Small Town Secrets and… a Cult?
5 out of 5 stars
This was such a fun return to the Murder by Month series. I took a long break before starting August Moon, but I picked it right back up like no time had passed, and I was immediately reminded why I loved these cozy mysteries in the first place.
Mira James is, once again, trying to leave the quirky town of Battle Lake behind. On her way out, of course, gets pulled into another murder. This time, it’s her new library assistant Lucy, and the suspects include a shady Bible camp, a creepy pastor, and enough Stepford and cult vibes to make your skin crawl. The twists here really elevated the suspense in a fresh, weirdly fun way.
Jennifer Jill Araya nails the narration like she always does, keeping the humor and mystery perfectly balanced. Jess Lourey continues to show why she’s such a sharp writer, even in a cozy mystery, there’s always something deeper brewing under the surface (and there are some definite nods to her darker books here).
I genuinely can’t wait to see how Mira’s misadventures continue—nine more books is music to my ears!
Book Description:
There’s nothing like a harvest party, a book ban, and a shocking murder to keep a plucky librarian distracted in this funny and suspenseful mystery by Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey.
Mira James has had it up to here with Battle Lake, Minnesota. After her latest romantic prospects go bust, she’s ready to move back to the Twin Cities and get a lapful of cats. Funny how murder can stall the best-laid plans.
Days before the August Moon Festival, high school cheerleader Lucy Lebowski, Mira’s library assistant and an all-around sweetheart, is murdered. Mira’s investigation begins with the (not so) blessed flock of the New Millennium Bible Camp, its creepy pastor, his secretly wayward daughter, and the congregation of glassy-eyed Stepford wives. They all certainly have it in for Mira and her damnable books. But Lucy, too?
If there’s one thing Mira’s learned, it’s that Battle Lake is full of secrets and grudges that somehow always end with a bang. Before she ditches this town for good, Mira is hell-bent on finding justice for Lucy—heaven help her.
Revised edition: This edition of August Moon includes editorial revisions.
August Moon by Jess LoureyNarrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
Series: Murder by Month Mystery #4
Published by Brilliance Audio on July 29th 2024
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery
Also by this author: Unspeakable Things, Bloodline, Litani, Catch Her In A Lie
Also in this series: May Day, June Bug, Knee High by the Fourth of July
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