The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates takes us back to the Outer Banks and the Lighthouse Library. Connor and Lucy have settled into married life in the home they had started refurbishing. The ground floor was perfect and since they didn’t really need the space, they were saving money to begin work on the second floor. Lucy is still happy in her job at the library and Connor is planning to end his political career and return to being a dentist. Lucy’s newest project at the library is a quasi-art show, paralleling the actual showing of great masters taking place in town. Her show has a copy of a famous painting on black velvet, a collection of fridge magnets of great masters, and a borrowed copy of Louise Jane’s grandmother’s great-grandmother’s father’s painting done by his brother, et al. The man had been an American Impressionist and was well known. His brother, not so much. The real art show opened the night after Lucy’s but was cut short when one of the organizers (not local) was found face down in the koy pond. This started Lucy and Louise Jane, as well as the police, on an investigation. There were plenty of suspects, who didn’t appear to like one another or the dead man, but to find the proof.

This is a well-written series, character-driven, of course, as are most cozy mysteries. Gates has a good handle on developing characters and has amassed a cadre of them on the Outer Banks to rival most other cozies. There are distinct personalities, even in short term characters, that makes them interesting, if not endearing. There is jealousy, greed, love (sort of) and much more in this complicated mystery, that of course, gets solved by all involved. Cozies are called by that name as that is what they are and this is an excellent example. Reading it is like coming home (without the murder). It is comfortable, relaxing, and challenging. Thanks, Eva Gates, for an entertaining afternoon!

I was invited to read The Stranger in the Library by Crooked Lance Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #EvaGates #TheStrangerInTheLibrary

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

This novel is as captivating as each of the earlier books in its series. Many features appeal to me, including the lighthouse with a library in the Outer Banks and the apartment at the top of the lighthouse where Lucy lived until her recent marriage. She and Connor, currently the mayor of Nags Head, just returned from their honeymoon in Europe where they enjoyed some of the finest art museums in France and Italy.

Their return timing was perfect to attend a special traveling exhibit of original American Impressionist art in Nags Head. Lucy had been asked to prepare a smaller display at the library using borrowed copies of famous works from local people or businesses, and books and periodicals on American Impressionism.

Louise Jane, now on staff at the library, comes from a long line of female storytellers. Her family has lived in the Outer Banks for many generations and she has extensive knowledge of OBX history. Louise Jane was a direct descendent of Robert O’Callaghan, a well-known American Impressionist painter. The copy she brought for the library display was of his finest painting, and the original was part of the traveling exhibit. Louise Jane’s grandmother treasured the copy of Robert’s painting as a family heirloom.

The night the display opened at the library, many guests visited and it was very well received. Organizers of the traveling exhibit were among the guests. A handsome man attended who didn’t seem to be associated with any visiting groups, and Louise Jane was interested in him. Lisa, one of the organizers of the upcoming exhibit, was overheard warning someone about the man who introduced himself as Tom Reilly, even commenting that it probably wasn’t his real name. An uninvited local artist named Ivan came in, argued with several people, and was politely escorted to the door. Louise Jane told anybody who stopped to see the copy of her ancestor’s painting all about Robert O’Callaghan.

The people and setting include excellent elements for a great mystery, especially the building in which the American Impressionism exhibit is housed. It has an elegant, renowned garden, and conversely, a dungeon-like cellar that was closed to public access. The killer and the thief of the O’Callaghan copy were clever in covering their tracks. Tom had disappeared and seemed to not exist online. The twists, turns, and the ending were pure edge-of-the-seat brilliance, and I was very satisfied with the conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and series!

Lucy and Connor were invited to attend the opening of the American Impressionism exhibit, as were many who had been at the library. Tom was there, again near Louise Jane. Ivan got in again and was escorted out. A VIP was missing that night. Mark Farrago, whose company was the chief organizer of the event, was to make the opening speech. Lucy, her cousin Josie, and Louise Jane went for a walk in the garden. Unfortunately, they found Mark, dead in the small, shallow pond.

Later that night, the missing copy of the O’Callaghan painting was left on the front step of the library in a large black garbage sack. The only damage was that the backing paper had been slashed and, if anything had been hidden there, it was gone.

The regular characters continue to grow, and their personalities shine through their actions and realistic conversations. Most are very engaging and likable. The people specific to this specific mystery are defined according to their roles, several with sufficient mystique to be investigated for Mark’s murder. Lucy is my favorite, and Charles, the library cat, runs a close second. Louise Jane should get the award for the most improved personality, as she has changed throughout.

The Stranger in the Library is book #11 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.

I really enjoy this series. It combines a few of my favorites, the Outer Banks, lighthouses, and libraries. The characters are wonderful and it is fun spending a few hours with them. The mystery kept me guessing and I liked how things wrapped up. I recommend this book and the series!

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Love this story and the characters were fun and relatable. This author and series are awesome and I look forward to what she has in store next

I did not see that coming at all. Mind you, I was so caught up with all the hijinks Lucy and Louise Jane kept getting pulled into that I wasn’t paying nearly as much attention to the mysteries as I normally do. I enjoyed that so much. It reminded me a bit of some of my favorite heist stories; the ones with a “good” bad guy that you just can’t help but cheer for in spite of yourself. I also had a lot of fun catching up with all the series regulars and learning new things about several of them. And now, with where this book leaves off, I’m more curious than ever about where the author is going to take us in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

“The Stranger in the Library”, the eleventh book in Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library Cozy Mystery series, finds librarian Lucy McNeil helping the police solve yet another mystery when first a seemingly worthless painting is stolen from an exhibit at the library and then someone is murdered at an art exhibit she is attending. She is also worried about fellow librarian Louise Jane who is captivated by Tom Reilly, an art dealer who may not be who he says he is. This is a nicely done mystery with a perfect blend of real and fictional art – so nicely done that I could not always tell which was real and which was fictional! There are plenty of suspects and some nice twists and turns along the way. The ending, when all is revealed, is extremely well done – tension filled and I was reading as quickly as possible to see what happened next. Finally, the very end of the book left me with a smile on my face!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Happy Publication Day to Eva Gates for The Stranger in the Library, number 11 in her wonderful Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series. This is one of my favorite library/librarian themed cozy mysteries, and I’ve read all of them – I love visiting the Lighthouse Library. (Secretly I sometimes wish I had my very own room like Lucy did/Louise Jane has.)

“Outer Banks librarian Lucy is working on an art show at the library when paintings–and people–start to go missing.”

This feels a little unique since now the police are actively working with Lucy to help solve the mysteries instead of being frustrated by her sleuthing ways. It’s a solid mystery that I couldn’t figure out until the end. I enjoyed watching it all come together. It’s also fun to see Lucy and Connor settle in after their recent wedding and honeymoon.

This series provides great mysteries, wonderful characters and the perfect setting for armchair travel. @crookedlanebooks

While I’m not an art fan at all and the talk of it and history are slightly boring to me, I still enjoyed the mystery behind this book and seeing Lucy in action sleuthing again. I never would’ve thought I’d actually kinda like Louise Jane’s character, ever, but now even though she’s still snarky and everything, she’s a fixture I’d miss, lol. She’s always good for a laugh whether she meant to be funny or not 😉 Will good old LJ really find the love she’s been hoping for with someone from this book? Or…maybe she loves the lighthouse apartment too much to really fall for someone. I guess only time’ll tell on that!

Lucy and Louise Jane were together during the showdown and what led up to it as well as what followed. They did honestly work well together sleuthing and of course, LJ’s always got a trick or two up her sleeve. I’m eager to see what happens in the next book—will it be about what Louise Jane found out she’ll be doing soon?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This book wasn't my cup of tea. I think this book series is best to read in order. I had a hard time connecting with the characters or even caring who died and who did it. I just didn't feel any connection.

This is the 11th book in the series, but would work well for new readers, too. I've not read all of the books in this series, but have enjoyed the ones I have read. The main setting of the book is a lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the art scene plays a big role in this book. The library book club's pick for the month, a classic by Patricia Highsmith, may even have a link to the current crimes. I think this is a very clever element of the book.

In The Stranger in the Library, an important exhibit of American Impressionist paintings has come to town and the library is joining in the celebration by hosting their own display of reproductions. Newly married librarian Lucy McNeil is proud of what the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library was able to put together. Things get mysterious when a reproduction painting that only has sentimental value to Lucy's coworker Louise Jane McKaughan and her family, is stolen. Then, one of the organizers of the main art show is killed at the launch party. Is there a connection between these events?

Unlike in some cozy mysteries, the local police chief welcomes Lucy's help in investigating the crime. Sam is short-staffed and knows Lucy's observations have helped solve cases in the past. Lucy's husband, Connor, worries about his wife, but doesn't try to stand in her way. Lucy has an unlikely sleuthing partner this time, Louise Jane, who in the past has been critical of Lucy. This time, Louise Jane has a vested interest in the case since it was her family's painting that was stolen and also because she is developing feelings for a mysterious newcomer that is one of the suspects. Louise Jane can be hard to take, but she has mellowed in this book and I enjoyed seeing her and Lucy team up. The book has some slow parts, but is entertaining as a whole and has a dramatic and satisfying ending.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

There nothing like starting a new book and begin relaxing and smiling as you are back with good friends. The town has a big art fair going on. Not to be left out the library has one of their own. Neighbors have brought in their own art whether a post card of a well-known painting or a privately owned family copy of a local artist’s print. Opening night is a vast success. Oddly enough the print is stolen that night. The following night the exclusive showing of the art exhibit opens with a lot of odd occurrences including finding someone in the outdoor fountain. Topping off with the discovery of the missing print back on the library stairs. However, the backing of the painting has been opened. Lucy once again becomes involved in solving these two mysteries or maybe one mystery entwined. Loved it!

What's better than a library in a lighthouse? An art show in a library in a lighthouse!!! Lucy and crew are putting on a fabulous art show including books on the artists and artwork that also helps introduce an art show being put on by the town art guild that has original artwork from the artists. Once again, the library crew are put in the middle of the mystery when one of the reproductions at the library is stolen and later when a body appears on the scene! Can Lucy and crew solve the puzzle before more bodies drop or the killer skips away at the end of the art show? This series is well written with witty dialogue, detailed mysteries and great characters! This book once again showcases the author's skill at crafting an entertaining and intriguing mystery with lovable characters! I'm just sad that I am back to waiting for the author to give us another book in the series! I always read these stories way too fast!

The honeymooners have returned, and they are going to get straight back to work. An art exhibition is coming to Nags Head, so the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library staff decide to have an educational display, along with copies of some of the priceless items. When someone steals one of the copies overnight, Lucy and company are a little puzzled as to why someone would steal a copy.

The next day Lucy is attending a gala for the exhibition for the real art pieces when a dead body is found. Since the police have their hands full with the murder, the stolen art gets pushed to the back burner, after all it is only a copy.

Oddly enough Lucy and Louise Jane work together on this mystery. If you have read this series, you know that Lucy and Louise Jane are like oil and water. The painting belonged to her family, but I was still surprised to see the two of them working together harmoniously. This was a little different than the usual mysteries that Lucy is involved with, but it was still very interesting. There are plenty of red herrings and a few twists along the way, just to play with your mind and make you doubt what you think you know.

I always enjoy the books in this series as the characters are fun, and since I have read them all, I feel as if I know them personally. If you enjoy an intriguing cozy mystery, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have to admit this entry into the series (book 11), just didn't hold my interest as much. Which is odd, as Gates brought in other characters and outside dynamics, to stir up the library and it's employees-which was nicely done. Per chance, it was just not grabbing me...but the story is well done, and there is a dual mystery involving a stolen painting in the past, and the current one from the library display. It's an interesting take on a past/future events, and the characters use their "I just happened to be going to..." to well effect to solving the mystery at hand. With a little last minute danger for Lucy, it's also a quick read.

Welcome back to OBX , always a great time with Lucy and everyone at the Lighthouse library. This is a cozy mystery, that keeps the reader engaged and reading till the last page. Loved it. The characters are wonderful, with a little bit of quirky thrown in to keep reader off balance until the big reveal.

The Stranger in the Library takes the reader to Nags Head Outer Banks North Carolina. Some of the elements come from the author’s imagination. The library in the lighthouse is one of those things but doesn’t a library in a lighthouse sound amazing? Every visit to Bodie Island Lighthouse Library sparks my imagination and leaves me feeling happy.
Great art is coming to Nags Head. Lucy and the team at the library create an exhibit celebrating all sorts of art. None of their exhibits are priceless, but it makes for a fun evening.
One of the organizers of the art exhibition at Granger House winds up dead. A painting from the library goes missing.
Lucy and Louis Jane are unlikely partners in figuring out what is happening behind the scenes. By the end of the book it looks like something good may be in Louise Jane’s future.
I enjoyed reading The Stranger in the Library. I think you could pick up this book as a stand-alone but reading the entire series in order will increase the enjoyment. The lighthouse and the people in this series are characters I would enjoy knowing in real life.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a favorite cozy mystery series of mine! I love the Outer Banks setting, and the characters are fun and interesting. And of course, the library in the lighthouse! The art scene in this book was really interesting and I enjoyed learning about it. It felt a little chaotic at times, as there were a large number of characters from outside the main group, and it felt a little more disconnected from the usual community, but it was still fun and I loved it! I can't wait to see what comes next for Lucy and the group. Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy!

Thanks so much to crooked lane books and netgalley for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

I have read a few books in this series and I have liked them in the past. However, this one I couldn’t get into. Maybe it’s because it was about art and I’m not usually into that as much. I’m not sure.

I liked the setting and the characters but I think the plot was just a bit boring for me. Overall, not a bad cozy mystery but not my favorite.

I enjoy Eva Gates books (Lighthouse Library Mystery series) immensly. They are like conversation with a dear friend over coffee and cake.
The Stranger in the Library is the 11th installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series and is set... in the lighthouse library and small town of Nag Head (where this library is situated).
Newly married librarian Lucy is all ready (or not) for quiet and fulfilling married life but... crime does not rest even in the idyllic Nags Head. Take a library, a mysterious painting, a whole exhibition of the famous Impressionists' works, add art wheelers and dealers, past and present lovers and enemies and you got yourself a very volatile cocktail. Lucy gets entangled into the murder mystery again, gets in danger... again and promises herself not to do it all... again.
All in all, Stranger in the Library is a very worthy addition to the series and a very comfy cozy pleasant mystery for summer/autumn/winter/spring reading.
Enjoy.

When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, North Carolina, librarian Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their launch of the display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing. No one knows why anyone would bother stealing it: the picture is of no value–the real, priceless painting is under lock and key at the art show itself. Lucy gets an invite to the glitzy opening night for the real show, where she notices unusual tension among the show’s organizers. Then, the man scheduled to give the welcoming speech fails to arrive, and a party-goer is discovered drowned in a fish pond. Meanwhile, Louise Jane is totally captivated by Tom Reilly, a handsome, charming art dealer lurking at the edges of the receptions on both nights. Tom slipped away from the party early, and he cannot be located by the police. Who, Lucy asks, is Tom Reilly, the shadowy figure threatening to break Louise Jane’s heart? Something is afoot in Nags Head, and it’s up to Lucy and her friends to get to the bottom of it before it’s not just paintings being framed. I absolutely love this series! It helps to have read the previous books in the series but still this is a highly enjoyable mystery!