The Spook in the Stacks: A Lighthouse Library Mystery

The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates is the fourth book in A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Lucy Richardson is the assistant librarian at Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in Outer Banks, North Carolina. Halloween is approaching, and Louise Jane has convinced the board to do a special display which includes a detailed replica of the downed ship, Rebecca McPherson. Bertie and Charlene are excited when Jay Ruddle puts their library on the shortlist to receive his historical North Carolina collection of maps and documents. On Saturday during Louise Jane’s historical ghost story lecture, Jay is allowed access to the libraries rare book room. Lucy later finds him dead in a chair with a blue velvet rope wrapped around his neck. When Julia finds herself the prime suspect in her grandfather’s death, Theodore Kowalski (who is quite smitten with Julia) asks for Lucy’s help in clearing her name. While working to uncover some clues, Lucy notices some unusual occurrences at the library. A ghostly horse, strange lights in the marsh, and the miniature crew of the replica of Rebecca MacPherson keep moving around. With Halloween just around the corner, Lucy needs to keep her wits about her. The Spook in the Stacks is an enticing cozy mystery. I just love the concept of a library in a lighthouse. Lucy is lucky to be able to work and live in such a beautiful and unique building. The author brought the library, Lucy’s apartment, and the area alive with her descriptions. There is a nice variety of characters that the author has taken the time to craft and develop. Lucy is a smart, friendly main character (relatable) and it is nice to watch her grow as the series progresses. I did feel that Louise Jane is a little over-the-top for my tastes. She enters a scene and takes it over (reminds me of a steamroller). I delighted in the various books, authors and literary references sprinkled throughout the story. The Halloween atmosphere was fun, and I reveled in the added paranormal element. The mystery was pleasing with good components. The Spook in the Stacks can be read alone (easily). There are a couple a of subplots that enhance the book. Lucy’s boyfriend, Connor McNeil is running for re-election and Lucy is helping with his campaign. His competitor is not above mudslinging if it will help him win. The book club is meeting to discuss Sleepy Hollow and the outdoor venue enhances the spookiness. I like the history of the area and local lore included in the story. My rating for The Spook in the Stacks is 4 out of 5 stars. I thought The Spook in the Stacks was well-written with steady pacing. The dialogue is realistic (for library and book people especially) and I thought Charles, the library cat, was charming. There is some repetition in the first few chapters such as where Lucy lived, and the jobs the various library personnel perform. The Spook in the Stacks is a lively, airy cozy mystery that you will keep you engaged and ordering takeout for dinner.

I am SO happy to see this series resume! How I love being back at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library with Lucy, the assistant librarian, Charles, the library cat, and Lucy’s unique Lighthouse Aerie! Our favorite, 3-D characters are back with gorgeous descriptions of this unique setting and a plot that stymies even Lucy. She doesn’t believe in ghosts or hauntings…but something is weird…both inside and out. Halloween is only days away, and several events have been planned, from parties for the children’s groups to presentations by Louise Jane, an expert in the legends of the Outer Banks. Unannounced, Jay Ruddle, a multimillionaire and former businessman and resident of Nags Head, arrives at the library. He is considering the library and one other location the honor of donating his huge collection of maps and documents of the area from the 16th through the 18th centuries. His granddaughter, Julia, and his assistant and current curator, Greg, are there with him. With the collection would come a stipend to build a separate, climate-controlled facility and have a curator so that the collection can be viewed by those interested. Jay, Julia, and Greg are present when one of the events begins. Julia wants to join Theodore, a local man who is besotted with the fair Julia, in hearing Louise Jane’s presentation, and Greg stays with them as the men vie for her attention. Jay, who prefers the facts of history, looks at the library’s current rare books and documents. When the event is over, Lucy goes to get Jay for Julia and Greg, and finds that Jay is dead – and not from natural causes. One would think that a retired, 82-year-old man would not have many enemies. Not so. There are several possible suspects, from former competitors to folks from the other location being considered for the collection to Louise Jane’s hinting that maybe a spirit still not at rest killed him. Lucy gets into it against her own good counsel when Julia is the primary suspect. Lucy and her co-workers are a delightful group who work well together and are well defined, as are her best friend, Stephanie, and Connor, the Mayor and man she is dating. Excellent, realistic dialog and actions primarily build each person. I like Lucy and Julia; I envy Lucy’s job and aerie! Louise Jane is the one we almost enjoy disliking, but as Lucy notes, Louise Jane is a born storyteller who draws in everyone listening to her. Theodore is even a much more likable young man in this tale. Fourth in this series, The Spook in the Stacks can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. The author shares sufficient backstory to bring the reader up to date. There are significant plot twists that change the course of the investigation more than once, and a few incidences when Charles, usually a laid-back cat, seemed to be irritated at something – or some specter – around the model of a ship that sank with all hands on board. And other sightings by Lucy herself, for which she had no explanation. These events, and more, bring this set of mysteries to a startling denouement, with a bad guy who was one of the few I had not even considered. This novel is sure to keep the most discerning cozy mystery lover up late, turning the pages to find whodunit. I highly recommend The Spook in the Stacks to those who enjoy mysteries served up in libraries, lighthouses, or at oceanside settings. From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this e-Arc from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.