrilling with knowledge of the prior books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
My favourite thing about this book was the inclusion of scenes full of tension and action. It added a suspenseful feeling to the book while still remaining a cozy mystery at its heart. I felt as if there was really something at stake for Lucy, the protagonist, as she went about solving the mystery, making for a gripping read. The mystery itself was well-written, with many layers to unravel.
At the same time, I didn't love Lucy as a character. I found that she could be a bit judgemental of other people at times (particularly people she did not care for), whereas people she was more sympathetic to got the benefit of the doubt. I think there are a few moments where she could be considered TSTL (too stupid to live) - it's not for all of the book, but I just thought I'd throw that warning out there in case this is a trope you'd really like to avoid.
Many of the other characters are colourful figures, so if you're not a big fan of Lucy, you might enjoy reading about everyone else. I especially liked learning more about the family members involved in the main family drama in this book.
This is the first book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series I've read. While it is possible to read and enjoy this book without knowing about the other books in the series, as I did, I feel that some scenes would be more thrilling with knowledge of the prior books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
February 3, 2023
I love this series. Clean and wholesome. Other then the murder and other crimes.... :)
June 27, 2022
Death by Beach Read is the ninth book in one of my favourite cozy mystery series. You can read them as standalones, but I recommend you start at the beginning as so much happens in the character's lives that you would miss out on. In this book Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home, one that had been empty, but owned by an old family from Nags Head Beach. It needs a lot of work, but Connor is sure that it will be an amazing home. Of course that means Lucy has to move out of her apartment in the Lighthouse Library. The owner had history with Connor's parents and that leads to some issues. At night Lucy hears sounds and sees things that have her scared to be alone. When a dead body is discovered in their kitchen one morning, they have to figure out what is going on and why does it seem like someone is trying to sabotage their renovations.
There is a lot going on and Lucy has her hands full. She is helping Sam plan her wedding, trying to find the murderer, driving back and forth to work, dealing with Diane, a nasty character from a previous book who is back in town, and trying to help Charles get used to living somewhere else besides the library. We meet some new characters in this story that add some interest to the library book club and to give us some suspects in the murder. I really liked Jo, the recluse who finally began to come out of the house. She has secrets and a past that have held her hostage for years. Of course Lucy asked lots of questions and followed her instincts to put together clues. She also gets help from Louise Jane. She is one character that has grown and changed so much as the series has gone on. She used to be really obnoxious and mean to Lucy, and I am really pleased with the direction her character has taken. Lucy almost has it figured out, and then there is the showdown. A great mystery with several suspects, motives and red herrings. I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Elise Arsenault. She added voices, emotion and tone to make this a wonderful book to listen to.
There is a lot going on and Lucy has her hands full. She is helping Sam plan her wedding, trying to find the murderer, driving back and forth to work, dealing with Diane, a nasty character from a previous book who is back in town, and trying to help Charles get used to living somewhere else besides the library. We meet some new characters in this story that add some interest to the library book club and to give us some suspects in the murder. I really liked Jo, the recluse who finally began to come out of the house. She has secrets and a past that have held her hostage for years. Of course Lucy asked lots of questions and followed her instincts to put together clues. She also gets help from Louise Jane. She is one character that has grown and changed so much as the series has gone on. She used to be really obnoxious and mean to Lucy, and I am really pleased with the direction her character has taken. Lucy almost has it figured out, and then there is the showdown. A great mystery with several suspects, motives and red herrings. I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Elise Arsenault. She added voices, emotion and tone to make this a wonderful book to listen to.
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