Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews. The recipe reviews and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.
The Stranger in the Library
A
Lighthouse Library Mystery #11
Eva Gates
Crooked Lane Books
Lucy and Connor are back from their European honeymoon that was full of amazing works of art. Art that gives inspiration to Lucy as she curates an ancillary exhibit coincide with a traveling art exhibit.
The pre-event event is a hit with the locals, library patrons, and out of town guests. Maybe too big of hit since a family reproduction is stolen then returned but with the backing ripped. The following night the traveling art installation coordinator is found dead in the fish pond. Suspects include a grouchy local artist named Ivan, the personal assistant who make have been on the verge of being fired, an art patron, the wife who is an ice queen, and the mysterious art dealer Tom Reilly (if that really is his name). Instead of the usual sleuthing, Lucy researches the history behind Louise Jane’s famous Outer Bank artist ancestor Robert O’Callaghan who may have died from a horrible accident or something more sinister. Could it be possible that the two occurrences could be related? Lucy helps Detective Sam Watson with a few informal interviews but otherwise she is pretty “hands off” this time. She does keep her eyes and ears open, especially when art patron Lisa McMahon’s somewhat spoiled daughter Franny is talking. That girl sees plenty and knows how to keep a person talking without giving things away. Chances are that it is because Franny likes drama. The one who tends towards bits/fits of drama is Louise Jane but she and Lucy work together quite well. It could be because Louise Jane is in a rather good mood throughout the story, almost giddy.
This story has all the cozy feels and is does a good job as a stand- alone, complete with red herrings and plenty of clues for both the sleuth and reader to follow. I enjoyed the mystery and the description of all things Outer Banks which makes a person want to grab a towel and hit the beach. Or perhaps plan a trip to Paris to see the wonderful works of art at a museum or small art gallery co-owned by a mysterious stranger. I am looking forward to reading all about Louise Jane's trip in the next Lighthouse Library Mystery.