Kristina A. reviewed on 6/8/2023 + 1528 more book reviews

Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates has readers returning to Nags Head, North Carolina for Lucy and Connor's wedding. I like how everyone (family, friends, co-workers, and even a soon-to-be ex-wife) came together for the couple's wedding. There was a wrinkle or two during the day, but it was overall a wonderful wedding day which Lucy and Connor deserved. The murder of Aunt Joyce's plus one casts a shadow on the wedding weekend. I know Lucy was enjoying her wedding weekend, but I have a feeling that a murder was icing on the cake (she loves solving a whodunit). The force's newest detective, Detective North, is not happy with Lucy's sleuthing and is vocal in expressing his displeasure to Detective Sam Watson. The mystery was straightforward. It is a whodunit that can easily be solved early in the book. I did, though, enjoy following Lucy as she questioned people and searched for clues. I love Charlie's role in the takedown. I could envision the scene in my head and it had me laughing. Eva Gates has created a great cast of characters for this series. I like Lucy's curiosity. She has questions and Lucy likes to get answers. Lucy is a natural born sleuth. It is also what makes her a good librarian. I like how the characters are there for each other. Bertie may be Lucy's boss, but she is also a friend. The same goes for the rest of Lucy's coworkers. I understand Lucy's motivation for wanting to help Bertie's plus one, Eddie. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Nags Head, Lucy and Connor's new home, and Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. I like how the author likens the library to the TARDIS. There is no way the lighthouse could be big enough to house the library and Lucy's Lighthouse Aerie (now Louise Jane's). It gives readers a chance to use their imagination (I see this regular lighthouse on the outside with a beautiful, big library on the inside). Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the tenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but new readers will struggle in the beginning (gets easier the further you get into the story). I did find the pacing a little slow at times, especially in the beginning. In addition, there is repetition of information (case details, background on suspects and victim). Overall, though, I enjoyed my latest trip to the Outer Banks, and I am looking forward to my next visit. There is humor sprinkled throughout the story. Louise Jane provides several mirthful moments. I enjoyed the book club discussions about Edgar Allan Poe's stories (A Tell-Tale Heart is my favorite). I like how the death of Aunt Joyce's plus one related to The Cask of Amontillado. Death Knells and Wedding Bells takes readers to the Outer Banks with beautiful beaches, jovial nuptials, a snuffed out plus one, an absent date, a single-minded detective, and a probing bride.

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