Looking for a fun, entertaining, and ‘whodunnit’ book? Then read October Fest by Jess Lourey!

Mira lives in Battle Lake where she is a journalist and manages the local library. During the local Octoberfest, a debate takes place between two congressional candidates. There is a lot to say about the candidates and so a lot of press is present to report on the debate. Unfortunately, the debate does not end well for everyone; Bob the blogger is found dead in a hotel room around the time of the debate. The cleaning lady finds Bob, but Mira is also there. It then becomes Mira’s mission to find out what happened. Did Bob really commit suicide like the local sheriff calls it or is there more to it?

October Fest is a wonderful ‘cozy mystery’, it is not too gruesome and sinister, I actually laughed out loud several times. Mira takes her job as a ‘detective’ very seriously and while she tries to solve this mystery we get to know her better; we find out how important the old Mrs. Berns is for her (and that her fiancé is one of Mira's suspects), and her relationship with Johnny also provides the necessary entertainment.
October Fest is part 6 in the Murder-by-Month Mystery series, but can be read on its own. I thought it was a great book for in between and I would definitely read more books from this series.

I would rate this book anywhere between a 2.5 to 3. I liked the bones of the story and where the overall direction of it takes you. I struggled with how dense the writing is and the erroneous detail. I think detail is VERY important in books to give a lay of the land and throw in tiny bits of information that will come up later to be important. However, the first third of the book was A LOT to weed through in my humble opinion.

Thank you NetGalley! I love this author's books, especially the setting of Minnesota. I’m enjoying following the life of the new librarian in a small town

Hilarious!

This is a great pick if you want a cozy with a good mystery and irreverent humor! Kennie Rogers’s latest moneymaking scheme had me laughing out loud! It's a tossup who is crazier - Kennie G. or Mrs. Berns. Their antics keep me giggling. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

This one was just ok for me. I've read other Jess Lourey books but none of this series and that's probably why it wasn't what I expected. There's humor in these that her normal stories don't have. I went in with different expectations. Some might love it but I unfortunately didnt.

Very cute and cozy mystery. A quick read too! Def perfect for cool fall nights!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This is the sixth book in this mystery series and I read it as the first book. Despite that it was okay.

Mira is a part time librarian and part time journalist who solves a murder that happens during the month of October. It was funny at times and although it says romcom on the description the muder part overtakes the romance. Which I liked, I'm not a huge romance person! I like that it took a back seat.

Also there was hardlybany character development. That's my main downfall of this arc read. I also thought the plot could have been developed more. Overall it was an okay read.

✨📚 Just finished this gem and wow! 🌟 A riveting mystery with an intriguing plot, packed with witty dialogue and characters you’ll instantly adore. If you're a fan of page-turners with a dash of humor, this one's a must-read! 💫🔍

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 &| 𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4.25 ☆
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First, I wanted to mention that I was looking for a book with SHORT chapters that would keep my attention and have me finish it in one day. So with that being said, yes, I read this book in one day. Lol. October Fest is book 6 in the Murder by Month Romcom series and can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last.
The audiobook was great. I could easily listen to the narrator with no problems. She gave the story life.
Be on the look out for this book and the audiobook feature on KU.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
•Murder Mystery
•RomCom
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Sept.24
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Thank you, Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer for the eBook, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The humorous saga of Mira James and her Battle Lake cohorts continues with book #6 in the Murder by Month series. To say that I love these prominent characters would be an understatement. I am completely addicted to their nonsense and shenanigans, especially Mrs. Berns. I have been enjoying the progression of Mira's character through the books, and I think she may have finally found her true calling. We'll see how the November book plays out. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing between a few shady suspects. My only wish was for even more laughs. It was a quick, easy read and welcomed addition to the series. As always, I look forward to the next book!

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

I read an ARC on netgalley.

3 stars.

#OctoberFestMurderbyMonthMysteryBook6 #NetGalley

TDLR:

Pro: this was a quick read, plot was decent and writing was great. You can read it as a standalone book also despite it being the 6th book in the series.

Con: little to no character development. Plot is not that great.

Long:

This is the sixth book in this mystery series and I read it as the first book. Despite that it was an enjoyable read.

Mira is a part time librarian and part time journalist who solves a murder that happens during the month of October.

It was legit funny and although it says romcom on the description the muder part overtakes the romance.

Also there was scarcely any character development the writing is excellent. One page melted into another at break neck speed and in no time had I finished the book. The plot is also okay.

I really enjoyed October Fest. It was a unique experience and I enjoyed it immensely. Read this book!

October Fest by J. Lourie is book 6 in the Mur by Month Series.
An intriguing read, previously published, now re-edited and re-published.
Why do I have to dig through 25 pages til I can start reading the Book? - asking for na friend.
Blurb: Beer and polka music reign supreme at October Fest, Battle Lake's premier fall festival. To kick off the celebration, the town hosts a public debate between the two congressional candidates: Arnold Swydecker and Sarah Glokkmann.
As a reporter for the Battle Lake Recall, Mira James is roped into writing up the word war. But the festive mood sours when a visiting blogger is found dead. To keep the heat off her best friend's fiancé―an ex-con reporter―Mira wades through the candidates' dirty laundry and some murderous mudslinging to expose the killer.

This author can do no wrong with every book in this series an absolute winner. Akin to legends like Charmaine Harris and Lillian Jackson Braun, Jess Lourey has mastered the combination of mystery, humour and genius characterisation. October Fest sees the development of loved characters and relationships as well as yet another terrific mystery to solve. The only worrying thing is what will happen when all twelve months are gone. I don’t want this series to end.

Another great mystery in a fun series! Loved the humorous dialogue and characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.