Shot Through the Book is book 12 in The Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates but is easily read as a standalone novel. This was my first book in the series, and while it’s true that I was not familiar with the backstories of some of the characters, the background provided in the book was sufficient for me to not feel like I was missing out on a lot.
The story is told from the first person point-of-view of Lucy McNeil, an assistant director at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. When one of the authors who is attending an upcoming festival shows up at her house unexpectedly, and is then killed, she is immediately drawn into the mystery of his murder.
Shot Through the Book is set in the small coastal town of Nags Head, North Carolina, and as one might expect from a cozy mystery, there are lots of interesting characters in the town, and everyone knows everyone. This is even more the case because Lucy is married to the town’s current mayor.
In addition to the town’s regular characters, a few characters from outside the town show up as viable suspects in the mystery, and Lucy has her work cut out for her. Especially when the author’s widow starts causing trouble in town.
I found Shot Through the Book to be an engaging mystery that kept my attention from wandering, something that has been a problem for me this year, even when reading some of my favourite genres. And although I did spot the suspect rather early on, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the novel. After all, you can never really know if you’re right, unless you take a peek at the end of the book.
I would recommend Shot Through the Book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. It’s the perfect book for an evening (or two) at home with a good cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shot Through the Book will be available on May 6 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 