I received this book from NetGalley.

I just finished the first chapter and all I can say is... What?!

Sadly it's been a bit downhill from there. I'm now 34% of the way into the book and nothing much else has happened. It started with a bang, no pun intended, but since then has become rather slow going.

Now I'm 55% in and still...barely anything has happened. The book seems fairly realistic but with the start that it had, I feel like I was expecting something a bit more wow.

Is there any point to the vitamins part of the story? Because it seems ridiculous and unnecessary. Just adds to the length of the book. It's the same with the relationship with Johnny. What's the point of it? However, after reflection I believe that there are other books in this series so that's potentially why these plot fillers felt a little flat to me.

Overall the book was alright but I feel with the way that things turned out it could have developed differently.

This is a fun and quirky series that offers a fantastic blend of silly and serious in each book. The writing is engaging and easy to fall into. The plots are a little over-the-top, but the characters are even more so - making the mixture work perfectly. Mrs. Berns continues to be my stand-out favorite, and I cannot get enough of her sassy straightforwardness, especially when contrasted with Mira's wishy-washy self-doubt. Incidentally, on that latter front, I'm pleased to see the romance with Johnny finally starting to move forward rather than be continually stalled in the name of "I'm not good enough for him" - which has been wearing on me... It was believable at first - we all doubt our own merits from time to time - but 6 or so books later, despite repeated evidence to the contrary, it was starting to get old!

November Hunt by Jess Lourey takes place in a town called Battle Lake where tragedy has struck - a man was killed in a hunting accident where his best friend shot him. Problem is, the two men were seemingly much too experienced to have such an accident occur. Mira James, an unassuming librarian working towards her P.I licence is hired by the deceased mans daughter to subtly investigate the incident.

I haven’t picked up a Lourey book in a while and I was was quickly reminded of the instant, utter ease at which she is able to put her reader. She has this masterful way of dropping you right into a story and making you feel at home there. Battle Lake quickly became a very vivid, likeable town. I specifically love all the little additions like bar, shop and street names that give the town its unique charm - these details go a long way to make it seem and feel like a real place.

The side stories were a bit wacky for my taste (like helping an older lady find her mojo and the vitamin drama) but they didn’t take up much time and that’s about the only thing I didn’t like.

November Hunt is a great, engaging read, with a fully fleshed out storyline that unfolded nicely. I look forward to reading cosy another instalment with Mira James. Can’t go wrong with one of Lourey’s books.

Thank you Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my revised copy ARC.

I don't normally start a series in the middle—almost never, actually—but Lourey did such a good job of easing the reader into the world, I hardly noticed. I loved the small town full of quirky residents, the relatable main character, and the steady evolution of the whodunnit. While cozy mysteries aren't always my first choice, this one had the perfect amount of edge to keep things interesting. This was my first Lourey book, but it won't be my last.

This is a cozy mystery full of quirky characters that will keep you pining for more. There were a few of them to keep track of, so be mindful of that going in. I think there are enough that every reader is going to find someone they relate to and love, which was great. I loved the diversity. The small-town vibes were also a lot of fun. I don’t live in a super small town anymore (its borderline considered one) but I did grow up in a very small one. So, getting transported back to one for this book was a lot of fun. The little idioms that are familiar with small towns can be found here and I was all for it. I found the pacing to be nice and even throughout the book and on par what I look for in a cozy mystery.

This is book 7 in the series. I think I did fine reading it as a standalone but I think that having the backstory on the main character would have really added to the overall plot of the story. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then you should look into this series because it seems like a good one.

Book #7 in the Murder by Month series. Before I started reading this series, the Jess Lourey titles I read were mystery/thrillers that leaned heavily into the darker side of the thriller category. The Murder by the Month series and the entertaining cast of characters.....led by Mira......are VERY different, so much so that the Battle Lake cozies seem like a vacation from the usual. Lourey does and excellent job in every title of hers I have read, so I'm not complaining, just explaining if you've not read many of her back library.
Mira's working on a PI license so needs some experience that's more on the investigative side than her usual "favor to a friend" tasks. But Mira can't escape her fate; she's bound to set off your funny bone along the way. The books in this series are fun, quick reads that generate just enough of a who done it vibe to keep you looking for the next book.

Mira is back still working in the library and seriously pursuing a PI License. Not to mention, a relationship with Johnny. She’s asked to look into the killing of a man in a hunting accident. Only his daughter doesn’t think it’s an accident. I really enjoy being back in Battle Lake with Mira and the gang. Lots of laughs, mystery and a little bit of romance for Mira had me flying through the pages. Can’t wait to see what December will bring!

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I loved this sweet and charming little small town murder mystery! While serious at times, it had me laughing out loud multiple times. It was full of quirky small-town characters so full of vim and vigor. And Mira, the MC, could not have been cuter, wittier, or funnier! I also love the little bit of steamy romance thrown in between Mira and the hunky Johnny, with whom she swears is not her boyfriend because she is trying to remain celibate for 6 months. This was a delight to read and I look forward to returning to read some of the past Mystery of the Month books by Jess Lourey. Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the opportunity to read this updated edition of November Hunt.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
This was my first book by Jess Lourey and will not be my
last. Actually, I have the next one already on my Kindle!
What a great mystery and what a fantastic group of characters. The ending was very satisfying and actually surprising to me, I didn't guess it at all.
But the best part was the humor, I haven't laughed as hard as I did for a long time. The vitamins were a genius touch, lol!
If you want a suspenseful story with a good plot and
many laughs, this is the book for you. Plus, Mira is such a lovely character.

“Margaritas are like boobs. You should only have two.”

Who knew a murder mystery could be so funny? Mira’s mental commentary is like a one-man comedy show. Her Minnesota recipe picks for the newspaper walk the line between indigestible and a little scary! Johnny is hot as ever and Mira’s resolve is weakening. There are darker moments, but the supporting characters keep the story moving along at a good pace. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

"November Hunt" is a frosty gem in Jess Lourey's Murder by Month series, delivering a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and small-town charm. As Mira James digs into a suspicious hunting accident, Lourey crafts a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The author's signature humor takes a backseat to a more serious tone, allowing the intricate plot and character development to shine. While fan-favorites like Mrs. Berns and Johnny make fewer appearances, their absence only heightens the tension. Lourey's masterful storytelling weaves together long-buried secrets, small-town politics, and Mira's growing detective skills, creating a page-turner that's impossible to put down. With its vivid winter setting and compelling mystery, "November Hunt" cements itself as a standout in the series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. A must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy a dash of romance and a generous helping of suspense.

My favorite of the series so far! If I've said this before in a previous review, I really mean it now. This story seemed to have a more serious tone than the others and didn't have as many laugh out loud moments that I have come to expect and love. This surprised me since one of the shining attributes of these novels are the laughs. I did get a little separation anxiety from the minimal appearances of Mrs. Berns and Johnny, but I still loved every minute of it. It was a really good mystery. Lourey depicted this chilling atmosphere with the snowstorms and freezing temps. It almost felt like I was isolated in Alaska or Antarctica. Very spooky! And what's the deal with Gary?! I can't wait to read the next book to find out. I really enjoyed it!

November Hunt is book 7 in the Murder by Month series. It can be read as a standalone, but why torture yourself with not knowing these characters in their full personalities? Start with book one (May) and binge! You can thank me later.

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

I absolutely love this series and this book is one of the best so far. The mystery itself is incredible - well paced and with plenty of characters to keep you pondering potential red herrings. It’s also nice to see side characters progressing in the series and I am fascinated to see what happened with Gary Wohnt. As always, much hilarity with the likes of Kennie Rogers’ latest business efforts and I love the pop culture references which get thrown into Mira’s internal monologue. There’s nothing but good here.

I’ve been reading the Murder by Month Mystery series from the beginning and each one has a charm to them and has a great mystery feel to it. The use of hunting season worked well and thought the guessing worked overall in the plot. I was engaged with what was happening to these characters and what was going on with the mystery and story. It had that romantic comedy element that I was expecting and enjoyed a lot. Jess Lourey has a great writing style and I can’t wait for the rest of the month.

My favorite so far of this series! Just loved it! Looking forward to the next one already!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Such a wonderful series! Romance, mystery and humor!! Cannot wait for the next one involving December!
Highly recommend- Jess Lourey is an amazing author!!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.