Dive into the quirky, suspenseful world of the Murder-By-Month Mystery series, where small-town charm meets deadly secrets! Crafted by Jess Lourey, this beloved cozy mystery series follows Mira James, a librarian and amateur sleuth, as she uncovers murders in Battle Lake, Minnesota. With each book tied to a month, it’s a year-round adventure packed with humor, heart, and intrigue.
Picture this: a witty heroine stumbling over bodies while navigating quirky townsfolk and her own tangled past. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just love a good laugh with your suspense, Murder-By-Month delivers a delightful escape into a world where every month brings a new puzzle.
How Murder-By-Month Mystery Began
Jess Lourey, a Minnesota native with a knack for blending humor and suspense, launched the Murder-By-Month series in 2006 with May Day. Inspired by her love for small-town life and a personal need to process trauma, Lourey created Mira James, a relatable heroine who trades a dead-end job for a fresh start in Battle Lake. The series’ monthly structure was a bold choice, reflecting Lourey’s desire to craft a year-long saga that keeps readers hooked. Her background as a creative writing professor and TEDx speaker shines through in the series’ sharp dialogue and vivid settings.
The Heart of Murder-By-Month Mystery
The series spans 12 books, each set in a different month, starting with May Day. In this debut, Mira moves to Battle Lake, lands a librarian gig, and finds her new boyfriend’s body in the library stacks. It’s a meet-cute turned murder mystery! June Bug follows Mira as a treasure hunt in Whiskey Lake uncovers a decades-old puzzle. September Mourn sees a Minnesota State Fair turn deadly when a beauty queen is poisoned, while December Dread pits Mira against the chilling Candy Cane Killer during the holidays.
Lourey’s Battle Lake is a character in itself, brimming with eccentric locals like the feisty octogenarian Mrs. Berns and the flamboyant mayor Kennie Rogers. Themes of community, resilience, and uncovering hidden truths weave through the series, blending cozy mystery warmth with rom-com flair. The humor—think snappy one-liners and absurd small-town antics—keeps the tone light, even as Mira grapples with personal losses, like her father’s dark past. It’s a perfect mix of suspense, sass, and Minnesota charm.
Why Murder-By-Month Mystery Resonates
Murder-By-Month has earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist, with fans praising its fresh take on cozy mysteries. Lourey’s nomination for the Edgar, Lefty, and Anthony awards underscores her storytelling prowess. The series resonates because it balances humor and heart, offering readers a heroine who’s flawed yet fierce. Mira’s growth from a reluctant sleuth to a confident PI mirrors the series’ evolution, captivating readers who crave both laughs and thrills. Its cult following, evident in glowing Goodreads reviews and X posts, proves its lasting appeal.
- First Book: May Day (2006)
- Total Books: 12, ending with April Fools (2019)
- Awards: Nominated for Edgar, Lefty, and Anthony awards
- Setting: Battle Lake, Minnesota
Grab May Day and step into the Murder-By-Month Mystery world, where cozy mysteries meet Minnesota mayhem!