Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery) by Mary Angela
Book Details:
Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Lyrical Press (July 13, 2021)
Print Length: 271 pages
Digital ASIN: B08L8RJTTD
About Midnight Spells Murder:
Spirit Canyon’s annual Spirit Spooktacular weekend is on, and for local amateur sleuth Zo Jones, it’s boomtime for business at her Happy Camper gift shop . . . until a murderer drops in for a browse.
To celebrate Halloween at the Happy Camper, Zo schedules a talk by successful author and self-proclaimed witch Marianne Morgan. Although Marianne’s benign brand of witchcraft is more about feminine empowerment than black magic, her presence is still not welcomed by everyone. Then on a midnight stroll home, Zo spots what seems to be a new Halloween decoration propped up outside the Happy Camper. What she finds is not a mannequin but a dead Marianne, her lifeless body dressed in traditional witch’s garb. But why would someone send this good witch back to the spirit world permanently?
Soon Zo realizes that plenty of folks have motives for murdering Marianne. What’s worse, nosy TV newsman Justin Castle plans to broadcast a report associating Marianne’s murder with the Happy Camper. Zo calls on her partner in sleuthing, local forest ranger Max Harrington, to help her find the culprit before Justin’s report airs. Otherwise Zo’s business just might go bust. But to catch this killer, Zo will have to risk much more than just her reputation . . .
My Review:
I binge read books 1 and two in 2 days. I can't believe I waited this long to read book 1...
It's Spirit Spooktacular weekend in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota. All the shop owners are getting into the Halloween spirit and Zo is hosting an author in her Happy Camper gift shop. The author, Marianne Morgan, isn't a hit with everyone but most people who come to see her talk and sign books enjoy her views of female empowerment. On a walk back home the next night, Zo sees a wonderful holiday scene outside her shop. That is, until she gets close enough to see the lifelike mannequin isn't fake but the dead body of Marianne. As the investigation into her death begins, Zo realizes Marianne has more enemies than she could have imagined, all with motives and opportunities. Now, all Zo and Max have to do is live long enough to find out who wanted the witch dead.
Midnight Spells Murder was a clever who-done-it with a plethora of suspects and motives. With the death scene located just outside Happy Camper, Zo has not only a murder investigation to worry about but the reputation of her shop. Reporter Justin Castle is up to his tricks again when he intends on airing a segment linking the murder to Zo's business. If Zo can't solve who murdered Marianne, Justin's report just might mean the end of Happy Camper.
The author's writing style, characters, and setting are enjoyable. I love being in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The characters in Midnight Spells Murder are fascinating and love whatever it is brewing between Max and Zo. Zo's neighbor, Russell Cunningham, is a hoot and everyone should be so lucky to have nice, friendly neighbors. I love Zo's friendships, the camaraderie, and the way the author wrote their interactions. The character development and world building continued in book 2 and I have fallen more in love with Spirit Canyon and it's unique citizens.
I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not
affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own.
Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.
My Rating:
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