January Thaw: Murder by Month Mystery, Book 9

Murder by Month Mystery #9

by Jess Lourey

The discovery of a frozen stiff reveals old buried secrets in a witty and invigorating mystery from Amazon Charts bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey.

It may be six below zero, but an ice-skating jaunt gets even more chilling for private investigator in training Mira James. She’s just locked eyes with a frozen corpse floating under a sheet of ice.

The man, a curious transient who’s been researching local history, also rescued Mira and her best friend from a mugging the night before. His death is no accident, but it is a mystery. To solve it, Mira follows a trail leading to the alleged haunting of a historic museum and a centuries-old tragedy that has yet to claim its final victim.

With a killer on the loose amid a freakish winter thaw, Mira is on thin ice. If she doesn’t watch her back, she could be the next one to go under.

Revised This edition of January Thaw includes editorial revisions.

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

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2014

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

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, fast mystery for my first book of 2021. I have become quite fond of this series and I really enjoy the comedy team of Mira James and Mrs. Berns. This is humour that I can appreciate, something I comprehend. How can I resist Mrs. Berns, who asks questions like “Are you writing a book in your head or are you holding in a fart?” What can I say, I enjoy very simple jests.

It helps that Lourey can plot a pretty good mystery, plus she provides a continuing plot about Mira's love life, her professional development, her friends and neighbours. As much as I love the mystery genre, I really love the soap opera like details of this ongoing story line. I like getting to know characters over the course of several books, giving me a chance to become fond of them. It helps that Lourey doesn't write Mira (or Mrs. Berns) as unintelligent. Both women can add up details to get to results quickly, even if Mira has problems with relationships. At least she seems to be working through her issues, not repeating them ad nauseum (Kay Scarpetta, I'm looking at you!)

I also appreciate the kindness of these main characters, who seem to be acquiring quite a circle of friends and pleasing acquaintances. There's quite enough negativity in the world right now and I find that this depiction of caring people makes me feel better about life, not worse.

I've been plotting my reading life for the New Year and I think I will likely weed out some lesser mystery series to make room for more Mira in my life.

Cross posted at my blog:

https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...

[Heather Coffee_Kindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a series, I have not read or listened to the previous books in the series, but I felt there was enough information for this book, to be enjoyable, but maybe I would have connected with Mira quicker if I'd had.

There are great moments of humour in this book along with plenty of mystery.

Overall a really enjoyable listen.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

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

She is still at the library with Mrs. Burns as a volunteer. A man 🚹 has been coming in as about the history of Battle Lake then he is found dead. His wife and children show up she and Mrs. Burns are helping them. Then everything goes sideways as the killer and helpers hold them captive. It all comes to a happy ending 😀.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2025 👒😀💘

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Cute, fun series.

[Amber Novoselac · Rating 5 out of 5]

January in Minnesota is pretty miserable but once in awhile mother nature will throw you a bone and give you a couple good days of weather that make you think of spring which is also known as the January Thaw. Mother nature is a player though and whips you right back to the cold and dark depressing days which is known as a Minnesota winter. Mira James, the main character, is taking her PI work more seriously and trying to get hours to become certified. She takes on a case for a lawyer while stumbling into gang and drug activity. Oh yeah, she also comes face to face with another corpse. Mira always seems to land on her feet thanks to her village and her best friend Mrs. Berns. While solving the case she also happen to find out what happened to a man in the 1860's. Murder by Month series is a little bit mystery but it is definitely funny. If you want to laugh out loud while reading books I suggest reading the Murder by Month series by Jess Lourey starting with May Day.

**Thank you Jess Lourey, Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of January Thaw. Revised version 2024

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite book series although the last one wasn't as good. This book bounced back with a good plot and laugh out loud funny moments. Mrs. Berns cracks me up, she's the perfect sidekick and her banter with Mira are always the highlight of the book. Can't wait for the next!

[BookWormBecky · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to author Jess Lourey for this gifted copy and a spot on the tour!

4.2

Zamboni, library card, bumble…

Mira and Mrs. Berns return in January Thaw. Mira is still working at the library, writing a newspaper column, all while training to be a private investigator.

“New Year. New Corpse …”

Mira discovers another corpse - this time the body is found frozen in the ice just before the weekend Winter Wonderland festivities begin.

How do a Civil War museum and an 1865 letter fit into the picture? What are the strangers who recently came to town up to?

This rom-com / cozy mystery has a lighthearted & entertaining storyline concentrating on amateur sleuths investigating small-town mysteries.

Join Mira as she tackles the case!


THOUGHTS:

*A light, fun read!

*Quirky characters:

Mira - trouble seems to follow her

Mrs. Berns was a hoot! She was sooo candid & outspoken! Lots of zingers! She was the character that made me laugh!

Kennie - always a new niche (Mayor)

Wohnt - exasperated by Mira (police chief)

*This is book #9 in a series. I did not read earlier books but was able to follow the plot and characters.

*Rom-coms and cozy mysteries are not the usual genre I read. A well done job of presenting the “spirit and humor” of the various characters.

*I would like to try a thriller by this author!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mayor has a narcoleptic dachshund named Peter, there was that body uncovered by the Zamboni, somebody shot the police chief, and the solving of current and post civil war mysteries. FUN!
I went bats over all the info on the very real Prospect House Museum (History geek here).
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
#January Thaw by @jesslourey #MurderByMonthMysteryBk9 #NetGalley #ThomasandMercer #Minnesota #HumorousSuspense #RomcomMystery @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @kobobooks @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The antics of Mira James and Mrs. Berns continue. Trust that this one was funnier than the previous ones. The chief gets shot, and I just laughed when he spoke to Mira. This was just as entertaining and mysterious as the past books in this series. I cannot wait to see what Mira and Mrs. Berns are up to next. The narrator, Jennifer Jill does a great job portraying Mira and many of the other characters in the book. Loved it!

A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for the ALC.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira James is the part-time public library director in Battle Lake, Minnesota and has a propensity for finding dead bodies. This book is #9 in the Murder of the Month Mystery series. I haven’t read the others yet. I don’t know if it helps to read them in order or not.

READ IF YOU ENJOY |
•Witty, sometimes silly humor
•Hapless MC’s
•Hot to trot octogenarians
•Amateur detectives
•Library setting

‘This was going to be more fun than a room full of nuns with Tourette’s…’

This is a quick, fun read when you’re in the mood for a lighter mystery. I hear the series keeps getting better and better.

Contains two brief, not overly descriptive love scenes and some innuendo.

3.75/5 stars

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

I really like and care about Mira James. Jess Lourey did a good job of making the characters feel real. I did not want to put the book down. I did not realize that I had read a previous book featuring Mira two years ago.(My Memory I used to remember all the books I read.)

The book starts strong and keeps you interested and wanting to know more about the different characters and their relationships to each other.

Mira James works at the library, newspaper and working to become a detective. She cares about the people in her small town of Battle Creek, MN. She has a bad habit of finding a dead body at least once per month. She is house sitting for a friend.

Mira and her friend get accosted in an alley. Before anything bad happens they are rescued by Maurice a black man that has come in the library a lot the past week. He knows the two men who have gang tattoos.

The book has a lot of drama, action, crimes as Mira tries to figure out how and who are doing things in town. Plus she has a case to look into and lots of questions she wants the answer too.

Mira has two good friends who are senior citizens that help her get into trouble. They bring some humor along with finding out information to help her solve the problems and questions she has.

I would love to go back and read all the books in the series sometime. I want to read more of Jess Lourey books in the future.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when finished by NetGalley and Midnight Ink.
One source says this book comes out in Aug and three more show Jan. 8, 2014. Midnight Ink publisher.

[Charese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as from the author and was excited to read it in exchange for a cute video of me reading the book. I enjoyed the book don't get me wrong; it just wasn't my favorite.

First, I thought that there was a lot of catchups I needed to do since this was the 9th book in the series and wasn't giving the vibe of an interconnected stand alone. 2nd I felt that this book really overly emphasized it being a laugh out loud mystery, to the extent that I felt it was forced at points.

Now for things I enjoyed. I did like the MC and the overall plot. Jess Lourey is able to write a well written plot. It was a good mystery that kept you guess. I also laughed a decent amount, and the book still had a cute romance to it.

Overall this was a solid 3.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A January thaw doesn't come to Minnesota often but amid this short one Mira finds a body under the ice in the lake. This sets off a new multi-faceted mystery. This excellent series makes me laugh at some of Mira's thoughts and at the antics of her elderly friend, Mrs. Berns. Her part-time jobs as librarian and reporter gives her lots of elbow room to worm her way into situations where she can investigate. I love how the character of Mira grows as a person. In this book her tenderness instincts toward children are in the forefront. This is just such a good series that I will be so sad when it's done. 12 books don't seem like enough but I guess that it won't be possible to add any more months to the calendar?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The little cozy mystery rom coms are fun. It is also fun to grab this each month that it is set in. Nothing I remember in a year but good book to transition from the heavy reads I started the year with.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series! Great mysteries and very enjoyable characters.

[Tiffany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another fun addition to this series. I like reading these and knowing the characters and seeing what antics they will get into.

[Tom Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but I didn't know it's #9 of 12, so next book will be #1

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite crime fighting duo’s are back. Mira and Mrs. Berns! Mira stumbles across a dead body of a new library regular. Dead body, the police chief gets shot and new crime in town gets Mira’s senses tingling. This was another fun installment with mystery, laughs, and a little bit of romance. Looking forward to more Mira and Mrs Berns adventures!

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read! Great next book in the series. Finished it just in time! Ready for February!

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine a dead body and no witness? Mira James with the help of Mrs. Berns are at it again in Jess Lourey’s newest romcom mystery. January Thaw comes with the thrills, chills, laughs and tears. Guaranteeing a good time. The characters are relatable. The story well developed and told. The plot is entertaining. Wonderful story and series. Jess Lourey is a mastermind with the murder by month mystery series.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

[hailey vallet]

didn’t finish. i didn’t realize this series was all connected and weren’t just standalone a so i had no idea what was even going on or who these characters were so i got bored and confused

edit: my fault for reading it out of order thought they were standalones

[Heather Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this in a Goodreads giveaway. It’s my first book in the series. It was a quick fun read as my first book of the year.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very clearly not the first book in the series. If you want to understand some of the threads running through it, maybe start at the top!

Ever since moving to Battle Lake, Mira has been working on becoming a private investigator, next to her part-time job as the town's librarian and reporter for the local newspaper. Oh, and she keeps finding bodies. After the Candy Cane Killer has left her slightly traumatised, she hopes to spend her January enjoying the new brewery and museum of local interest - when she finds a body in the ice rink on the lake. A drug-dealing gang seems to have set up shop in town, there is a series of break-ins and the police chief gets shot. And then there's Johnny, her handsome musician boyfriend, who might not be faithful?

I listened to the audiobook version of the novel and enjoyed the narration very much. Jennifer Jill Araya as Mira is quirky and matches the town's cooky side characters well. Her male voices are a little strained but I did not mind that.

Mira's trauma after the past months' events was credible, her actions sometimes less so. But therein lies the fun of this series! If you are looking for an entertaining mystery set in a small Minnesota town, this book is for you! I found Mira a little annoying initially but warmed to her, not least thanks to the narrator.Jess Lourey spins a story with many threads, so I was curious to see how she managed to pull them all together at the end. She did well, in my opinion! I found it a little weird that an investigator-in-training, no matter how broke, would not own a cellphone. It made sense only for plot purposes. The mystery combines the town's civil war-era history with the present day in a sometimes whimsical, sometimes comical way. If you can't stand not entirely legal means of investigation, this is not for you. All in all, Lourey's novel is chock full of sometimes a little cartoonish side characters but also some genuinely heartwarming scenes. And, of course, lots of secrets!

Thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC.

[Pattie Fore · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Jess Lourey and the publishers for continuing to deliver such an engaging and entertaining series with the Mira James Mysteries! As this series progresses, I find myself falling more and more in love with Mira and her quirky, hilarious adventures.

In January Thaw, Mira's antics are as captivating as ever. Her unique personality, combined with her sharp mind, makes her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. This book takes on a slightly darker tone, continuing the series’ trend of diving into weightier themes. However, the darkness is perfectly balanced with Lourey’s signature humor and a touch of romance, making for an enjoyable and engaging read.

The plot kicks off with Mira being attacked, only to discover the body of her rescuer the following day. This event leads her on a thrilling investigation to track down a drug dealer. As always, Mira’s determination and resourcefulness shine through as she dives headfirst into another mystery.

One of the standout elements of this book, as with the rest of the series, is the supporting cast. Mrs. Berns, in particular, steals the show with her wit and charm. Her dynamic with Mira adds a layer of humor and warmth that keeps readers coming back for more. The other supporting characters also bring depth and richness to the story, making the town of Battle Lake feel like a real, lived-in place.

Overall, January Thaw is another fantastic addition to the series. It’s a perfect blend of comedy, mystery, and just a hint of romance. I can’t wait to see where Mira’s adventures take her next! If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re missing out on one of the most delightful mystery series out there. Highly recommend!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

And a thank you to Thomas & Mercer for re-releasing the series. I am loving it! I have one caveat. Don't call it a rom com. I know it's the trend now. But there has to be better genre mash up than rom com. Comystrom? Mystcomrom? Or how about Sassy Murder Mystery? The romance takes 2nd chair in this story and although the series was written about a decade ago, it's a great read for current times.

Our sassy sleuths have a bit a funk on all of them. Messy histories. A little bit of impertinent behavior. But a whole lot of love for all of their faults.

Mira, our main character, is now established in what was suppose to be her temporary home. That can be taken two ways. Established as in laying down roots with friends and a job or established as the finder of dead bodies. Both are proper descriptions of her current life. Death and crime solving has taken a toll on poor Mira. But she soldiers on and is pursing her Private Eye license and still getting mixed up in messy murders. With the cheeky Mrs. Berns in accompaniment, Mira has a new murder solve that will right a wrongful death in the present time, and a wrongful death from the civil war.

I love all the characters. The crazy predicaments they land themselves in. And yes, even the romance that does show up the story. It all blends well for a fast paced who done it with a modern real feel. Who wouldn't sleep under the bed after finding yet another dead body.

Pick up a Murder of the Month book and help break up the trendy rom coms or the common cozy mysteries you've been reading. And just remember, it's okay to laugh at murder. When it's fictitious.

[Anna Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy stepping back into Battle Lake and hanging out with Mira and Mrs Berns, and co. and ‘January Thaw’ is no exception.
This time, Mira’s uncanny ability to stumble across a dead body, leads her to finding the frozen, drowned corpse of a newcomer / passer-through in the town, Maurice – a man who had, just the night before, saved Mira and Mrs Berns from a mugging.
Buoyed by a sense of loyalty to the man who had helped her, Mira is keen to solve the mystery of how Maurice ended up under the ice.
At the same time, she is hired to track down the descendant of a local family, a seemingly innocuous task which ends up tying into the main mystery.
The book is full of its usual humorous moments and Mira’s struggles with life are always interesting. In this instance, she is sleeping under her bed due to the trauma experienced in the previous book. She’s also fretting over her relationship with Johnny, and trying to juggle all of her jobs.
The mystery is a little bit weak in this one, I won’t lie. Much like one or two of the earlier instalments – the villains are pretty clearly spelled out from early on, and it didn’t take a huge leap to figure out where all of the stories interconnected.
But, for my mind, the mystery in these books is almost secondary – the enjoyable thing about these books is catching up with the madcap characters, immersing yourself in the world that Lourey has built, and wondering exactly how close to death a skolleboller might take you…


My thanks to Thomas and Mercer, via NetGalley, for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira is the town librarian and part-time newspaper reporter and private investigator in small town Battle Creek, Minnesota. She also has an unfortunate habit of stumbling upon dead bodies. During the winter festival, she comes face to face with one floating under the ice where the whole town is skating. Mira is researching the new historic museum for a newspaper article and these two mysteries just might be connected to something that happened over 100 years ago. Mira is an amateur sleuth with a big heart. Even though she doesn't have any family, she has made the people of Battle Creek her found family. The small town and its inhabitants are all charming and this makes January Thaw a great cozy mystery. There is just enough suspense, but nothing spooky or scary enough to keep a reader up at night.

I did not realize this was part of a series when I requested to read an advanced copy. This is the 9th book in the series. However, I didn't feel lost at all. The narrator does a great job giving you just enough info to make sure you are caught up, but doesn't spend forever recapping all of the events of the past 8 books. All that to say, I think this could be read as a stand alone. Each of the books takes place during a particular month of the year starting with May Day and 3 more books are still yet to be released. I am going to enjoy reading them all each month over the course of the next year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an eARC of January Thaw. It releases on December 31 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira is back, hiding under her bed at night after barely escaping with her life after the events in December Dread. She is also back in Battle Lake and at work in the library. One day, she is attacked by two strangers in an alley but is saved by Maurice, an African-American man who has been in the library several times. When Maurice is later found dead, by Mira of course, she is on the hunt. Meanwhile she takes a PI case for the lawyer who hired her the first time to find a man named Eric; however the lawyer won't tell her why. Then Chief Gary Wohnt gets shot in the leg during a traffic stop, and Bad Brad wants Mira to determine if his current girlfriend is cheating on him. Plus Mrs. Berns has a new friend and Mira spots Johnny with a beautiful blonde. Just another day in Battle Lake.

Mira is growing, but she still has a long way to go to overcome her insecurities. Jed is Jed, Kennie is Kennie, and Johnny is Johnny. Mrs. Berns shows some unexpected sides on occasion, and Chief Gary might be stoic for surprising reasons. Minnesota is still too cold for human life, and the story still has some raunchy spots. Not family friendly but a decent cozy mystery.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REPORT
What a fun—and appropriately titled—first book to read in 2025.

Just the right amount of banana pants, and a plausible enough mystery to boot.

Don’t think it would be as enjoyable to anyone who hadn’t been following this re-released series from its start.

Already ready for February Fever!

A FOR THE RECORD PS
Periodically, and especially with my first Book Report of a given calendar year, I like to share my philosophy on my Goodreads ratings and reviews.

I don’t so much review books properly on this site as I react to them in the context of my own experiences. It’s rare for me to give a book 5 stars unless it really rocks my world on an emotional level. And I’m still trying, very hard, to remember that I don’t have to finish a book if I don’t like it. A friend many years ago told me that if I wasn’t enjoying what I was reading by the page number of my age (currently 58) to just put it down at that point and walk away. Sometimes I manage this, other times I go about twice that long before admitting defeat.

Finally, my hat is always and forever off to those with what it takes to write an actual book, whether or not I enjoyed it. My world is a better place for having authors in it, and I thank you all.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ice-skating jaunt gets even more chilling for private investigator in training Mira James, as she’s just locked eyes with a frozen corpse floating under a sheet of ice. To solve it, Mira follows a trail leading to the alleged haunting of a historic museum and a centuries-old tragedy that has yet to claim its final victim.

By now, this series has become a comfort read for me! And it has become a bit of tradition to read the correct book in the right month.

As usual, Mira unluckily stumbled upon a dead body while minding her own business. This January mystery involved an old case and an anonymous body from the last decade. It was intriguing, super fun and even a bit creepy. I loved it. The audiobook was performed perfectly (as always) by Jennifer Jill Araya, who I’d forever associate with Mira.

I still think Johny was too good to be true, and apparently Mira also thought so in this one. I did enjoy the scenes he was in, albeit not many. This was another winner in my book. Can’t wait to read the next month’s!

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

See my bookstagram review.