Short Synopsis
After Lucy's life falls apart, she finds happiness working with her Aunt Ellen on Bodie Island . . . but a robbery and murder may threaten everything.

Full Synopsis
For ten years Lucy has enjoyed her job poring over rare tomes of literature for the Harvard Library, but she has not enjoyed the demands of her family's social whorl or her sort-of-engagement to the staid son of her father's law partner. But when her ten-year relationship implodes, Lucy realizes that the plot of her life is in need of a serious rewrite.

Calling on her Aunt Ellen, Lucy hopes that a little fun in the Outer Banks sun—and some confections from her cousin Josie's bakery—will help clear her head. But her retreat quickly turns into an unexpected opportunity when Aunt Ellen gets her involved in the lighthouse library tucked away on Bodie Island.

Lucy is thrilled to land a librarian job in her favorite place in the world. But when a priceless first edition Jane Austen novel is stolen and the chair of the library board is murdered, Lucy suddenly finds herself ensnared in a real-life mystery—and she's not so sure there's going to be a happy ending . . .

"This charming, entertaining, and smart series launch by Gates, who also writes under the Vicki Delany pen name, features an unusual (and real) setting and colorful cast of characters that set it apart from other bookish cozies." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"By Book or By Crook is a smart whodunit." ---Sofie Kelly, author of the Magical Cats mysteries

"A library in a lighthouse? And a cat? Sign me up! A fun read for all cozy fans." ---Laurie Cass, author of the Bookmobile Cat mysteries

"By Book or By Crook was a fun cozy." ---Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

Library Journal Review