Lucy Richardson is looking forward to a very enjoyable summer. She's just started working at the library of her dreams, the Lighthouse Library at Bodie Island. Lucy spent her summers on Bodie Island as a child with her Aunt Ellen and Uncle Amos and has always loved the Lighthouse Library. However, not everyone is happy to see Lucy working as a librarian at the Lighthouse Library. Mr Uppiton, chariman of the library board, is still upset that Lucy's Aunt Ellen got the funding for Lucy to have a summer job. When Mr Uppiton is found murdered Lucy's boss, Bertie, is accused of the murder and Lucy steps in to help solve the crime!
I have a love for mysteries set in libraries, and especially those that feature cats. When you combine these together, along with a idyllic setting, it usually ends in an afternoon of perfect reading! This was definitely the case with Eva Gates' debut novel, By Book or By Crook.
Eva Gates reels the reader in right from the beginning. Bodie Island sounds absolutely heavenly with its picturesque views, and a library in a lighthouse... well what's not to love?
Lucy is not enjoying her job at the Harvard Library and a change is just want she needs. There may be a little opposition to her new job at the Lighthouse Library, but she's really enjoying it. Especially with keeping company likes Charles, the resident Himalayan cat, named after Charles Dickens! Of course when a murder occurs and then valuable Jane Austen first editions are stolen, she must find the clues to solve the case!
Lucy is bright and fun, and together with all the interesting characters in Bodie Island, I found it a true pleasure to take a trip with her on her first adventure.
Eva Gates does everything right in this first novel. She's created reader magic in By Book or By Crook. I'm not talking the witchcraft magic, but the magic that resides in every reader and their love for books, whether it be old first editions or beloved new releases. The authors love of books shines through each and every page of this stunning mystery, and it enriched my own love of books.
By Book or By Crook is a first rate debut and I'm looking forward to taking another visit to Bodie Island for the next adventure.
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