Title: Something Read, Something Dead(Lighthouse Library Mystery #5)
Author: Eva Gates (Vicki Delany)
Publication Date: 13 March 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Josie’s wedding is around the corner and she and her cousins are busy prepping for the D-Day. Lucy decides to host a bridal shower at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, the place where Lucy works. With all the yummy goodies to eat and the presence of, as Josie calls them, The Louisiana Mafia, present, nothing can go wrong. Well, that is what they all think until Mirabelle collapses after eating a gluten-free snack that Josie specially made for Mirabelle. Autopsy reports suggest that Mirabelle was poisoned.
Mirabelle cannot keep her eyes off any handsome man and this is no secret. While Mirabelle had her eyes set on Jake, Josie’s fiancé`, Josie had innocently made a comment saying that if given a chance, she might do off with Mirabelle. And now, with Mirabelle dead, Josie is the main suspect. With a couple of witnesses who testify saying that Josie did not like Mirabelle, Josie is in trouble. Lucy decides to prove her cousin’s innocence.
I liked the concept of a library in a historic lighthouse. Although the building’s foundation seems to be in some serious trouble and the renovation expenses have skyrocketed, the townspeople’s decision to do anything it takes was a nice touch (at the end of the story)
The Louisiana Mafia – Gloria, Mirabelle, Mary Anna, and Florence, were a nice touch to the story. In fact, Gloria is one grandmother that nobody wishes they had! The woman has nothing but criticism flowing in her veins. Mirabelle’s character was also very interesting. From not losing a chance to flirt with anyone and everyone to Florence and Mirabelle’s event management company hosting Josie’s wedding, in spite of Josie not liking their decision, was hilarious. Lucy trying to set Mirabelle off track by recommending a yacht wedding was brilliant.
Lucy, Grace, Steph, and Josie – their relationship is well portrayed in the story. Each one of them has their own story to tell. Lucy finding love again – Connor, the city mayor, Jake’s ex-girlfriend stalking him and Steph’s career choice, all these made the story even more engaging.
Charles, the library cat, is just adorable! The first half of the story is inclined towards the familial relationship. The second half of the story is where all the action begins. Lucy poking her nose into this murder mess almost gets her killed. Though there were many characters, the story was quite engaging.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
The Book Decoder 