Murder Under A Bitter Moon:
A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery
by Abigail Keam
About Murder Under A Bitter Moon
Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
15th in Series
Publisher : Worker Bee Press
Publication date : April 20, 2026
ASIN : B0F92Y5XB7
Mona Moon adores Kentucky Derby week, enjoying all the festivities. She is hosting a ladies’ tea and a Derby breakfast herself. The celebration at Moon Manor will include her former professor and mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris. Mona is delighted to have an old friend visit, but is concerned when Dr. Farris confesses that someone has been threatening her. Worried, Mona assigns Pinkertons to protect the professor.
The night before the Kentucky Derby race, Mona is preparing to attend Ed Bradley’s famous Derby Ball. The entire Mooncrest Farm is aflutter with excitement and gaiety for the upcoming event. Celebrities, politicians, and prominent citizens will be enjoying shrimp grits, burgoo, cornbread, country ham, and mint juleps while dishing the latest gossip at this yearly event. Mona’s anticipation is dashed when she discovers Dr. Farris is missing! And Mona fears the worst!
About Abigail Keam
Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which weaves real people and events into the story. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”
Miss Abigail currently lives in a metal house with her husband and various critters on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River.
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
THE MONA MOON MYSTERY SERIES
1930s Historical Mysteries
Murder Under A Blue Moon I
Murder Under A Blood Moon II
Murder Under A Bad Moon III
Murder Under A Silver Moon IV
Murder Under A Wolf Moon V
Murder Under A Black Moon VI
Murder Under A Full Moon VII
Murder Under A New Moon VIII
Murder Under A English Moon IX
Murder Under A British Moon X
Murder Under A Bridal Moon XI
Murder Under A Western Moon
Murder Under A Honey Moon
Murder Under A Cold Moon
Murder Under A Mystic Moon
Author Links
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Purchase Links – Amazon B&N Kobo Google Books
My Thoughts
Murder Under A Bitter Moon is book fifteen in the Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery series that is written by Abigail Keam. I’ve not read the series before and I did know feel like I was missing anything. I absolutely loved this setting. This book is set in the 1930’s and it’s Kentucky Derby Season.
Mona Moon is a wealthy independent woman. It’s not as common back then. However she’s interesting because she seems to find mysteries where ever she goes. I love strong independent women characters even when they find themselves in the middle of a mystery. She and her husband, Robert Farley (Duke of Brynelletth) are preparing for Derby Season.
Her mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris is giving a speech at the ladies tea. Mona wants everything to be perfect. Dr. Farris has been working on some research that may not sit right with southern folks. I’m always fascinated with the way the war was seen through the north and the south. However in this case, on Derby Day, Dr. Farris isn’t anywhere to be seen. Mona need to find out who wants to silence her mentor. Let the adventure begin. Lots of clues in the story. I enjoyed putting the pieces together.
You’ll probably enjoy this book if you like
Cozy mysteries (like Murder, She Wrote vibes), Historical fiction with a twist, Strong, confident female leads, Light suspense without gore and High society drama.
My only regret is that I’m coming into the series at book 15. I must go back and read the whole series.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Great Escapes Virtual Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 22 – Connie‘s History Classroom – REVIEW
April 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT
April 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
April 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 26 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT
April 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 27 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT
April 27 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen– SPOTLIGHT
April 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – SPOTLIGHT
April 28 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 29 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
April 29 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: fans of historical mysteries should not miss out on this series! I’ve read all the books so far in this series and they are all so great.
