READING UP A STORM is Book 3 in the Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series by Eva Gates. The murder mystery in this latest installment is set against a backdrop of dark stormy nights, suspicious flashing lights on the beach, shipwrecks, and tons of dubious characters. In a case of life imitating art for the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library reading group, their focus is on the books of Robert Louis Stevenson. Librarian and amateur sleuth Lucy Richardson has good reasons to jump into the murder investigation when suspicion falls on her new friend Stephanie and on Lucy's love interest and town mayor Connor McNeil.

One of the things that makes this Lighthouse Library series great for cozy mystery fans, is that Lucy is given the space to investigate. She doesn't have a hostile relationship with the local police, and she has the kind of job and boss who allow her to take time to hunt down clues and suspects. There are a lot of good suspects in READING UP A STORM, since the victim was not the kind of man who attracted ethical or caring people in his life. The people the victim surrounded himself with reflected who he was, and he did not leave a particularly favorable impression on those not close to him. Lucy has her work cut out for her trying to find out the identity of the murderer, which makes things more fun for the reader.

In READING UP A STORM there is an even mix of town locals and outsiders who play a major role in the murder investigation—both as a help and a hindrance. Since the victim was at one time a local, once again Lucy's Aunt Ellen is a fountain of information. Doug Whiteside makes a reappearance as Connor's slightly slimy mayoral competition, and whacky Louise Jane is back as Lucy's nemesis. Suspects range from the ditzy Marlene who adds a little humor to the story, to more sinister characters in the shadows. Eva Gates strikes a great balance between the humor and pinch of romance that make cozy mysteries so enjoyable, with more dangerous moments which add a jolt of adrenaline to READING UP A STORM.

READING UP A STORM is an atmospheric cozy with red herrings and a delightful dash of romance on the side. Supporting characters like Lucy's co-workers and Lucy's friend Butch give READING UP A STORM extra pizzazz. I look forward to the next Lighthouse Library mystery by Eva Gates.