Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th Lighthouse Library Mystery written by Eva Gates, a pseudonym for Vicky Delany, a prolific cozy mystery writer. I've read almost all her work under both author names and will keep picking up more as she writes. I always enjoy the setting, characters and plot. In this latest installment, Lucy and Connor have just gotten married; at their reception, a guest is strangled and found the next day. He was someone only their aunt knew, but as the story plods on, we discover many more connections. What an enjoyable way to celebrate a ten-book series where we've come to adore so many characters and moments. For most the story, I had an inkling of who might be hiding something, and it turned up to be true. But I wavered a few times in the middle. Overall, a highly recommended series, and I settled on 4.5 stars for this one. I struggled a bit with the killer's motivation, and the history we'd come to learn a bit late in the game. That said, it definitely had a killer chase scene! :)

Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the tenth book in a series, staring a librarian and a cat, as primary characters. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, by Eva Gates. It was, however, easy to read this novel without having read the previous books. Gates does a nice job of filling in just enough background to prevent the new reader from getting lost.

The plot of Death Knells and Wedding Bells holds up relatively well, with only a few places that did not work as wel, but I do not want to provide spoilers. Other readers might not be critical readers and so might not notice those small areas. Although I was not totally surprised by the identity of the culprit, I did not guess his identity ahead of time, which was nice. Gates creates an engaging selection of characters, who have enough variety and sufficient quirkiness to keep readers interested. The cat, Charles, was really the central character in most scenes, except for the wedding that opens the book. I am not a cat owner, but I thought Charles might have a touch of terrier in him?

I want to thank the author and publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I do appreciate That NetGa;lley has introduced me to so many new and interesting authors.

Lucy and Connor finally tie the knot and of all Nags Head is invited, alongside Lucy's family who's got a few hidden skeletons of its own. When her Aunt's escort is found dead, her honeymoon turns into a murder investigation.

I enjoyed that just fine! I've read quite a few books in this series and while it's not my personal favourite - not enough details I think, the characters or town don't really come to life for me and the library bits are too few and far between to be a real draw - it's an enjoyable way to pass the time.


My endless thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.

Was surprised that the story at starts at the wedding reception. We've been following along for 9 books and don't get the pay off? That aside, the motive for the murder and how the suspects were dragged into the story was a bit novel. Many of the secondary characters got a scene or two, even if small, but I would have liked one or two to have bigger roles to play off Lucy.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I like the cast of characters in this series--nobody's all good or all bad. Even the annoying Gloria has a good side, and even Louisa Jane shed a few tears at Lucy's wedding. However, the killer was so unlikeable that it felt a little obvious who it was.

I like how main characters' lives and responsibilities are evolving as the series goes on, and I'm always happy to visit Bodie Island and see what shenanigans everyone's up to.

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

This is such a fun cozy mystery series. The Outer Banks, a library, the librarian, the cat and Lucy and Connor's wedding. And of course a murder and a missing guest. What's not to love on a lazy afternoon?

This is the tenth book in the series, and they are getting better. I did spot the murderer before Lucy did, but not by as many chapters as usual, and her sweetie (now husband) is edging towards being a three dimensional character. Right now, the best developed minor character is Charlie the cat, and he's a great one.
How the Bodie Island Lighthouse library is run always makes me cringe a little, because neither their staffing, nor Lucy's job, nor how they run the place makes any sense from a professional point of view. Nevertheless, Lucy moving out of the lighthouse and moving more of the murders out of the library is an improvement. Let's hope the next one in the series is set it Paris.
It is easy to be critical, but these are entertaining and amusing -- sometimes laugh out loud funny --cozy mysteries. And excellent way to while away an afternoon. I would like to see if the series could move away from the ever popular "heroine rushing into danger" motif, but maybe that's too much to wish for, since cozies remain my favorite diversion.
Recommended for cozy fans.

I read this as an e-galley; Thanks to #Crooked_Lane_Books and to #NetGalley for providing the book in exchange for my honest review. Publication date 06 Jun 2023 #DeathKnellsandWeddingBells

I had a great time reading this latest book by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor are getting married, and while everything goes well, there's just one teeny problem, a dead body.
It seems that an unexpected wedding guest upsets someone enough to commit murder, but who did it?
Lucy can't resist investigating, and when her friend and boss, Bertie asks for help, she can't say no.
I must admit I was very interested in Eddie, he's a quirky character who made me chuckle.
I would definitely recommend this book and the series to all cozy mystery readers.
#DeathKnellsandWeddingBells #NetGalley

This is the tenth book in this light hearted cozy mystery series. Librarian Lucy’s Outer Banks wedding to Connor is just about perfect. After the wedding. one guest goes missing and Lucy finds another guest strangled in a locked closet in the hotel. There's a new detective in town who definitely does not want Lucy's help in investigating this case. This was a fun, fast paced mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The ending was great. I was totally surprised by who the murderer was. Thank you netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for letting me read this advance copy. I just love this series. 5 ☆☆☆☆☆

The latest entry in this NC-set series finds Lucy again involved in a murder investigation when a guest at her wedding is found dead. I have read the rest of the series, and as always enjoyed the setting and catching up with the characters. The mystery is well-plotted and interesting. My only quibble is Lucy’s motivation for trying to solve these given the risk her past attempts have involved. The motivation is addressed in the story, but it felt flimsier this time, especially for someone wha is newly married and planning a honeymoon.

Lucy and Connor’s wedding goes off without a problem, but the next day one of their guests is found murdered in the hotel. Good thing they weren’t leaving right away for their honeymoon, Lucy has a murder to solve. There’s a new detective in town and he has no interest in her help. That’s fine. It hasn’t stopped her in the past.
Goodreads

Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th book in the series. I have read this series from the beginning, The story takes place in Nags Head. Lucy Richardson O'Neal is the main character. She has just married her fiancé, Connor O'Neal. She works at the Bodie Island Lighthouse library and Connor is the mayor of the town as well as a dentist. The story opens at their reception. They have all their friends and associates there. Everyone is having a good time. Kristen Richardson the soon to be ex of her brother, Kevin has come with her new boyfriend, Roy Croft. Lucy's aunt Joyce, her mother's sister who is not close to the family came with her plus one, Wayne Fortunade. They are both at the same table in the back. While coming back from the ladies room Lucy overhears two people talking. Wayne comes out and sees her. He seems sad. A lot of things are going on which I will leave to the reader to read.

The next day Lucy and her family are at the Ocean Side Hotel for the next day brunch. Joyce comes to the brunch without Wayne. Lucy asks Joyce how long she has known Wayne - 2 weeks. At the wedding Wayne was drinking a lot and nasty to everyone. No one could understand as he was so nice the night before. On the way to the rest room Lucy and Joyce stop when the housekeeper is trying to open the door to the storage room, She is not able to open the door so the manager comes and knocked down the door. Under the door they find a body. It is Wayne dead, They call 911 and Butch Greenblatt, policeman comes in response to the call. All that had been in the closet are asked to go to another room to wait. Detective Sam Watson and Officer Holly Rankin arrive along with a new detective, Kyle North. Again there is so much going on in the story that I will leave to the reader to read.

One of the funniest part of the story is when Kristen comes to the library to confront Lucy for sending the police to question her. She starts yelling at Lucy in front of the patrons. Kevin comes in to say goodbye to her and sees Kristen and Ray and starts a fight with Ray. The description of the fight and the reaction of the patrons is just too funny and a good laugh..

Lucy finally realizes who killed Wayne. Again I will leave this exciting ending to the reader. I wouldn't want to spoil it for them.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book. The wedding is special. The characters are engaging. You can really feel Lucy’s struggle to stay out of the investigation. I found it to be a fast reading. I was definitely surprised by who the killer is. #DeathKnellsandWeddingBells #NetGalley

Lucy and Connor have finally tied the knot. What a wonderful wedding fully of memories. Unfortunately, one of those memories will be of a guest Lucy found who was murdered at the reception.

With a new detective in town who does NOT want Lucy’s help, she tries to leave it to the police, but since the guest was at her wedding, she feels a need to at least ask a few questions. With a handful of suspects who might have had reasons to want the man dead, none strike Lucy as a killer. Lucy just has to hope she can figure it out before the killer strikes her!

I’m so happy tis the way the wedding was handled and that Lucy and Connor didn’t ride off into the sunset as happens is so many other cozy series. Let’s be honest, a strong protagonist like Lucy wouldn’t give up being so curious that easily and I hope the series continues for a long time to come. With a strong female protagonist, an adorable cat and great supporting characters, this series is well written and each book feels like a visit with old friends. I can’t recommend this book more…if you haven’t read this series yet, you’re missing out on a great one!

I have to admit that I only discovered the Lighthouse Library a few months ago, but since that time I have read every book in the series. Now fellow fans of Lucy, librarian and amateur sleuth, can look forward to her next adventure, due out June 6, 2023 in time for summer reading and relaxation.

One of the fun things about this story is how the events at the library and in the book club that Lucy organizes always seem to tie in to the inevitable mystery that will crop up in the neighborhood. This time their reading of "A Cask of Amontillado" seems to eerily dovetail with a death that happens following Lucy and Connor's wedding reception. The victim is found in the hotel and investigation turns up plenty of people who would like to have killed him as revenge for his blackmailing habit.

With all her nearest and dearest in town for the wedding and many even staying in the hotel, Lucy wants the police to find the culprit quickly and clear any suspicion from her friends and family. The narrative includes all the characters we have come to expect - library director Bertie and her boyfriend Eddie, Lucy and Connor's parents, Uncle Amos and Aunt Ellen, cousin Josie and her husband Jake, etc. As usual Louise Jane, resident local history buff and paranormal enthusiast, offers to commune with the spirits to see if she can find any clues.

The allure of these books is easy to identify: the recurring characters, the setting, the constant references to books, and the charm of Charles - resident library cat. Lucy can always depend on Charles for company, fashion advice, and character judgments. For readers who enjoy returning to a location and cast of familiar personalities, or those who just love a mystery with bookish ties, the Lighthouse Library is the place to go.

I love this series and this book was wonderful. Aside from wanting to live in a lighthouse everytime I read one of the books, I look forward to the mystery and how the characters interact to solve the murders.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Crooked Lane Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I quite appreciate a title keeps me entertained and engaged throughout, mission accomplished. Another stellar cozy mystery to add to the collection.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. Fiction that reads like nonfiction at times. This talented author has woven a story that is intriguing. Quirky fun characters who entertain…like the lighthouse and the library of course. Love and romance. Marriage. Friendship and family. Sometimes, the plethora of characters was confusing. Curl up in a cozy chair with a cup of steaming herbal tea…escape for an afternoon. Enjoy. I really like this protagonist.

Another great installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series.

I’m a huge fan of cozies, and this series has it all. Scenic small town, inquisitive amateur sleuth, small town drama and many twists and turns.

I feel such affection for the characters in this series - quirks and all.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this!

I adore cozy mysteries and this was definitely a cozy mystery. I loved the characters, the dynamics between all of them made sense. It was a easy, cute, enjoyable read. I kept wanting to know what happened and before I knew it, I was 6 chapters in before I took a break. If you want to curl up and read a cozy mystery and be sucked in...this is for you!