This is the second book in the Happy Camper series by Mary Angela, who also writes the Professor Prather series (one I’ve been meaning to get to). I had and read the first book in this new series, so when I had the chance to get the second one a little early from NetGalley, I jumped on it. I really love this setting and wouldn’t mind taking a road trip to South Dakota sometime. The scenery just sounds awesome. Eagerly waiting on the third book now!
When I first found the Happy Camper series, I thought it was another series about camping, but it’s just the name of Zo Jones’s store. She sells things that turn customers into (wait for it)…happy campers. Whether it’s seasonal decor or hosting a book signing for a popular book, Zo is all about bringing happiness into her customers’ lives. She does host nature walks followed by a scrapbooking session and probably sells some outdoorsy type things for that. The second book goes a little more into her off-and-on search for her birth mom, since she was left at the police station thirty-odd years ago.
My Goodreads review:
Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved how they celebrated Halloween in Spirit Canyon with everyone decorating and all the costumes and the parade. Last time, the book was mostly focused on Zo’s friend Beth. This time we got to meet Jules another fun and crazy friend of Zo’s. I loved how she and Duncan bantered back and forth about her being close to firing him. Personally, I think she’s falling for him. And speaking of that, I was happy to see Zo and Max getting closer. She might be developing a little more patience for his by-the-book ranger rules, or maybe he’s lightening up a bit. Whichever it is, I like them together and getting along, lol.
Justin the news guy was his annoying self again, but he sure had a surprise coming to him. I hadn’t completely guessed the killer, but about the time Zo was realizing who it was, that was when I was getting to it. The showdown was great, and there might have been a little otherworldly help from a recently deceased friend helping them get her some justice. I love the little addition to Max’s family too. George cat isn’t a fan though lol.
I’m really enjoying this series for the mystery, a little bit of romance, and I actually like hearing about the people in the town and the little side stories like Max helping remove a tick from George or going on one of Zo’s hikes. It’s just those little things that endear the characters to readers even more. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 