Jumped into the series just in time for the final installment. It’s a cozy light mystery (revolves around trafficking but only alludes to acts). The characters are hokey but endearing and their antics did make me laugh. This book was a little too far-fetched for me (kidnapping girls in a 24” snowstorm?) and ends predictably but probably a fun series if you’re looking for an easy-going mystery series. I personally would not categorize this as romance as both (all 3?) love interests were a bit random and didn’t feel very fleshed out. Maybe with the full series it would have all come together more.

After being broken by February, April restored my faith in Jess Lourey.

As sad as I was to see the series end, I still couldn't put this book down. The usual cast of characters from Battle Lake was on full display as Mira's "luck" with dead bodies continued.

The Gary vs. Johnny tension was resolved, which felt a bit like it came out of nowhere and left the same way. That bit was always a little confusing to me, as was the part where we never really got back to Mira's friend who signed her up for online dating in the first book. But Mrs. Berns was a much better replacement side kick.

Overall, the series was fun and entertaining to read. The final book in the series was just as satisfying to read, and even though I'm left with some questions, I am ok with the end coming. I've thoroughly enjoyed the series - it got better and better as it went. Jess Lourey is a gifted storyteller!

I jumped into another series nowhere close to the beginning, but at least the narrator gives a little background on things that happened in the previous books. I was really interested in this book because it’s set in a small town in Minnesota. I love supporting local authors, and now I want to check out all the other books by this author, too. (And not just this series.) Unfortunately this looks like it will be the last of the Murder by Month series, though, according to the author’s note. (Given it started in May, and has made a full rotation now, that makes sense.)

I thought this one was a perfectly cozy book, even though it had a heavy subject. (Check your CWs.) The mystery was intriguing, I liked the characters, and it had a bit of a thrill at the end. Nothing overly exciting, but it was a fun one to listen to.

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Cozy mystery lovers or Minnesotans who love the local references!

its bizarre how this is only the second book in this series that ive read (ive only read september mourn before), and i probably missed so much of the background, but still i feel like i have a perfect idea of who the characters are, what happened in the past books, etc. i absolutely enjoyed this book, and it really feels as if ive been there every step of the way but i really havent. i think this story is so well wrapped up, and it was a really fun read!

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

What a way to close out a series. I literally went through some emotions with this one. The theme was nothing like the usual themes I've read within the series. It touched on real life events which didn't flow with the other books in the series. It still was a good read none the less. Ms. Berns had me in stitches as usual with her craziness. Mira on the other hand for the first time got on my nerves. Things felt off with her in this book. The plot and twist were good. Overall it was a good book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ugg, Please tell me that the adventures are not over! I can't stand a world without Mira, Mrs. Berns, Jed, Johnny, Kenny, and the Chief in it! This was a great way to end the series, but also left it open for future adventures, which I hope are in the works. Mira and Mrs. Berns make some great new friends when they investigate the disappearance of several teenage girls, thought to be kidnapped for sex trafficking. In the meantime, Mira is slated with covering a Bigfoot sighting. True to Mira's luck, she is again put in harms way as she gets closer to finding the truth.

In this book, Mira finds a note in one of the books returned to the library with a list of names, including her fathers on it, and the word HELP. As she investigates, she discovers a girls sudden disappearance and wonders if it is related.

Another great book in this series! Fun characters and unique plots add to the enjoyment of this series!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you Jess Lourey and Thomas & Mercer to allow me to read this ARC via NetGalley.

📍 Battle Lake, MN
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Vibes: 📚❗🕵🏻‍♀️👵🏻🔍😂🤯🎭
Rating: 3.25 ⭐
Tropes: small town mystery / amateur detective / found family / personal stakes / romantic subplot
⚠️ TW: human trafficking

Started off reading thinking one thing about the main characters, and as the plot progressed, I thought I would able to predict what was going to happen but definitely was a wild ride.
Hard for me to really get my thoughts together for a review. This one really messed with my brain.

Was an enjoyable, quick, and engaging read.
April Fools is the 12th book in a series of "Murder by Month" books. I haven't read any of the other books in the series and feel like I'm missing some of the background information on some of the characters, but it was easy to follow the main storyline otherwise. I will probably go back and read the rest of the series now.
Mrs. Burns is probably my favorite in this book, such a funny old lady and definitely brings the comedy in this very serious topic book.

A couple of things that affected my review:
- I am not a fan of reading certain abbreviations ("This AM" should have been "this morning".)
- This book is advertised as a mystery AND romance but there really wasn't too much romance besides a couple scenes with Mira and her boyfriend, but nothing too crazy. I personally wouldn't consider this a romance at all.

The final book in the Murder by Month series may be my favorite.

Small-town librarian/reporter Mira James finds a mysterious note in a returned book. She begins to investigate and discovers a tangle of lies and disappearances that tie back to her father, who died years ago.

Author Jess Lourey writes “April Fools” with her typical wit. She aptly captures life in a tight-knit community while creating characters that are at once relatable and detestable. There were several points where I laughed out loud. This is a low stakes, cozy mystery that is well-written and incredibly enjoyable.

April Fools is a book I was excited to read. Mystery, murder and a bookstore? It all sounded fabulous, but sadly it wasn't what I was expecting. Overall, I don't think this is the book for me. The pacing was a bit slow, especially in the middle, and some parts seemed repetitive. Good, but not exciting.

I have enjoyed all of the Murder by Month mysteries and this one was just as great! This is an autobuy series for me!

Loved this updated version of the series! Don’t start reading at bedtime, because you won’t want to put it down. Truly one of the best books I’ve read recently. This book is skillfully written with a tight plot and great characters. There are multiple story lines within this cozy mystery, all tied up at the end. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

“April Fools” is the 12th and final installment in the Murder by Month series. It combines humor, romance, and intrigue. These cozy mysteries are really enjoyable! I love the small town charm and all the colorful characters. It is very lighthearted with wit and humor. Highly recommended if you love cozy mysteries with a satisfying conclusion.


Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC!

The residents of Battle Lake have returned in the final book in the Murder by Month series by Jess Lourey. After reading several disappointing books in this series, I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up April Fools. The book isn’t too over-the-top, the characters are much more reasonable and interesting, and the plot is entertaining and well-written.

That’s not to say Mira and Mrs Berns are totally rational or that they consistently act like adults who should be capable of making good decisions. But, these episodes don’t overpower the plot to any great extent and, since this book is written in the cozy mystery style, this can be overlooked.

As with many cozy mysteries, everything turns out well in the end and the the series ends on a positive note. Again, this is the cozy mystery way. I’m glad I decided to read this final book. it ended well for me and it was enjoyable. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.

This is my second "Murder by Month" book and it made me want to go back and start reading the series from the beginning. I like that Mira is gutsy but out of her element as it lends itself to an entertaining read.

This was a great final book for the series. I was so worried Mira would end up with Gary, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case. I’m so happy she “grew up” and figured her relationship with Johnny out. I love that the last book didn’t involve her finding a dead body this time, and that she helped rescue victims. It was the perfect storyline to end Mira’s journey on.

Thank you NetGalley! I’m extremely invested in this series. And have been reading each in order and in the month they take place. I can’t wait to read the next one

I love a good cozy mystery and "April Fools" is as charming as all the other books in the series. A lot of fun, mystery and romance with cute characters. Jess Lourey writes solid mysteries and this one doesn't disappoint!

I read the Mira James series in “real time” (one book a month since last May), and they’re such a fun little bite size adventure every month! I’m so sad the series is done, but I also think April Fools gives it a very well rounded ending. I love what Jess Lourey has done with these incredible, fun characters and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the citizens of Battle Lake alongside Mira.

April Fools is an engaging murder mystery with an entertaining cast and an intriguing plot. While it can be read as a standalone, some parts may be confusing without the background from previous books.

The mystery unfolds well, though some twists are predictable. Overall, an enjoyable read, especially for those familiar with the series.