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The best way to read Eva Gates, a pen name of Canadian author Vicki Delany, is by publication order. She is best known for the Lighthouse Library Mysteries, which combine charming seaside settings, a lovable librarian sleuth, and page-turning whodunits. Below, you’ll find all her reading orders explained, complete book lists, recommended reading order, and FAQs.
Publication Order
Eva Gates writes primarily the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. Here is the complete publication order.
Lighthouse Library Mysteries
The series is set in the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where librarian Lucy Richardson solves murders among the stacks.
- By Book or by Crook (2015) – Lucy leaves Boston and starts anew at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
- Booked for Trouble (2015) – Trouble arrives when Lucy’s mother visits, and a murder follows.
- Reading Up a Storm (2016) – A storm strands Lucy and friends with a killer in their midst.
- The Spook in the Stacks (2018) – Ghost stories and a wealthy donor’s death shake the library.
- Something Read, Something Dead (2019) – A bridal shower turns deadly for Lucy’s cousin.
- Read and Buried (2019) – Construction uncovers a diary linked to murder.
- A Death Long Overdue (2020) – A reunion of former librarians ends with a shocking death.
- Deadly Ever After (2021) – Wedding bells ring, but so does a murder investigation.
- Death by Beach Read (2022) – Lucy and Connor move into a beach house haunted by secrets.
- Death Knells and Wedding Bells (2023) – Lucy’s own wedding is at risk when a murder occurs.
- The Stranger in the Library (2024) – A visiting rare book expert becomes the center of a deadly mystery.
Chronological Order
For Eva Gates, the chronological order matches publication order. Each book continues the timeline of Lucy’s life, career, and relationships. There are no prequels or time shifts, so readers can simply follow publication order to get the full story arc.
Recommended Reading Order
When readers ask about “reading order,” they may wonder if they can start in the middle or if they should begin from book one. The best approach is:
- Start with By Book or by Crook to meet Lucy, her library colleagues, and the Outer Banks setting.
- Proceed in publication order to follow character relationships, especially Lucy’s romance with Connor and her evolving library work.
- While each mystery can stand alone, the background storylines (family, friendships, romance) are best experienced sequentially.
Complete Book Series List
Here’s a complete checklist of Eva Gates’s works under this pen name:
- Lighthouse Library Mysteries (11 books, 2015–2024; ongoing)
Although Vicki Delany writes multiple other cozy mystery series under her own name, the Eva Gates pen name is exclusively for the Lighthouse Library Mysteries.
Upcoming / Latest Release
The latest release is The Stranger in the Library (2024). As of now, the Lighthouse Library Mysteries remain ongoing, and fans can expect more titles in the coming years, as Eva Gates has maintained a steady publishing pace since 2015.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about Eva Gates books in order.
How many Eva Gates books are there?
There are currently 11 books in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries (2015–2024).
Is the Lighthouse Library series finished?
No, it is ongoing, with new titles continuing to be released.
What order should I read Eva Gates books?
Read them in publication order, starting with By Book or by Crook.
Are the books standalone?
Each mystery can be enjoyed on its own, but the character development is richer if read in order.
Is Eva Gates the same as Vicki Delany?
Yes, Eva Gates is a pen name used by Vicki Delany for the Lighthouse Library series.
Where are the books set?
The series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with much of the action inside a real-life-inspired lighthouse library.
Related Series You May Like
Fans of Eva Gates (Vicki Delany) often enjoy similar cozy mystery series, including Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mysteries, Kate Carlisle’s Bibliophile Mysteries, and Paige Shelton’s Scottish Bookshop Mysteries.