The
Avid Reader
The Devil in the Details
The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany is not what I expected. The story started with too much information. The author introduces Gemma, Jayne, Ashley, Great Uncle Arthur, Ryan, along with other characters and animals. The town is described as well as the bookshop, tearoom, Uncle Arthur’s home (where Gemma resides as well), and the Blue Water Café run by Jayne’s fiancé. Jayne's birthday party is that evening at the Blue Water Café, and we learn all the details. With her wedding in a week, Gemma also shares the latest updates. The content is excessively detailed and progresses at a slow pace.
The
mysteries were straightforward (at least I thought so). On the first death, Gemma waffles between
suicide, accident, and murder. However,
she investigates it as a murder. Gemma,
as usual, keeps details from the police.
The ending felt unsatisfying,
serving mainly to prove Gemma was correct. The narrative moved slowly, with minimal
action and recurring information. The Devil in the Details is the eleventh A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, it can
be read as a standalone. Clearly, I
didn't find The Devil in the Details enjoyable—a letdown, especially since I
had high expectations for this story.
The
Avid Reader
*I voluntarily
read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a
review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Shot Through the Book
Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates has Lucy with an unusual mystery on her hands. I enjoy my visits to Bodie Island where I get to catch up with Lucy, Connor, and the library crew. Let us not forget Charles who is a great judge of character. I like the author’s writing style which makes the story easy to read. The mystery begins in the first chapter. Lucy, naturally, finds herself drawn into the crime. Unfortunately, a speed bump in the form of the victim’s wife put up a roadblock between the police department and Lucy. Lucy cannot help it if information comes her way and this information may lead her to ask a few questions. I liked the unique murder weapon.
The victim’s wife and his fan
club make life difficult for the mayor and wife until the case is
resolved. The mystery has a good wrap up
at the end. I had guessed what was going
to be revealed at the end, but I still enjoyed the moment the news was
announced. While Shot Through the Book is the twelfth A Lighthouse Library Mystery, it can be read on its own. It
is Through sad that our favorite detective is retiring, and his replacement
does not seem open to working with Lucy.
Changes are ahead and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Shot Through the Book transports readers to the Outer
Banks where there is a peculiar murder, dramatic teens, a mudslinging spouse, a
problem with the police, naughty trespassers, unsettling tittle-tattle, and a surprise
revelation.
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| Outer Banks Little Libraries |
The
Avid Reader
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Trouble is Brewing is available from Amazon* along with the other A Tea by the Sea Mysteries. You can find Vicki Delany's other novels here and her books written as Eva Gates here. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to join me. I will return on Tuesday, July 23, with Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey. My raised flowerbeds were blooming with poppies until late May. I have cleared the poppy vines out of the beds. I ordered seeds for flowers that enjoy the sun and do not mind drought conditions (summer in Florida). In the evenings, I have been planting seeds. I have seedlings popping up in all but one of the flowerbeds. I am going to try the organic seeds that just arrived (fingers crossed). I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and that you stay cool (it is so very hot and humid). I will be reading two new books that I just received. The books are Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart and A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran. What will you be reading this weekend? Do you have any recommendations for my garden? I would love to hear from you! Take care and Happy Reading!
The
Avid Reader
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.
The Stranger in the Library
The Stranger in the Library byEva Gates is the eleventh A Lighthouse Library MysteryA Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I always enjoy returning to Nags Head, North Carolina. The author’s descriptions capture the area and the buildings (real and imagined). I would love to work in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library (it reminds me of the TARDIS). Lucy has been busy working on an educational impressionist art display for the library to complement a traveling impressionist art show that is visiting the town. Louise Jane, of course, gets in on the act by donating a family painting to the library’s exhibit. Lucy is a strong female protagonist. She is friendly and relatable (I would like to be her friend). She picked up some gorgeous dresses on her honeymoon (lucky girl).
There is a delightful cast of characters in
this series. I have even come to like
Louise Jane. The mystery was well
plotted and paced. There are some twists
along the way. I loved joining Lucy as she asked questions
and searched for clues. I was not left
with any lingering questions at the end (hooray). The Bodie Island Classic Novel Reading Club
chose Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith. I enjoy it when an author mentions a book
that I have not read previously (gives me a new book to add to my TBR pile). I
liked the author’s note at the end with her explanation of the MacGuffin she
used in the story. I was sad when my trip to Nags Head came to an
end, but I hope I will get to visit again soon.
The Stranger in the Library can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Lighthouse Library Mysteries. You can follow Eva Gates/Vicki Delany on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for stopping by today. As you can tell, blogger has still not fixed their issues (big sigh). I am off call the computer company regarding my still broken computer (a warranty does not guaranty quick service or that they will find the warranty in their system). I have provided proof of purchase (I am old school and keep copies of my receipts as well as warranties in file folders which paid off this time) and I am curious what they will say this time (I have a brand name computer with the warranty through them). Wish me luck! I hope that you have a perky day (and that you keep cool--it is so hot and humid). Take care and Happy Reading!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.
Death Knells and Wedding Bells
Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates has readers returning to Nags Head, North Carolina for Lucy and Connor’s wedding. I like how everyone (family, friends, co-workers, and even a soon-to-be ex-wife) came together for the couple’s wedding. There was a wrinkle or two during the day, but it was overall a wonderful wedding day which Lucy and Connor deserved. The murder of Aunt Joyce’s plus one casts a shadow on the wedding weekend. I know Lucy was enjoying her wedding weekend, but I have a feeling that a murder was icing on the cake (she loves solving a whodunit). The force’s newest detective, Detective North, is not happy with Lucy’s sleuthing and is vocal in expressing his displeasure to Detective Sam Watson. The mystery was straightforward. It is a whodunit that can easily be solved early in the book. I did, though, enjoy following Lucy as she questioned people and searched for clues. I love Charlie’s role in the takedown. I could envision the scene in my head and it had me laughing.
Eva Gates has created a great cast of
characters for this series. I like
Lucy’s curiosity. She has questions and
Lucy likes to get answers. Lucy is a
natural born sleuth. It is also what
makes her a good librarian. I like how
the characters are there for each other.
Bertie may be Lucy’s boss, but she is also a friend. The same goes for the rest of Lucy’s
coworkers. I understand Lucy’s
motivation for wanting to help Bertie’s plus one, Eddie. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Nags
Head, Lucy and Connor’s new home, and Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. I like how the author likens the library to
the TARDIS. There is no way the
lighthouse could be big enough to house the library and Lucy’s Lighthouse Aerie
(now Louise Jane’s). It gives readers a
chance to use their imagination (I see this regular lighthouse on the outside
with a beautiful, big library on the inside).
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the tenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone,
but new readers will struggle in the beginning (gets easier the further you get
into the story). I did find the pacing a
little slow at times, especially in the beginning. In addition, there is repetition of information
(case details, background on suspects and victim). Overall, though, I enjoyed
my latest trip to the Outer Banks, and I am looking forward to my next visit. There
is humor sprinkled throughout the story.
Louise Jane provides several mirthful moments. I enjoyed the book club discussions about Edgar
Allan Poe’s stories (A Tell-Tale Heart is my favorite). I like how the death of Aunt Joyce’s plus one
related to The Cask of Amontillado. Death Knells and Wedding Bells takes readers to the Outer Banks with beautiful
beaches, jovial nuptials, a snuffed out plus one, an absent date, a single-minded
detective, and a probing bride.
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is available from Amazon*. You can find the other A Lighthouse Library Mysteries here. You can find Eva Gates aka Vicki Delany's novels here. Thank you for joining me today. I will return on Tuesday, June 13 with The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. I am going to get some chores done around the house (and hopefully not injure myself this time). Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The
Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Kris
The
Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates
has Lucy Richardson and Connor McNeil enjoying their engagement party at
Coquina Beach with their family and friends. It is an enjoyable afternoon until the
formidable Evangeline Lewiston and her son, Richard Eric Lewiston III (aka
Ricky) Lucy’s ex-boyfriend (and almost-fiancé) arrive. Evangeline makes it no
secret that she wants Ricky and Lucy back together. Lucy’s mother insists that they have dinner
with the unexpected guests on Monday. Lucy’s
hopes that the unwelcome pair will return to Boston after the dinner. After enjoying a delectable meal at Jake’s Seafood
Bar, the group heads to their cars. A
scream has them rushing to the kitchen door of the restaurant where they see
Ruth kneeling next a man on the ground. It
is quickly apparent that the man is dead.
Lucy’s father recognizes the victim as his law partner and Evangeline’s
husband, Richard Eric Lewiston II. With
Evangeline and Ricky under suspicion, Lucy must once again don her sleuthing
cap to help solve the crime. The killer
is not happy with Lucy’s snooping and attempts to warn her off. It will take more than a threat to scare off
this plucky sleuth. Lucy intends to
solve this crime so Evangeline and Ricky can head back to Boston as quickly as
possible.
My Thoughts
Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates is
the 8th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. I thought this story was well-written with developed
characters. The story moved along at a
quick pace with vivid descriptions. It
is always a pleasure to visit the Outer Banks where Lucy Richardson works at the
Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. She
lives in her Lighthouse Aerie and will miss it when she marries. Connor McNeil and Lucy are engaged with plans
to wed the following year in August.
They have been searching for a home to purchase with no success. I love the characters in this charming
series. They are a friendly bunch who
care for one another. I like how the
library staff are there for one another.
The descriptions of the library are delightful. I would love to live in an apartment above
the library. I, like Lucy, imagine the
characters come alive at night when the library is empty. Lucy will miss her cozy abode. The whodunit was a fun one to solve. There are several people who could have offed
the victim. The clues are subtle and can
easily be missed. There is humor
scattered throughout the story. Lucy
manages to get herself into sticky situations plus doing things she does not
want to do. There are subplots that
enrich this book. Charlene is smitten
with a visiting researcher, but Lucy fears she will get her heart broken. Bertie and Louise Jane are spending quite a
bit of time behind closed doors. Connor
and Lucy are trying to find a home to purchase.
Lucy’s mother was very gracious.
She is a kinder soul than I. I
cannot imagine looking after Evangeline.
Deadly Ever After can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading
all the books in this engaging series.
It will allow you to get to know the characters and see how far they
have come since By Book or By Crook. I
look forward to my next visit to the Outer Banks. Deadly Ever After is an entertaining cozy
mystery with engagement party poopers, house hunting hardships, book club
conversation, a misty marsh, flashing lights, a terrible threat, and an
affectionate fiancé.
Deadly Ever After is available from Amazon*. You can find the other books in A Lighthouse Library Mystery series here. You can find Eva Gates (aka Vicki Delany) other novels here. I picked images from the book to share with you today. The book group was reading The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Author Conan Doyle and Coquina Beach where Connor & Lucy had their engagement party. Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow I am featuring An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepherd Gray. It is the second book in A Berlin Bookmobile Series. I hope that you have a merry day. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Book Summary
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates
returns us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where Charlene Clayton and Lucy
Richardson have been working on a history of North Carolina libraries exhibit
as a surprise for Bertie James, the director of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is Bertie’s 40th college
reunion and the opening reception for their reunion weekend is being held at
the library. Charlene, Ronald, Lucy, and
Louise Jane have offered to work the party for Bertie. The ladies are having a lovely time catching
up when Helena Sanchez arrives. Helena
was the library director before Bertie.
When Bertie heard Helena was in town, she invited her to attend so she
could see the exhibit. Lucy can tell
that several of the women are unhappy with Helena’s presence. After the party, a group of them go walking
along the boardwalk where Louise Jane entertains them with ghostly tales. The evening comes to an abrupt halt when
Helena is found floating in the water. There
is no shortage of people who disliked Helena.
Lucy needs to figure out who disliked the former library director enough
to kill her after so many years.
My Thoughts
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates
is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I
recommend reading this charming series in order. The author has created a great cast of
characters which includes Lucy, Connor, Bertie, Charlene, Ronald, Aunt Ellen, Josie,
and Charles. They feel like old
friends. I like catching up with all of
them even Louise Jane. The Bodie Island
Lighthouse Library is a magical place. I
can envision the library thanks to the authors vivid word imagery. I just love Lucy’s adorable little
apartment. The mystery was
intriguing. I thought it was
well-plotted with interesting details. There are a variety of suspects along
with good clues and a red herring or two.
It was fun following along in the investigation and seeing how it all
came together. I enjoyed the library
exhibit that included a card catalog, library withdrawal cards (the card you
signed when you checked out the book), and a Commodore 64 (I had a Commodore
64C). The ending will have fans of the
series smiling (I wish I could say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). A Death Long Overdue is a delightful cozy
mystery with a card catalog, a discourteous former library director, a disrupted
reunion, a curious cat, and a forbearing beau.
A Death Long Overdue is available from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. The 8th A Lighthouse Library Mystery is Deadly Ever After which publishes May 11, 2021. Eva Gates is a pseudonym for Vicki Delany who writes A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. On January 12, 2021 A Curious Incident releases as the 6th book in that cozy mystery series. Thank you for reading my review today. I will be back tomorrow with Killer Spring Fling by Mollie Cox Bryan. It is the 1st A Victoria Town Mystery Novella. I hope you have a joyful day. I am off to sort through twenty years of stuff in one of my closets. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This
post contains affiliate links.
