A DEATH LONG OVERDUE (2020)

A Death Long Overdue: A Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars 

Although I have read the occasional cozy, it is not the kind of mystery I usually choose, but how could a retired librarian overlook a story set in a lighthouse which also houses a library? It's obvious why this is a well-loved series. The plot, characters, and setting are all charming. We wish we were there.

THE STORY: In book #7, assistant library director Lucy Richardson, living in an apartment way up in the lighthouse, is helping her director Bertie get ready to host a 40th reunion for college library friends. An historical exhibit at the gathering elicits unusual reactions from several attendees and when a tragic event happens, the gossips of the small Outer Banks community get to work. 

P.S. There is also a love interest and a cat.

FIRST LINE: "Reunions can be tricky things."

WHAT I THOUGHT: Eva Gates knows what her readers want and she gives it to them in a well-written way that doesn't talk down to readers but includes them in the fun. Along the way she works in the names of books and bits of information the reader will recognize. It's not a unique approach but it's well-done here. Loved the fact that the book club was reading The Moonstone and that The Celestine Prophecy figured in the story as well.

 

BOTTOM LINE:  There is nothing more delightful than an enjoyable cozy series. I'm guessing that starting at the beginning with #1 and getting to know the characters would be even more rewarding. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for cozy mystery readers!

Disclaimer: A copy of A Death Long Overdue was provided to me by Crooked Lane Books/Net Galley for an honest review.

Hardcover: 372 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 6, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1643854585
ISBN-13: 978-1643854588

THE AUTHOR:Eva Gates is also known as Canadian crime writer Vicki Delany, "one of Canada's most prolific and varied crime writers." You might want to check out some of her other series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop; Year Round Christmas Mysteries; Klondike Gold Rush; and novels of Gothic suspense. 

"Having taken early retirement from her job as a systems analyst, Vicki enjoys the rural life in Prince Edward County, Ontario."