I was given a free e-copy of this novel by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have not read anything by Eva Gates before, and this is number 8 in the series.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse Librarian Lucy Richardson and Mayor/dentist Connor McNeil have announced their engagement. Lucy's cousin Josie conducts an engagement party for the two, mainly just friends and family, when two unexpected people arrive. Lucy's ex-fiancée Richard Eric Lewiston III and his mother Evangeline, a pushy and overbearing Boston socialite who believe Ricky and Lucy are meant to be. In the hopes of getting Lucy to see the error of her ways, Evangeline throws a dinner party of her own at Jake's Seafood Bar. Unfortunately, a body is found outside the kitchen door, and Lucy must don her amateur detective hat. While investigating, the book club starts reading The Hound of the Baskervilles and Lucy has temporary custody of a small dog named Fluffy. Charles, the librarian cat, is not a fan.
I really liked this story. I would not recommend this novel as a standalone. There are references to past books, but nothing that overly affects this novel. The references are more like vague ghostly gestures, however if readers are like me and want to watch character development as well as the various developments than starting at the beginning is best. The romance of the novel never overrode the main plot of the novel, which was my favorite part. It flowed seamlessly throughout the novel as an extra piece in the lives of everyone.
The main mystery was well-written and never once felt rushed. I felt that the clues were well placed and spread out smoothly like in a play. I will admit I had a suspicion about the murder but it wasn't until later in the novel, so it didn't jump out right away. It also wasn't overly graphic, but it wasn't boring either. It was the quintessential cozy mystery.
I also liked the parallels between The Hound of the Baskervilles and this novel. Again, it wasn't over powering and this isn't a normal pastiche, but it was interwoven quite beautifully. I especially liked the addition of the small fluff dog adequately named Fluffy.
Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and plan to read the early books in order.
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