Step into the charming world of the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, where a historic lighthouse, a curious librarian, and a dash of coastal intrigue create a cozy mystery haven! Written by Eva Gates (a pseudonym for Canadian author Vicki Delany), this delightful series follows Lucy Richardson, an amateur sleuth solving murders in the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina. With its blend of small-town charm, literary allure, and a library-loving cat named Charles, it’s a perfect escape for mystery fans craving a seaside adventure.
From stolen Jane Austen first editions to ghostly legends, each book delivers a fresh puzzle wrapped in the warm glow of Bodie Island’s lighthouse library. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or just love a good whodunit, Lucy’s adventures will keep you turning pages under the beacon’s light.
How Lighthouse Library Mystery Began
Eva Gates, aka Vicki Delany, launched the Lighthouse Library Mystery series in 2015 with By Book or By Crook. A prolific Canadian crime writer, Delany drew inspiration from her love of cozy mysteries and the unique setting of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The idea of a library housed in a lighthouse sparked her imagination, blending her passion for books with a scenic coastal backdrop. Delany’s goal was to craft a series that felt like a warm hug, combining quirky characters, clever mysteries, and a touch of romance, all anchored by Lucy’s journey from a Harvard librarian to a small-town sleuth.
The Heart of Lighthouse Library Mystery
The series kicks off with By Book or By Crook (2015), where Lucy, fresh from a breakup, lands a job at Bodie Island’s lighthouse library. When a Jane Austen first edition is stolen and a library board member is murdered, Lucy dives into her first case, aided by Charles, the library cat. Booked for Trouble (2015) sees Lucy’s socialite mother stirring up trouble, leading to another murder she must solve. In Reading Up a Storm (2016), a shipwreck and a dead sailor pull Lucy into a coastal conspiracy. The Spook in the Stacks (2018) adds a spooky twist, with ghostly legends and a murder in the library’s rare books section.
Themes of community, resilience, and literary love shine through, with the lighthouse library serving as a vibrant hub for book clubs and quirky locals. The Outer Banks setting, with its sandy beaches and stormy shores, adds a vivid backdrop that feels like a character itself. Gates’ style is light yet gripping, balancing cozy warmth with clever plot twists, making each book a standalone delight while deepening Lucy’s relationships and romantic entanglements.
Why Lighthouse Library Mystery Resonates
The Lighthouse Library Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, enchanting readers with its unique setting and relatable heroine. Fans praise Lucy’s pluck and the series’ ability to weave literary references—like Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes—into its mysteries. With 12 books by 2025, including Shot Through the Book, the series continues to grow, offering a comforting escape for readers who adore libraries, cats, and small-town intrigue. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with fresh surprises, making it a beloved gem for cozy mystery lovers.
- First Book Published: 2015 (By Book or By Crook)
- Total Books: 12 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Bodie Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Author: Eva Gates (Vicki Delany)
Grab By Book or By Crook and dive into the Lighthouse Library Mystery’s cozy, coastal world—where every page glows with mystery and charm!