Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery Book 15

by Abigail Keam

Mona Moon adores Kentucky Derby week, enjoying all the festivities. She is hosting a ladies’ tea and a Derby breakfast herself. Her former professor and mentor, Dr. Beryl, Farris is joining her for the celebration at Moon Manor. Mona is delighted to have her old friend join her, but is concerned when Dr. Farris confesses that someone has been threatening her. Worried, Mona assigns her own Pinkertons to protect the professor.
The night before the Kentucky Derby race, Mona is preparing to attend Ed Bradley’s famous Derby Ball. The entire Mooncrest Farm is aflutter with excitement and gaiety for the upcoming event. Celebrities, politicians, and prominent citizens will be enjoying shrimp grits, burgoo, cornbread, and country ham and biscuits. They’ll sip mint juleps alongside other Southern favorites while dishing the latest gossip at this yearly event. Mona’s anticipation is dashed when she discovers Dr. Farris is missing! And Mona fears the worst!


Murder Under A Blue Moon
Murder Under A Blood Moon
Murder Under A Bad Moon
Murder Under A Silver Moon
Murder Under A Wolf Moon
Murder Under A Black Moon
Murder Under A Full Moon
Murder Under A New Moon
Murder Under A British Moon
Murder Under A Bridal Moon
Murder Under A Western Moon
Murder Under A Honey Moon
Murder Under A Cold Moon
Murder Under A Mystic Moon
Murder Under A Bitter Moon


AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Best Top Ten Mysteries by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue Moon Murder
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

Genres: Cozy Mystery

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

About the author

Hello Gentle Reader,

I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.

I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.

In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).

I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.

I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail

AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine

2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking

2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon

2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon

2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what can only be described as a honeymoon full of the unexpected, Mona Moon and her beloved husband Lord Bob (an honest-to-goodness-Duke) are safely back at home on Mona’s Kentucky horse farm and preparing for Derby Week. I lived in central Kentucky from my freshman year of high school until just 5 years ago, so Derby Week immediately brings to mind glamorous parties, celebrity sightings, buzzy reporters, big hats, and of course mint julep. As I watched Mona gear up for her ladies’ tea and the subsequent Derby breakfast she’s hosting, it was fun to see how not much on that basic level has changed since the 1930s. (It was also fun to read about so many familiar-to-me places and Kentucky history.) A who’s-who of movie stars, artists, authors, socialites, political figures, and horse farm owners grace the pages of Murder Under a Bitter Moon, causing no small amount of drama, hubbub, and fanfare in the process. When you get that many strong personalities under one roof, well, let’s just say that Mona has the patience and diplomacy of a hostage negotiator. She always manages her most difficult guests with such skill, and that’s part of the fun to be found in this series.

The mystery itself is, first and foremost, trying to figure out why Mona’s mentor is the target of an uptick in threats, long before we ever puzzle over who is responsible. After a rather ominous start to the story, we’re caught up in the flurry of Derby prep and Mona’s arriving guests and reacquainting ourselves with the people of Mooncrest Farm (as we’ve spent several books away from them while she and Lord Bob honeymooned). I became most intrigued by the rather controversial topic her mentor – Professor Beryl Farris – was researching. So much so that I went straight to Google to confirm my belief that her theory is ridiculous… but after looking at some side-by-side photos myself, y’all, I am gobsmacked at the possibility that it might not be so crazy after all. Consider my jaw to be dropped. With all the things that Mona is juggling, she still makes time to get to the bottom of the threats against her friend, and I continue to love that about her, as well as her ease at accepting everyone as they are, regardless of race or class or scandal. I thought the mystery wrapped a bit abruptly this go-around, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story in the least.

Bottom Line: Question – what do you get when you combine a picturesque Kentucky setting with Derby parties, big personalities, famous names, and Mona Moon? Answer – another delightful historical cozy mystery from Abigail Keam! Murder Under a Bitter Moon is an entertaining return to Mooncrest Farm that’s full of colorful characters, scandalous history, and a whodunit with high personal stakes for Mona. As always, she anchors the story perfectly and navigates all manner of chaos with her usual grace and good humor. Of course her dear husband, Lord Bob, provides a solid (and swoony) support for her to lean on when needed, and their obvious affection for one another made me smile yet again. This character-driven and history-driven story is a great next read for fans of 1930s-era mysteries!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SUperPower

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a cosy mystery, and the majority of my reads are set in villages in the UK.

Set in 1930s Kentucky, Mona Moon and her new husband are hosting parties around the Kentucky Derby, with a host of famous faces in attendance, along with Mona’s mentor, a history professor whose views and theories prove unpopular in Kentucky. But underneath all the glitz and glamour, murder is afoot, and Mona and co are quickly on the case.

I loved the characters in the novel, and weaving facts in with the fiction proved educational for me, and I can see me going down many US history rabbit holes thanks to the author. American historical fiction is a new area for me, and this won’t be my last encounter with it. While I enjoyed this as a standalone, This is the 15th novel in the series, and I’ll definitely be picking up Mona’s backstory!

A fun cosy mystery with lovely characters and an engaging plot - I want to spend more time with Mona Moon and her crew.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Kentucky Derby week and Mooncrest Farm is buzzing with excitement.
Mona Moon is hosting a highly anticipated ladies tea and Derby breakfast.
Prominent Citizens, politicians and even celebrities will be attending. Mona’s former professor, and mentor, Dr Beryl Farris, is in town and will be giving an address at the ladies tea. Mona wants everything to be perfect.

With an eclectic mix of characters, secrets are soon revealed. Rumors, suspicions and old prejudices lead to a very stressful Derby week for Mona. Then, hours before attending horse racing tycoon, Edward Bradley’s Derby gala, it’s discovered that Dr Farris is missing.
After all of Mona’s precautions and extra security, calamity has still struck!

I’ll be honest, I don’t read a lot of historical fiction. I prefer contemporary mysteries. But as a fan of Author, Abigail Keam’s other books, I decided to read the first Mona Moon mystery, Murder Under a Blue Moon, when it came out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and here I am, 15 books later. I think what makes this an enjoyable series for me is the way Ms Keam has written the heroine, Mona Moon. She was a struggling cartographer in New York when she learns she has inherited her Uncle’s fortune and estate in Kentucky. She was not raised in wealth or in the South. Reading how this independent young woman has to navigate the South as an outsider is interesting. Historical traditions and prejudices are discussed throughout the series. Ms Keam always includes fascinating history tidbits and will even include some cameo appearances by historical figures.

Thank you to Ms Keam for allowing me to read an advance copy. I highly recommend Murder Under a Bitter Moon and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Jesse Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

That beautiful woman can find herself in the most dangerous of places. And with the most interesting people.
Murder Under a Bitter Moon sees Mona and her husband Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelletth, getting ready for the Kentucky Derby. Mona is going to host a major soiree, including a Derby Day breakfast with all the trimmings. And she's hosting a special tea on the day before, featuring a good friend of hers, Dr, Beryl Ferris. Anyone who is anyone will be there. But Dr. Ferris has some rather controversial ideas that aren't going to sit well in a southern society. And on Derby Day, the unthinkable happens -- Dr. Ferris disappears.

That is never a good omen.

Without a doubt, I love Mona Moon. I have been hooked on this series since I read the first and I've remained loyal to the series and the author since. i love the characters -- Mona, Robert Farley, Violet, Winnie and Dexter. I have a special place in my heart for Alice Roosevelt. I love meeting the historical characters that come and go. Grounding the stories in the time and place.

Murder Under a Bitter Moon is without a doubt the best of the lot. They all just keep getting better and better. A touch of the darkness that dwells in each story. Finding the murderer is an intricate dance through clues and red herrings that will leave you guessing to the bitter end. Abigail Keam is so talented, and her writing style is very much a story teller's voice. I feel as if I sit by a campfire, listening to her weave her tail. All I need is the cup of hot tea and the s'more to indulge in while I listen.

Another five-star read and if I could give it more stars, I certainly would.

[Zara Dal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is book 15 in the series, it works really well as a standalone, which made it easy to jump straight into Mona’s world.

Set during the glamour and excitement of the Kentucky Derby week, the story follows Mona as she hosts a series of elegant social events until things take a darker turn. When her friend and mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris, reveals she’s been receiving threats and then suddenly disappears, Mona is pulled into a gripping mystery.

One of the standout aspects for me was the rich 1930s atmosphere. The setting felt vivid and immersive. I could completely picture the opulence of Moon Manor, the fashion, and the high-society gatherings. It added such a unique charm to the story.

Mona herself is a fantastic protagonist. She is strong, resilient, and determined, but also kind and compassionate. I especially appreciated how she treated her staff with respect and empathy, subtly challenging the norms of the time.

The novel also weaves in American history and social commentary in a really accessible way. As a UK reader, I found this particularly insightful, and the detailed addendum at the end was a brilliant touch that added even more depth to the reading experience.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and atmospheric cosy mystery with a strong sense of place and character. A great pick if you enjoy historical settings with a touch of intrigue.

[Valerie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail Keam is a gift to the reading world possessing the ability to tell a story that draws you in and walks with you through to the end. Her characters are so real and endearing that you genuinely develop attachments to them, wishing they were indeed real acquaintances.
This newest book in her Mona Moon series, Murder Under A Bitter Moon, is filled with twists and turns, suspense and laughs as her former professor and mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris comes to visit during Kentucky Derby week. Mona is delighted to have her old friend visit and share in the festivities, but is concerned when Dr. Farris confesses that someone has been threatening her. Mona is determined that these threats will not be carried out and speaks with Righteous Tuttle, the head of the Pinkerton security detail hired for her protection and that of her large property which included her mansion, Moon Manor. She will not allow any harm to come to her friend, but when Dr. Farris fails to appear for a major Derby event, Mona's senses go on high alert. Where could her friend have gone, especially with so many security agents about?

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kentucky after the Civil war. The tail end of the depression.The KKK is alive and active. When newly weds Mona and Robert return to her family home, Moon Manor, and Mona's working to improve things in her community, some things, like a bank for women, ruffles tempers of the men. High society people have come to Kentucky for the Derby and a few are guests at Moon Manor. Because of possible threats to Mona, they have hired Pinkerton security to shadow her to keep her safe. Things she has done to help women and a few of her guests put a target on Mona. A professor friend of Mona's from the north has come to research a dangerous topic, considering the civil war is still raw in Kentucky. Add the sassy Daughter of President Roosevelt, the one who is known to create havoc, Will they make it thru Derby time, dinners and lunches will Pinkerton guards protect them from harm? Is there someone in the manor leaking information out to those who wish Mona harm? This is an amazing historically correct story and is gripping! I learned a lot, even about my own ancestor Daniel Boone. I Love how Abigail Keam takes true history and creates wonderful fiction. That is a skill!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Under a Bitter Moon is the 15th instalment in the 1930's Mona Moon Historical Mystery series by Abigail Keam.

This author writes my favorite historical fiction cozy mysteries, and I am always excited to visit with Mona to see what trouble she is getting into.

A little background if your new to the series, Mona Moon did not grow up in wealth. She was a poor cartographer in New York and she was the heir to her uncle's fortune.

It's Kentucky Derby week and Mona is so excited! She is hosting a tea and a breakfast at Moon Manor.

One of her friends, who was her mentor is coming to visit, Dr. Farris.
Dr. Farris is getting threats and confides in Mona.

When Dr. Farris goes missing, Mona is on the case.

I really loved this historical mystery. I love reading about the 1930's and the author does such a fantastic job with her research.

The Derby week was so fun to read too.

Looking forward to reading more in this fantastic series!

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

...her house of ill repute was considered the most orderly of disorderly houses.”

The British were just as snobbish as American Southerners, but they were more polite about it.

Who fibbed saying you were good- looking? You have a face for scrubbing pots.

Dorothy, if you said something nice about anyone, your tongue would fall out.

You should run for office. Talk about riding the horse back to the barn. I’m surprised you didn’t ask them for money since you greased them up so.

My Review:

Mona Moon is one of my favorite characters; she is full of spunk and a woman ahead of her time, with a bank full of money, striking looks, and cleverly etched characteristics. I always enjoy reading Ms. Keam’s cozy mysteries as she weaves in actual history and known figures into her entertaining tales. This one had the infamous and snarky Alice Roosevelt and Dorothy Parker wittily snapping at each other. What fun!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book works as a standalone although I have read a few of the books that precede it. Mona Moon and her Duke husband Robert are preparing Moon Manor for Kentucky Derby week. Dr. Beryl Farris (former professor and mentor of Mona's at Barnard College) will be staying with them. This book begins with the discovery of Beryl's death. Then the story relates the days leading up to this. I enjoy reading about Mona, who is a strong female character. The author name drops famous people throughout the book including Jean Harlow, William Powell, Agatha Christie, Katharine Hepburn, Helen Hayes, George Raft, James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and the Roosevelt family. I love that the author includes an addendum at the end of the book that includes famous names and items from the 1930s. This is a fun series.

[Courtney Kniffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Cosy Mystery | Historical Mystery
Pages: 204
Publisher: Worker Bee Press
Rating: 4.5 stars

What a fast, exciting historical murder mystery. Mona Moon is home, preparing for the event of the year, the Kentucky Derby. Along with the derby is all the extravagant parties. Proving to be a great host, she invites all her socially acceptable friends, including her former professor, Dr. Beryl Farris. Dr. Farris has got some very interesting theories about history and genealogy. But with these theories comes a danger. Some people in the south do not care for these absurd rumors. During the event, Monarch realizes Beryl is missing. Where could she have gone? What happened to her? Guess you'll have to read it to find out. 😉

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so lucky to have received an ARC of this novel and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of the unique and interesting characters as they passed through. The historical element was portrayed so well through the writing style and the in depth description of the setting.
The plot was so intriguing and I read it so quickly, appreciating the short chapters and how I was engaged from the start. There are some familiar names appearing and it was truly a refreshing read, with lots of thought and research going into the time period.

I can't wait to read more from this author, starting with the other books in this series.

My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good murder mystery and this did not disappoint. I loved the 1930s setting, the Kentucky Derby with all of the aristocrats and the high society ladies. It’s such a fun eclectic range of characters with a few names you may recognise.

The mystery is full of suspense, twists and turns and keeps you guessing, whilst following the bread crumbs through the story.

This was the first book in the Mona Moon Mystery series and I will definitely be reading more. It was a fun, quick, easy read and I definitely recommend it to fans of glitzy murder mysteries.

Overall, I rate this 4⭐️.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Under a Bitter Moon by Abigail Keam.
A Mona Moon Mystery book book 15.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I loved the lady in red in the picture. She really stood out. I did like Mona character. I was able to read it as a standalone. I loved the writing style and the story. I did like the short chapters. I read this in 2 sittings. I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the earlier books. I do hope there is more to come. I recommend this book.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery Book 15" by Abigail Keam has Mona back home in Kentucky getting ready for Kentucky Derby events. She has many famous, historic guests visiting for the festivities.

There has been an increase in threats that Mona at first thinks are more of her usual problems. One of her guests is working on some controversial Civil War research. This seems to be more of what the threats are about and what a majority of the mystery solving revolves around. The death, despite a snippet preview at the beginning, doesn't happen until nearly the end. At this point the whole who done it is pretty much solved. It's just flushing them out.

I always enjoy this bits of history that get put in these books. It really helps set the scene.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. It was great to be back with Mona Moon, I only started the series on the last book number 14 and still haven’t managed to go back and read the others yet but I still plan to. I don’t think it matters that I joined so far into the series and even if I had read this say first one it still would have been brilliant and I don’t think there’s too much that links throughout the books in terms of backstory that must be read first.

I really liked Mona’s character, she’s not typical of how a woman is expected to behave during the time period that the book is set and I definitely think that people underestimate her. She knows what she wants but also she’s not rude and dismissive of her staff and the team that support her.

During this book she should have been fully focused on the afternoon tea and derby breakfast that she was hosting but her old friend and mentor had come to visit and it appears that she had trouble following her which she was unaware of. I really enjoyed reading the mix of scenes of the seriousness of the threat to Mona’s friend alongside the events that were being held - and I must say that I really need a piece of chocolate cake too after the tea party!

It was really well written and there is still a little mystery that remains unsolved so I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

[T Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love strong female mystery solvers -- that's why I've read Keam's Mona Moon series. In this installment we have dinner with Mona, Alice Roosevelt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mable Dodge and Dorothy Parker. WOW. What a group. The conversation at this get together was wickedly delicious.
Lots of fun -- a great read.

[Karla Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an excellent read

Our heroine, Miss Mona definitely has her hands full in this book. She definitely is surprised by some of her trusted friends. She takes care of problems in her true ‘Mona’ way. So ready for the next book.

[Joe Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling mystery with an engaging historical setting, memorable characters, and plenty of intrigue. The story offers a good balance of suspense, atmosphere, and investigation, making it an enjoyable choice for readers who appreciate character driven mysteries with a strong sense of place.

[Tammi Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok.

This was a typical book for the series- fun details and facts. It did end a bit abruptly and was my least favorite of the series.