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Murder by Month Mystery #1-4
Mira James Mysteries Summer Bundle
From acclaimed author Jess Lourey comes a compilation of four full-length, suspenseful comic caper mysteries that will leave you guessing ―and laughing ―until the very end!
May Day
June Bug
Knee High by the Fourth of July
August Moon
Join fish-out-of-water Mira James and her quirky Battle Lake, Minnesota, crew as they navigate clumsy romance, hidden mysteries, and a dead body a month. Four perfect beach reads in one convenient bundle!
May Day
June Bug
Knee High by the Fourth of July
August Moon
Join fish-out-of-water Mira James and her quirky Battle Lake, Minnesota, crew as they navigate clumsy romance, hidden mysteries, and a dead body a month. Four perfect beach reads in one convenient bundle!
940 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2018
About the author
Jess Lourey
49 books4,865 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 12, 2018
Good
These have been the first books I read from Jess Lourey. In total a good read. I did not not had these laughing out loud moments, but it is okay. Honestly, I had troubles with the first book and was close to put it down, but I am glad I did not. In between there are always less interesting parts that I just skip. I will definitely read more books of this series.
These have been the first books I read from Jess Lourey. In total a good read. I did not not had these laughing out loud moments, but it is okay. Honestly, I had troubles with the first book and was close to put it down, but I am glad I did not. In between there are always less interesting parts that I just skip. I will definitely read more books of this series.
August 8, 2023
Deliciously Witty
I loved all four of these books in this bundle. So many quirky characters and mysteries. Laughed out loud at several of Mira's musings. Long live Nut Goodies!
I loved all four of these books in this bundle. So many quirky characters and mysteries. Laughed out loud at several of Mira's musings. Long live Nut Goodies!
May 29, 2019
I originally read the fourth book in the series and really enjoyed it, so I purchased the bundle of the first four books. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout each book which is very frustrating. They can easily be corrected on ebooks, so I am disgusted that the author has not bothered to fix them. I chose to overlook them because I was enjoying the stories. However, after starting my fourth book from the author, I realized that the author isn't consistent with the year/description of the car that the main character is driving. In four books it has been described as a 1985, 1984 and then a 1982 Toyota Corolla. It has been described as a hatchback and also having a trunk and the color is either brown, light brown, and champagne brown (is champagne ever brown?). I am extremely frustrated that the author can't keep up with the details that she is writing in her books in order to be consistent within all her books about the same character. If you can get over grammatical errors and inconsistencies, then the books are fun reads. However, I am tired that after four books the grammatical errors have not subsided and the author does not care enough to remember what she wrote about in the previous book to be consistent. I have to say this is the last book I will buy from this author!
December 24, 2021
Fun
This group of books has been advertised as "laugh out loud funny" and it's lead character the "next Stephanie Plum". They are " laugh out loud funny" at times but they are not Janet Evonovich caliber, yet. The lead character, Mira James, solves mysteries with sheer determination and dumb luck. She does have a rambunctious senior citizen companion and an over-the-top town mayor in her life. The books were fun to read.
This group of books has been advertised as "laugh out loud funny" and it's lead character the "next Stephanie Plum". They are " laugh out loud funny" at times but they are not Janet Evonovich caliber, yet. The lead character, Mira James, solves mysteries with sheer determination and dumb luck. She does have a rambunctious senior citizen companion and an over-the-top town mayor in her life. The books were fun to read.
February 28, 2024
Quirky, small town investigator solves mysteries with her elderly companion. Some funny bits, but I did not find them "lol" as some reviewers have mentioned.
I found inconsistencies between the books -- what year her car is, what color it is, etc. There are also many grammatical errors that are difficult to overlook. Better editing and attention to detail would make these better reads.
Thank you to the publishers and Goodreads for my copy of these books.
I found inconsistencies between the books -- what year her car is, what color it is, etc. There are also many grammatical errors that are difficult to overlook. Better editing and attention to detail would make these better reads.
Thank you to the publishers and Goodreads for my copy of these books.
November 2, 2022
Great Mysteries
Small town, quirky characters, and heartbreaking murder mysteries. This author does not hold back, just like life can sometimes hit you where it hurts. The heroine has not had it easy, but she cares. And most of the time, she is the only one pursuing the bad guy. She is likeable and smart and a little bit flawed, like all of us. I am enjoying the series very much. I do have to wonder like one of the other reviewers, how long ago was this written? No cell phones but yes to pay phones (cannot remember how long it has been since I even saw a pay phone). But other things make it feel like it is modern writing, particularly when it comes to current issues. Who knows. Books are still great reads. I will be reading more of them.
Small town, quirky characters, and heartbreaking murder mysteries. This author does not hold back, just like life can sometimes hit you where it hurts. The heroine has not had it easy, but she cares. And most of the time, she is the only one pursuing the bad guy. She is likeable and smart and a little bit flawed, like all of us. I am enjoying the series very much. I do have to wonder like one of the other reviewers, how long ago was this written? No cell phones but yes to pay phones (cannot remember how long it has been since I even saw a pay phone). But other things make it feel like it is modern writing, particularly when it comes to current issues. Who knows. Books are still great reads. I will be reading more of them.
November 20, 2021
Shès got her Quirk on!
Requires some suspension of disbelief, but a romp to read. The author does some lovely linguistic pirouettes, many fresh and appealing similes. I fell in love A bit with the fleshed out eccentric characters and would love to meet them; except for Bad Brad.
I saved this at times as a treat to savor at the end of the day.
Requires some suspension of disbelief, but a romp to read. The author does some lovely linguistic pirouettes, many fresh and appealing similes. I fell in love A bit with the fleshed out eccentric characters and would love to meet them; except for Bad Brad.
I saved this at times as a treat to savor at the end of the day.
February 25, 2022
Love this series
I love this series. The first three books are often laugh-out-loud funny at times but the fourth one is a little darker. I still liked it, though. I intend to read the others in the series but I'm hoping they go back to the giggles monologue and dialog of the first three.
I love this series. The first three books are often laugh-out-loud funny at times but the fourth one is a little darker. I still liked it, though. I intend to read the others in the series but I'm hoping they go back to the giggles monologue and dialog of the first three.
January 3, 2023
Laugh out loud
I started this series with the month of November. I am just amazed at how the series can still be read as a stand-alone. The story has a lot of twist and turns in revealing who or what the actual mystery is, some times Miranda is investigating 1 mystery that ends up being connected to a different mystery.
I started this series with the month of November. I am just amazed at how the series can still be read as a stand-alone. The story has a lot of twist and turns in revealing who or what the actual mystery is, some times Miranda is investigating 1 mystery that ends up being connected to a different mystery.
February 7, 2023
Leve, cómico por vezes e uma vilória minúscula onde o crime sucede cada mês… cada um dos livros traz a mesma explicação (sem enorme relevo para o enredo) de porque é que a nossa protagonista tem medo de pássaros. Talvez faça sentido no fim da série, mas não penso descobrir.
Os velhotes do lar talvez mereçam um livro por si sós.
Os velhotes do lar talvez mereçam um livro por si sós.
November 22, 2021
Never a dull murder!
Funny, funny,funny. Love the characters. Love the writing. Moving on to the next few books in the series. So glad Mira decided to keep her job as a librarian and reporter!
Funny, funny,funny. Love the characters. Love the writing. Moving on to the next few books in the series. So glad Mira decided to keep her job as a librarian and reporter!
November 26, 2021
great book
There are some really really funny parts in this book…attack of the killer June bug 🙂 I like when authors bundle books together. That way I can keep reading and reading. Thanks for writing these I loved them
There are some really really funny parts in this book…attack of the killer June bug 🙂 I like when authors bundle books together. That way I can keep reading and reading. Thanks for writing these I loved them
December 13, 2021
Mind Chasing and Hilarious
Mira never stops and neither will you when trying to figure out who dunnit. Even though I disagree with some of her observations/assumptions of people groups, I still enjoy the outcome.
Mira never stops and neither will you when trying to figure out who dunnit. Even though I disagree with some of her observations/assumptions of people groups, I still enjoy the outcome.
November 3, 2022
Cute stories, a little over the top! How much trouble can one girl get in.
Some of the expressions were used a little too much. Some minor syntax or word meaning errors. They did not distract, just confusing.
Not really interested in reading more from this author.
Some of the expressions were used a little too much. Some minor syntax or word meaning errors. They did not distract, just confusing.
Not really interested in reading more from this author.
April 1, 2023
Loved it...
This is the best mystery book set I've read in a while if ever. Characters were relatable and funny at times that kept you turning the pages. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. I afraid to see who turns up dead or missing next.
This is the best mystery book set I've read in a while if ever. Characters were relatable and funny at times that kept you turning the pages. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. I afraid to see who turns up dead or missing next.
May 4, 2020
Enjoyed reading this series! Mira can get herself in some situations. Look forward to reading the next in the series.
November 14, 2021
Friends
Friends, murder and mystery. Old ladies and young good looking men. Dead bodies everywhere. Who , where and why. Loved it
Friends, murder and mystery. Old ladies and young good looking men. Dead bodies everywhere. Who , where and why. Loved it
November 21, 2021
Light cozy fun read
Enjoyed all of the books. I really enjoyed that the characters were developed over all 4 books. So often series leap in without character development.
Enjoyed all of the books. I really enjoyed that the characters were developed over all 4 books. So often series leap in without character development.
February 2, 2022
wonderful series
I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the constant action. I loved the twists and turns from the beginning to the end.
I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the constant action. I loved the twists and turns from the beginning to the end.
March 27, 2022
A lot of fun!
April 7, 2022
There were many twists and turns that kept these books interesting. The character depth was also enjoyable. Thank you.
May 8, 2022
Mira moves from Minnesota to Battle Lake & promptly becomes involved with the local library, murder, oddball characters, religious nuts, & a man she drools over
May 22, 2022
Clever.
January 6, 2023
The Summer Bundle was a bit entertaining. I thought the last story was a bit dragged out, though. I think you could have cut about three chapters out and the book would have been just as good.
July 24, 2023
Did not like this book, at all. Only read half, that was more than enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
Getting to like these more
At first wasn't sure about how they were written ,but the more I read the more I like them. I am from Minnesota and I know the places talked about
At first wasn't sure about how they were written ,but the more I read the more I like them. I am from Minnesota and I know the places talked about
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews