March of Crimes

Murder by Month Mystery #11

by Jess Lourey

Everybody's got to have a hobby. But some pastimes hide murder in a delightfully crafty rom-com mystery by Amazon Charts bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey.

A charitable senior finds her calling making creepily authentic life-size dolls. Call it recreation. But when Mira finds a dead body encased under that painted porcelain, it's more like murder.

It gets even stranger when Mira's investigation lands her just where the Battle Lake police chief wants her: in jail. Luckily, Team Mira is on the case. They're a fierce, if unlikely, force to be reckoned with: one flashy lady mayor and Mira's scrappy nonagenarian best friend.
They plan to bust Mira out and clear her name. Bad news, though: a bizarrely motivated killer is still on the loose and can't wait to see Mira all dolled up—to death.

Revised edition: This edition of March of Crimes includes editorial revisions.

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

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2017

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

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the first three books of this series back in the mid 2000’s and I loved them then but I had gotten away from them for a while, my bad! I cannot even describe how much fun I had reading this series again. Mira Ross is a 30-year-old woman who is fairly new to the small town of Battle Lake, Minnesota. She has already gotten the reputation of a “corpse” magnet with the police chief. She just has this awful habit of stumbling over dead bodies. She is trying to make financial ends meet by taking on about any small job she can come up with until she can get her Private Investigator license. Presently, she is working as the librarian at the city’s almost defunct library as well as writing a column for the local newspaper.

The very colorful and I do mean “colorful” Mayor Kenni Rodgers, “think aging southern belle with a Midwestern accent” not to mention her sense of style and resourceful western wear that she designs. She is all bling from her Stetson snowcap to her pink plastic Barbie western boot dangling earrings. She has stuck poor Mira with some of the most off the wall ways to raise money to keep things going at the library during as while Mira is also trying to keep a low profile from the police department as well get to the bottom of this latest who-dunnit that she’s found herself embroiled in. Her best friend is the sassy senior Mrs. Berns who is also her assistant at the library and she is up for anything. Mira makes a comment that she would like to be more like Mrs. Burns, but then she decides she would love to be Mrs. Berns! I cannot say I would blame her one bit.

The dialog between Mira and Mrs. Berns had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I just keep going on about the shenanigans that they pulled to get to bottom of this latest crime. This is an adorable series and I am so glad I got the chance to read this latest installment. If you love to laugh as much as I do than this book, series will not let you down. I would like to thank Midnight Ink Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley for my honest review

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I visited with Mira and Mrs. Berns in Battle Lake, Minnesota. I always enjoy their adventures. Mira has a talent for stumbling over dead bodies and for messing up her own love life. Mrs. Berns has a talent for making Mira blush and for being a fun and confident sidekick. Jess Lourey gives Mrs. Berns all the best lines.

This is a small town mystery, so there are the requisite number of quirky characters. Kennie Rogers, the female mayor who always has a money making scheme going (this time it's a Minnesota phone sex business). Eustace, the off-the-grid guy outside town. Little D, the foster care kid who's shoplifting and looking for odd jobs. Gary Wohnt, the sheriff who is keeping an eye on Mira (is she a crush or a potential criminal?) Ida, the senior citizen who crafts life size dolls. If you've ever lived in a small town, you'll realize that all of this is entirely plausible.

The first body is dressed up as one of Ida's dolls and left at the restaurant counter. Where, of course, it's Mira who accidentally knocks her over to reveal what's going on. But Mira is resolved to keep her nose out of this investigation and herself out of Sheriff Wohnt's crosshairs. It just doesn't work, partly because Mrs. Berns is so gung-ho, partly because Mira's just too good a neighbour and citizen.

The solution to the crime, when it comes, is surprising but reasonably believable. Now I must start the search for the next volume of this series, because I have some questions about Gary Wohnt that I want answered!

[scl.ashx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley and "Thomas and Mercer" publishing house for March of Crimes by Jess Lourey – A Wild Ride with Small-Town Shenanigans.

You’d think by now Mira would catch a break, but nope—this small-town journalist just can’t stay out of trouble. This time, it’s not just gossip or a minor mystery. Nope. It’s a dead body hidden inside a life-sized doll. Because apparently, Battle Lake doesn’t believe in normal crimes.

This book goes wilder than the previous ones in the series, and honestly? I’m here for it.

Mira, as usual, gets herself tangled in a murder case, and somehow, the cops decide she’s the problem. Next thing you know, she’s in jail while her chaotic-but-lovable squad—including a flashy mayor and her 90-year-old bestie—hatch a plan to bust her out. Think Ocean’s Eleven, but with more senior citizen sass and questionable life choices.

The mystery? Solid.

The humor? Sharp.

The small-town weirdness? Absolutely unmatched.

It’s a little more out there than the earlier books, but the fun, fast-paced writing makes up for it. Plus, Mira’s personal growth keeps things fresh.

If you love quirky mysteries with offbeat humor and a heroine who just can’t help but get involved, you’ll love this one.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really love this series of mystery novels set in small town Minnesota. I’ve waited patiently (and by patiently I mean stalking NetGalley and Amazon and the author’s website) for each new release. And I’ve enjoyed every delicious moment of librarian sleuthing, senior citizen joking, boyfriend avoiding, festival attending, and the good guys overall trying to keep out of trouble while helping find the bad guys.

But this one failed me. Lourey wrote this installment just a little too much on the other side of lewd and bawdy. I’ve gotten to know the main character over the years, and she wouldn’t forget underwear, much less deliberately go without it. I didn’t like the contrived sensuousness at all.

The mystery was a little macabre for me as well. I just want to go back to the earlier books and enjoy a decent cozy mystery without wincing and scrinching my nose.

Maybe my tastes are tame compared to yours. Maybe you like when things get a little crazy and you were disappointed with earlier books, waiting for more crazy to happen. If so, read March of Crime, and you’ve got your wish.

Netgalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

March of Crime by Jess Lourey is the 11th book in the Murder By Month Mysteries series, and my first book by this author. I loved this book! I laughed out loud through the whole book. Where have I been, that I have not read this series before. Not only is this book really funny, it has a great mystery as well. Just what you need for the perfect escape of your real life. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the other 10 books in the series. If you love humorous cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure if I’m happy with the conclusion of this book. I feel like Mira should be paying more attention to what’s right under her face and the person who so heroically saved her and clearly cares for her and that she is clearly attracted to instead of pining for someone that’s not right for her. Everything else was the usual crazy mystery, crazy sidekick, and quirky characters and recipes in a setting that is equally bleak and charming. That’s all good. I am really hoping that personal issues get resolved and Mira wises up in the next book. And I’m really hoping there is a next book. She has to do April. Please, please!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira is trying to be a PI so went she sits next to a life size creepy doll and finds a human corpse under the hat and wig it becomes personal. The police chief is eager to place the blame on Mira and she has 24 hours to figure out who did it. I gave it only 3 stars even though it had a good twist because of something Mira did that was so stupid, I still can’t believe it.

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

laugh out loud funny

This was a cozy, laugh-out-loud funny mystery. Like Mira has some seriously bad luck stumbling across dead bodies, and the way she goes about solving them leads to some funny interactions, aided by some spunky supporting characters.
Though this is book 11, it definitely can be read as a standalone. I enjoy the trend of month puns, and it’s alluded what you missed with the whole “I keep finding bodies and this was the month” thing.
Definitely recommend if you are looking to settle in with a light thriller and could use some laughs!

[Jamie Canaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny!
Packed with charmingly ridiculous characters, I laughed my way through this small town mystery. Mira James has a few jobs, including being a librarian—she took a serious pay cut in hopes of keeping the library open—and PI. The PI part she’s still working on, since Minnesota mandates that before using a PI license you have to work 6,000 hours of supervised investigation. She’ll probably get through those hours quickly, though, since she seems to have the I-keep-finding-dead-bodies syndrome. This time around, one of the life-size creepy dolls a town resident has been making has a hidden surprise: A very bad surprise of a dead body. Now James, who either loves or hates you, is trying to figure out who committed murder, while working at the library, and taking on a side job as a phone sex operator for those looking for a Minnesota accent—hilarious. If I had to pick a favorite thing about this novel, it would be James’s octogenarian best friend, who is a kiss-my-grits, tells it like it is, lives life to the fullest, thong bikini-wearing lady. All the emoji-heart eyes. (You can jump into the series here, like I did, and not feel lost, but it does give away the ending of the previous book. I’m fine with that because I plan on starting at the beginning of the serious and will have forgotten by the time I get to it.)

--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: Innocent Man Saved from Death Penalty by CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM & More!
http://link.bookriot.com/view/56a8200...

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this series as the mystery is usually not as cozy as other mystery series and the characters make me laugh. While that was the case with this one as well, there was something about it that just felt different to me. The mystery was more gruesome and something I really couldn’t stomach despite not being gory (the doll thing was really pushing the boundaries of cozy). I love Mira and Johnny also, but this was too much drama and annoyed me as the story unfolded throughout the book; the ending was fitting. The new business Kennie comes up with had me laughing out loud, so the humor is still there; this one just felt darker, and I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve read Lourey’s thrillers and some of that darker material seems to have found its way here. I will still continue with this series but hope that more of the lighter stuff makes a comeback.


I received a copy from #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing, and #ThomasMercer for an honest review.

[Jean Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very amusing cozy mystery set in a small town in Minnesota. The narrator and detective, Mira Ross, is a single, relative newcomer to Battle Lake who has attracted the attention of local law enforcement due to her physical proximity to more than one murder victim. Mira is a bit of a mess. She loves chocolate, wine and men. She also can't help investigating local murders, despite pointed advice from Police Chief Gary Wohnt. There's a great supporting cast of characters, including Mira's best friend Mrs. Berns, a wild-at-heart septugenarian, and the mayor, who dresses like Dolly Parton. Think Amy Schumer meets Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote in the far north version of Mayberry. I enjoyed it.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

March of crimes is a fantastic, fast-paced murder mystery novel with quirky characters and comical conjunction of hilarious dialogues and an intriguing mystery. This book is part of the Murder-by-Month Mystery.

Mira James is creeped out by the life size dolls made by Ida Gilbertson. With the displays everywhere, it is hard to kind of ignore them and then as luck would have it Mira smacks right into one revealing a dead body under the wig and hat.

Trying to navigate these recent crimes and hopefully solve them lands her in a juxtaposition and under the scrutiny of police chief Gary Wohnt who is more than happy to see Mira behind bars. Mrs Berns and Mayor Kennie Rogers are trying to get her out while Mira tries to find the culprit behind this crime. Time is running out and she needs to get her wits together before the killer makes a doll of her.

I read February fever and I was absolutely eagerly to read March of crimes. And the author has surpassed my expectations. I loved this book. The storyline is punctuated with elements of surprises and anticipation. It's engaging through and through. I love all the characters especially Mrs Berns, her attitude is goals for sure. The mystery was definitely captivating and the dolls were indeed creepy. The hilarious dialogues had me laughing out loud many times. To be honest I love this more than its predecessor. The prime suspect was a total shock.😲🤫

10/10 would recommend this.

[DeAnn✨deannsreadingriot✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 (rounded up)

Murder, mayhem, and Midwestern charm—what more could you want in a cozy mystery? Jess Lourey’s March of Crimes delivers a small-town whodunit set in Northern Minnesota (Otter tail County).

Mira James, our struggling-writer-turned-private investigator, has a habit of stumbling across corpses—thirteen in one year, to be exact.

The humor in March of Crimes is fun—witty, sarcastic, and delightfully lighthearted. There’s a Midwest phone sex line, a poker game called Wrinkly Dick, and a character named Kenny Rogers (not that Kenny Rogers, but let’s just appreciate the name). Mira’s deadpan delivery makes every investigation mishap even funnier.

And because no cozy mystery is complete without a little home cooking, Lourey throws in three German recipes from Mira’s grandma, just in case solving murders works up your appetite.

Now, y’all know I like my books like I like my coffee—dark. So while this one leans more toward lighthearted murder and quirky small-town antics, I’m definitely eyeing Lourey’s thrillers that veer into the darkness. That said, the Murder by Month series has a cult following for a reason, and if you’re into cozy mysteries with an extra dose of charm and ridiculous-yet-relatable Midwestern characters, this one’s a winner.

It’s a yes for me!! 🖤

DeAnn @deannsdailydrop

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up way too late last night finishing this. It wasn't that I couldn't put it down, it was that I didn't want to. For a few hours, I escape my own world and get sucked into Mira's. Like so many young persons, Mira is kind of a mess, just looking for her place in life and love. Mrs. Berns provides more than comic relief as she reminds me of the love, laughter, and support I received from my own Mrs. Berns who taught me "old doesn't mean dead." The heartbreak a felt at the conclusion of February Fever came flooding back as we pick up with Mira just weeks later. And, of course, she stumbles upon murder in the most unlikely of places. As someone who has worked with children, trauma, and the foster care system, I read with intrigue and hesitation, and was pleasantly surprised with the sensitivity and realism with which this was woven into the pages of the story. I sat in bed not wanting to turn the last pages, not wanting my suspicions confirmed, and not wanting to say goodbye to Battle Lake, knowing I will have to wait impatiently, hoping I get to see how April unfolds and how Jess Loury is going to pen a satisfying conclusion to the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love this series and I'm going to be very sad because the next one I read will mark the end of the series. There are only 12 months in a year, unfortunately.

These books are witty, each have a great mystery and a little romance. Poor Mira always gets too inquisitive and ends up not only finding the body (one per month, if you please) but right in the killer's sights. This book had what I thought was a unique spin on a murder mystery: the body was found inside a homemade life-sized doll that was made by a senior at the Senior living center. I never doubted that she was innocent but I sure was surprised at who was not. Very surprised. Mira also has tough luck with love but a soft spot for children.

[Amber Novoselac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The duo of Mira James and Mrs. Berns is the best duo since Batman and Robin. Together they can conquer the world. March of Crimes is another book in the Murder by Month series and is filled with murder, crime, and of course hilarious antics. Human size dolls start popping up around Battle Lake but one contains a dead women. Mira, with her luck, is the one to accidentally discover this. Mira tries to keep away from the crime but Battle Lake, MN has a knack for involving the whole town when something is amok. You can read these books in order of the series or stand alone. If you are into laughs and crime, I highly recommend this series.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🐕😁

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book eleven of twelve

She has a new job plus all the old ones. Then she finds a dead body dressed as a doll. She breaks up with her boyfriend. She almost is a young dead woman in the ending 😃 but she rescued with the arrest of the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels 🏡🌜2025 🎶👀

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first chance to read a book from this series- but I don't think I missed a thing. Mira, after finding herself sitting next to a corpse dressed as a doll, also finds herself under suspicion. Like Mira, I found the life size dolls created by Ida, senior with too much time on her hands, creepy. I wasn't a fan of Chief Gary (who would be?!) but I did like that the Mayor and Mrs. Berns helped her out. Loved the small town Minnesota setting (and the sly humor). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm going to look for Lourey again.

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ well done, the 11th book in the series and I am still hooked. I can feel every emotion that Mira has and worry as much as she does ... can’t wait to read what happens next 😮

[anovelaccount (Kayla) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for my #gifted audiobook! 🫶🏻

This was my second trip to the world of Mira James and the quirky cast of characters that make up the Murder by Month series. Each one is completely able to be read as a standalone book, though. Jess Lourey does a fantastic job adding tidbits throughout that easily clue you in to any important details from past books.

In each book of the series, the unfortunate Mira totally accidentally stumbles upon a murder each month. The way people were killed and then “showcased” in this book was a bit over the top for me and hard to buy into. However, the mystery itself is good and intriguing and I enjoy Mira’s entertaining inner dialogue.

As I said with the first Murder by Month book I read, I know that this is an unpopular opinion, but Mrs. Berns just drives me crazy. She *could* be funny but seems over-written to me. Then again, I think a lot of the characters and events in this series are intended to be over the top.

I think the audiobook narrator, while talented, is part of my struggle with these books. She also narrates them in an exaggerated manner, and I was taken out of the story a bit when she would voice any male character. Because of this, I’d recommend you skip the audio on these and read them in book form!

All in all, this series makes for a great palate cleanser when you just need a lighter read. There’s a cozy mystery combined with humor and a little romance, and the cast of characters feels like a warm hug to come back to in subsequent books.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

don't care much for geriatric sidekick, and have been waiting since the beginning of series for mc to hookup with police chief.

[Cassandre · Rating 3 out of 5]

March of Crimes was my first foray into Jess Lourey's Murder by Month Mysteries series and I was not disappointed. Luckily for me, this was absolutely readable as a stand-alone novel. The author manages to write in little callbacks and reminders to give just enough context clues for a new reader to pick Mira's murder-laden adventures up at any point in the series. I didn't dare expect too much but I shouldn't have worried: this novel delivered. An eleventh homicide - yes, you read that right, our rather unfortunate heroine has been handed eleven corpses to deal with so far - in a cosy, small-town setting in picturesque Minnesota where each side character is quirkier than the next with a side of rom-com, sign me up!

The Murder by Month Mysteries follow Mira, a young journalist who's barely employed and landed in Battle Lake, MN after a difficult breakup. Little did she know she was about to pick up on a very unwanted hobby in her new life: every month, somehow, she stumbles upon a dead body. Is it a case of the random bad luck or is something more sinister at hand? You'll have to read the series to find out. The March novel opens with Mira's boss asking - no, demanding! - she write an article that shines a good light on their little town after a neverending string of monthly murders. And so the story begins. Mira's desperate hunt to make the place attractive to tourists again after the sudden spike in homicide rate leads her to, you may have guessed it, yet another dead body!

I must admit I wasn't the biggest fan of the life-sized doll cadaver disguise. It seemed a little over the top (especially in a restaurant setting) and gave away the murderer a little too quickly but I suppose it is a rather unique manner of disposing of a body. In contrast, the crew of Battle Lake residents made for a delightful read. Between the spitfire elderly best friend forever who never shies away from making everyone else uncomfortable (including wearing a far too skimpy bikini) and the Barbie cowgirl boss babe mayor who is looking to hire Mira for her Minnesotan phone sex line (iconic), this story is filled with wonderfully loud women, a breath of fresh air in the often male-dominated crime fiction genre. I chuckled and cheered my way through March of Crimes.

Lourey knows how to write an engaging page-turner: she is quick with the wit, touches of sarcasm and humour in general while navigating a rather somber genre. The formula works and makes for an easy yet memorable read. The characters are anything but forgettable, the setting charming but never overworked or overdetailed (much to my delight), the pace is just right, keeping Mira and the readers on their toes while giving our main character just enough breathing to reflect and feel amid all the action. I found myself wanting to venture back into the series and enjoy the ride from the very beginning. A solid 3.5 stars from an intrigued first-time reader.

"I discovered that corpse like Columbus discovered America."

* Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. *

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

March of Crimes By Jess Lourey
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you so much to @jesslourey and @amazonpublishing for the invitation to be a part of this Murder By Month Laugh In book tour, the fun treats, and the #gifted book!

📚MY REVIEW:

This was my second read in Jess Lourey's Murder By Month Mysteries series, and once again, I was reminded of how entertaining these books are! March of Crimes was a laugh-out-loud cozy mystery that had me cracking up as I turned the pages!

What I love about this series is that the books can be fantastic standalones, or read in any order really, as they're each their own mystery and story. Though you'll understand some of the subplots better if you read them all in order, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to be able to enjoy these books.

Again, the most heartwarming and hilarious parts of the books involved the friendship between the story's female main character, Mira, and Mrs. Berns, who is never lacking when it comes to witty one-liners and raucous comments. Here's a few that had me nearly spitting out my coffee:

"Men who spy on women are a bunch of wieners, not a ball between them." 🤣

"While she was chewing, she dropped some crumbs on her chin, and a hermit crab darted out of a hair patch on her cheek to grab 'em." 🤣

"You smell like a brothel left out in the sun. Forget showering before you get in the pool. You should do one of those prison hose-downs." 🤣

I absolutely recommend any one of the books in this series to fans of cozy mysteries, quick reads, and people who could use a good laugh. And who doesn't need a little more laughter in their life right now?! Most books in this series are out now -- and the final Murder By Month Mysteries installment publishes TOMORROW, March 25th!!

#MarchOfCrimes #JessLourey #MurderByMonthMystery #LoureyLiterati #LaughWithMurderByMonth #CozyMysteryLaughs #RomcomEscape #LaughterRevolution #LaughIn #ThomasandMercer #amazonpublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #cozymysteries #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5
First person POV
Single narrative: FMC- Mira
Linear timeline
Comedic Mystery, Amateur Sleuth
Setting: Battle Lake, Minnesota
A Murder by Month Mystery, #11 in the Series: Can read as standalone

I have not read any previous books in the series but after doing some research learned that I could still read this as a standalone. The author does a great job at recapping any previous backstory of the characters and setting so that you don’t feel like you’re missing something when you first start reading.

The protagonist, Mira James, finds herself entangled in a confusing murder investigation, involving creepy lifelike dolls made by a local senior citizen. Mira is such a fun character to follow along with and I enjoyed her internal dialogue and personal growth. The fact that her best friend, Mrs Berens, is in her 90s also cracks me up. The entertaining characters of Mrs. Berens, Kennie, and Gary also add depth and hilarity to the narrative. Their relationships with Mira are hilarious and quick witted. I love a good of cozy mystery and appreciated the witty dialogue as well as the authentic portrayal of Minnesota culture. Seeing as I’m a Minnesotan, I definitely related to a lot of that storyline and had quite a few laugh-out-loud moments.

I dislike when a mystery is obvious from the very start and this far from the case here. It’s evident in this book that Jess Lourey has a talent for crafting unpredictable plots; The mystery was clever and written really well. I definitely didn’t piece it together and was kept guessing until the very end.
This was a delightful read and Jess Lourey does a fantastic job blending humor, mystery, and quirky small-town charm.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!

Thank you Thomas & Mercer for providing me this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess Lourey's Murder By Month series is one of my all-time favorites. I couldn't wait for March of Crime to hit the shelves so I could buy my copy and am so glad I did. Unlike other series which can get stale after awhile, these books remain fresh, funny and funky.

The series main character is Mira James, a young woman who is the head librarian and part-time reporter in the sleepy town of Battle Creek, MN. At least it used to be sleepy, before Mira came to town. Since she's been back, she's discovered - or somehow been associated with - a dead body about once a month. (Yes, this plot point requires some suspension of disbelief, but most books do, so it's not a big detraction.)

Mira and her 80-year old BFF/sidekick, Mrs. Berns, are forever getting in trouble as they try to solve the mystery behind the dead body and keep Mira off the suspect list. These two are a hilarious pair and I laugh (okay, maybe snort) out loud at their antics. The dialogue is snappy and snarky, the characters - including the supporting cast - are quirky and interesting in their own right, to say the least. (I mean, how can you not love the town's mayor, a middle-aged cougar who's always coming up with dubious schemes to help build the town's revenues such as a phone sex line company geared towards men who get turned on by Minnesota dialect?)

An added bonus is how, beneath all the sarcasm and fun, is how much Mira loves her friends, her town and her life. The only aspect of the series which rang a bit false is Mira's relationship with her on again, off again boyfriend Johnny. I hope if there are more Murder by Month books (and there had better be!) that this part of the story gets resolved, one way or the other.

That minor quibble aside, this is one of the best light, humorous mystery series going. Start at the beginning though with the first, May Day. If you enjoy Janet Evanovich, Elise Sax, Aurlalee Wallace, you will love Jess Lourey!

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charitable senior finds her calling making creepily authentic life-size dolls. Call it recreation. But when Mira finds a dead body encased under that painted porcelain, it’s more like murder. It gets even stranger when Mira’s investigation lands her just where the Battle Lake police chief wants her: in jail. Bad news: a bizarrely motivated killer is still on the loose and can’t wait to see Mira all dolled up—to death.

I was pretty sad when I realised this book would be the second last one in the series, as I’d gotten used to reading the matching book for each month. Mira had definitely come a long way, getting closer to be a proper detective from the amateur status.

As soon as I realised the theme for this book was ‘dolls’, I knew it’d be awesome! The scene where the first doll made an appearance, along with Mira’s reaction cracked me up. That scene turned from idyllic, to creepy, to funny, to horror in no time, and I thought it was brilliantly written. It set the mood right away, and the fun didn’t diminish throughout.

This immediately became my favourite book in the series (so far). The mystery, the use of props, the comedy, the twists, and especially the audiobook narration packaged everything up and tied the story with a bow. The pace and delivery timing of the funny moments were perfect. And dare I say that I saw a different love interest for Mira, and I wasn’t hating it!

(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira James is at it again in Battle Lake and as always her shenanigans kept me laughing throughout the entire book. Jess Lourey is gifted at writing the perfect cozy mystery filled with witty conversation, memorable characters and a story line that is as unpredictable as any North Carolina mountain road with a thin coating of ice on a foggy morning.

March of Crime features some of the cast of characters from previous Murder by Month mysteries but also introduces us to a few new ones. Who can forget Mrs. Berns, Mayor Kennie Rogers, andPolice Chief Gary Wohnt from previous escapades involving non other than librarian and wanna be PI Mira James?

If creepy dolls aren't your thing don't worry--even though they play heavily in this mystery they are not creepy enough to deter you from reading the adventures of Mira as she finds yet another body. As her body count total escalates Mira wonders if it is her that is the problem and starts questioning the sanity of having relationships when people around here seem to be continually dropping dead.

Lourey entertains her readers in her latest novel with her wit, her creative writing, her imagination and her characters that are like non other. March of Crime is my favorite book in this series. I loved it and anxiously awaited its arrival in my mailbox. But now I am disappointed. Because it is done. I can only hope that there will be an April book coming soon. Please. Don't let it be the end.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's official: I'm done. I know there is only one more book, but I just don't think I can do it... I really enjoyed the way this series started. It was cozy and fun(ny) and I liked the blend of mystery and humor. The books started taking on more serious topics underpinning their murders, and I was okay with that too. It added a depth that I enjoyed, even as it shifted the tone. Unfortunately, the last book started shifting even more heavily in a darker direction, and this book sealed the deal for me. This is no longer a cozy-feeling series for me. This book was pretty dark and I did not enjoy the gruesome nature. That's not what I was reading this series for - if I wanted that from Lourey, she has plenty of darker series/standalones for it. It felt like a seismic change and not one I enjoyed.

I also could not continue reading the back-and-forth between Mira and Johnny. Enough already! Either let them get together or keep them apart, but this ongoing yes/no, I love him/I'm not good enough for him badinage has worn me out and completely lost my interest. Even the indomitable Mrs. Berns wasn't enough to keep me engaged here... I feel like this series has played itself out for me, with the shifts in focus and tone and the refusal to let the romantic relationship develop (we are basically at the same point as in the earliest books!). This one wasn't for me...

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.

[Anna Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m getting close to the end of my time with Jess Lourey’s Mira James and this penultimate novel is really accelerating toward a big finish in the April instalment.
As always, we’re back in Battle Lake for more mad shenanigans and it felt like they were dialled up to 11 for this novel. I laughed an awful lot during this one – Kennie’s Minnesota Sex Line, in particular, was an ingenious piece of comedy writing and, as always, Mrs Berns is in incredibly fine form. Late in the book, a cookery demonstration has a series of hilarious incidents.
The mystery is strong and really well developed, to the point where I didn’t spot the culprit until much later than usual. The secondary characters we meet in this novel also add various dimension to the tale and, as I’ve said before in reviews for these books, I really feel like Lourey immerses us in the world of Battle Lake.
All of this knits together really well in the end, with Lourey delivering an intriguing interaction between Mira and an unexpected ally, not to mention a more devastating one with her Adonis boyfriend, Johnny.
I’ve enjoyed this series immensely – while some months were a bit weaker than others, it has been, overall, a thoroughly enjoyable ride. March of Crimes, for me, might just be the best one yet.
Here’s hoping Lourey sticks the landing, to top this series off, in the April offering.

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

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gary," she said on her way out, "I got my nails done. What do you think?" He looked. She held up both her middle fingers. His nostrils flared. I tugged Mrs. Berns outside before he did anything more.

If I could give this book a standing ovation, I would. I had a serious book hangover after I finished this one; actually, I finished the last page and went "Auuugghhhaaahhhhh!!!!" Thrilling, hilarious and entertaining, it was a great comeback for Mira and the Battle Lake gang. I love Mira, she's smart and tough on the outside but so vulnerable and insecure on the inside (and dang it, girl you make some rotten decisions!) Mrs. Berns is always laugh out loud funny and like Mira, I want to be her when I grow up. The plot was fantastically creepy (dolls are creepy enough, but when you stuff corpses in them? *shudder*) and I never saw the end coming. Add in Kennie's hairbrained money making schemes (which had me rolling with laughter!) and Chief Wohnt (gaaahhhh!!) and you've got a blockbuster book.

An excellent read and I definitely recommend this series for cozy mystery fans. I can't wait for the next book (please Lord, let it be soon!)