Hello my cozy friends,
Today I am reviewing Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela book 2 in the “A Happy Camper Mystery” series. What a great follow up to book one, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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 . . .
The story pulled me in right away, I was so engrossed in it that I read in one day. I found myself becoming invested in what happened to Zo and Max as they are likeable characters that work well together plus the budding romance between them you can’t help but be happy. Plus who doesn't love a grumpy Maine Coon cat named "George”
I like how there were several stories woven into this mystery but they flowed seamlessly together. We learned a bit more about Zo’s past when she finds a clue about who her mother might have been. I love this side story about Zo’s parents and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The mystery itself was well plotted, entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises at the end.
I cant wait for the second instalment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I really appreciate it.
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It was a great story and I have now added to my favourite series list
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