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October Fest

A Murder-by-Month Mystery
by Jess Lourey
October Fest: A Murder-by-Month Mystery. Midnight Ink. May 2011. c.229p. ISBN 9780738726236. pap. $14.95. M
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Smart-alecky Minnesota newspaper reporter Mira James reluctantly attends a congressional political debate. Things are heated between the slick incumbent, Sarah Glokkmann, and her challenger, mousy Arnold Swydecker, but even more contentious is the press. When Bob Webber, an anti-Glokkmann blogger, is found murdered the next morning, the local police are baffled. Who would kill him, and is the motivation some sort of silencing effort? Mira has plenty of other concerns—she also runs Battle Lake's public library; tries to keep up with her octogenarian best friend, Mrs. Berns; struggles with romantic issues; and works valiantly at staying sober. Known locally as the gal who's always around when there's a dead body, Mira does it again in her sixth outing.
VERDICT With snappy jokes and edgy dialog, Lourey brings a Gen-X tone to a traditional mystery. The classic romance setup and her effective handling of eldercare issues enhance a clever plot. More spunky than sweet; get started on this Lefty-nominated series if you've previously missed it.
Reviewed by Teresa L. Jacobsen , Apr 01, 2011
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