Deadly Ever After

Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates is the 8th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. I thought this story was well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a quick pace with vivid descriptions. It is always a pleasure to visit the Outer Banks where Lucy Richardson works at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. She lives in her Lighthouse Aerie and will miss it when she marries. Connor McNeil and Lucy are engaged with plans to wed the following year in August. They have been searching for a home to purchase with no success. I love the characters in this charming series. They are a friendly bunch who care for one another. I like how the library staff are there for one another. The descriptions of the library are delightful. I would love to live in an apartment above the library. I, like Lucy, imagine the characters come alive at night when the library is empty. Lucy will miss her cozy abode. The whodunit was a fun one to solve. There are several people who could have offed the victim. The clues are subtle and can easily be missed. There is humor scattered throughout the story. Lucy manages to get herself into sticky situations plus doing things she does not want to do. There are subplots that enrich this book. Charlene is smitten with a visiting researcher, but Lucy fears she will get her heart broken. Bertie and Louise Jane are spending quite a bit of time behind closed doors. Connor and Lucy are trying to find a home to purchase. Lucy's mother was very gracious. She is a kinder soul than I. I cannot imagine looking after Evangeline. Deadly Ever After can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading all the books in this engaging series. It will allow you to get to know the characters and see how far they have come since By Book or By Crook. I look forward to my next visit to the Outer Banks. Deadly Ever After is an entertaining cozy mystery with engagement party poopers, house hunting hardships, book club conversation, a misty marsh, flashing lights, a terrible threat, and an affectionate fiancé.