October Fest

Murder by Month Mystery #6

by Jess Lourey

Beer and polka music reign supreme at Octoberfest, Battle Lake's premier fall festival. To kick off the celebrations, the town hosts a public debate between the two congressional candidates: straight-laced Arnold Swydecker, and slippery incumbent, Sarah Glokkmann. As a reporter for the Battle Lake Recall, Mira James is roped into writing up the word war. But the festive mood sours when a well-known Glokkmann-bashing blogger is found dead . . . and the congresswoman herself meets a gruesome fate.

To keep the heat off her best friend's fiance--an ex-con reporter--Mira wades through the candidates' dirty laundry, their unsavory secrets, and some murderous mudslinging to expose the killer.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Humor, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

229 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

My name is Jess Lourey, and I write about secrets.

The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.

I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.

I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.

p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.

Reviews

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The humorous saga of Mira James and her Battle Lake cohorts continues with book #6 in the Murder by Month series. To say that I love these prominent characters would be an understatement. I am completely addicted to their nonsense and shenanigans, especially Mrs. Berns. I have been enjoying the progression of Mira's character through the books, and I think she may have finally found her true calling. We'll see how the November book plays out. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing between a few shady suspects. My only wish was for even more laughs. It was a quick, easy read and welcomed addition to the series. As always, I look forward to the next book!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for granting me digital access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

October Fest begins with Mira, in her role as reporter, covering a debate between two congressional candidates. When one of the other reporters is killed, Mira agrees to help clear a man's name. Hijinks commence.

The author uses this novel to bash those who lean toward conservative politcal views, like she used August Moon to excoriate people of faith. She beats hard on the liberal agenda while characterizing anyone who disagrees with this as small-minded and stupid. It's insulting and unnecessary, and a sign of poor writing.

However, Lourey is not a poor writer. She writes interesting characters, good settings, and some wacky humor even though some is rather crass. Mira even shows some character growth.

There is foul language and sexual innuendo, not a family friendly book. And if you are not a tree-hugging socialist-leaning liberal, you might want to skip this one.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series charming sense of humor, and the mysteries feel surprisingly fresh six books in.

Though I’m not wild about the alcoholism backstory, Mira is a terrific protagonist and consistently both likable and clever. And the supporting characters are wonderful. Mrs Berns still feels like the star of the show, but the rest of the secondary cast shines as well.

If I had a gripe about this series it’s that it is remarkably devoid of atmosphere, especially for a cozy mystery series. It seems silly to do an October book with little to no mention of Halloween/fall themes. The sense of place is still solidly rendered though, and of course, with a good story these things feel less important.

I mostly appreciate the charming sense of humor that pervades these. It’s pretty consistently present without ever becoming too zany or obnoxious. As always, eager to read the next in the series.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Tiffannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨📚 Just finished this gem and wow! 🌟 A riveting mystery with an intriguing plot, packed with witty dialogue and characters you’ll instantly adore. If you're a fan of page-turners with a dash of humor, this one's a must-read! 💫🔍

[amanda crisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

i want to be mrs berns when i grow up

[Jordan Valero · Rating 1 out of 5]

October Fest by Jessie Lourey - Rating: 1/5⭐️

To kickoff the Octoberfest in small town Battle Lake, the town hosts a congressional debate where Mira James is forced to report. But the festive mood quickly takes a turn when a blogger that was bashing the candidates is found murdered the next day.

LIKES:
👍🏾 I love that Lourey’s books don’t need a lot of brain energy. They’re pretty simple and straight to the point.

DISLIKES:
👎🏾 Some ideals brought up were very one dimensional. There was no room to argue any understanding of other parties and uncomfortable comments on people.
👎🏾 Nothing really happened. Other than the deaths, there was no action. I know it’s supposed to be a cozy murder romcom, but I didn’t get any of those feels satiated. The most action was in the last tiniest bit.
👎🏾 The characters were insufferable. Mira didn’t feel close to her age and there were a lot of characters thrown in (probably to connect in with the other books) but there was no depth to them. Nobody had any real identity. They weren’t even side characters, but more like extras in a movie.

Overall, my least favorite Jess Lourey book so far and since the rest of the murder month series follows the same structure/characters I won’t be continuing them.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening. 🏙🐕

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book six of twelve

Mira and Johnny spend the night in the motel room. Mira finds a dead body of a man in the morning. This is the first of three bodies. Why? Who? It all comes to a happy ending 😃 .

I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels 😊🤔. 2024 👒😎

[Karine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This is such a great book 📖 and series 😃
The author is so good at knowing how to advance the story and have the relationships and events move forward. It’s done in just the right speed , enough for everything to move forward but not too much that you want to read the next book to know what happens next. Great author , amazing series 💓👍🏻

[Tiffany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another addition of this fun series. Where is the dead body this time? Well it's one of the people running for congress and no one knows which enemy is after her. Of course Mira is all over it and peels the layers down to figure our who the killer is. This series a so much fun and has great characters. If you are looking for a cozy easy read with adorable characters and quirky ones too you should try the Murder by Month Mystery series. I look forward to read this next book in the series.

[Becky Loader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why can't I quit reading this series? Oh, yes. I have to find out what happens to Mira.

[Morgan Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn’t hate it. didn’t expect it to be kenya though. i had no clue where this was going the first 90% of the book… but it ended good!

[Emily Wiebold · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Still invested in these characters!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, great mystery, humorous dialogue and likeable characters!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Livia · Rating 4 out of 5]

we all need an overly sexual elderly lady in our lives

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oct. 2024
Working my way through the newly released, edited versions of the series. Have to say my prior review on this one is spot on. Some intriguing twists to keep the story from getting stale. Looking forward to November.



Oct. 2011
I was about to give up on the series altogether but I was pleased by the fact that she finally seems to be over this irrational avoidance of Johnny. With the surprising new development of Gary, I am rather intrigued now and looking forward to continuing on to the next book and seeing where she goes with that. Also with the PI training, too. How many dead bodies can a librarian continue to find on a month-by-month basis?

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira James is working quite a few jobs. She is a part-time reporter in the small town of Battle Lake, MN, as well as working as the town librarian for the few hours the meager town budget will allow the library to be open. Good thing she's assisted in her library duties by her best friend, 90-year-old Mrs. Berns (when she doesn't have more pressing engagements at the Senior Sunset, her retirement community). Mira has been sent to cover a political debate between two candidates running for representative. The female incumbent is confident if somewhat vague on specifics, while the male challenger is competent but not nearly as dynamic as his opponent. Mira hears some other reporters in the crowd discussing possible scandals about the female candidate but is unable to dig out any dirt. That evening she has a date at the local hotel with Johnny, a man she's been having a flirtation with. Because of the debate, the rest of the hotel is filled with candidates, staff, and reporters. In the morning, Mira is quickly on the scene when a cleaner discovers a dead body in the next room. Even more shocking the next person on the scene is a scantily clad Mrs. Berns, followed by her latest fling. In order to keep Mrs. Berns from being drawn into the investigation (and giving her children any more ammunition to move her into a more restrictive nursing home), Mira decides to investigate and track down the killer herself. Of course, that won't be the last body that turns up related to the case.

This is the 6th in the Murder by Month series, but the first one I've read. I really enjoyed all of Mira's antics, although I'm sure I've missed something as to why she's so reluctant to go all in with her relationship with Johnny. There is plenty of humor and you find yourself wishing you had your own 90-year-old best friend to pal around with!

I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway.

[Anna Hayes · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘October Fest’ is the sixth instalment in Jess Lourey’s Murder by Month Mystery series and we’re treated to the usual high-jinks as before, although I’m not sure the central theme of this one really carried the action as well as previous instalments.
It’s October and it’s Election Season in Battle Lake, with Mira cast into early action covering a debate between two candidates she knows nothing about and has even less interest in. We’re fed a few morsels of gossip through some of the attending journalists / bloggers but Mira has bigger fish to fry – her budding relationship with Johnny Leeson.
From there, the ‘murder-du-jour’ arises, and Mira, although jaded by the whole process, reluctantly agrees to investigate it, at the behest of Mrs Berns who is up to some of her usual tricks, though with a little more at stake in this outing.
The things that are good about these books are still good – Mira’s cutting turn of phrase, Mrs Berns’ zaniness, Kennie’s outlandishness, and I was also delighted to see the return of Wohnt and Sid and Nancy.
Where this one falls down a bit is that the mystery is just not as interesting, or maybe it’s because I’ve read a few of these now in quick succession. The major problem, for me, was that after September took us out of Battle Lake, I felt like October didn’t do the best job of bringing us back in there. The festival and events of the town, which act as centre points in so many of the previous books, are kind of glossed over here.
I also felt that our characters weren’t really fleshed out much, with some of the new additions not delved into at all; in previous offerings, the new characters have clicked into the main narrative but that was less so here.
All in all, it was still a quick and amusing read, but probably the weakest of the series so far.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Grey853 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is number six in the Murder of the Month Mystery. The main character Mira James is a part-time reporter/full time librarian. She's pretty much the librarian by default. She's got no degree, but manages to get the job because apparently no one else wants it. Her best friend is 90-year-old Mrs. Berns, a woman who is making the most of what time she has left. There's also Johnny, a local hunk she's attracted to, but is afraid to be near without making a fool of herself.

The main story has Mira wearing her reporter's hat. She's covering the debate between two local congressional candidates. When a blogger who was also covering the debate ends up dead, she tries to find the real killer.

I really enjoyed most of the humor in the book. The writing is excellent and the dialogue crisp and pointed. I laughed out loud several times. Mrs. Berns is a hoot and a handful. She's like a grandmother figure to Mira. Where the book loses a star is Mira and her reaction to Johnny. She's supposed to be nearly 30, but she acts like a kid. It's like she's terrified he'll like her and she doesn't feel up to having any kind of loving relationship. Why Johnny keeps trying is anybody's guess. That was the one downside of the book. I hope Mira grows up in the upcoming books and that her self-esteem improves. It gets downright annoying and distracting from the main story in the book.

Oh, and as one reviewer said, I want to be Mrs. Berns when I grow up. She's one smart lady even though she raised some mighty ungrateful kids.

[Melissa]

Two thumbs up for this quirky murder mystery. 6th in the series but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer publishing for the revised edition of this book.

From what I can tell, these books are being republished and I for one am glad for it. The original is from 2011 but it does not feel as if this book is already 13 years old and taking place in another decade. Mira is one of the quirkiest characters I've read. And plainly put, all the character in this story are quirky. I'm more for the mystery and didn't pay attention to the rom-com part of the description but didn't mind it. It's where all the quirky came in. I had set the bar low for this one. I'm not sure if it's because of the title or maybe it was the description that made me think it wasn't something I would like. But I took the chance and from the first paragraph I was hooked. It is quirky and zany, bizarre at times, eccentric, comedic and mysterious and I could see it as a TV series. The first book I have read in the series and can definitely be read as a standalone. Is it over the top? Yes and no. The murders kept it grounded but there was definitely a lot of off-beat situations and probably a few that felt absurd but to be honest, has probably happened to a few people in real life. If you're a straight up mystery reader who doesn't want any comedy, I can't guarantee you'll like this. If you like a little mystery with your rom com, you'll love this. I'm going to continue with the series.

#OctoberFestMurderbyMonthMysteryBook6 #NetGalley #Thomas&Mercerpublishing

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mira James works at the library in a tiny Midwestern town, and moonlights as a reporter for the local paper in her down time. She also has a nasty habit of finding dead bodies by accident. This time, the dead guy is a blogger with an ax to grind with the local political representative. Mira has to find out who killed him and fast. On top of all that, her best pal, a sassy octogenarian, is getting harassed by her son, and is fighting to stay out of a bland old people's home. She wants nothing to do with it, and Mira needs to help convince the overbearing son to get lost.

This book took me three months to get through. I had little to no interest in reading this. The only reason I managed to get through is because I learned two weeks ago that Alexa will read to you from Kindle, and I mostly listened to this to finish it. I've read a bunch of cozy mysteries, and this is probably the least interesting investigative team. I get that I came into the series on book six. But these characters were rather soulless and I wasn't really rooting for anything except "the last page."

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course I start this because it's October, but is the 6th in the series. I can be read as a stand alone, but the relationships between the characters would be better understood with starting at the beginning of the series.

Mira is a small town librarian and part time reporter and she happens to find dead bodies on the regular. Mira is covering a political debate in Battle Lake that results in the death of a political blogger.

This was a pretty good cozy mystery with lots of humor. Mira's character is hilarious.

I wish that Mrs. Burns had more of a presence in this novel. She seems to be such a big part of Mira's life and this series, but she doesn't make that many appearances. Also, the clues to the murder do not appear until around 72% of the book. I did find that frustrating in the whodunit aspect of this book.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and will be checking out the rest of the series.

[Bethany C Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira drives me nuts

I'm reading these because they're fun and don't use a lot of brain energy; everyone needs that once in a while. But Mira has got to be one of the most annoying protagonists I've run across.

She claims to be thirty but I would believe she's fourteen and just read her first Cosmo. She's totally immature, talks a big filthy game about men, but when the one she's been drooling over for months tries to kiss her she runs away because she's scared to fall in love with him?? A kiss is not a marriage proposal. Perplexing.

There is also the lack of continuity in the series that's pretty grating. At various points, Mrs Berns has been both 89 and 87. She has had five, seven, and eight children. Kennie was Battle Lake born and bred but she went to high school with this candidate from Henning? And on and on.

This series is light reading, it's fine, it's fun. It could be edited a little closer, but what couldn't.

[Lesli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book yet in Jess Lourey's Calendar Murder by Month cozy mystery series! It starts as Battle Lake Michigan's October Fest kicks off with a political debate between two opposing political candidates who have very different personalities. Mira James is attending as a reporter and quickly stumbles into a puzzling murder scene. But Mrs. Berns is right by her side to assist, along with her questionable love life and fashion choices, and the adorable Johnny Leeson would also like to get closer to Mira.

I really look forward to catching up with these quirky characters every month and this story introduces some fantastic new villains and has even more twists than usual. However, I'd urge you not to read the book description on GoodReads as some versions give away more than you want to know yet.

The audiobook narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was wonderful, she has the perfect voice for every character and really brings the story to life.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira James is a part-time, small-town reporter and full-time town librarian who is assigned the job of reporting a congressional political debate held during the annual Battle Lake October Fest celebration. The two candidates running for office are polar opposites and the debate is extremely important to both candidates and their constituents. The debate gets off to a shaky start, but experienced politicians know how to cope with the unexpected, that is until one of the political bloggers ends up murdered after the debate's conclusion. In another turn of events, one of the candidates also is found murdered.
I thought the book was well written and the characters genuine and enjoyable. The interactions and relationships between some of the main characters (Mira and Mrs. Berns) were hilarious. I recommend this series and am looking forward to reading the next installment.

[Suraj Patil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an ARC on netgalley.

3 stars.

#OctoberFestMurderbyMonthMysteryBook6 #NetGalley

TDLR:

Pro: this was a quick read, plot was decent and writing was great. You can read it as a standalone book also despite it being the 6th book in the series.

Con: little to no character development. Plot is not that great.

Long:

This is the sixth book in this mystery series and I read it as the first book. Despite that it was an enjoyable read.

Mira is a part time librarian and part time journalist who solves a murder that happens during the month of October.

It was legit funny and although it says romcom on the description the muder part overtakes the romance.

Also there was scarcely any character development the writing is excellent. One page melted into another at break neck speed and in no time had I finished the book. The plot is also okay.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #6 in the Murder by Month series featuring Mira James, a Battle Lake librarian who is also a reporter on the Battle Lake Recall, the local newspaper. Jess Lourey built a small town community and populated it with the kind of characters that small towns are known for. In OCTOBER FEST, the town is celebrating Octoberfest with all the usual foods and thrills plus a debate between the two congressional candidates. Mira's reporting is following the subjects and their opinions when candidate is murdered. After all, you can't have a Murder by the Month series without a murder! Mira and her usual cast of cohorts will dig until they find clues that confuse us all until the fog clears and the murderer is revealed. Lourey has completed 6 excellent books in this series that is a cross betwenn a cozy, a romcom and a thriller. Just what the doctor ordered for a chilly October.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first venture into the works of Jess Lourey, and this isn't bad. It does fall into a lot of the traps that chick-lit humour writers follow - there has to be a over-the-top old person and at least one other zany character to fill the pages. Also, I found the protagonist to be a bit over the place and didn't get a complete picture of her character.

Take away the OTT old person and the other zany characters, and you pretty much have an average mystery. While it didn't excite me, I felt it decent enough and I'd read another in the series, however I wonder if these novels are going to fall into a familiar pattern and then eventually lost the plot like other chick-lit humour series, such as Stephanie Plum.

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

October Fest by J. Lourie is book 6 in the Mur by Month Series.
An intriguing read, previously published, now re-edited and re-published.
Why do I have to dig through 25 pages til I can start reading the Book? - asking for na friend.
Blurb: Beer and polka music reign supreme at October Fest, Battle Lake's premier fall festival. To kick off the celebration, the town hosts a public debate between the two congressional candidates: Arnold Swydecker and Sarah Glokkmann.
As a reporter for the Battle Lake Recall, Mira James is roped into writing up the word war. But the festive mood sours when a visiting blogger is found dead. To keep the heat off her best friend's fiancé―an ex-con reporter―Mira wades through the candidates' dirty laundry and some murderous mudslinging to expose the killer.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 &| 𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4.25 ☆
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First, I wanted to mention that I was looking for a book with SHORT chapters that would keep my attention and have me finish it in one day. So with that being said, yes, I read this book in one day. Lol. October Fest is book 6 in the Murder by Month Romcom series and can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last.
The audiobook was great. I could easily listen to the narrator with no problems. She gave the story life.
Be on the look out for this book and the audiobook feature on KU.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
•Murder Mystery
•RomCom
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Sept.24
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Thank you, Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer for the eBook, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.