I love this series, I think it’s so cute that it’s a monthly mystery. This is the second book I’ve read in the series and I am definitely going to read the rest. Any book that is humorous but there’s mystery - is an automatic win for me.

Times flies, and another month is here! Funny crew with plenty of laughs and yes, another dead body under nefarious circumstances. A fast and light cozy read, great for the weekend or vacation.

In September Mourn, the fifth novel in Jess Lourey’s Mira James Mystery series, the excitement of the Minnesota State Fair is overshadowed by a chilling crime that thrusts Mira James back into the spotlight. As she covers the fair for the Battle Lake Recall, the festive atmosphere turns dark when Milkfed Mary, the newly crowned Queen of the Dairy and a local icon, is found murdered amid her butter sculpture. Balancing her investigative duties with romantic moments with her charming beau Johnny Leeson, Mira dives into the case with her trademark humor and tenacity.

I enjoy a good mystery book, and the premise of this story was interesting. Mira is witness to the death of the newest Queen of the Dairy, at the Minnesota State Fair. Who is responsible for this tragic death? The book offers up several possible culprits, and we follow Mira's investigation as she tries to solve this case.

I realise this book is part of the 'Murder by Month Mystery', however it is the first in the series that I have read. I am clearly missing Mira's backstory and the history to her relationships with people like Mrs. Berns and Johnny. I found her indecisiveness with Johnny to be confusing, but believe this is likely due to me not having read the previous books.

It's a rather relaxed murder mystery, previous books I have read have been much more intense. I found whilst I didn't dislike the book, I wasn't as captivated by the storyline. It wasn't a book that had me desperate to finish to find out who the killer was. Thats not to say its a bad book, but I think it's shown me that I prefer murder mystery thrillers that have more complex storylines.

Overall, it was a good read. There were humorous moments throughout, and I thought the characters were likeable. It was well written, touching on important issues without being overwhelming. I'm rating it 3.5/5☆, as I liked the book, but have definitely read better.

**Thank you to NetGalley, for an early copy of the book to read**

I just finished this book, and it was nothing like I expected. From the very first page, you are hooked. I mean, who wouldn't be when a State Fair Queen is murdered in front of people and reporters, and no one knows how it happens. No, I'm not giving anything away. That's the very first chapter. The book follows a reporter on her quest to find the truth and her journey at the state fair. It keeps your attention, and while you think it's one person, the book then gives you hints it could be another. Pair that suspense with two older characters that break the main character out of her shell, and you have a very entertaining story. If you like mystery but also wholesome content and old lady antics, this book is definitely for you. It's a very easy read that took no time to finish. #netgalley #SummerMourn #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookcommunity #booknerd #bookblogger #bookish #bookworm #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookreviews #booksofinstagram #bookrecommendation #bibliophile #booksbooksbooks #books #bookphotography #bookblog #bookshelf #bookaholic #booklove #reading #bookclub #igreads #goodreads #bookobsessed #bookreviewersofinstagram

September Mourn by J. Lorey is book 5 in the Murder-by-Month-Mystery.
One dead dairy queen, one reporter who has dead bodies following her.
The author is master at building tension and in keeping the reader hanging on the edge of his seat. A fantastic read, 4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Part of a fun series but set up as an easy read as a standalone, September Mourn follows local Minnesota reporter and library Mira as she finds herself caught up in solving a crime at the state fair. With the odd death of not so nice Milk Maid (a local beauty pageant) Ashley, Mira has to hunt down a killer. While this story and the mystery seemed fairly simple (surely it was the elusive runner up to blame) it quickly got a lot of more complicated as Mira finds herself uncovering a conspiracy and a lot of characters who were part of Ashley’s not so simple world.

This was a highly entertaining story, and I loved the supporting characters in Mira’s life. I’m going to check out other books in this series, and I’d highly recommend it as one that will be fun to pick up if you’re in the mood for a funny who dunnit.

September Mourn is book five in the Murder-by-Month series and probably my least favorite thus far. There weren't as many laughs as in her previous books, and the investigation that Mira undertook was kind of boring and confusing to follow due to its extremely lengthy descriptions of dairy farms. Some of the subject matter was interesting and disgusting to say the least. If I wasn't lactose intolerant, I would definitely steer clear of consuming milk or large quantities of dairy. Yuck! Mrs. Berns and Kennie, as always, were their normal silly selves, and made up for the parts of this book that were lacking. The story ended on a good note...finally!!! Even though I didn't enjoy this one as much as her others, I still look forward to reading the next in the series.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!

September Mourn was a funny mystery read. I very much enjoyed it and it reminded me of works by Janet Evanovich. If you’re looking for a good time pick up this book.

I really enjoyed the characters of mira, mrs.berns and Kennie. The setting of the Minnesota state fair was fun to read about since I grew up spending time at the Wisconsin fair. There were a lit of interesting details about the dairy industry also and adding in the potential budding romance between Johnny and mira made for an interesting read.

I cannot get enough of Jess Lourey’s writing and the murder by the month series is perhaps my favourite. September Mourn again delivers with a clever mystery entwined with much hilarity, including ridiculous situations and characters - both new and known. This mystery was especially appealing to me as it touches on the terrible world of commercial animal exploitation and does so in a realistic and non-preachy way.

This is such a fun series & I’ve enjoyed them all so far! Author has a great sense of humor!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The third circle of hell!

Milkfed Mary, Queen of the Dairy is dead and Mira wishes she was too instead of sharing her trailer with the worst roommates ever. She would head back to Battle Lake but she is at the State Fair on assignment from the newspaper. Plus, she had made a promise to find out what happened to the dead girl. Hopefully, she’ll live long enough to fulfill it!

What a good mix of humor and mystery! I love all the secondary characters. They add an indescribable flavor to the story. I am looking forward to the next book.