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sandyfleener's review
5.0
I'll miss Mira, Ms Burns & the gang
I love that everything is wrapped up and I'm not left wondering wha became of some, or why certain people did what they did and where others are going. Loved the series and will look forward to anything Ms Lourey writes in the future.
I love that everything is wrapped up and I'm not left wondering wha became of some, or why certain people did what they did and where others are going. Loved the series and will look forward to anything Ms Lourey writes in the future.
jmj697mn's review
5.0
I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book had me on the edge of my seat as Mira tackles bigfoot, a sex-trafficking ring, her crazy love life and some family secrets. I absolutely loved every second of this novel. It was the perfect finish to an incredible series. I have to admit, I have tears in my eyes thinking that it's over but I know i will happily visit with Mira, Mrs. Berns and all of my other favorite again and again. I had a hard time putting it down. Thank you, Jess Lourey. I will never forget the Murder by Month series.
avocadomilquetoast's review against another edition
2.0
To start with, I received an ebook copy through Goodreads for this review (my first Goodreads giveaway win! Hoorah!)
Also, though this title is the 12th in a 12th part series, I've only read one previously: "October Fest" (Book 6). So I kind of jumped in at the middle and resumed at the very end. The first one I read...didn't really send me. But I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt; there could very well be improvement after eight years (publication-wise). In any case, the writing keeps you up-to-speed with characters and relationships in case you haven't read all or any of the others. I didn't feel "lost" at all having not read the rest of the series.
Overall, I don't think this is the book for me. I was in it for the library-related content, but other than a clue tied to the last patron who returned a book (which could raise privacy concerns, but maybe I'm putting too much thought into this), the library setting seems to be just that - little more than the place where the main characters happen to go during the day. Maybe there's more library-ness in any of the other ten books in the series and I chose the wrong ones.
Another reason this series isn't for me... is that there is definitely an aim towards - how should I put this - people who are into reading about sexy guys. The heroine spends a substantial amount of time thinking about how much she loves her sexy boyfriend, and how hot and perfect he is, kind of to the point where it gets a little embarrassing. The more interesting relationship is the professional one on the crime-solving side of things. How often is an adult woman partnered with a much older woman?
Then there's the humor. It's also...not for me. Occasionally there's a funny turn of phrase that gives me a smile - I highlighted the phrase "as ugly as the first pancake," for example - but for the most part the comedy is situational. To give you an idea of what I mean, pot-laced snacks do play into the antics, and yes, they are ingested accidentally.
I was ready to be more unrestrained and sarcastic in my review until I read the very end notes which explain Jess Lourey's reason for getting into writing in the first place. I thought, "I can't give this a Book Sins nitpicks treatment." After all, it is a cozy mystery. It did make for good, relaxed bedtime reading.
[Note: I accidentally posted a very partial version of this review because I didn't realize the notes section had a character limit. The above is my "real" full review.]
Also, though this title is the 12th in a 12th part series, I've only read one previously: "October Fest" (Book 6). So I kind of jumped in at the middle and resumed at the very end. The first one I read...didn't really send me. But I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt; there could very well be improvement after eight years (publication-wise). In any case, the writing keeps you up-to-speed with characters and relationships in case you haven't read all or any of the others. I didn't feel "lost" at all having not read the rest of the series.
Overall, I don't think this is the book for me. I was in it for the library-related content, but other than a clue tied to the last patron who returned a book (which could raise privacy concerns, but maybe I'm putting too much thought into this), the library setting seems to be just that - little more than the place where the main characters happen to go during the day. Maybe there's more library-ness in any of the other ten books in the series and I chose the wrong ones.
Another reason this series isn't for me... is that there is definitely an aim towards - how should I put this - people who are into reading about sexy guys. The heroine spends a substantial amount of time thinking about how much she loves her sexy boyfriend, and how hot and perfect he is, kind of to the point where it gets a little embarrassing. The more interesting relationship is the professional one on the crime-solving side of things. How often is an adult woman partnered with a much older woman?
Then there's the humor. It's also...not for me. Occasionally there's a funny turn of phrase that gives me a smile - I highlighted the phrase "as ugly as the first pancake," for example - but for the most part the comedy is situational. To give you an idea of what I mean, pot-laced snacks do play into the antics, and yes, they are ingested accidentally.
I was ready to be more unrestrained and sarcastic in my review until I read the very end notes which explain Jess Lourey's reason for getting into writing in the first place. I thought, "I can't give this a Book Sins nitpicks treatment." After all, it is a cozy mystery. It did make for good, relaxed bedtime reading.
[Note: I accidentally posted a very partial version of this review because I didn't realize the notes section had a character limit. The above is my "real" full review.]
morganj31986's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it!
Loved it! The topic, the mystery, everything as usual we awesome and a wild ride. I hope one day to see something more from Mira.
Loved it! The topic, the mystery, everything as usual we awesome and a wild ride. I hope one day to see something more from Mira.
mae_mae13's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love that this book is set in a small town in my home state of Minnesota. Mira James is the small town's librarian. One day she finds a disturbing not in a returned library book which sets her off doing some detective work. Next, the town is shocked by the disappearance of a high school girl and Mira goes about finding the girl. Aided by the notorious Mrs Berns and others, Mira is determined to find out was is going on in her small town.
The plot is at times serious but the darker aspects are balanced out by humour throughout the book. The book has a satisfying end which is both heartwarming and satisfying for fans of the series. This book is number 12 in the series (and the final book) but you don't need to have read the previous books to understand and enjoy this book. It is however recommended!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
The plot is at times serious but the darker aspects are balanced out by humour throughout the book. The book has a satisfying end which is both heartwarming and satisfying for fans of the series. This book is number 12 in the series (and the final book) but you don't need to have read the previous books to understand and enjoy this book. It is however recommended!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
rachelmabarca's review against another edition
5.0
So fun!
This is the only Mira James book I’ve read so far, and it won’t be the last. The cliffhangers at the end of the chapters kept me up too late at night, and the characters were fantastic. For such gruesome crimes, this book was really fun to read- and the crimes were not graphic or disturbing in their portrayal.
This is the only Mira James book I’ve read so far, and it won’t be the last. The cliffhangers at the end of the chapters kept me up too late at night, and the characters were fantastic. For such gruesome crimes, this book was really fun to read- and the crimes were not graphic or disturbing in their portrayal.
miranda_is_fully_booked's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
khaven's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I originally read the first 10 books of this series the summer of 2016. Fast forward to January 2023 and I stumbled upon the series again realizing that the last 2 books had been published after all. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with Mira and the Battle Lake community with March of Crimes. I had to work to get my hands on April Fools. It was the only one my library system didn't have (all of northern Illinois). My audio book platform didn't have it. I ended up having to buy it for Kindle (I don't love e-books). It was an okay ending but the multiple continuity errors were so distracting! What happened? Did someone different write this one? It could have been so much better.
jerefi's review
3.0
I needed a cotton candy palette cleanser book that would be quick and easy to read and this one fit the bill. Realized a few chapters into this ebook I downloaded for free it is one in a series (usually those free downloads are very clear about if they are part of a series, but not this time), and the last in a series to boot, but given I feel no need to read any of the others the spoilers about some plot in previous books did not bother me.
marysues's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5