I did not realize that this was part of a series which would have been helpful to know before I requested it. Overall it was a decent mystery but I was wondering about some unresolved plot points. There were some holes and it didn't really have a Valentine's theme like I thought for a book based in February and the cover illustrations. The setting of the train was enjoyable and it was a quick read but overall not my favorite train mystery.

I've enjoyed all the Mira James books I've had the privilege to preview since September - only wish I'd discovered them earlier on. It's been fun to get to know Mira and her irreverent ways, along with her supporting cast of characters in quirky Battle Lake, for each month's murder mystery.

In this edition, a train becomes the setting for a Murder in the Orient Express-like whodunnit adventure. While the new cast of characters has their own quirks, without the Battle Lake and other Minnesota settings, the plot plods along at times.

While Mira prevails in the end, I hope the final two months adventures play out where it all started, in small town Minnesota.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this revised edition of this book.

As a big fan of the Nancy Drew books, I love a cozy mystery that is all atmosphere and something that I don't have to follow so closely that I have to make a spreadsheet on clues and suspects. I wanted an easy, enjoyable read with some fun characters and that's exactly what I got from this. I've never picked up anything else from the series. Despite the heartbreak near the end of this story, I'd definitely pick up another from it (if only to hear Mrs. Berns commentary on every situation!).

❤️ ┊ Disclaimer: I haven't read the other entries in this series, as I didn't realize this was a sequel until after I requested it.


Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I was expecting; I'd expected it to be more like Murder on the Orient Express (it was even name-dropped, after all!). I prefer mysteries where you can actually solve it, and then go back and reread to point out all of the hints you missed. In February Fever, it felt like we were outright told who the killer was and then were given a crazy answer for something concerning the victim. Seriously, how could anyone have guessed that? Was there something I missed?

The overall tone of the novel was lighthearted, which made the backstory about what happened to Noelle feel surprisingly dark and out of place (though I thought it was well-written).

Onto the characters: I thought Mira, the female MC, was an alright detective, though some of her choices made no sense to me. I felt like the tragic event that happened near the end was mostly her fault, as she had no reason to go do what she did. Also, I know it was meant to give her character, but I hated the half the phrases she used: 'I think you're a weiner,' 'What the cuss!' 'Tough noogies,' and 'grumble bunny' to name a few.

While some people may like the 90 year-old sidekick character, I found her grating (also, why the hell did she a gun belt into a library? why did she start firing the guns at the ceiling???) except for a few key moments. She felt like more of a snotty teenager the protagonist had been forced to babysit rather than an old woman.

Last but not least, the train was advertised as a Valentine's themed trip with multiple love-themed events, but aside from the dance, it didn’t feel much different from a regular train ride. There was a scavenger hunt, I guess, but Mira didn't participate.

PROS:

- gorgeous cover

- somewhat accurate train descriptions

- easy-to-read writing style


CONS:

- frustrating characters

- unsolvable mystery

- lack of an overall Valentine's theme

- unresolved plot points

The Murder by Month series has been my top series of 2024 however with that said, February Fever, has been my least favorite book out of the series so far. Don't get me wrong, I still loved it, but I don't like that it was not set in Battle Lake. The town of Battle Lake is like character itself and while the setting was elsewhere we didn't get to hear from some of the quirky people from the town. February Fever also was sad and tugs at your heartstrings towards the end. It shows you that friendship, especially good friendship, is something to cherish in your life. If you enjoy mystery books with a heaping side of comedy, this book is for you. Also please start the series from the beginning as most everything would make more sense if you read from May Day on.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer, Jess Lourey, and Netgalley for the ARC of February Fever. This is the 2024/2025 revised version.

February Fever is a chilly ride kind of like that moment when you step outside without a coat, then immediately regret it, but you can’t stop reading because you’re invested. It’s definitely worth picking up if you like psychological thrillers with a side of Minnesota winter (who doesn’t love a good snowstorm?)😂 but just know that it’s not going to warm your heart unless you consider a slow-burn mystery that eventually thaws out into something solid.

Love this series! The saga of dead-body magnet, Mira James, continues in book ten where love is in the air on board the Valentine Train. Ha, yeah right! More mystery and mayhem abound with Mira, Jed and Mrs. Berns investigating the death of a passenger and her missing husband and child. Lots of intriguing characters in this one. The humor wasn't as laughable as some of her other stories, but still enjoyable. I have to admit to being extremely upset about a choice the author made though. I didn't take it seriously at first. With only two books left in the series, I'm not sure why this had to happen. Readers will understand once they reach this part of the story. I'm disappointed but will continue on to finish the series. These books are too good to pass up! Highly recommend for lots of laughs and some good mystery fun.

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

I read this one with trepidation knowing we are fast approaching the end of the twelve month cycle - and I don’t want the adventures of Mira and her friends to be over. The author continues to deliver her trademark humour, but the mystery which forms the plot of this book is a bit more sinister and more darkly presented than past offerings, even when compared to the one with the serial killer. The setting of a train supports this sense of almost claustrophobic panic as Mira tries to get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s a terrific book and evoked many different emotions - Lourey is one of hell of a writer.

This is my favorite cozy mystery series. Full of humor and I look forward to each book. Can’t wait for March !!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.