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Murder by Month Mystery #8
December Dread
'Tis the season for grinning sales-elves on TV and maddeningly jolly muzak. But for Mira James and other Battle Lake-area women, the holidays are marred by something far worse—a serial killer leaving candy canes as his calling card. His target? Thirty-something brunettes who look just like Mira. When a woman from her high school graduating class becomes the latest victim, Mira plows through a case of online dating turned deadly.
Revised: This edition of December Dread includes editorial revisions.
Revised: This edition of December Dread includes editorial revisions.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
450 people are currently reading
7237 people want to read
About the author
Jess Lourey
50 books4,428 followersMy 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
December 3, 2020
The isolation required by this Covid-19 pandemic is taking its toll on me. I'm finding it so much easier to read in my favourite genre fiction bubbles rather than tackling more substantial literature. Here I am in December 2020, reading cozy mysteries and liking them! And how, you ask, can a cozy mystery involve a serial killer? I wondered that too, but Mira James with her sidekick, Mrs. Berns, made me a believer.
One of the true joys of the book is Mrs. Berns (whose first name I do not know), the feisty senior whose conversation is refreshingly uncensored and who is game for anything. She and Mira take a self defence course in this book and after the instructor throws her the first time, she declares that she isn't leaving that basement until she has mastered that skill. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious and her observations are hilarious. Mira herself is pretty cynical and she has acerbic commentary of her own that is entertaining.
Mira takes a course for private investigators during the first part of the novel. She proves that she can be good at it, having the observational skills and curiosity necessary for the role. Now if she can just find a way to get paid for it!
I don't think there's any doubt that I'll continue with this series. My library has January Thaw, now I just have to make room for it in my January reading schedule.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
One of the true joys of the book is Mrs. Berns (whose first name I do not know), the feisty senior whose conversation is refreshingly uncensored and who is game for anything. She and Mira take a self defence course in this book and after the instructor throws her the first time, she declares that she isn't leaving that basement until she has mastered that skill. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious and her observations are hilarious. Mira herself is pretty cynical and she has acerbic commentary of her own that is entertaining.
Mira takes a course for private investigators during the first part of the novel. She proves that she can be good at it, having the observational skills and curiosity necessary for the role. Now if she can just find a way to get paid for it!
I don't think there's any doubt that I'll continue with this series. My library has January Thaw, now I just have to make room for it in my January reading schedule.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
December 21, 2025
Cozy Candy Cane Killer
A review of the Brilliance Audio audiobook (November 26, 2024) narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya of the original Midnight Ink paperback & eBook (October 2012).
This is a postcard from Outlier Island 🏝️📨📬
The tone of this put me off and an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert finished it for me. Somehow this gets a 4+ rating on GR presumably due to the Murder by Month Mystery (2006-2018) series fans, but combining a romcom cozy with serial killing just felt wrong, especially as a Christmas mystery.
December Dread finds reporter Mira James back in her hometown in December while a serial killer is on the loose, leaving a trail of candy canes in their wake. Although she has presumably come across murder and mayhem previously (this is #8 in the series) it is only now that she takes on detective certification training and a self-defense course. She is somewhat partnered with her mother's feisty roommate as they track down the clues and hints until Mira herself gets a warning that she may be the killer's next victim.
The narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was fine in all voices but could not rescue this from its unseasonal tone. I picked this up via an Audible Sale earlier this year and had saved it for my holiday travels. Unfortunately it didn't capture the correct spirit of the season.
Trivia and Links
Jess Lourey is an extremely prolific author with dozens of books to her credit. Aside from the Murder by Month (2006-2018) series featuring reporter Mira James, she is also the author of the more recent Steinbeck and Reed (2022-2025-ongoing?) investigation series. Her most popular novel (based on current GR ratings and reviews) is The Quarry Girls (2022).
A review of the Brilliance Audio audiobook (November 26, 2024) narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya of the original Midnight Ink paperback & eBook (October 2012).
This is a postcard from Outlier Island 🏝️📨📬
The tone of this put me off and an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert finished it for me. Somehow this gets a 4+ rating on GR presumably due to the Murder by Month Mystery (2006-2018) series fans, but combining a romcom cozy with serial killing just felt wrong, especially as a Christmas mystery.
December Dread finds reporter Mira James back in her hometown in December while a serial killer is on the loose, leaving a trail of candy canes in their wake. Although she has presumably come across murder and mayhem previously (this is #8 in the series) it is only now that she takes on detective certification training and a self-defense course. She is somewhat partnered with her mother's feisty roommate as they track down the clues and hints until Mira herself gets a warning that she may be the killer's next victim.
The narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was fine in all voices but could not rescue this from its unseasonal tone. I picked this up via an Audible Sale earlier this year and had saved it for my holiday travels. Unfortunately it didn't capture the correct spirit of the season.
Trivia and Links
Jess Lourey is an extremely prolific author with dozens of books to her credit. Aside from the Murder by Month (2006-2018) series featuring reporter Mira James, she is also the author of the more recent Steinbeck and Reed (2022-2025-ongoing?) investigation series. Her most popular novel (based on current GR ratings and reviews) is The Quarry Girls (2022).
December 2, 2024
A return to form for this delightful comic mystery series after a bit of a glitch in the November installment.
I was relieved to see a funnier, more subgenre-appropriate theme for this book, and while I generally don’t love serial killer novels, this has a light touch, holiday themes, and keeps up the funny and sweet tone that has made this series so enjoyable.
I’m still not sure why we’re calling these RomCom’s since they have virtually no romantic plotlines aside for Mira’s once-per-book date with Johnny. This is not a complaint, as I generally don’t care for romantic subplots, more a question as to why these books continue to be marketed that way. I’m also still confused about the main character’s age (based on childhood details given in this book, she would have to be late 40s/early 50s, but she’s written more like a late 30s character).
The humor is excellent as always, and though this one has less zaniness to it (we don’t see the mayor much), it still feels clever and the jokes never feel cringey or forced. Mrs Berns remains an absolute delight, and there are some sweet but not overly saccharine moments between Mira and her mom.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was relieved to see a funnier, more subgenre-appropriate theme for this book, and while I generally don’t love serial killer novels, this has a light touch, holiday themes, and keeps up the funny and sweet tone that has made this series so enjoyable.
I’m still not sure why we’re calling these RomCom’s since they have virtually no romantic plotlines aside for Mira’s once-per-book date with Johnny. This is not a complaint, as I generally don’t care for romantic subplots, more a question as to why these books continue to be marketed that way. I’m also still confused about the main character’s age (based on childhood details given in this book, she would have to be late 40s/early 50s, but she’s written more like a late 30s character).
The humor is excellent as always, and though this one has less zaniness to it (we don’t see the mayor much), it still feels clever and the jokes never feel cringey or forced. Mrs Berns remains an absolute delight, and there are some sweet but not overly saccharine moments between Mira and her mom.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 8, 2024
🎄 Christmas
🍬 Serial Killer
🌟 online dating
Finally, a Christmas book that had me really intrigued and thinking, "What on earth is going going to happen next?" This book is part of Jess Lourey's Murder by the Month series, which I had no clue it was part of a series, and I had no issues with reading this novel.
Our main character is in Paynesville, Minnesota, and it's right before Christmas. This set the perfect Christmas setting for me. There is a serial killer on the loose nicknamed The Candy Cane Killer. Mira finds out her high-school friend was the latest victim and sets out to use her PI skills. In. In the midst of getting leads and investigating, Mira realizes that she just might be the Candy Cane Killers' next target.
I kept thinking that I had this book figured out up until the end, only to be proven wrong each time. December Dread was a breath of fresh air as my last few Christmas reads have been mediocre. I plan on reading some more of this series. A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
🍬 Serial Killer
🌟 online dating
Finally, a Christmas book that had me really intrigued and thinking, "What on earth is going going to happen next?" This book is part of Jess Lourey's Murder by the Month series, which I had no clue it was part of a series, and I had no issues with reading this novel.
Our main character is in Paynesville, Minnesota, and it's right before Christmas. This set the perfect Christmas setting for me. There is a serial killer on the loose nicknamed The Candy Cane Killer. Mira finds out her high-school friend was the latest victim and sets out to use her PI skills. In. In the midst of getting leads and investigating, Mira realizes that she just might be the Candy Cane Killers' next target.
I kept thinking that I had this book figured out up until the end, only to be proven wrong each time. December Dread was a breath of fresh air as my last few Christmas reads have been mediocre. I plan on reading some more of this series. A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2015
I highly recommend this fantastic page turner.
This is the first in the series Ive read and the first Ive read from this author. I totally loved this book. Very engaging, laugh out loud moments, very witty, very smart, written very well. I must read more in the series now.
A candy cane serial killer. He targets women of average build, brunettes only, and those who have an online dating ad account. After he kills the ones he is looking for, he leaves a candy cane at the scene of the crime. Very unique in story line and very intriguing. I was trying to guess the killer through the whole book, but man, was I wrong. Totally unexpected. I love the main character, Mira James. She is a strong, smart character.
I love that it takes place in snowy Minne-snow-ta!!!
This is a great edition to your Christmas reading shelf!
This is the first in the series Ive read and the first Ive read from this author. I totally loved this book. Very engaging, laugh out loud moments, very witty, very smart, written very well. I must read more in the series now.
A candy cane serial killer. He targets women of average build, brunettes only, and those who have an online dating ad account. After he kills the ones he is looking for, he leaves a candy cane at the scene of the crime. Very unique in story line and very intriguing. I was trying to guess the killer through the whole book, but man, was I wrong. Totally unexpected. I love the main character, Mira James. She is a strong, smart character.
I love that it takes place in snowy Minne-snow-ta!!!
This is a great edition to your Christmas reading shelf!
March 10, 2018
I am obviously hooked on this series. This book was the best of the bunch! A chilling read with a dangerous serial killer targeting women who look much like our main character. I had it figured out 3 separate times but always ended up off that individual. Right to the end, I discounted his identity as the killer. A very satisfying read!
December 12, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery even though the killer is very easy to spot!
Mira heads home for the holidays and trouble, death, murder and mystery follows her. Luckily, her trusty sidekick and pets are on hand to help but will they help enough before the Candy Cane Killer strikes again....
Mira heads home for the holidays and trouble, death, murder and mystery follows her. Luckily, her trusty sidekick and pets are on hand to help but will they help enough before the Candy Cane Killer strikes again....
August 17, 2019
This one may have been my favorite book of the series. I was a little skeptical at first because it was in her hometown so not the usual characters, but it worked and went into Mira’s past. That added an emotional piece to the series. I predicted the killer was the reporter towards the beginning. And finally at the end of the book she slept with Johnny after 8 or 9 books of back and forth etc. Overall enjoyed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2018
Probably the best of hers so far!
February 3, 2025
Jess Lourey delivers yet another fantastic installment in the Murder-by-Month series with December Dread. While this book takes us away from the quirky and infamous Battle Lake, it still maintains all the charm, wit, and suspense that make this series such a joy to read.
Mira James finds herself back in her hometown for Christmas, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into her life before Battle Lake. This change in setting brings a fresh perspective while still staying true to the series’ signature cozy mystery feel. Familiar faces from Mira’s past resurface, adding a nostalgic and heartwarming touch to the story. It's lovely to Mira get in touch with her roots & finally lay some demons from her past to rest.
But don’t be fooled by the holiday cheer—Lourey masterfully weaves in a chilling mystery. A serial killer is on the loose, targeting women and leaving candy canes as a sinister calling card. The tension builds beautifully, balancing the warmth of the season with the dark undercurrent of danger.
As always, Mrs. Berns steals every scene she’s in with her sharp tongue, sarcasm, and no-nonsense attitude. Her acerbic wit is one of the highlights of the series, and she does not disappoint in this installment.
On the relationship front, Mira and Johnny finally seem to be moving forward, which is a relief after so much back-and-forth. And then there’s Luna, the loyal German Shepherd—truly the star of the show. Without giving too much away, let’s just say Luna proves to be more than just a companion in this book.
Overall, December Dread is another stellar addition to a series that never fails to entertain. It’s the perfect mix of cozy mystery, humor, suspense, and heart. If you’ve loved the previous books, this one will not disappoint!
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas and Mercer & Jess Lourey for this arc!
Mira James finds herself back in her hometown for Christmas, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into her life before Battle Lake. This change in setting brings a fresh perspective while still staying true to the series’ signature cozy mystery feel. Familiar faces from Mira’s past resurface, adding a nostalgic and heartwarming touch to the story. It's lovely to Mira get in touch with her roots & finally lay some demons from her past to rest.
But don’t be fooled by the holiday cheer—Lourey masterfully weaves in a chilling mystery. A serial killer is on the loose, targeting women and leaving candy canes as a sinister calling card. The tension builds beautifully, balancing the warmth of the season with the dark undercurrent of danger.
As always, Mrs. Berns steals every scene she’s in with her sharp tongue, sarcasm, and no-nonsense attitude. Her acerbic wit is one of the highlights of the series, and she does not disappoint in this installment.
On the relationship front, Mira and Johnny finally seem to be moving forward, which is a relief after so much back-and-forth. And then there’s Luna, the loyal German Shepherd—truly the star of the show. Without giving too much away, let’s just say Luna proves to be more than just a companion in this book.
Overall, December Dread is another stellar addition to a series that never fails to entertain. It’s the perfect mix of cozy mystery, humor, suspense, and heart. If you’ve loved the previous books, this one will not disappoint!
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas and Mercer & Jess Lourey for this arc!
January 4, 2025
4.5 stars.
After more than a decade away, Mira James isn’t keen on returning to her Minnesota hometown for the holidays. Even less festive is the news of the Candy Cane Killer who’s been very busy slashing through the snow. Eager to earn her official PI stripes, Mira is anxious to track him down. But when the latest victim is a woman from her high school graduating class, the investigation hits a little too close to home.
The book started on 9 Dec, and I read this book on 9 Dec. If that wasn’t kismet, I don’t know what is. By the time I read this, I was already completely hooked by the series.
Mira again managed to get herself entangled in a murder mystery, this time involving a serial killer (high stake!). I was so scared for her the entire time. Every time there was a mention of a candy cane, my heart beat a little faster.
I really enjoyed that Mira finally branched out using her investigative skills beyond her journalist career. I was excited for Mira the PI. This was another perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and comedy, with a sprinkle of Christmas. And of course, one of the main reason I got hooked was the outstanding narration by Jennifer Jill Araya. This book was no exception. Loved this.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
After more than a decade away, Mira James isn’t keen on returning to her Minnesota hometown for the holidays. Even less festive is the news of the Candy Cane Killer who’s been very busy slashing through the snow. Eager to earn her official PI stripes, Mira is anxious to track him down. But when the latest victim is a woman from her high school graduating class, the investigation hits a little too close to home.
The book started on 9 Dec, and I read this book on 9 Dec. If that wasn’t kismet, I don’t know what is. By the time I read this, I was already completely hooked by the series.
Mira again managed to get herself entangled in a murder mystery, this time involving a serial killer (high stake!). I was so scared for her the entire time. Every time there was a mention of a candy cane, my heart beat a little faster.
I really enjoyed that Mira finally branched out using her investigative skills beyond her journalist career. I was excited for Mira the PI. This was another perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and comedy, with a sprinkle of Christmas. And of course, one of the main reason I got hooked was the outstanding narration by Jennifer Jill Araya. This book was no exception. Loved this.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
November 24, 2024
4 stars
This is my second Jess Lourey of this series and I'm really digging it. I want to go back and read the others to get more of the background, but you don't need to in order to enjoy these books. Jennifer Jill Araya does such a great job. She makes Mira real and relatable. She's able to handle the lightness and the snark and the witty and the vulnrable.
Mira James is such a fun FMC. She's quirky, she's determined, she's unlucky (stumbling about 7 dead bodies/murders in 7 months), and may or may not be on the FBI Watch List. I read September Mourn and both that one and this one has Mira travelling outside of Battle Creek where she comes across her murder to investigate.
This one was better I think than September Mourn because of the fact that the killer had some chapters told from their POV also which was a fun addition. This one also had Mira in direct danger, too, which upped the stakes.
Mrs. Berns, as always, is there for the comedic relief and is such a fun character to have around. I'm so glad she seems to be a staple in these because I adore her character.
Thank you, Jess Lourey, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC.
This is my second Jess Lourey of this series and I'm really digging it. I want to go back and read the others to get more of the background, but you don't need to in order to enjoy these books. Jennifer Jill Araya does such a great job. She makes Mira real and relatable. She's able to handle the lightness and the snark and the witty and the vulnrable.
Mira James is such a fun FMC. She's quirky, she's determined, she's unlucky (stumbling about 7 dead bodies/murders in 7 months), and may or may not be on the FBI Watch List. I read September Mourn and both that one and this one has Mira travelling outside of Battle Creek where she comes across her murder to investigate.
This one was better I think than September Mourn because of the fact that the killer had some chapters told from their POV also which was a fun addition. This one also had Mira in direct danger, too, which upped the stakes.
Mrs. Berns, as always, is there for the comedic relief and is such a fun character to have around. I'm so glad she seems to be a staple in these because I adore her character.
Thank you, Jess Lourey, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC.
December 7, 2024
Mira is back to work for a day when she is told she has to close the library for three weeks due to budget cuts and Mira finds herself begrudgingly back in her hometown taking a PI course. Mira finds herself smack dab in the middle of a serial killer investigation and she is being hunted. The countdown is on as Mira and her sidekick work together to try to solve who is the serial killer before it’s too late.
The narrator, Jennifer Jill does a great job portraying Mira and many of the other characters in the book. The tones that inflections used are spot on.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
The narrator, Jennifer Jill does a great job portraying Mira and many of the other characters in the book. The tones that inflections used are spot on.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
January 2, 2025
Entertaining mystery relationship listening 🤗🙂
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book eight of twelve.
Mira is forced to close the library for three weeks. She goes to her mothers and PI class. The December killer is in the area and Mira gets involved in the investigation which comes to a happy ending 😃.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels 🌃😊 2025 🤓😴
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book eight of twelve.
Mira is forced to close the library for three weeks. She goes to her mothers and PI class. The December killer is in the area and Mira gets involved in the investigation which comes to a happy ending 😃.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels 🌃😊 2025 🤓😴
September 26, 2024
Fino a questo momento non avrei mai creduto che il genere Comedy e Mistery potessero fondersi così bene.
.
La storia è ambientata nel periodo poco prima di Natale. Nella posta Mira James trova un biglietto con sopra una promozione su delle caramelle ("dodici bastoncini di zucchero gratis, se ti iscrivi a un anno di vacanze salutari"). Subito lo scarta, come farebbe chiunque. Mentre sta andando in biblioteca incontra una sua vecchia amica, anche lei ha ricevuto quel biglietto. Due giorni prima anche altre donne lo avevano ricevuto e una di loro era stata uccisa insieme al suo cane il giorno seguente. Oltre a lei altre donne sono state uccise in altre città.
Il Candy Cane Killer colpirà di nuovo, riuscirà Mira James a fermarlo?
.
Questo libro mi ha molto sorpresa, non mi aspettavo che mi sarebbe piaciuto così tanto.
Lo humor della protagonista è perfetto e molto affine al mio. La scrittura è scorrevole e i capitoli sono mediamente brevi. Non sono riuscita ad indovinare il colpevole!
È una lettura perfetta da fare nel periodo invernale con una buona tazza di cioccolata calda tra le mani.
#DecemberDreadMurderbyMonthMystery #NetGalley
.
La storia è ambientata nel periodo poco prima di Natale. Nella posta Mira James trova un biglietto con sopra una promozione su delle caramelle ("dodici bastoncini di zucchero gratis, se ti iscrivi a un anno di vacanze salutari"). Subito lo scarta, come farebbe chiunque. Mentre sta andando in biblioteca incontra una sua vecchia amica, anche lei ha ricevuto quel biglietto. Due giorni prima anche altre donne lo avevano ricevuto e una di loro era stata uccisa insieme al suo cane il giorno seguente. Oltre a lei altre donne sono state uccise in altre città.
Il Candy Cane Killer colpirà di nuovo, riuscirà Mira James a fermarlo?
.
Questo libro mi ha molto sorpresa, non mi aspettavo che mi sarebbe piaciuto così tanto.
Lo humor della protagonista è perfetto e molto affine al mio. La scrittura è scorrevole e i capitoli sono mediamente brevi. Non sono riuscita ad indovinare il colpevole!
È una lettura perfetta da fare nel periodo invernale con una buona tazza di cioccolata calda tra le mani.
#DecemberDreadMurderbyMonthMystery #NetGalley
December 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This has been my favourite of the series so far, the story felt a lot more exciting than the others with the solving of the murder keeping you on your toes. Mrs Berns was also very funny in this book. Not quite a 4 as wasn’t excited enough to keep wanting to read it but enjoyed every time I picked the book up.
This has been my favourite of the series so far, the story felt a lot more exciting than the others with the solving of the murder keeping you on your toes. Mrs Berns was also very funny in this book. Not quite a 4 as wasn’t excited enough to keep wanting to read it but enjoyed every time I picked the book up.
December 19, 2024
This series is just so great! December Dread was set outside of Battle Lake which gave it a different feel. New characters too which keeps the series exciting. Mrs. Burns found a way to be involved which is always a highlight! Can’t wait for January!
October 9, 2025
I’m loving this series! The conversations between Mira and Mrs Burns are the comic relief and make me laugh out loud!! Plus the characters personalities are really evolving with each new chapter. I’m looking forward to “January Thaw”!!
December 2, 2024
Another great one!! I'm loving this series!!
December 13, 2025
My favorite book in this series to date! I even found some Nut Goodies at the store and had to buy them to try, so now I can relate to the sacred Minnesota candy!
April 14, 2025
Oh, my, gosh. This series is just perfect beach reading.
Next, please.
Next, please.
October 8, 2024
As we're not even close to Halloween yet, I thought I'd read a book set in December around the Christmas period with a villain called the Candy Cane Killer, because...why not?
As this was the first book I've read in the Murder By Month series, there were some references to previous books and characters that meant nothing to me ( but that's kind of my fault for jumping in at book 8 of a series) but those references were fairly infrequent and didn't really effect my reading experience.
December Dread is a "cozy" murder mystery and does what it needs to within that genre. Although it seems a bit formulaic at times, it does have some quirkier, more unique aspects. I personally enjoyed the friendship between Mira and her elderly-but-feisty best friend Mrs. Berns, which added a lot of entertainment value to the book as a whole, and there were enough potential suspects to keep me guessing until the end.
One thing that I wasn't too keen on was the way that Jess Lourey writes news reports. I enjoyed her writing style when from the perspective of Mira and the dialogue between characters, but whenever a news report came onto the TV, it felt like they stopped speaking like real people and the dialogue felt false and forced, like it was an afterthought as an exposition dump, or like Jess just doesn't enjoy writing as news reporters and wanted to get those sections over with as soon as possible. I don't mean it as an overall slight to Jess, because the rest of the book sounds fine, it's just specifically the news reports that gave that impression.
Overall, December Dread is an enjoyable read, and I'll probably read some of the other Murder By Month books in future. It didn't exactly set my world alight, but it does what it needs to do, and provides some fun along the way. I'd recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, and especially to people who have already enjoyed books in the same series, but if you're after more of a gritty thriller, you'll probably want to give this one a miss.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with digital access in return for my honest review.
***.5
Three and a half stars out of five (rounded up because it doesn't allow half stars and it's closer to a 4 than a 3 for me)
As this was the first book I've read in the Murder By Month series, there were some references to previous books and characters that meant nothing to me ( but that's kind of my fault for jumping in at book 8 of a series) but those references were fairly infrequent and didn't really effect my reading experience.
December Dread is a "cozy" murder mystery and does what it needs to within that genre. Although it seems a bit formulaic at times, it does have some quirkier, more unique aspects. I personally enjoyed the friendship between Mira and her elderly-but-feisty best friend Mrs. Berns, which added a lot of entertainment value to the book as a whole, and there were enough potential suspects to keep me guessing until the end.
One thing that I wasn't too keen on was the way that Jess Lourey writes news reports. I enjoyed her writing style when from the perspective of Mira and the dialogue between characters, but whenever a news report came onto the TV, it felt like they stopped speaking like real people and the dialogue felt false and forced, like it was an afterthought as an exposition dump, or like Jess just doesn't enjoy writing as news reporters and wanted to get those sections over with as soon as possible. I don't mean it as an overall slight to Jess, because the rest of the book sounds fine, it's just specifically the news reports that gave that impression.
Overall, December Dread is an enjoyable read, and I'll probably read some of the other Murder By Month books in future. It didn't exactly set my world alight, but it does what it needs to do, and provides some fun along the way. I'd recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, and especially to people who have already enjoyed books in the same series, but if you're after more of a gritty thriller, you'll probably want to give this one a miss.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with digital access in return for my honest review.
***.5
Three and a half stars out of five (rounded up because it doesn't allow half stars and it's closer to a 4 than a 3 for me)
July 20, 2023
Ok - I got books 8-10 for free, and did not start this series with book 1, which may explain why I found the female protagonist whiny and egoistic, and her "sidekick" completely over the top unrealistic.
Sorry, maybe it was just this book, will see if I like #9 any better.
Not the author's fault at all, and I am not saying the book is bad, just that I personally did not like it.
Sorry, maybe it was just this book, will see if I like #9 any better.
Not the author's fault at all, and I am not saying the book is bad, just that I personally did not like it.
December 19, 2022
Thought it was fitting to read this in December even though I bought it on a whim at a used book store in Palm Springs. I don’t have much to say but, I enjoyed the journey of this book. Wouldn’t read it again but the plot was interesting and the writing was just okay.
December 11, 2018
It was a quick read. I ordered the rest of the series from #1.
December 7, 2019
Too scary for me
I expect a mystery to have some scariness, but this was too scary from beginning to end. I figured out the killer almost as soon as he appeared in the story
I expect a mystery to have some scariness, but this was too scary from beginning to end. I figured out the killer almost as soon as he appeared in the story
December 22, 2024
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
December Dread By Jess Lourey
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud cozy mystery to read during this holiday season, look no further than December Dread, part of Jess Lourey's Murder By Month Mysteries. This was SUCH a fun and light-hearted mystery - perfect for an afternoon of cozy reading around the warmth of your Christmas tree.
While I haven't read any of the series before this one, I felt like this one worked well as a standalone, especially for the holiday season. With that being said, though, I'll be going back now and reading the other books in this series because I enjoyed this one so much!
The story's female MC is Mira, a lovably intelligent - and slightly self-deprecating - woman who, when finding herself on a forced sabbatical from her job as a small-town librarian, returns to her hometown for the first time in a decade to spend the holidays with her mom. There's a serial killer on the loose in the Midwest, who targets slim brunettes by delivering a candy cane to their homes just before their death. And did I mention Mira is a slim brunette? And that her childhood friend was one of the killer's most recent victims?
Mira was a fantastic MC, but it was her friendship with "over ninety-year-old" Mrs. Berns that really stole the show for me in this read. The banter between these two women was comedic gold and was what made the story so funny in the midst of Midwestern women being terrorized and murdered by the Candy Cane Killer. It's not often a cozy mystery about a serial killer can create such laugh-out-loud moments, but Lourey makes it happen brilliantly with this book. While the majority of the story is told from Mira's POV, the interspersed chapters from the killer's POV were spine-tinglingly chilling and added a layer of creepiness to this otherwise cozy read.
Fans of cozy mysteries, holiday reads, quick-witted banter, and read-in-one-sitting books will really enjoy this latest installment from the Murder By Month Mysteries! A ho-ho-holiday thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.
#DecemberDread #MurderByMonthMystery #JessLourey #ThomasandMercer #amazonpublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #holidayreads #holidaymysteries #cozymysteries #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
December Dread By Jess Lourey
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud cozy mystery to read during this holiday season, look no further than December Dread, part of Jess Lourey's Murder By Month Mysteries. This was SUCH a fun and light-hearted mystery - perfect for an afternoon of cozy reading around the warmth of your Christmas tree.
While I haven't read any of the series before this one, I felt like this one worked well as a standalone, especially for the holiday season. With that being said, though, I'll be going back now and reading the other books in this series because I enjoyed this one so much!
The story's female MC is Mira, a lovably intelligent - and slightly self-deprecating - woman who, when finding herself on a forced sabbatical from her job as a small-town librarian, returns to her hometown for the first time in a decade to spend the holidays with her mom. There's a serial killer on the loose in the Midwest, who targets slim brunettes by delivering a candy cane to their homes just before their death. And did I mention Mira is a slim brunette? And that her childhood friend was one of the killer's most recent victims?
Mira was a fantastic MC, but it was her friendship with "over ninety-year-old" Mrs. Berns that really stole the show for me in this read. The banter between these two women was comedic gold and was what made the story so funny in the midst of Midwestern women being terrorized and murdered by the Candy Cane Killer. It's not often a cozy mystery about a serial killer can create such laugh-out-loud moments, but Lourey makes it happen brilliantly with this book. While the majority of the story is told from Mira's POV, the interspersed chapters from the killer's POV were spine-tinglingly chilling and added a layer of creepiness to this otherwise cozy read.
Fans of cozy mysteries, holiday reads, quick-witted banter, and read-in-one-sitting books will really enjoy this latest installment from the Murder By Month Mysteries! A ho-ho-holiday thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.
#DecemberDread #MurderByMonthMystery #JessLourey #ThomasandMercer #amazonpublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #holidayreads #holidaymysteries #cozymysteries #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
April 21, 2025
‘December Dread’ is another solid addition to Jess Lourey’s monthly murder series and follows on from a really good November outing.
This time, Mira is on the trail of a serial killer and the stakes are a little higher as she fits the typical profile of the killer’s victims. Forced out of Battle Lake, she reluctantly retreats to her mother’s place in her home town of Paynesville where she is forced to confront a variety of demons from her childhood, as well as try to pass a PI exam to continue down that particular career path.
The building blocks of this one are good – the PI course is well told, as are the various interactions Mira has with old school acquaintances and the icing on the cake, of course, is the prolonged exposure to Mrs Berns in this one. That crazy 90-year-old better live forever, that’s all I’ll say.
Credit to Lourey, she has tried something different with each of these novels – I’m not sure if they came before or after her other novels but they feel very much like a writer’s training ground. Some of the series works, some of it is less effective. This one works well and, even though the jump into the killer’s mind was a little disconcerting, it works in the overall scheme of the book.
It was also interesting to get out of Battle Lake for a little while – I found that a similar move in the September novel worked well in widening our protagonists’ horizons. That said, I am hoping that January will be back in Battle Lake with all of the zaniness that goes with the place.
Another solid outing for Mira, Mrs Berns, and co.
My thanks to Mercer Books, via NetGalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This time, Mira is on the trail of a serial killer and the stakes are a little higher as she fits the typical profile of the killer’s victims. Forced out of Battle Lake, she reluctantly retreats to her mother’s place in her home town of Paynesville where she is forced to confront a variety of demons from her childhood, as well as try to pass a PI exam to continue down that particular career path.
The building blocks of this one are good – the PI course is well told, as are the various interactions Mira has with old school acquaintances and the icing on the cake, of course, is the prolonged exposure to Mrs Berns in this one. That crazy 90-year-old better live forever, that’s all I’ll say.
Credit to Lourey, she has tried something different with each of these novels – I’m not sure if they came before or after her other novels but they feel very much like a writer’s training ground. Some of the series works, some of it is less effective. This one works well and, even though the jump into the killer’s mind was a little disconcerting, it works in the overall scheme of the book.
It was also interesting to get out of Battle Lake for a little while – I found that a similar move in the September novel worked well in widening our protagonists’ horizons. That said, I am hoping that January will be back in Battle Lake with all of the zaniness that goes with the place.
Another solid outing for Mira, Mrs Berns, and co.
My thanks to Mercer Books, via NetGalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2024
December Dread by Jess Lourey and narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya is an absolutely brilliant seasonal murder mystery. When the library she works at has it's funding cut for the holidays, Mira hasno choice but to go home for the season as there is no way she can afford to pay her rent and bills. Mira is not loooking forward to going home, not that she won't receive a warm welcome from her mom, it's just that her father was a notorious drunk who was involved in a fatal RTA. While this freed the two from his abusive outbursts, they had to live with the memory and as such, Mira had been avoiding returning to Minnesota, until now.
However, there is a bright spot. Mira does some freelance investigative reporting for her local newspapaer and teh kindly editor gives her a gift to encourage her to go home for the holidays, a course to achieve her PI licence (which he says she will have to have before she can do any more investigative work for him)
So with pup in tow, off she goes, smack bang into a murder mystery featuring the return of the notorious candy cane killer, and the worst thing? She fits his profile!
At times comical as well as dark, this is a mystery that is perfect for the season. Full of great characters and a strong narrative, I will certainly be looking out for more from Jess Lourey
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, Jess Lourey and the stunning as ever narrator Jennifer Jill Araya for this fantastic ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
November 18, 2024
This book is about our main character who has solved some crimes in the past by sleuthing. It's December and money is tight and the library where she works is closed for three weeks so decides to go back to her mom's house in her home town and there is a serial killer in their area who is killed only in December and his targets get a candy cane before they get murdered. His kills have a particular type and our main character fits the description but that's not how she gets involved in this. Her high school best friend gets killed which is why she wants to catch him or rather help police with important information to catch him.
She is also taking PI classes and I liked that she is actually getting professional classes and she joins self defense classes which makes her honestly better than other sleuths I have read about. I like how serious she is with detective work.
Talking about the mystery, serial killer books are usually extra creepy because we have read how they are ruthless and won't hesitate in murdering someone but seeing what the family of the victims go through gave the story a lot more depth and made it emotional because the victim was not just a victim but someone's daughter, friend, etc.
I couldn't figure out who the killer was but the clues were there for readers to figure out. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book.
She is also taking PI classes and I liked that she is actually getting professional classes and she joins self defense classes which makes her honestly better than other sleuths I have read about. I like how serious she is with detective work.
Talking about the mystery, serial killer books are usually extra creepy because we have read how they are ruthless and won't hesitate in murdering someone but seeing what the family of the victims go through gave the story a lot more depth and made it emotional because the victim was not just a victim but someone's daughter, friend, etc.
I couldn't figure out who the killer was but the clues were there for readers to figure out. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book.
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