angrygreycatreads 's review for:

By Book or by Crook by Eva Gates

4.0

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By Book or By Crook is the first in the new A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Lucy has just moved to the Outer banks fleeing a life she decided she didn’t want (nothing dramatic just dying of boredom) and has taken a job as an Assistant Librarian at a unique library, one that is housed in a lighthouse. The hiring of an outsider to work in the beloved library is the subject of tension in the community as much as the new first edition Jane Austin exhibit is the subject of excitement. At her debut party for the library, an important board member meets his end and Lucy’s new friend and boss Bertie is suspected. This drags Lucy into the case trying to clear Bertie’s name. There is also a theft side plot that is just as important and intriguing as the main story line. I loved this opener to the series. Lucy’s character was strong, but not perfect. The petty jealousies of the local (insiders) are well done and entertaining. The cast, as a whole, work well together and are an engaging group of personalities. There is a more realistic feel to this cozy than some of the more over the top story lines and characters in other cozies. Really well done series opener and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.