Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned a lighthouse into a haven for cozy mysteries—meet Eva Gates! As the pen name of prolific crime writer Vicki Delany, Gates has charmed readers with her Lighthouse Library Mystery series, blending bookish allure with the windswept intrigue of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Her tales of librarian Lucy Richardson solving murders in a library perched inside a lighthouse have hooked cozy mystery fans worldwide.
With a knack for crafting community-driven stories sprinkled with humor and heart, Gates invites readers to escape into a world where cats, books, and clever sleuthing reign supreme. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting charm of this delightful author!
The Making of Eva Gates
Vicki Delany, the mastermind behind Eva Gates, hails from Ontario, Canada, where she traded a career as a systems analyst for the thrill of storytelling. After taking early retirement, she embraced a rural life in Prince Edward County, giving her the freedom to write whenever inspiration struck. Delany’s love for mysteries, honed through years of devouring crime novels, sparked her transition to writing, and the Eva Gates pseudonym was born to house her cozy mystery ventures.
Her decision to write as Eva Gates allowed Delany to explore a lighter, more playful side of crime fiction, distinct from her grittier police procedurals. With a passion for unique settings and vibrant characters, Gates found her niche in the cozy mystery genre, where she could weave tales of friendship, community, and just a touch of murder.
Eva Gates’s Unforgettable Stories
The Lighthouse Library Mystery series, Gates’s flagship creation, stars Lucy Richardson, a librarian who stumbles into mysteries at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. The series kicked off with By Book or By Crook (2015), where Lucy, fresh from a breakup, lands her dream job only to face a stolen Jane Austen first edition and a murder. Fans adore the novel’s blend of literary nods and small-town charm.
Subsequent books like Booked for Trouble (2015) and The Spook in the Stacks (2018) deepen Lucy’s adventures, introducing quirky characters, a Himalayan cat named Charles, and plenty of Outer Banks atmosphere. Gates’s latest, The Stranger in the Library (2024), sees Lucy unraveling art theft and murder during an impressionist exhibit, showcasing Gates’s knack for fresh, engaging plots.
Gates’s style is a cozy mystery lover’s dream: lighthearted yet suspenseful, with vivid coastal settings and character-driven narratives. Her stories celebrate community, often weaving in themes of friendship and resilience, all while keeping readers guessing until the final page.
Why Eva Gates Matters
Eva Gates has carved a special place in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape into a world where murders are solved with wit and warmth. Her Lighthouse Library series has garnered praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly and Booklist, with fans lauding her ability to balance humor, heart, and intrigue. By setting her stories in the evocative Outer Banks, Gates has brought a fresh backdrop to the genre, inspiring readers to dream of seaside adventures.
Beyond her books, Gates’s work as Vicki Delany—past president of Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder of the Women Killing It festival—has uplifted the crime writing community, championing new voices and fostering a love for mysteries. Her dedication to fun, engaging storytelling continues to delight a growing fanbase.
- Pen Name: Eva Gates is the cozy mystery alias of Canadian author Vicki Delany.
- Key Series: Lighthouse Library Mystery, starting with By Book or By Crook (2015).
- Setting: Bodie Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina.
- Awards: Delany’s work has been nominated for Derringer, Bony Blithe, and Arthur Ellis Awards.
About Eva Gates
Ready to cozy up with a mystery that’s equal parts charming and thrilling? Snag By Book or By Crook and dive into Eva Gates’s delightful world of lighthouses, libraries, and clever sleuthing!