I had started her newest in the series ("Death by Beach Read"), when I discovered I'd somehow missed this one along the way. Goes to show that although there is a longer narrative (Lucy & Connor's romance), I somehow read 2 books without realizing I'd missed a step, so yes, each book stands well alone.

Anyway, this was another fun one, and kept me guessing. Eva/Vicki's writing is definitely a cut above some of the cozies out there, and always engaging. Plus I really enjoy her Outer Banks setting, which I am quite fond of visiting whenever I can. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

This might be my favorite installment to date in this series. Bertie hosts a reunion of her library school classmates at the lighthouse library. She invites the former library director to the library get-together even though she was not part of that particular class. Helena Sanchez while not well-liked modeled efficiency when it came to her library responsibilities, but someone at the get-together wanted her dead. When the group takes a late night walk, a scream is heard and Helena's body is found in the marsh. This book mentions Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone and James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy, and the plots of both inspired the story. Librarians and library users alike will appreciate the references to the days humans performed library tasks. Lucy, of course, becomes involved in the investigation. Connor keeps unsuccessfully trying to find time alone with Lucy. Right before last spring's lockdown, I visited the Outer Banks and many of the locations in the book. It helped me appreciate the book even more. A great installment in this series! ( )

Bertie is having a reunion of sorts with some former classmates and fellow librarians. Lucy and the other staff members are volunteering as waitstaff, and it’s a fun time at the lighthouse library, at least at first. When a retired director finally shows up, the mood changes, and when an outing on the boardwalk turns deadly, everything changes. Though the director was not well liked, Lucy wants to find out who could have hated her enough to kill her. It’s a great mystery, filled with interesting characters. This series is a fine one, and it just keeps getting better. Read it in order, because much of the pleasure of the books comes from watching the growth of the characters as their lives change. ( )

A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. The author has created a great cast of characters which includes Lucy, Connor, Bertie, Charlene, Ronald, Aunt Ellen, Josie, and Charles. They feel like old friends. I like catching up with all of them even Louise Jane. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is a magical place. I can envision the library thanks to the authors vivid word imagery. I just love Lucy’s adorable little apartment. The mystery was intriguing. I thought it was well-plotted with interesting details. There are a variety of suspects along with good clues and a red herring or two. It was fun following along in the investigation and seeing how it all came together. I enjoyed the library exhibit that included a card catalog, library withdrawal cards (the card you signed when you checked out the book), and a Commodore 64 (I had a Commodore 64C). The ending will have fans of the series smiling (I wish I could say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). A Death Long Overdue is a delightful cozy mystery with a card catalog, a discourteous former library director, a disrupted reunion, a curious cat, and a forbearing beau. ( )