September Mourn

Murder by Month Mystery #5

by Jess Lourey

A festive fairground becomes an unexpected backdrop for a grade-A murder in a deliciously funny mystery by Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey.

The Minnesota State Fair wows again with 4-H exhibits, rides, a Neil Diamond concert, and deep-fried everything on a stick. Covering it is a breezy assignment as fluffy as cotton candy for reporter Mira James, until the main attraction becomes murder.

Ashley Pederson, crowned Milkfed Mary, Queen of the Dairy, is getting her all-American likeness carved in a block of unsalted butter when she drops dead, her face as red as a stoplight. Cause: malicious poisoning. Despite Ashley's creamy good looks, her reputation was pretty rancid. Still, who'd want to take out the soon-to-be college freshman and Battle Lake resident? Mira's made a vow to the dairy darling's grieving mother to find out.

Amid queenly competitors, rumors of sordid love affairs and embezzlement scandals, small-town secrets, and big business cover-ups, can Mira find the murderer on the Midway? You bet your corn dog she can.

Revised This edition of September Mourn includes editorial revisions.

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

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2009

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

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

This cozy mystery, set in Minnesota, avoids most of the pitfalls (or more accurately my pet peeves) of this subgenre by which so many of the recent examples I have read are plagued. The writing could be better but I wouldn't mind reading another in the series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/29/2019)! 🎁

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book immersively alternating between the audiobook and physical book and received a free copy of the physical book from the author.

I enjoyed this so much! I love a good mystery/thriller but when you add a couple of supporting characters who all have some of the most funny lines I found myself laughing out loud.

This book took this Midwest girl back to some of what I know and love despite being a southern girl now. But I have to say my love for some dairy products and meat products may be just a bit compromised after reading this book but I love every single word.

The narration was amazing! It drew me into the story even more and felt like I was right there alongside these characters!

Now I need to get the rest of the books in this series!

[Stacey Labissiere · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book strayed away from my norm. I do not typically read cozy mysteries. Which is a very different take from the usual dark path that Lourey's books typically take

This is a book you can cozy up and read while you are at the beach, or it is a rainy day in winter, and you want to cuddle up in the blanket and read.

To be honest, the characters in this book felt like friends, and it did feel all over the place. This was a good mystery, and I hate to throw shade at Freida McFadden fans (not really), but I have said this since the first time I read a book by Jess Lourey. Her books are what you all think Freida's books are.

If you want a quick read that isn't full of triggers go right ahead and pick this up

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My least fav of the series but thats not saying much since the book was still fantastic. I found this series about 10 months ago and binged all the books. This one is book 5 and stands fine as a standalone but I urge you to read the entire series.

Its well written and brilliantly executed. I love MIra, she is the best kind of MC!!!

4 stars

[Rich Bisanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great humorous mystery

I've read six books so far and I really like all the characters. Mrs Berns, Mira James and Kennie the mayor. These are mysteries with a touch of humor. Read them in order, it'll help you as you follow or her adventures.
Mira has a penchant for finding dead bodies in the most unusual places.
The ensuing stories are fun and intriguing.

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

Not sure if it's the change of setting for this book, but this seemed different to the rest of the books in the series so far. The characters weren't weighed down by being over constantly over quirky and protagonist Mira had a balance that hasn't existed in the prior books.

The mystery takes place at a state fair, much of the fair being rural in nature. I can relate to that, having grown up in a country area. Maybe that's why I related to this mystery so much. The setting for the murder is inventive and grabbed my attention. But it's not a mystery that will keep you guessing. I think the culprit is quite easy to pick once you meet the character, but the story introduces a lot of new characters that are there to highlight more of Mira's past, a part of the mystery, or a part of the more serious topic of big agribusiness and the methods used to increase animal growth and productivity. Introducing the more serious topic in this mystery gave the story another layer and it's a worthwhile topic to discuss. I do wish the author went even further, but it probably would darken the lighter tone of the story. And the lighter tone did match the setting of the state fair.

If anybody is interested in this series, the books are being released through Amazon and I believe are available as part of Kindle Unlimited.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira finds herself in the middle of the Minnesota State Fair grounds murder investigation again!
Of course Mira will investigate what happened with Ashley Pederson, who was recently crowned as Queen of the Dairy. Let the fun shenanigans begin. From unique and quirky characters, competitors, animal rights activists, small town scandals, and affairs this story will keep you on your toes! Oh and I almost forgot a haunted house tour that left me holding my breath till I finished the outcome. It was such a fun and quick read. I have really enjoyed listening to Jennifer Jill narration. I feel like she does a great job portraying Mira and the other characters in the book well. I look forward to seeing what trouble Mira finds herself in next.

A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing for the ALC.

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira is at the Minnesota State Fair as the Battle Lake reporter when she once again finds herself entrenched in a murder mystery of the Milkfed Mary Queen.

Mrs. Berns and the quirky Battle Lake Mayor, Kennie Rogers, invade Mira’s trailer and provide colorful background to the cozy mystery. This one felt a little slow midway through, there were too many tangled side “crimes” that pulled away from the main mystery without creating a deeper suspect pool, but I still loved the overall story and characters.

[Amber Novoselac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira James and her cast of character hit the Minnesota State Fair. Of course for Mira, it starts off with a murder with a queen of the dairy who happens to be from Battle Lake. Mira solves the mystery in her own way with deep fried nut goodies eaten along the way. Mira, also realizes that Battle Lake has become more her home than the Twin Cities ever was. She has genuine friends that care about her. Mrs. Berns was the standout character in this book for me.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

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

Mira is covering the state fair for the newspaper. She is at the crowning 👑 of the queen 👑 when she drops dead. Mira keeps asking questions which leads to the truth and the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024👒😆

[Katie Resch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love rom coms and I love mysteries so I thought I would adore this book. The mystery/investigation was pretty boring and the label of a rom com was a little misleading, or it was just poorly executed. I could see some people liking this book but it just wasn’t for me. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio!

[Tiffany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun. I am glad that they were in a new setting and we got to see them on the road. The characters are fun to read and you never know what the mayor will do next. I look forward to reading this series and appreciate -Amazon having these as an unlimited read each month!! Super fun!! Want a light fun book series try out these cozy mysteries !!

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was alright! It was a fun concept, pretty thrilling, and i wasnt expecting it to end this way. However, it was going pretty slow and showing lots of details that werent needed for the story. This might be because its part of a series and i havent read the other books, so this could just be me. Was still fun though!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this one was a bit longer than the other books so we got to spend more time with the characters. Mrs. Berns is so funny. The mystery revolving around the state fair was really fun and I liked the lowkey political commentary about animal welfare.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally I dislike when fiction books strongly esopus the author's political leanings. I was pleased to see that the cow advocacy in this novel was presented rationally, calmly, and within context. I also like how the characters in this story advocate for peaceful protests (unlike the violent riots and in-you-face demands of today).  Peacefully presenting a view shows respect which means you are more likely to be heard. Unacceptable behavior indicates that your feeling “good” by being all worked up is more important to you than effectuating change. It's selfish and destructive to your alleged cause.  I truly enjoyed how this author approached the cow topic without promoting or condemning it and discussed activism in a constructive manner. Props for standing out in this way.

[Kayla Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally am not one for cozy mystery but I enjoyed this. Keeps you engaged and wanting to know “who done it..” and the wanting to reach the end.

[Becky Loader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why am I hooked on these books? Oh, that's right! They are funny and feature Minnesota places. This one takes place at the Minnesota State Fair and is hilarious. Not fine literature by a long shot, but ya, you know, nothin' wrong with enjoying a corn dog and a deep-fried nut goodie after the Milkfed Mary queen gets herself killed in the butter head carving booth. You betcha!

[Emily Wiebold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fair setting in this one!

[Mia Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one delivered! The crime was a little wild, but still seemed realistic in some weird sense. The pace was smooth as butter (pun intended 😜), I finished within 24 hours. This one is definitely in my top three so far since I started the series, I’m super excited to see what happens to Mira next!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, funny and easy read, and just the balm my soul needed.

[Coni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book that I decided I needed to take a break from these cozy mysteries. I never really thought they would be my thing and they really aren't.

It isn't anything against the author or the story since there were quite a few things I liked about the book and the series overall. I love the town and all the various characters. I want to be like Mrs. Berns when I'm an old lady. She is having the time of her life. These people would probably be best if they stayed away from Mira though. Ever since she showed up in the tiny town in Minnesota, people keep dying each month. Super suspicious!

I know I needed to take a break because I started this one after I finished the book just before it in the series, but then I took an almost two month break before I finally finished it. It wasn't capturing my interest and I think my interest was waning with some of the previous books as well.

Time for me to get off the cozy mystery horse and find something else.

[Beth Peninger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started, and finished, this book quickly. This book is #5 in a series by Lourey called "Murder-by-Month" but it's the first book of hers, and the series, that I have read. And it wasn't bad, not at all. Lourey's girl "detective" is a part-time librarian and part-time newspaper reporter for a small town in Minnesota that just so happens to run across dead bodies quite a bit. Completely realistic. *wink*
In this installment the Minnesota State Fair is the scene and the dead body is the newly crowned Milkfed Mary, Ashley Pederson. Someone takes Ashley out while she's having her head carved out of butter. The question is who and why? Mira James happens to be there covering the State Fair for her town of Battle Lake and since she's already run across dead bodies in the past few months it makes sense for her to investigate this death. Along for the investigation is the colorful Mrs. Berns and Kennie Rogers from Battle Lake. As Mira investigates the reader is introduced to a cast of characters, some helpful and others not so much to solving this crime. Lourey also takes the reader on a State Fair food journey, some of it made me want to be sick - Mira too. Some of the things people think up to eat...ick. Also, as part of the storyline, Lourey tackles the controversial topic of growth hormones for bovine in this title. Either she's playing devil's advocate or Lourey herself is a vegan or vegetarian. That part interested me quite a bit.
It seems, since this is book 5, that Lourey is continuing to develop Mira's character and past in this installment. There are references to things about Mira that if I had started with book 1 would probably make a lot more sense in book 5. This book was decent enough, like some other series that I use as fillers, that I will pick up the other titles from time to time and see the series through.

[Lighthearted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Mrs. Berns in charge of the library, Mira James packs her press badge and heads to the city to report on Battle Lakes’ representation at the Minnesota State Fair. As part of her coverage of the Milkfed Mary contest, Mira’s snapping photos of Battle Lakes bad girl Ashley Pederson as she has her head sculpted in butter. Mira has a moment to wonder what’s wrong with Ashley before the lights go out. When the lights come back on, Ashley is a strange shade of red and quite dead.

Never one to wait for the results of a police investigation, Mira determines to solve Ashley’s murder. As she digs for information, she uncovers secret love affairs, embezzlement rumors, freaky compulsions and a big business cover-up. On the lighter side of things, she’ll find herself sharing a trailer with Mrs. Berns and Kennie Rogers, throwing granny-panties at Neil Diamond and indulging in the ultimate decadence, the deep-fried Nut-Goodie on a stick.

I’m really enjoying this series! In addition to crafting a good mystery, Lourey offers quirky, eccentric characters and laugh-out-loud humor. Mrs. Berns and Kennie may be a bit over the top (particularly Kennie) but oh, they are fun. In this series installment, Lourey adds a touch of seriousness as she draws attention to dark side of the dairy industry—I have to admit, I’m a still a bit squeamish.

[Gigi Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, Jess Lourey. The novel's setting is at the Minnesota State Fair—where the heady aroma of grease, beer, and livestock compels folks to consume anything on a stick. The Fair has become a murder scene. Someone has poisoned the newly crowned Milkfed Mary, Queen of the Dairy, while her regal likeness was getting carved into Grade A salted butter—a Fair tradition. Will Mira James, covering the fair for the Battle Lake Recall, expose a deadly State Fair secret and win a blue ribbon for caging a killer? Will she discover who killed the malicious teen pageant queen? You can bet your last deep-fried Nut Goodie she will!

This was an amusing story full of over-the-top crazies, who love all the fatty foods offered at State Fairs. For me it was just to much attention given to things and people that (in my opinion) became filler for the story. There were a few funny moments, but for me they were far and few between. It was an okay cozy, but I struggled to get the book read. It wasn't a favorite of mine, but it was an OK read, therefore I awarded it 3***

[Rosemary Cantrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admission up front - I have a little trouble reading books that are supposed to be funny - I keep reading "reality" and it usually isn't there. That is the case with this book. I think in order to enjoy this book, you need to accept that it is not a serious mystery with believable characters or plot. So, if you can put aside reality a bit, you might really get a good laugh.

I found the characters very funny - not believable, of course - but funny. As long as I visualized it like it was a silly movie, I had fun. The premise is ridiculous - but it is very funny to think of a beauty queen being murdered in front of everyone while her likeness is being carved in butter. I don't think I have ever seen that plot line before!

I grew up where fairs were a big thing and I could visualize a lot of what was going on. But, I must admit that I never attended a fair quite like this one! If you can let go of your reality and just have fun, you will enjoy this book. I did, once I got to the letting go part!

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly (no pun intended) standard cozy mystery. This year Mira James keeps finding dead bodies. At least this time she wasn't alone while watching Milkfed Mary, Queen of the Dairy have her face sculpted from butter during the State Fair, only to have her found dead after the lights went out and were turned back on. Covering the event (well, both events - murder and fair), Mira is on the search (with some friends) for the murderer, as well as the best of Fair food. The beauty queen was a real piece of work, so suspects abound. Very enjoyable.

[Katie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a free Kindle download, and I am so happy I found it! With colorful characters that even Carl Hiaasen would be proud of and a spunky female lead that reminded me of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, this was definitely a fun read and I will probably check out some more of the "Murder-by-Month" series.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guilty pleasure book. I lived in Minnesota for thirteen years, and one of my favorite things was the State Fair with its silly but sublime traditions. I especially loved the annual tradition where the dairy princesses had their likenesses sculpted in butter. This mystery reminded me of fairs gone by, and the author obviously knows the area. A quick read.

[Jenny from Ukraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it less than the previous 4 in the series (which I devoured). I guess it has something to do with the fact that the murder victim is a teenage girl. Other than that - a solid mystery. 3,5 stars