The Stranger in the Library (Lighthouse Library Mystery, #11)

by Eva Gates

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Stranger in the Library is the 11th Lighthouse library mystery by Eva Gates. Released 4th June 2024 by Crooked Lane, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out first quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a clean cozy mystery with book recommendations in the text throughout, cat (a Himalayan called Charles), an appealingly intelligent MC who's a librarian, a library in a lighthouse, and an interesting and well crafted mystery. Although it's part of a series, there's enough backstory woven into the plot that it works fine as a standalone. Since there is already so much history with marriages and interrelationships, spoilers should be expected if read out of order. The ensemble cast is full of eccentric small town characters, but the author is skillful enough and the writing technically adept enough that the whole works well enough. The plotting proceeds at a good clip, and although the dialogue is a bit trope-y in some places, it's not intrusive enough to yank readers out of their suspension of disbelief.

The language is squeaky clean, no cursing whatsoever. The denouement and resolution were satisfying and there were some last minute twists which added a nice coda to the ending. Since there are 11 books extant in the series, it would make a good candidate for a long light binge/buddy read. 

This is simply a well written, readable, and enjoyable library cozy (with cat). There are also a number of fun bonus reading prompts referenced in the book which will lead the reader to other books and series. I also liked that the author highlights the fun and social aspects of book clubs. Talking about books with other book lovers adds another whole level of enjoyment. It's well worth a look for fans of the genre.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.