Customer Reviews

May Day (Murder-by-Month Mysteries, No. 1)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Lourey's debut novel is zany and nonstop hilarity without being silly or unbelievable. The protagonist, Mira James, a disenchanted English graduate student, moves to Battle Lake to housesit for a friend and infiltrates small-town life through her job as an erstwhile columnist for the local paper and a part-time librarian. High jinks ensue after a romantic tryst turned relationship ends tragically. James turns her considerable research and social skills toward solving the crime to achieve both justice and pesronal closure. Lourey's strenght is her trenchant wit, cleverness, and hilarious turns of phrase. She clearly knows the small town life and can turn a witty, cynical, and at time poignant eye to the ins and outs of rural mores, local politics, and small-town gossip to paint a lurid picture of the whimsy of the midwestern burg. Readers will revel in the hard-nosed heroine's cynical take on life and delight in Lourey's way with language. If you're looking for a smarter, more capable, and funnier (on purpose) Stephanie Plum, then this is your book. Fabulous!

What a nice find! This is a nice break from the heavy beach-read mysteries that are trying to outdo each other and CSI at the same time. This is a fresh look at the mystery, where the solution lies as much with the quirky characters that inhabit our heroine's small town as in the physical evidence. What really kept me reading was the emotional, intelligent and giggle-out-loud humorous outlook of out lead character. She's a nice conduit for our own reactions to this world of diners, seniors, and bait shop regulars. The book takes place in a well-drawn rural community that exudes a definite sense of history. I'm looking forward to the "months" to come.

I found myself giggling aloud as I read this book before bed each night. I finally had to hide under the covers, so I wouldn't wake my husband. What a refreshing, fun, new voice amid lots of tired, old, formulaic mysteries. I really enjoyed the absolute authenticity of this young, single, smart, witty woman (Mira James). Candace Bushnell/Carrie Bradshaw couldn't have done it better! I also enjoyed the humanity and sexuality of those we so blandly call "the elderly." Kudos, Jess Lourey! I can't wait until _June Bug_!

This is not your Momma's kind of cozy murder mystery. Murder in Minnesota in May Day is more risque (in language, thought & deed) than that to which we are acccustomed in the genre but it's still a Minnesota nice kind of small town caper. Locals will like it more than those from "away." /TundaVision, Amazon Reviewer

I was a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich but was sorely disappointed by the last 2 books in the series. So, in an effort to find another mystery comedy series, I stumbled upon Jess Lourey's books and I really enjoyed reading MAY DAY. I purposefully chose the first book in the series so that I can follow the natural progression of the series and as soon as I finished MAY DAY I went to my library and checked out KNEE HIGH BY THE FOURTH OF JULY and AUGUST MOON (they don't have JUNE BUG!). One side note: You don't have to be from the midwest to appreciate the humor in the books but it definitely helps!

Mira James is a vulnerable and scarred gal on the run from her emotions. She winds up living in a friend's trailer in the very small town of Battle Lake, Minnesota, where she works as an assistant librarian and part-time journalist. But suddenly there is hope in Mira's life in the form of Jeff Wilson, a young man who is as wonderful as she thinks he might be, except that he winds up dead, throwing Mira into high gear to find out what happened to her maybe Prince Charming.

The real treat in this book is the wild and edgy ride the reader is given in the quirky head of Mira herself. Jess Lourey definitely has a way with colorful words and colorful characters. It's like finding multiple prizes in a box of Cracker Jacks.

I read an advance copy of this new mystery writer from Minnesota and loved it. She's a blend of Evanovich and Hillerman.Her characters are quirky, the local color is fun, the mystery is engrossing--an all-around good read. I understand she has another mystery in the pipeline--I can't wait.

Mira James is a city girl stuck in a small town in the wilds of Minnesota. When she discovers a body, of course her life goes from bad to really bad. Jess Lourey captures the goodness and meanness of small-town living with hilarious characters. This book will make you laugh out loud. I've already recommended this novel to friends who've loved it!

First of all, I love murder mysteries so that was an easy win. The thing that added to this book for me was the references to small town Minnesota. Having come from a big city to a town of 3200 in Minnesota about 18 years ago, I highly identified with many of the crazy things that happen to Mira, the title character. In small towns, everyone knows each others business whether real or created. Sometimes there is little truth and sometimes the actual truth is worse than the rumors. I think that it is important to read this book with a sense of humor. Parts are a little over the top and I believe that they are truly meant to be that way. I read it in practically no time a little before bed. It is quick moving and easy to follow. The description of Nut Goodies is a an added bonus.

Jess Lourey is an amazing, funny author. Her books are wonderful! They are easy to read, with interesting, suspenseful plots and lots of humor. Her books make great gifts, or for your own collection. Highly recommended!