I was excited to get a copy of October Fest by Jess Lourey as it would meet a space for a book BINGO I was participating in, but wow I did not enjoy this book. This was my first time reading this author and series, so that could have had something to do with it...but I wouldn't say I liked the characters, story, or writing. This one just wasn't for me.

I love this series charming sense of humor, and the mysteries feel surprisingly fresh six books in.

Though I’m not wild about the alcoholism backstory, Mira is a terrific protagonist and consistently both likable and clever. And the supporting characters are wonderful. Mrs Berns still feels like the star of the show, but the rest of the secondary cast shines as well.

If I had a gripe about this series it’s that it is remarkably devoid of atmosphere, especially for a cozy mystery series. It seems silly to do an October book with little to no mention of Halloween/fall themes. The sense of place is still solidly rendered though, and of course, with a good story these things feel less important.

I mostly appreciate the charming sense of humor that pervades these. It’s pretty consistently present without ever becoming too zany or obnoxious. As always, eager to read the next in the series.

This is a cozy mystery romcom that fits the bill if you are looking for something that you don't have to get too invested in or use too much brain power. It had a lot of quirky humor throughout, but ultimately missed the mark for me.

I found the protagonist immature and difficult to like. There was also way too much politics involved in the story for me to want to continue. I enjoy reading to escape and bringing politics in, especially when it's very clearly one-sided, doesn't allow me to do that.

It wasn't the book for me, but that doesn't mean it won't be the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Although this title is part of a series, it is not necessary to have read previous tales in the Murder by Month series because the author rehashes everything that has come before in this one.

The title is a nice, easy read which can be complete in less than a day but if you're looking for anything substantial, this isn't the book for you.

The title is incredibly misleading as, other than perhaps two random mentions of it being Autumn/October, there is nothing remotely 'Octoberfest' about this.

Mira has hit her Battle Lake stride as in addition to the being the librarian, she's now a reporter for the town newspaper!

Mira finds yet another dead body when she's set to cover a political debate.

Jess Lourey writes fantastic dialogue that's witty and fast, and fun to read. The beloved characters that haven't met their ends in the previous books in the series are back along with Mira.

This series is cozy, comforting, and a hell of a lot of fun to read. They're fantastic to curl up with, and will be even more cozy in the fall. Everyone that loves mysteries should jump in and meet Mira- I guarantee they'll love her, and Battle Creek.

This is the best book yet in Jess Lourey's Calendar Murder by Month cozy mystery series! It starts as Battle Lake Michigan's October Fest kicks off with a political debate between two opposing political candidates who have very different personalities. Mira James is attending as a reporter and quickly stumbles into a puzzling murder scene. But Mrs. Berns is right by her side to assist, along with her questionable love life and fashion choices, and the adorable Johnny Leeson would also like to get closer to Mira.

I really look forward to catching up with these quirky characters every month and this story introduces some fantastic new villains and has even more twists than usual. However, I'd urge you not to read the book description on GoodReads as some versions give away more than you want to know yet.

The audiobook narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was wonderful, she has the perfect voice for every character and really brings the story to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

I did not know this book was part of a series and some of the people referenced went over my head. I also did not think the narration worked with the tone and topic of the book. I would consider reading the others in the series and maybe that would have made me enjoy this more but, ultimately, it was not for me.

I listened to the audio and this narrator never disappoints! I’ve listened to almost all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all immensely. Great, quirky characters, witty dialogue and fun mysteries to solve. Highly recommend and look forward to more!

This book was just as fun as I remembered. The series has a cute, small town as its setting and the quirky characters that go along with it. I’ve long been a fan of Mrs. Burns and her antics and was happy revisit Battle Lake and their various festivals. This one had quite a bit of political preaching, which isn’t my favorite, but otherwise, I laughed as hard as I did the last time and look forward to revisiting the rest of the series.

I honestly think that Miss. Berns steals the show in this series. She is a hoot!! I can't help but laugh at her antics and how she somehow manages to help Mira. Mira has found herself in the middle of a political murder investigation and just as the previous ones, Mira doesn't disappoint!
I laughed so many times while reading this book. From the tanning booth to trying to hide from her love interest. I enjoyed the mystery and trying to solve it and of course I couldn't believe it. The narrator, Jennifer Jill, does a wonderful job portraying both Mira and Miss. Berns. That attitude she puts in Berns tones and inflections are so spot on. I love it! I am eager to see what happens in November in Battle Lake.

Thanks, NetGalley. Fun story, though I had some trouble with the narration, The writing was good and story was complete,

The author is so good at knowing how to advance the story and have the relationships and events move forward. It’s done in just the right speed. Likeable characters with humorous dialogue.

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 &| 𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4.25 ☆
-
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
-
Thank you, Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer for the eBook, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.