THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS is the fourth book in the Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series by Eva Gates. This story takes place around Halloween and there is a definite eerie vibe throughout THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS. One of the stories featured in the local reading group is Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," and there is heavy foreshadowing by Eva Gates. Multimillionaire Jay Ruddle is murdered, and several people make likely suspects. Librarian Lucy Richardson is drawn into the murder because of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library's connection to Jay Ruddle.

Many a library and academic were hot to get their hands on Jay Ruddle's historical documents to add to their collections. Whether or not that was what got him killed is something Lucy has to figure out. Ruddle's family life was littered with hidden animosities and other secrets and provides more than one person with an ax to grind. As Lucy tries to decipher the puzzle that was Jay's life and eventual murder, friends, family, and co-workers, once again step up to help Lucy with gathering clues. Thankfully, frequent nuisance and over-eager library volunteer Louise Jane McKaughnan is more of a source of entertainment in THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS rather than her usually obnoxious self. Louise Jane is still annoying but at tolerable levels. Local book collector, and Lucy's friend, Theodore Kowalski becomes enchanted by Jay's granddaughter Julia. The possibility of Julia's involvement in the death of her grandfather has Theodore begging Lucy for her help. Theodore seems like a slightly more sympathetic and interesting character in THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS than in previous stories, due to this amusingly awkward infatuation.

THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS is full of ghostly goodness, macabre machinations, and a jolly good time. As with the past few books in this series, Lucy's love life plays a minor role in this story. Lucy contemplates how strong her feelings for her boyfriend Connor are, and whether they're a good fit. Lucy's relationship with Connor acts as a contrast to the mixed-up love triangle between Theodore, Julia, and Greg. I look forward to the next, always entertaining Lighthouse Library mystery by Eva Gates.