Saturday Edition
On Flashback Fridays I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – South Dakota
Publisher : Lyrical Underground (July 13, 2021)
Paperback : 206 pages
ISBN-10 : 1516110730
ISBN-13 : 978-1516110735
Kindle ASIN : B08L8RJTTD
Audiobook ASIN B0CYQWLJC2
Audio CD ASIN : B0CZ7LG59Y
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 . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Zo Jones owns the Happy Camper Gift Shop and she has special plans for Halloween and Spirit Canyon’s annual Spirit Spooktacular. She has invited Marianne Morgan, a self-proclaimed witch and self-help author to give a talk and book signing. Her subject “Embracing Your Inner Witch” isn’t about magic or spells but women reclaiming their power. The Spooktacular will also include a pumpkin carving contest, a parade, a costume party, and a Harvest Hike.
Marianne’s book talk goes well sans a couple of unwanted interruptions. Later Zo attends an event at her best friend Jules’ Spirits & Spirits just down the street. As she heads home she notices a new life-sized witch propped up in front of the Happy Camper. Then she noticed the witch’s shoes, she had seen them before. It was no Halloween decoration! It was Marianne Morgan dressed like a witch but she wouldn’t be empowering any more women. Marianne was dead and Zo soon finds herself pressed to find her killer. Does she have a ghost of a chance? or will the killer send her to the great beyond?
Zo Jones is a strong protagonist. She is very likable and with her curious nature a good amateur sleuth. Her Maine Coon cat George is quite a cat. He goes on an adventure in this story which probably gave Zo some gray hairs. Her relationship with forest ranger Max continues to evolve. Zo has some great friends in Harley, Beth, and Jules. I enjoy how all the characters interact with each other. They all feel true to life.
Ms. Angela plotted out a captivating murder mystery. With plenty of suspects and twists and turns it was fun to follow along with Zo. I especially liked the hints she received from a very unexpected source. I was surprised when the killer was revealed as was Zo. A piece of evidence was randomly found and then all the clues snapped into place. I loved the spooky takedown.
Zo also has a personal mystery she is trying to solve and finds some major clues in this story to move that investigation forward. This intriguing subplot genuinely adds to each story. I am excited for the continuation.
Midnight Spells Murder is a wonderful Halloween read. Ms. Angela sets the scenes well and brings her characters to life to solve a marvelous mystery. I am looking forward to reading Book 3 Mining for Murder soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Lyrical Underground and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
Mary Angela is the author of the Professor Prather academic mystery series, which has been called “enjoyable” and “clever” by Publishers Weekly. She is also the author of the Happy Camper Mystery Series. She is also an educator and has taught English and humanities at South Dakota’s public and private universities for over ten years. When Mary isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Find out more about Mary Angela on her website here.
Also written by Mary Angela
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”
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