Jess Lourey

Jessica Lourey (born May 24, 1970) is an American author of short stories and novels. Her notable works include the young adult fantasy The Toadhouse Trilogy: Book One and the critically acclaimed comic caper Murder-by-Month Mysteries. Knee High by the Fourth of July, October Fest, and December Dread were shortlisted for the Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery. Her small-town mysteries (set in Battle Lake, Minnesota) have received national attention, including positive reviews in the Boston Globe and Tulsa World as well as starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist, the latter calling it a "must have" mystery series full of "murder, mayhem, and merriment. "

Jess has been teaching writing and sociology at the college level since 1998. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching College English in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Social Responsibility in 2006, both from St. Cloud State University.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, The Loft, and Lake Superior Writers, and serves on the national board of Mystery Writers of America.