The second book in the Murder by Month mystery series, and I'm starting to wonder about how the author is linking the protagonist to the mystery. I didn't really buy into the motivation for Mira to get involved in the hunt for the jewels in this book. The structure of the mystery was fine, but the impetus for her involvement, that seemed just to be because of spite, felt strange for a mystery series like this.

Part of me acknowledges that this book is probably meeting its brief. It's touted as a romantic comedy mystery. Maybe it depends on the humour you enjoy? I don't mind a bit of slapstick comedy, but not thrown at me for the entire book.

What we're given is a mystery that turns into a treasure hunt and has a coded message to solve. If anything in a mystery is going to grab my attention, those two elements will. But it's not the elements in the book, it's the characters and the plot that were lacking. The same issues I had with book one are prominent in the second book. Far too many of the characters are just too quirky. I wasn't enthralled with the comedic attempts - found them too forced. And much of it wasn't really funny at all. No doubt there are other readers who will find it funny, but this just feels too Stephanie Plum for me. And I looked up June bugs, or June beetles (which I think they are called), and why would the author have the protagonist colliding with one and being knocked out? That scene alone is enough to emphasise issues the the plot. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but having a June beetle hit your head is not going to knock you out and give you a huge lump on your head that is prominent for days. Am I wrong?

What saves this book for me are three things. The author included a threat that did seem real to the protagonist. Secondly, the action at the end. You could feel suspense in that scene. It was strong and well written. From that scene I could tell the author knew how to write. I just wish the rest of the book was written in that way. The final thing is, despite my thoughts on how quirky the characters are, the author is giving me a sense of community in this small town, and that feels real. And I think small town settings need that sense. It's vital for making the setting more realistic.

Link to a video review will be added soon.

ug" by Jess Lourey is a mesmerizing mystery novel that unfolds against the backdrop of a small, picturesque town in Minnesota. In this gripping tale, Lourey masterfully blends elements of suspense, drama, and heartwarming humanity to create a story that captivates from the very first page.

At the heart of the narrative is the tenacious and unforgettable protagonist, Mira James. When Mira returns to Battle Lake to attend her high school reunion, she is plunged into a whirlwind of intrigue and danger as she investigates the suspicious death of her old friend, Laura. As Mira delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers long-buried secrets and confronts her own demons, all while navigating the complexities of small-town life.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its richly drawn characters, each with their own quirks and vulnerabilities. From Mira, whose wit and determination make her a formidable amateur sleuth, to the eclectic residents of Battle Lake, every character feels authentic and multi-dimensional, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Moreover, "June Bug" is distinguished by its evocative prose and vivid sense of place. Lourey's descriptions of the Minnesota landscape are so vividly rendered that readers can almost feel the summer breeze and smell the scent of pine trees. Through her meticulous attention to detail, Lourey creates a world that is both immersive and enchanting.

Beyond its compelling plot and vivid setting, "June Bug" also explores deeper themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the power of redemption. As Mira grapples with her own past traumas and insecurities, she learns valuable lessons about the importance of letting go of the past and embracing the future with open arms.

In conclusion, "June Bug" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense. Jess Lourey has crafted a compelling story that combines thrills, heart, and humanity in equal measure. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or simply in search of a riveting read, "June Bug" is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I laughed out loud reading this book. This is a great light-hearted murder mystery. I’ve read some other books by the author, Jess Lourey. I think I’m going to need to read all the books in this series. Highly recommended.

Ho, ho, ho…hunting treasure we will go!

Lost treasures, dead bodies, and blonde hotties…what’s not to like? Mira James, aka the librarian sleuth, keeps the small town of Battle Lake, Minnesota hopping as she investigates a new case full of danger and intrigue.

This cozy has a twisty plot that kept me interested right to the end. The seniors, especially Mrs. Berns, are hilarious. Anyone who likes mystery and humor would enjoy this book.

**This review is for the 2024 edition**

Mira James is at it again. This time, an old rumor of a lost diamond brings people to Battle Lake when a newspaper contest plants a fake gem in nearby Whiskey Lake.

One would think that with all the extra tourists, the chance of Mira finding her second dead body in as many months would go significantly down but oh how wrong you'd be.

Kennie has a new business,
Johnny is as clueless as ever,
Mrs. Berns is my spirit animal,
Gary is still immune to perkiness.

We get to know more about the wonderful supporting cast of characters included everyone's favorite bakers, Sid and Nancy and Shaggy look alike Jed.

There were multiple mysteries that were wrapped up with Ms. Lourey's trademark wit and just enough teased at the end for the next book. I can't wait for July!!

Thanks netgallery for the ARC of June Bug. The second book in the murder by month series. This book continues on from the first book but I still think it could be read as a stand alone. This story was a bit more predictable than May Day but still just as enjoyable. I enjoyed the character growth of all the characters. My favourite parts are the trips to the nursing home, I love the characters we get to meet there.

In love with this series- Murder by Month Mystery. Such a fan of Jess Lourey’s writing style & looking forward to see what kind of murder next month brings. Check out this series- you’ll be glad you did!

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC copy of this book.

Welcome back to Battle Lake, Minnesota for the second installment of Jess Lourey’s Murder by the Month series. June finds the town gearing up for a local treasure hunt of sorts – a faux diamond has been hidden in the depths of nearby Whiskey Lake, and the lucky person who finds it will win a prize of five thousand dollars! But it’s not the only treasure in the area; legend has it that an eccentric woman (and rumored thief) hid a stash of stolen jewels somewhere around town.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries but have sometimes wished for one with a bit more edge, you just might enjoy June Bug and the Murder by the Month series. (If you’re a cozy reader who likes their cozies without any language, this one might not be for you.) Mira is such an appealing character, feisty and independent, with a saucy and sweary sense of humor. We get to see some of the same characters from May Day as well as meet some quirky new ones. I found this installment a bit slow, feeling like nothing much happened for almost half the story, but overall, I still enjoyed this quick, lighthearted read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Book two of a 12 book series, and it was yet again another cute, fun read.

This series would be perfect for a book club, or those murder mystery parties (because there are so many options on 'who done it' that it would be a fun idea to toy with).

I like that a lot of the same characters are around again, it makes it easy to keep up with, and then of course there are the new guys added. I think even if you didn't read book 1, you would still be able to grab this one and enjoy it.

This book naturally leaves you on a cliff hanger, so here we go to book number 3!

Thank you NetGalley for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a really exciting mystery which kept me reading as I wanted to solve the mystery and find out the truth.

This book was great. It was fast pasted and each page made you want to keep reading more to find out what was going to happen. I loved how the main character Mira was written. Her dialogue had me laugh out loud a few times. That is hard to get me to do. Even though the book was short it was a fun mystery that didn't leave out any detail. Straight to the point. I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC**

Mira James is a reporter in the small town of Battle Lake. Summer kicks off with a treasure hunt where Mira finds more than she bargained for. A cozy thriller with a fast pace and a great FMC. This mystery has murder with out all the gory details and an interesting secret that makes you want to keep reading to figure it out.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for these ARC’s.

A summertime treasure hunt in rural Minnesota leads to murder in this delightful gem of a rom-com mystery by Edgar Award–nominated author Jess Lourey.

And Jess does it again! Mira James is a part time reporter and this cozy whodunnit where Mira is working against the clock to stay alive is everything the blurb promises and more. Jess is my new favourite cozy mystery author and I cannot wait to read her other works.

Another 5 star read for me for Jess Loury

This was the perfect summery thriller! It was quick and twisty, and it hooked me in from the very first chapter!

This was a nicely paced cozy mystery, I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Mira's treasure hunting was fun to read through and seeing how she put the puzzle together was fun too.

Another instalment in the wonderful world of Battle Lake. Jess Lourey captures the small town vibe perfectly and has created a cast of characters you genuinely want to get to know. In the middle of all this is Mira, who lurches from her dual roles as librarian and journalist, stumbling on murder and mayhem as she goes. A terrifically fun read.

Easy fun summer read. This is the first I gave read in the series. I liked the qYorktown, funny mystery. I will check out more in the series.

It’s a pretty good mystery, love the setting and definitely liked this book. Would recommend

Thank you to Jess Lourey, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book.

I didn't realize this was a re-release of her Mira James Mystery series from 2006. Still just as good of a read as it was back then. Book 2

I've enjoyed Jess Lourey's dark mysteries so I was excited to give this Murder-by-Month-Mystery a try. However, the light tone and romance were not for me. I am not a big fan of cozy-type mysteries but thought this would be exceptional because of Lourey. In the future, I will stick to her darker reads (Unspeakable Things, The Quarry Girls, The Taken Ones, etc.) Fans of cozy mysteries may love this, it just wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.