This is a clean cozy mystery with books, cat (a Himalayan called Charles), a librarian, and a library in a lighthouse. Although it's part of a series, there's enough backstory woven into the plot that it works fine as a standalone. The ensemble cast is full of archetypal characters, but the author is skillful enough and the writing technically adept enough that the whole works very well. The plotting proceeds at a good clip, the murder (which happens off scene) is relatively gore-less and couldn't have happened to a more deserving scoundrel. (Even his wife hated him).
Despite her protestations to the contrary, main character Lucy gets drawn into solving the mystery. There's a coded cipher, a Civil War era map and journal and hints of a buried treasure. The language is very clean, nary a sh*t or d*mn to be seen. There is no sexual content (some chaste kisses, in context, but nothing racier).
This is, simply, a well written, readable, and enjoyable library cozy (with cat). There are also a number of fun bonus reading prompts referenced in the book which will lead the reader to other books and series. It's well worth a look for fans of the genre.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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