Lighthouse Library Hosts Murder

A library in a lighthouse is such a unique concept, I just had to read it. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is on the Outer Banks in North Carolina near Nag's Head. Although there is a lighthouse on Bodie Island, it does not contain a library, but what a great idea.

By Book or by Crook, written by Eva Gates features life on the Outer Banks in North Carolina., beachlife like none other.

Lucy Richardson arrives from Boston to take a job as an assistant librarian just as the library is opening its Jane Austen exhibit. A complete set of first edition Jane Austen books, including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park, has been loaned to the library for three months. At the reception kicking off the celebration, the Library Board president Jonathon Uppiton and his soon-to-be-ex-wife Diane are heard arguing with Diane threatening that she will "dance on his grave."

Before too long, there is a thump, a scream, a dead body and the head librarian Bertie is holding the

neck of a broken beer bottle next to the body.

When the Austen books begin to disappear, the police start looking at Lucy, as the newest resident to the community, as a suspect. With two library board factions arguing about the future of the library and the annoying Louise Jane trying to get Lucy's job and scare her with spooky lighthouse stories, Lucy and her library friends try to clear Bertie, find the Austen books and keep the library open.

I enjoyed this book for several reasons: the plot was clever especially with the Austen books, the location is one of my favorites and the entire concept of a library in a lighthouse is so fantastic. I only wish it were true. I would be sure to visit when I am in the Outer Banks next summer.

The next book in the series (which I am reading) is entitled Booked for Trouble.