Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Lighthouse Library Mystery #10

 

Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th Lighthouse library mystery by Eva Gates. Released 6th June 2023 by Crooked Lane, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out second quarter 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a clean cozy mystery featuring real-life book recommendations scattered throughout the story, a cat (a Himalayan called Charles Dickens), a newlywed librarian main character, a library in a lighthouse (which doesn't really feature centrally in this installment). 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 eccentric small town characters, but the author is skillful enough and the writing technically adept enough that the whole works well enough. It's evenly plotted, if -quite- tropey: an absent minded Latin professor who shouldn't ever be allowed off leash and a smattering of less-than-reputable small-time actors and thoroughly unpleasant in-laws and hangers-on.

The language is squeaky clean, no cursing whatsoever. The denouement and resolution were satisfying and there were some last minute twists which added a nice coda to the ending. Since there are 10 books extant in the series (and no signs of slowing down), it would make a good candidate for a long binge or buddy read. 

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. I also liked that the author highlights the fun and social aspects of book clubs. Talking about books with other book lovers adds another whole level of enjoyment. It's well worth a look for fans of the genre.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and 37 minutes and is well read by series narrator  Elise Arsenault. She has a husky alto voice and does a good job of keeping a considerable cast of characters distinct and easy to follow. This is a dialogue heavy book and I didn't get mixed up or have to go back and re-listen to keep up. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.