The third in the series Mining for Murder continues the saga of the Happy Camper mysteries which takes place in mystical Spirit Canyon in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. The area is a tourist mecca in the summer central to major attractions such as Mount Rushmore.

This is where Zo Jones set up her Happy Camper gift shop. Jules, a (spirit) shop owner, plays a strong supportive role and Max, a forest service ranger, is back as the growing love interest.

When a long-time resident with a substantial collection passes away, a valuable book on the history of the area goes missing about the time the man who outbid those who should have received the book is found dead. Zo would like to find the book as she is sure it will contain a possible clue to her birth mother—as well as help to find the perp.

The missing book may also include information on The Theon Stone and clues to gold mines long-rumored hidden during the explosive gold mining era.

I appreciate is the colorful description of the area, the quirky weather, and wildlife. I love reading about the history of these areas, steeped in folklore, indigenous peoples, and real-life experiences. I had a few problems, however, with her descriptions of riding (her Kawi motorcycle—perhaps she doesn’t really ride?) and the reveal in the conclusion.

Mining for Murder by Mary Angela is the third book in the third book in the Happy Camper Cozy Mysteries, and each one keeps getting better… with the first one, Open for Murder, really good to begin with!

The series takes place in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota and there is something refreshing, like how you feel after spending an hour in nature, about Angela’s writing. Her descriptions of South Dakota and the town are so vibrant and realistic I could see myself visiting the town, and I’m not into camping at all.

Besides her gorgeous descriptions, Angela is fantastic with character development too. Jules, Zo’s best friend, is a fantastic business woman with a gift for the supernatural. Max, Zo’s boyfriend, is a forest ranger who helps her out in solving cases instead of constantly telling her to stop investigating. And then there’s George, Zo’s Maine Coon is the perfect portrayal of a typical cat, always demanding food and wanting attention on their own terms.

Throughout the series Zo has been trying to find out more about her birth parents and we get some more information regarding that plotline, along with a mystery that had me guessing the killer all the way to the end. Often I’ll know who the killer is at least half way through a cozy mystery, but that wasn’t the case this time.

Another excellent book in the Happy Camper Mysteries, and a series that I highly recommend.

I was happy to dive into Mining for Murder, the third instalment of the 'A Happy Camper' mystery series set in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota, featuring former journalist Zo Jones, the owner of a gift shop that carries supplies for both locals and tourists visiting the area. I got to meet Zo in book one, Open for Murder who in this story, Mining for Murder, is attending an estate sale clearance auction with friends. A particular book is causing some interest; one rare old book about the history of Spirit Canyon. Zo’s friend, Maynard Cline wins the bid on the book but when Zo and Hattie, a librarian, arrive at Maynard's place to borrow the book for an upcoming event they find Maynard dead.

This was a compelling, absorbing cozy mystery. As Zo goes about town speaking to suspects and fact-finding, she and Max Harrington, the Forest Ranger, team up, with Zoe dealing with the local police. Zo's very large adopted tomcat, George put in an appearance, the mystery was involved and the killer was someone I didn't expect. I will be watching out for book four and look forward to spending more time with Zo, George, Max, and Zo's friends in Spirit Canyon.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Who killed the book collector and why was the question at hand after Zo and Hattie found a body at the bottom of the cliff. In this book, Brady the police chief seemed quite a bit more agreeable working with Max than he ever did before. He got in his usual snark about why didn't Max go back to his forest and stuff like that, but there was more of an actual teamwork going on which I liked a lot better than the previous tension between them.

One of the side stories was always that of Zo's parentage, and I was so happy to see she got some good closure in that respect. She and Max always made for a great sleuthing team. I guess he figured he'd be better off joining her than trying to talk her out of investigating lol.

The whodunit was a surprise for me, and it was just a good thing Max's dog Scout was along for the showdown because she was super helpful. I liked Brady's reaction after seeing the dog in action too! The very ending was really sweet, and now I'm more eager than ever to read the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

In short: This was the 3rd installment in the Happy Camper Mystery series featuring Zo, owner of the Happy Camper store & our main sleuther. A rare book pops up at an estate sale about the
the history of Spirit Canyon. Soon after the sale the man who bought it is found murdered and the book is missing.

What to expect:
⛏Search for justice and answers to Zo’s birth mother.
⛏A Treasure hunt, gold and a mountain Lion
⛏To be transported to the Black Hills on South Dakota with great descriptions.

My thoughts: This may be my favorite book in the series so far. I loved it! The characters in this series are great and we get to know them all in a deeper level with this book. Add in the investigation, a treasure hunt and a search for family history. So fun & entertaining!

Mining for Murder is the third book in Mary Angela's charming and intriguing cozy series, A Happy Camper Mysteries. After reading the first two installments earlier this year, I knew I had to read the third as soon as it was released. Set in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota, protagonist Zo has finally settled into her new life as the owner of a fun store that services both locals and tourists visiting the area. She's happily dating a ranger who keeps her on her toes, and this time, a book goes missing after an auction. Between the auctioneer, the seller's family, the buyer, and several others who wanted to get their hands on it, the list of possible culprits is wide and varied. Too bad it led to a murder, but because it did, this tale certainly was an entertaining one that held my interest from beginning to end.

Author Mary Angela has done a terrific job at building likable, smart, and witty characters who easily appeal to readers. A fine balance between kind and generous and crotchety and difficult. As Zo gets to know some of the folks around town, she's forced to deal with the local police again... and one seems to have had it out for her since she was a teenager and broke a law or two. He's begun treating her friendlier in this book, noting that he was hard on her to ensure she remained safe. Underneath his rough exterior seems to lie a kind soul. Zo will need his help as it appears he might've known her birthmother... and the woman was likely named in the missing book! Another great reason to get that book back -- it supposedly contained the map for a hidden treasure.

Great red herrings. Solid character development. Strong dialog and memorable descriptions. All the perfect makings for a series that will last for years. Already eagerly awaiting the next book.

Who doesn't like a murder mystery with a great location, a possible lost treasure and some main characters you would like to have as friends. This, the third in a wonderful series, has it all. The initial focus for Zo is to be able to read a very valuable book on local history that was sold at an estate sale auction for $16K. Before she has a chance to even hold the book, its new owner, Maynard, is found dead and the book has vanished. Zo soon sets out on her own investigation, not just to find out who killed Maynard and track down a possible lost treasure but to find out if the lost book holds information as to her family history.
This has become one of my favorite cozy series. Each book is a strong, well-crafted mystery with great characters that stay with you after the last page is read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mining for Murder is the 3rd story of the Happy Camper series and it is ah-mazing! You don’t have to read the first 2 books to enjoy this one but your going to want to anyways!
Zo, the owner of the Happy Camper store in a small mountain town called Spirit Canyon, is our main character but she could easily be you or your best friend. Her character is the most real I have ever read of a main character in a Cozy. The love interest is believable and slow burning. The “Who Done It” mystery keeps you reading but so do the relationships and the descriptions of Zo’s friend and town.
I truly loved this book and even though this isn’t published yet I can’t wait for the next one!

This mystery was so much fun! I loved following Zo as she searches for a missing rare book and the murderer. The mystery was so satisfying and well paced. The characters were fantastic and brought a lot of personality to the page. I cannot wait for the next one!

The third book ft. Zo Jones, owner of the Happy Camper gift shop in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota. Zo’s friend Maynard Cline purchases a highly coveted rare book about the history of Spirit Canyon. When Zo heads to Maynard’s place to borrow the book, she finds him dead. The valuable book is gone. I didn’t love this one; the pacing felt off and I didn’t really like any of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG - I love this series! The way Mary Angela transports readers to the Black Hills of South Dakota with her stunning detailed description of the area is fantastic. Mining for Murder is the third installment in the Happy Camper Mystery series. This fun, well-crafted cozy is an easy read with plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the story interesting. Zo, the protagonist, is by far one of my favorite characters. In this book, she experiences some personal growth and deepening of relationships - friend and romantic. I highly recommend this series!

Mining for Murder is the 3rd book in the this series. It follows a former reporter and current shop owner named Zo in the black hills of South Dakota. We follow the mystery of a missing rare book that not only holds the answer to a murder, but also who Zo's real parents/family are.

The setting of this series is so beautiful and the author does such a wonderful job describing it, you really can imagine the incredible scenery. The series is also rich with secondary characters that interact with Zo and add so much to the main mystery.

I loved the big reveal at the end and I can't wait to see how that develops in the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.

One of the reasons I adore this series is because it contains three of my favorite things: history, mystery, and South Dakota. My spirits lift when I get to return to Spirit Canyon within the Black Hills. Zo is intrigued by a book that could contain information about her heritage. Except the book is missing and the new owner is dead at the bottom of a ravine. Zo won’t stop until she solves the murder and reclaims the book.
A major development occurs in her search for her biological family. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before since it was right under my nose the entire time.
I hope Zo continues to let herself trust and allow herself to get in deeper with Max, the hottie ranger.
I can’t wait for the next book!

Enjoyed this mystery. I continue to love the characters in this series. I can’t wait to see what they get into next.

I was intrigued by Mining for Murder's South Dakota setting, so I decided to give it a try even though it's the third book in the Happy Camper cozy series. What I found was an enjoyable mystery with a strong cast of characters.

Zo Jones is the owner of the Happy Camper Gift Shop. As a baby, she was left at the police station and subsequently raised in a series of foster homes. Zo loves estate sales and traveling from place to place on her red Kawasaki motorcycle. Her main squeeze is Max, the forest ranger who can have a roaring fire going in minutes from rain-soaked wood. Zo's best friend, Jules, owns the Spirits & Spirits liquor store and voodoo shop.

Spirit Canyon is right in the middle of the area around Mount Rushmore, and tourism is its main source of income. I was pleased to see that, whenever the history of the area was brought up, Zo made her feelings known about the indigenous tribes who were overrun by whites with gold fever. Speaking of gold, having a mystery surrounding a legendary Lost Dutchman-like treasure is always good, especially when it also involves an old house with secret rooms and compartments.

I enjoyed this third Happy Camper mystery and didn't feel lost or confused by not having read the first two books. I did have to laugh, however, when Zo was crowding local law enforcement and was told point-blank, "You're a business owner... Go run your gift shop." I often wonder how many of the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries can continue to pay their bills because they never seem to run their businesses.

Bill paying aside, Mining for Murder is an enjoyable mystery in a history-rich setting filled with strong characters. I wouldn't be surprised if I come back for more.

This was the third in the Happy Camper series, and my favorite thus far! It's summertime in Spirit Canyon, S.D. Zo's shop is doing well, her relationship with Max is strengthening and she is making progress toward finding her mom's identity. Zo attends an the estate sale of a professor at the local college. One of her rare books goes for over $16,000, making it a hot commodity around town. When the buyer, Maynard Cline is murdered and the book disappears, Zo knows is determined to find the book, and Maynard's killer. Se also has a stake in finding the book, believing it may have some information about her mom.

I liked learning more about the local history, and getting closer to finding out about Zo's past. A lot of relationship building in this one! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a treat this little cozy mystery novel was! The third book in the Happy Camper Mystery series was action packed and had a depth that I was surprised was ingrained within the story.

I didn’t feel like I was missing any information by jumping in this without reading the prior two books, and so, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Zo Jones (the amateur sleuth) who as an orphan, grew up in the foster care system and stayed in the town that she only knew and made a home for herself as an adult. I loved that this book included Zo’s character arc as she finally got some resolution by the end of the story, which makes me look forward to seeing how it plays out next for her.

Mining for Murder draws the reader in with this adventourous cozy that involves a treaure hunt, a murder, a valuable missing book and history playing a big part in present that places Zo and her friends on a journey of figuring out who the murderer is and who stole the book.

Thank you Lyrical Press and Kensington Books for the arc. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you haven't read this mystery series yet then you are missing out. Mining For Murder is the 3rd in the Happy Camper mystery series. This one finds Zo tracking a killer and a missing, rare book. The book is worth a lot of money but also contains history and secrets of Spirit Canyon. Could it also provide Zo with the clues to the family she's been looking for?

Besides a satisfying mystery to solve we also get a treasure hunt! There is some excitement around that including a scene in a cave. There is a great sense of the chase.

I love the characters including the introduction of the police chief's parents. Cunningham is a favorite. I adore Max and Zo is someone you want to be friends with. You can see the love Mary Angela has for her characters.

The writing and dialogue are great. Mining For Murder is a thoughtful and sweet story. The search for Zo's family was a big part of it. I am very happy with what she learns. I love Mining For Murder and can't recommend it enough!

Mining for Murder by Mary Angela, continues the story of Zo, her Happy Camper store in the South Dakota hills and all her friends. These are great cozy mysteries with fun characters, interesting bits of history and a protagonist to cheer for.

Spirit Canyon SD was located in the middle of a tourist destination surrounded by Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Devil’s Tower. It was also an antique hunter's dream. That is what brought Zo (aka Zoelle) to Mountain View Manor and Vera Dalrymaple’s estate sale. Vera had been a professor at Black Mountain College before her passing. Zo’s interest was in the trinkets she had collected over the years, but the most exciting item was an extremely rare book, My Journey West. Though it sold for $16,000 at the estate sale, it was worth so much more - maybe even a man’s life.

Zo’s interest in the book was two-fold. First, she did want to find the person responsible for the murder. She also wanted to see what the book might say about her own heritage. But with the murder, the book had disappeared.

The result is a nice cozy mystery that occasionally had this reader searching for the very real history that lay beneath the legends that provided a foundation for this work of fiction. I give the book 4-½ stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.