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 . . .

Titles in A Happy Camper Mystery series include — Open for Murder — Midnight Spells for Murder — Mining for Murder —

Title:  Midnight Spells Murder
Series:  A Happy Camper Mystery #2
Author:  Mary Angela
Genre:  Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Published:  July 13, 2021
Publisher:  Kensington
My Rating:  4 stars

Midnight Spells Murder is the second title in the A Happy Camper Mystery series, and although I hadn’t read the first story I enjoyed myself here and didn’t feel the least bit lost – so it can be read as a stand-alone title, in my opinion, if need be.

When a visiting author and implied witch shows up dead among the shop decorations the morning after her talk at Zo’s shop… well, it wasn’t the best morning for all involved.  Now the rumors are flying, a gossip-hungry journalist is onsite, and things could get quite bad for not only Zo’s shop (the crime scene) but her reputation as well.

I had fun with Midnight Spells Murder.  There are possible culprits galore, lots of clues with some red herrings tossed in as well.  And a deepening relationship between Zo and Max will add to the enjoyment and the suspense.  I enjoyed watching sleuthing partners (and perhaps more), Max and Zo set out to discover whodunit.  I’ll admit that I didn’t see that coming – which is exactly how I like my Cozy Mysteries.  So, if you enjoy putting puzzle pieces together, a murder mystery to solve, and an entertaining story, then you’ll want to check this one out for yourself.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle (as this series is in KU at the time of this review)