A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates

 

I read, and loved A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates. This series is set in a lighthouse library and has characters that I have come to love and feel like good friends. Through each book I feel more and more like a member of the community. I dove right in and could not put this one down. I loved the idea of the Librarians reunion and the "look back" at Library procedures over the years. I do remember joyfully filling out my card at the library as a child and still get excited at the site of the Vintage pocket and cards when I come across them at old book stores. 

If you are looking at a series that is full of fun, mystery, great books and a lovely sleuth then do check out Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Mystery Series.  

When her former director is found dead in the water, librarian Lucy Richardson will have to get to the bottom of the mystery before the killer ends her tale.

It's summertime in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bertie James's college class is having their 40th anniversary reunion. The opening night reception is held at the Lighthouse Library and Lucy and her colleagues have assembled an exhibit of library artifacts showing how libraries have changed over the years. After the reception, some of the women take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier, using flashlights to illuminate the dark path, but what's scarier than the dark is finding the former director of the Lighthouse Library floating lifeless in the water.

Helena Sanchez, the former director, wasn't much loved and spent the party being rude to almost everyone there. As a result, Lucy finds herself in deep water as she rocks the boat, questioning several suspects. But she'll have to batten down the hatches and fast before she's left high and dry...and right in the killer's crosshairs.

You can find this one on Amazon by clicking here. 

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy hear mystery. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

A Report From Left Coast Crime and A Lesson In Gratitude...

They say you should never meet your heroes, and after this weekend I cannot fathom why! I had the most amazing opportunity to attend Left Coast Crime here in Vancouver this weekend and I got to meet some of the most amazing people in the writing world, many who I have long respected, read and cherished, I got to see in the flesh. I was in complete awe, had many "fangirl" moments and very much inspired to return to work.

 Working on something that gives me a huge creative outlet, a great escape and the opportunity for joy is what writing, reading and blogging gives me. As readers of my blog you may already know that the last year has been very difficult for me as I have been trying to navigate my way through one of life's hardships and reflections. It has not even been a month yet since my father's passing and while I have taken quite a bit of time to mourn and process, and struggling with the realization that I am an orphan, I feel reborn and I have found that like spring I am feeling inspired to bloom again.

This past weekend I met, laughed, shared, ate and learned from some of the best in the business. I made memories I hope I never lose. I found a sense of not just belonging but acceptance in who I am, what I do and what I love. It was truly magical.

On Friday, I had an opportunity to share what I know and what I love with two people I have respected, and whom I have looked up too. Their books I have read and taken to heart and to whom I had a chance to entertain in a reciprocal way. 

The gracious nature of these literary heroes was not at all lost on me.

Posing for photos, waves and winks, hugs and handshakes, in that personal connection, not only did I get the opportunity to meet the authors but I got a chance to connect with the characters they created.

The words of encouragement, the engaging discussions, the professionalism and the perfect moments, kept coming and coming all weekend long.

It was an opportunity I can honestly say I never could have imagined and getting to share space and time with these amazing people, their positive energy, their creative mindsets and a chance to let them know just what a profound effect that their work has on readers like me was second to none.

It took a bit of courage on my part, placing anxiety and self doubt aside, to connect with and chat with and even get photos with those authors I so look up too and admire, boy am I glad I did. 

From the book room to the banquet hall gratitude, carried and overroad social anxiety.

Sometimes you leap and you fall, sometimes you leap and the net catches you, sometimes you leap and you are inspired. . .

Sometimes you leap and find the courage and then your hair fails you... Excitement over vanity...

Autographs and opportunities...

And a truly amazing time had by all. 

Thank you all for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy look back at Left Coast Crime 2019. Thank you to all my sisters in crime for making this happen! I look forward to reading, reviewing and continuing writing. 

May you all take that chance, to meet your heroes. 

I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates...

Today I am reviewing a book that I am so grateful to Crooked Lane Books for publishing. The Lighthouse Library Series by Author Eva Gates is one of my most favorite. I have always loved lighthouses and have dreamed of living in one, so when the series came out about a librarian who lived in a lighthouse library I knew this was a book I had to read. I actually bought the series and to see this one picked up and saved by Crooked Lane Books makes my heart soar. In Spook in the Stacks the amazing  Library Crew, Book Club and fabulous Mayor are back and it is Halloween. Favorite time of year for me and to read it on one of the hottest days on record here was a welcome reprieve. I was easily transported to the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the fog and the mist, the mystery and a bit of imagination made the words Eva wrote jump of the page with just that much more meaning. I loved this book. The mystery I did not figure out until the big reveal and my heart just was so full when I finished reading it. This is a cozy lovers delight, a lighthouse enthusiasts treat and a very good read!

This book is out June 12th! 

Halloween in North Carolina’s Outer Banks becomes seriously tricky when librarian Lucy Richardson stumbles across something extra unusual in the rare books section: a dead body.Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, but the competition for the collection is fierce. Unfortunately, while the library is hosting a lecture on ghostly legends, Jay becomes one of the dearly departed in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy Richardson and her fellow librarians to bone up on their detective skills and discover who is responsible for this wicked Halloween homicide. Meanwhile, very strange things are happening at the library—haunted horses are materializing in the marsh, the lights seem to have an eerie life of their own, and the tiny crew of a model ship appears to move around when no one is watching. Is Lucy at her wit’s end? Or can it be that the Bodie Island Lighthouse really is haunted? 

You can preorder on Amazon.com by clicking here.( I am not an amazon affiliate and I don't get paid if you do. )
Thank you for joining me here for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

On My Table And In My Cup January 23rd to 30th

Well another busy week in come and gone and some lovely things have been on my table.  My friend Daniela dropped off a hot chocolate complete with a chocolate marshmallow ball as I had to miss our tea date with two sick boys at home. The mail man kindly stopped by with some books I had ordered and I spent most of Friday night reading Fran Stewart's A Wee Dose of Death.

Along with books, my mail man brought me a surprise treat from my friend Karen in Toronto, I felt very blessed to have so many thoughtful friends.

I read a few stories this week and Geared for the Grave  by Duffy Brown was a delightful surprise, I have never wanted to "high-five" a main character as much as I did at the end of Geared for the Grave.

Gone by Midnight is an eclectic collection of Joyce and Jim Lavene's short stories.

Reading up a Storm by Eva Gates was a wonderful weekend escape, I do love books with lighthouses in one and in Eva Gates book the lighthouse really is a character all on its own.

Looks like I have another wonderful weekend of reading ahead of me. Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery week in review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Reading Up A Storm, A Tremendous Third Addition To The Lighthouse Library Mystery Series

I spent the weekend reading and thoroughly enjoying Eva Gate's Reading Up A Storm this weekend. Though truth be told we had only rain and not that massive Winter Storm our friends in the East got. I took every stolen opportunity to sit and read this very enchanting book about a lighthouse that is also a library. I adore the idea and this series.

"Misfortune blows into North Carolina s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery...." After a successful party at Bodie Island s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast. The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won t be so easy..."

As covers go this one is a fantastic one. When I first saw the cover art for Book or By Crook, it was the cover that made me order it and I am so glad I did, the cover art is important to me and it really does set the scene in this series. I can imagine where Lucy's Apartment sits, the patrons in the library, the reading club areas and the lovely library cat.  

In 72 more days you yourself will see what I mean about Reading Up a Storm. I found myself captivated by the story and even as it unfolded I was amazed at the twists and turns the mystery took, who the killer was, was not even on my radar until the very end. I hope this series becomes more then just a trilogy as I felt like I was only just getting re acquainted with my old friends as the story comes to a close. 
I really loved and appreciated this story, for the way it took me away and the emotions it evoked. I also can not help but imagine what it would be like to live in a light house, something I always wanted to do since I was a very young girl. I have a small collection of little lighthouses to keep me company while I enjoy the very thought. Imagine the tea parties and weddings I could host....but that is a story for another time. 
Pre Order Reading Up A Storm from the Book Depository by clicking here.
or on Amazon for Kindle by clicking here.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Friday Morning Tea, Cake and Lighthouse Cozy Mysteries...

Cake for breakfast this morning and a spot of Heavenly Creme Tea too.

This morning I am thinking of two wonderful lighthouse series and this one is a particular favorite. Eva Gates has A Lighthouse Library Mystery series that is such a delight. The third one is out this April this is book three and I so hope that this series continues! Click here to order Reading Up A Storm.

Ellery Adams Books by the Bay Mystery Series is another great lighthouse themed series. I still would love the opportunity to stay in a lighthouse or even own one. The history they hold with in their walls the stories they must have. There is a place in Oregon I would love to go for a retreat one day and so many more I would love to see and stand at the foot of.
If you know of any Lighthouse Cozy Mysteries I should know about do please share them with me here. I am looking forward to reading Reading Up A Storm only 76 more days until it is released!
Thank you for joining me for A Cup of Tea and A Cozy Mystery. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Who Are The 5 Authors You Would Love To Sit Down To Tea With?

A little over a year ago I posed the question of If you could have any 5 authors to tea who would they be and why?

It is a simple question with endless possibilities and something I will admit I have spent a great deal of time thinking about. I have a I will admit picked several sets of 5 to entertain if I could and I even know what I would serve! Honestly to sit down with any combination of cozy mystery authors would be a delight. I would invite all of my favorites and I am pretty sure I would have enough tea cups and saucers for them as well!

If I could put together the perfect tea party in sets of 5 for a tea party with me I would love to have so many authors who I would love to thank personally for how their work profoundly influenced my life: There are however more then a dozen I would love to have come to tea.  I did not realize when it comes down to naming names just how hard and how much fun it would be to host so many wonderful authors in sets of 5.

For this post and in no particular order the first set of five,  I would add would be Lorraine Barrlett ( by any of her names) for it was her Book Town Mystery Series that really brought me to love this genre of cozy mysteries. Next to her would be Ellery Adams, I really was enchanted by her Charmed Pie Shop Mysteries first and then came to love her new Book Retreat Mysteries, then would come Heather Blake her witchy tales and even her romance books are among some of my most favorite. beside her Amanda Cooper (by any of her names also) so we could discuss her Teapot Collector Series in person and rhen Terrie Farley Moran from the Read Em and Eat Mystery series.

At Table two I would put Joyce and Jim Lavene, Hannah Read ( by any of her names as well) Miranda James( By any of his names as well) Lucy Arlington( by any of her names though Ellery is at table one, so Susan Furlong would have to sit in as she is also so amazing)

Then table three would be Krista Davis, Christy Fifield, Melissa Bourbon, Juliet Blackwell and Eva Gates( by any other name as well) . I admit this exercise is harder then I would expect it to have been even for make believe, I wonder if in real life these Authors know or even all like each other but more importantly I wonder what they would all talk about...such a fun thing to think about. I imagine myself flitting between tables refilling cups and sharing some of my most favorite recipes with each of them.

I think it is fun to imagine what it would be like to sit down and talk with all of these amazing authors and so many I have not mentioned here but would love to have come to tea. I feel like I have already in many ways as I have welcomed them all many times to my tea table.
So I would love to know who you would invite to your tea table for 6, the 5 authors you would pair and why. Leave me a comment below or email me for fun. This exercise is not to leave anyone out and just for fun. I would be honored to host any cozy mystery author, blogger or any of you for tea anytime. I thank you so much for joining me here today and hope to hear what you think as well.
Enjoy your day. Sip your tea and imagine along with me...until tomorrow.

Eva Gates Booked For Trouble A Library Lighthouse and Apartment, I am ready to move in!

I stayed up late last night to finish reading Booked for Trouble by Eva Gates. This is the second book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series and a very enjoyable read. This book picks up where the first one By Book or By Crook left off and this summer based story was the perfect long weekend read. The story focus on main character Lucy who has moved to live and work at the Bodie Island Lighthouse as a librarian and gets the added bonus of living on site! How wonderful would that be!
In this story her mother visits from Boston and stirs up a whole mess of trouble for Lucy.

Lucy who has become quite settled and adjusted in Outer Banks has no desire to return to Boston and marry to please her mother. As in all cozy mystery stories a Murder occurs and Lucy and her mother get tangled in the story. Lucy fights to not only stay in Outer Banks and build her life at the Lighthouse but also for her relationship with her mother.

This is a good read, story about mothers and daughters and life all wrapped up in a cozy mystery.
To find out more about the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series and Eva Gates please click here. 
To order a copy of Booked for Trouble from the Book Depository (Like I did with free shipping) please click here. 

To order the first book by Book or by Crook please click here.
Thank you for joining me for A Cup of Tea and A Cozy Mystery Review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

On My Table And In My Cup August 29th to September 5th

New on my table this week and just under the wire is Eva Gates latest Lighthouse Library Mystery. I  love lighthouses as much as I love witches so this is a wonderful series in my books. This one is not paranormal just a really fun read. I am excited to continue reading more of this today! To find out more about this Eva Gate's Lighthouse Library Mystery series please click here. 

Yesterday I went to the PNE here in Vancouver and picked up the most wonderful Mini Doughnuts. A tradition here and pretty much what I ate for dinner last night is what you see in that bag! Waiting for me along with Eva Gates book was The Witches Spell Book I ordered also from the Book Depoistory. I love this little book and it looks great on the table and packs well in my purse! Click here to learn more about this fun little book. 

These little doughnuts were still warm when we brought them home and paired really nicely with my Earl Grey Tea....still dreaming about the doughnuts thrilled it is only once a year or they would be a very bad habit for me!

Also on my table this week from www.dragonmoon.ca I ordered this cast iron cauldron in the shape of a teapot with a Celtic symbol on the front. I love this little teapot! I also ordered some Lavender Sweet Grass for Smudging. It smells delightful. There are some truly wonderful items on the Dragon Moon website for witch enthusiasts like me or practicing pagans. This is a Canadian Shop and it ships world wide. I was happy to find it and their customer service is fantastic.   

I finished Carol J. Perry's book Look Both Ways this week as well and I am just thrilled to have been able to get an ARC of this book. Out in November this is a great series!

This long weekend marks the end of summer for us and school starts on Tuesday. What a wonderful summer we have had and I am amazed at all we have seen, all that we have done and all that I have had the pleasure of reading. I am delighted and amazed as I look back as well this summer as to how much this page has grown. I am so thankful to have each and everyone of you join me for A cup of tea and a Cozy Mystery each day. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates Was Worth Waiting For!

 

 I pre ordered Eva Gate's new first in series By Book Or By Crook based on the cover art alone. I stalked our mail man for more then a week waiting for it to arrive, it was so worth it. I am I will admit a sucker for a book cover with a light house and a cat.  I was so very thrilled with this first in series and felt like I could not put it down.

The main character Lucy impressed me right away, I loved that she was perfect and flawed at the same time. Confident and yet vulnerable and  this "who done it mystery" did keep me guessing until the end. The idea of a library housed in a light house with an apartment at the top was delightful to picture and imagine visiting.

There are so many characters in this book. From the Mayors office to the bakery back to the library it's self, colorful and intriguing so many characters to enjoy.  I hope their introduction in this first in series means that there are more juicy small town gossip and mishaps on the way. Eva Gate's Second book in the series Booked For Trouble is due out in September and I am definitely going to order it! Check out By Book or By Crook by clicking here. 
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com