A Day in the Life of Lucy Richardson by Eva Gates

Feb 3, 2015 | A Day In My Life

By Book or By Crook It’s hard to believe I’m actually here, living and working in the Outer Banks! Things have moved so fast over the last few days, I can scarcely catch my breath.

Was it only a few days ago that I fled that fancy restaurant in Boston, leaving my long-long-long time boyfriend, Richard Eric Lewison III down on one knee with a blue box in hand and a bottle of Moet et Chandon cooling in a silver bucket?

My phone started ringing almost immediately. Of course, Ricky would have called my mom right away to let her know what had happened. Our relationship, and long-hoped for nuptials, were desired more by Mom and Ricky’s mother Evangeline than by either of us.

I did it! Not only did I leave Ricky on bended knee, but I quit my job at the Harvard Library the next day, and fled to my favorite place in all the world. The Outer Banks of North Carolina.

I think that’s probably the first impulsive thing I’ve done my all my thirty years.

My plan (what I had of one) was to spend some time with Aunt Ellen and Uncle Amos in their beach house, lazing about enjoying summer by the ocean while taking time to sort out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I should have known that Aunt Ellen isn’t one for allowing anyone to laze about. She invited her oldest and dearest friend Albertina James to tea. Bertie James just happens to be a library director, and I just happen to be a librarian.

Before I knew what was happening, I’d been offered a job. And I’d accepted.

Not a job at any old public library either, but at one of the gems of the coast: the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.

Yup, a library in a historic old lighthouse.

Can it get any better than that? Yes, actually it can. The job comes with an apartment. A very small apartment to be sure, but one right in the lighthouse itself. I love it, it’s absolutely tiny and perfect with a view across the marshes and the beach and far out to sea. I call it my lighthouse aerie. There’s a cat living in the library by the name of Charles, named for Mr. Dickens. Charles seems to be eying my apartment, and I suspect he won’t be content with a litter box in the closet for much longer.

I’m very nervous today. Tonight’s a big night at the Lighthouse Library as we’re holding a fancy reception for friends of the library and board members prior to the opening tomorrow of our special summer exhibit: a complete set of Jane Austen first editions. As well as the books themselves, I suspect Bertie has an extra surprise up her sleeve.

I sure hope nothing goes wrong to spoil the evening.

You can read more about Lucy in By Book or By Crook, the first book in the new “Lighthouse Library” mystery series, published by Obsidian.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on February 10 for the chance to win a copy of BY BOOK OR BY CROOK. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes.

About the author
Eva Gates is the author of the Lighthouse Library cozy series from Penguin Obsidian, set in a historic lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, featuring Boston-transplant librarian, and highly reluctant sleuth, Lucy Richardson. The first in the series, By Book or By Crook, was released in February 2015. Eva is the pen name of bestselling author Vicki Delany, one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers. Eva can be found at www.lighthouselibrarymysteries.com and Vicki at www.vickidelany.com

118 Comments

candace knight on February 3, 2015 at 1:15 am

This sounds like a really good book. I love books with a library as the main place.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 7:59 am
  
  Libraries are such great places to meet interesting people, aren’t they?
mary robinson on February 3, 2015 at 1:26 am

I WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Patricia Allen on February 3, 2015 at 1:36 am

This book looks really interesting and fun, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 7:59 am
  
  Good luck, Mary
  - Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 8:00 am
    
    And good luck to Patricia too!
bookwoman on February 3, 2015 at 1:38 am

I am really looking foreword to reading this one. Libraries and Lighthouses are a great combo
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 8:00 am
  
  It’s an ideal setting!
ktbeeblog on February 3, 2015 at 1:51 am

I love the Outer Banks, work in a library, & want to read this book. I just adore lighthouses , especially the one at Hatteras. I definitely need this book & the lighthouse series on my TBR list.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 8:01 am
  
  Lighthouses are wonderful things, aren’t they?
noraadrienne on February 3, 2015 at 2:04 am

This book hits all my buttons, Outer Banks, Lighthouse, Cat, and family close enough to hang out with.

Toss my hat into the contest ring please Dru.
Barbara Tobey on February 3, 2015 at 2:05 am

Sounds like a perfect combination to me…library and lighthouse.
Jen on February 3, 2015 at 2:14 am

By Book or By Crook sounds awesome, and the cover is lovely. Please enter me in the giveaway. myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you
flash292014 on February 3, 2015 at 4:47 am

I’m looking forward to reading “By Book or By Crook” and glad that the contest is open to Canadians. 😉
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 8:02 am
  
  Of course it is, Flash! Did you read my bio?
  - flash292014 on February 3, 2015 at 9:09 am
    
    The wink would have made more sense if I’d signed in with my name rather than the Word Press user name.
    
    Elaine (in Ottawa) – flash29@sympatico.ca
sallycootie on February 3, 2015 at 5:04 am

A lighthouse in a library is a fascinating idea. And good for you not saying yes when your heart said no.
sarah on February 3, 2015 at 5:20 am

i can’t wait to read this – it’s been on my TBR list for ages!
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 11:56 am
  
  Thanks Sarah. I hope you enjoy the book
kuzlin on February 3, 2015 at 6:01 am

Love trying new series. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
Stephanie Koenig on February 3, 2015 at 6:14 am

Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Sheila K. on February 3, 2015 at 6:34 am

I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Gram on February 3, 2015 at 6:34 am

Books, library, Outer Banks – delightful.
Beverly Guy on February 3, 2015 at 6:39 am

Looks like an awesome book with the cute cat on the cover and the book and the ocean….three things I love…..and the lighthouse is awesome. Can’t wait to read this. Thanks for the review Dru!
griperang on February 3, 2015 at 7:23 am

I would love to win this book. I enjoy book related mysteries. I love the lighthouse on the cover.
Debbie Carnes on February 3, 2015 at 7:38 am

Sounds like a great book, I love lighthouses and love the one on the cover. Would love to read this
Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 7:58 am

Thanks, Dru Ann, for inviting Lucy to speak! I hope everyone enjoys the book. And good luck to all.
- Dru on February 3, 2015 at 9:11 am
  
  Thanks Eva (Vicki) for introducing Lucy to my readers.
Dawn Frazier on February 3, 2015 at 7:59 am

I can’t wait to read this one!
Amy Gill on February 3, 2015 at 8:10 am

As a wish-to-be a librarian and a lover of the outer banks myself, i really want this book. It sounds perfect.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 8:26 am
  
  Thanks, Amy. I hope it meets your expectations. I had great fun discovering the Outer Banks
Debbie Price on February 3, 2015 at 8:15 am

Living on the outer banks, in a library lighthouse….heaven! I’d love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway!
Lisa Brown on February 3, 2015 at 8:22 am

Looks fantastic! Hope to get a chance to read it 🙂
Marjorie Roy on February 3, 2015 at 8:22 am

I really like the storyline and the book cover and would love to read this novel.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 10:30 am
  
  isn’t the cover gorgeous! I can’t wait to see what they do with the next book.
amy c on February 3, 2015 at 8:25 am

Looks like the makings of a very charming series!
Mary Jane Hopper on February 3, 2015 at 9:22 am

Sounds like a great book.
Robin Coxon on February 3, 2015 at 9:36 am

I’d love to win a copy of this book. The storyline has drawn me in and makes the book very desirable. robeader53@yahoo.com
Wendy Lee on February 3, 2015 at 9:51 am

This book sounds GREAT! Added to my wish list because I have to have it even if I don’t win!
Pat on February 3, 2015 at 9:52 am

This sounds like a new series that I would love to start reading. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 10:30 am
  
  Thanks for entering, Pat
Barbara daley on February 3, 2015 at 9:53 am

This book sounds great. So many favorite things…library, Jane Austen, lighthouse and ocean. Doesn’t get any better. Thanks for the opportunity!
anne on February 3, 2015 at 9:53 am

Wonderful giveaway. Great feature and fabulous author. Thanks.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 10:32 am
  
  Thanks, Anne
Barbara Hackel on February 3, 2015 at 10:19 am

What could be more perfect than the Outer Banks plus a lighthouse plus a mystery? Well winning the book, but not much else! Sounds like a wonderful series and I can’t wait to read the first book. Thanks Eva and Dru for this opportunity! Love Drus Book Musings!!
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 10:31 am
  
  Dru is the greatest!
Betty on February 3, 2015 at 10:23 am

This book sounds great and I love the cover~I’d like to be at the Outer Banks right now~beautiful area! Thank you for the contest!
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 10:32 am
  
  The beach sounds pretty good to me too, Betty.
marylouh on February 3, 2015 at 10:28 am

Love books about libraries.
thanks.
charlene capodice on February 3, 2015 at 10:37 am

thanks for the chance to win what promises to be a good read!
Daniele K on February 3, 2015 at 11:05 am

Thank you for the giveaway. This looks the start of a nice series.
Ann on February 3, 2015 at 11:13 am

Another great library sleuth plus a gorgeous location, and from a great author–couldn’t ask for more.
jamlambert on February 3, 2015 at 11:15 am

This sounds like a wonderful start for a new series. IT certainly has everything I could want!
Linda MH on February 3, 2015 at 11:29 am

Would love to give this book a try. Thanks for the chance to win!
Betty Jo English on February 3, 2015 at 11:29 am

Grew up climbing lighthouses on the outer banks of North Carolina. So excited to read mystery about them.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 11:57 am
  
  Lighthouses are just wonderful things!
Ruth Nixon on February 3, 2015 at 11:50 am

What’s not to like for a lover of books and lighthouses. would enjoyed adding this book to my tbr pile. Hope I hope for more in the series.Thanks for chance to win it.
Debbie S on February 3, 2015 at 11:52 am

Sounds great, I visited the Outer Banks once and loved it, I hope to get back there some day. Thanks for the chance to win.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 11:58 am
  
  Isn’t that one of the great things about reading! You can go places without ever leaving home.
Allison on February 3, 2015 at 11:56 am

I love the Outer Banks especially in off times. Also, love libraries and cozy mysteries, so this series sounds perfect for my mom and me.
- Eva Gates on February 3, 2015 at 11:57 am
  
  Thanks, Allison. I hope you enjoy the book.
Libby Dodd on February 3, 2015 at 11:56 am

What a wonderful premise.
Anita Miles on February 3, 2015 at 12:03 pm

Thank you for the chance to enjoy your book!
Anita Miles on February 3, 2015 at 12:23 pm

I am so ready to read this book
Maureen on February 3, 2015 at 1:11 pm

Ms. Gates, Congratulations on launching your new series. This sounds utterly charming and delightful – and there’s an Austen aspect. Woot!
- Eva Gates on February 4, 2015 at 11:30 am
  
  Thanks, Maureen. I enjoyed learning more about Jane Austen also.
Vivian Shane on February 3, 2015 at 1:47 pm

This book sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Victoria on February 3, 2015 at 1:51 pm

No, it can’t get any better than that!
Becky Prazak on February 3, 2015 at 2:02 pm

Sounds like a great book
Anita Yancey on February 3, 2015 at 2:17 pm

It sounds like a delightful book. I love the pretty cover. Thanks for this chance to win it.
Jenne on February 3, 2015 at 2:27 pm

OMG – another series featuring a librarian detective! Thanks for the tip off – I must get this on my to be read list immediately 🙂
- Eva Gates on February 4, 2015 at 11:31 am
  
  I hope you enjoy it, Jenne.
carolee888 on February 3, 2015 at 2:39 pm

Can’t believe that she quit her job at the Harvard library! I have never heard of a lighthouse library before. Think this author has imagination! Thank you for the chance!
Sandy Todd on February 3, 2015 at 4:07 pm

Lighthouses, like covered bridges are things I am at awe with. Thank you Eva and Dru for the chance to win!
- Eva Gates on February 4, 2015 at 11:31 am
  
  Hum… I am thinking.. the covered bridge mystery series?
Marilyn Watson on February 3, 2015 at 4:15 pm

Lighthouses…I’m in….thanks for the giveaway…
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Patricia on February 3, 2015 at 4:21 pm

Thanks, Dru and Lucy/Eva! This is one I definitely want to read!
Cat on February 3, 2015 at 4:39 pm

This sounds like a great beginning to a new series. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the chance to win.
suekey12 on February 3, 2015 at 4:40 pm

I’d love to visit a lighthouse—and a library in one—great!!!!
Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Dotty Kelley on February 3, 2015 at 4:42 pm

A library in a lighthouse…so cool !
Michelle Fidler on February 3, 2015 at 4:44 pm

A library lighthouse sounds wonderful. I love the cover.
Patti.S. on February 3, 2015 at 6:35 pm

Sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Christi K on February 3, 2015 at 6:59 pm

I can’t wait to read this book. I love libraries and lighthouses! cking78503@aol.com
melanie on February 3, 2015 at 6:59 pm

I saw this at Barnes & Noble this afternoon — I’m a retired librarian, I love lighthouses, and — Jane Austen! Can’t wait to read it. Thank you so much for the giveaway.
teabird on February 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm

Can’t wait ! I’m a retired librarian, I love lighthouses, and – Jane Austen! Thank you for the giveaway.
Joan V. on February 3, 2015 at 8:55 pm

I love a cozy mystery with a library and a librarian sleuth. Thank you for the giveaway.
Jan Johnson on February 3, 2015 at 9:00 pm

Oh my! The Outer Banks, a lighthouse, a library (in the lighthouse, no less), and a mystery to be solved – who could ask for more! Can’t wait to read this!
Kavitha on February 3, 2015 at 10:36 pm

Love it – count me in, I would love to read this new series!
Kaye Killgore on February 3, 2015 at 11:24 pm

I would love to read this book.
Cynthia E. Blain on February 3, 2015 at 11:50 pm

Books that have a connection to Boston or other areas of Massachusetts are always on my list of books that I just HAVE to read. Can’t wait to get A Day In The Life…..
Cynthia
Alicia Farage on February 4, 2015 at 9:00 am

I cannot wait to read this one!
Eva Gates on February 4, 2015 at 11:32 am

So many librarians on this list. I love it! Love librarians.
kayk597 on February 4, 2015 at 10:28 pm

Wow! Lighthouse and library, someone else shares my idea of heaven. This sounds like a super new series, I will be reading this one!
- Eva Gates on February 5, 2015 at 10:00 am
  
  Thanks Kaye! It is pretty close to heaven.
cyn209 on February 5, 2015 at 7:56 am

Yays!! A new cozy series!!!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
- Eva Gates on February 5, 2015 at 10:01 am
  
  Thanks, Cyn. I hope you enjoy the book.
Robin Driscoll on February 5, 2015 at 10:10 am

Love the cover and this interview!
Joann Hunter on February 5, 2015 at 6:42 pm

I love it!
Anita Miles on February 5, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Can’t wait to read this book
cjreynolds52 on February 5, 2015 at 8:38 pm

Heard this is a great book.
Nancy Roessner on February 5, 2015 at 8:39 pm

This sounds like a winner all the way around.
Nancy M. on February 5, 2015 at 9:35 pm

A library in a lighthouse– I LOVE it!!
Terri Crossley on February 5, 2015 at 10:06 pm

I have heard so many good things about this book! Thanks for the chance!
Barbara Hawk on February 6, 2015 at 1:36 am

Sounds great! Love lighthouses and libraries! Thanks for the chance!
Heather S on February 6, 2015 at 11:58 am

Crossing my fingers and toes I win 🙂
Sandy Hemsher on February 6, 2015 at 12:14 pm

My friend read this book and loved it so I’m next
- Eva Gates on February 6, 2015 at 1:03 pm
  
  Thanks for letting us know, Sandy. And thanks to your friend!
Leni on February 6, 2015 at 1:33 pm

I really want to read this. I’m a library clerk and do love a good library setting for a book! 😉
Yifat on February 6, 2015 at 7:34 pm

Loving books as much as I do, this one really sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win it. I think this might be a great start to a new series.
jess dimovski on February 6, 2015 at 8:57 pm

Great title to add to my TBR list
bmary8222 on February 6, 2015 at 10:53 pm

Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win. Sounds like a great book.
Cynthia E. Blain on February 6, 2015 at 11:23 pm

Just found out that we may be going to the Outer Banks this spring if I am able to travel by then, (a long year of recovery) and this would be delightful to read prior to the trip. Thank you for the opportunity.
Cynthia
jagjhd on February 7, 2015 at 12:24 pm

I love libraries and would love to live near a beach one day. Sounds like a perfect cozy for me.
ladyjanel on February 8, 2015 at 5:53 pm

Love the artwork on the cover and the book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the chance.
Meg C on February 8, 2015 at 8:03 pm

Sounds like a great beginning to what I’m sure will be a great new series. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win.
Melody Gonser on February 9, 2015 at 5:00 am

I love lighthouses. The cover of “By Book or by Crook” is wonderful. The colors are appealing and I love the story on the cover. Thank you for your giveaway.
woofmew on February 10, 2015 at 2:45 am

can’t wait to read this one! and i LOVE the cover!
Dru on February 10, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Thanks Vicki for commenting and interacting with my readers.

Contest is closed.