Author: Elise Bryant
Series: Mavis Miller #2
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 368
Date of Publication: July 8, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
A clever and hilarious new mystery about a mother who thinks she has to do it all—even solve a murder—from the author of It's Elementary
After rage quitting her job, Mavis finally has time to get all the rest she’s been putting off. Or she should have the time. Hypothetically. Except she’s taken on a new Supermom. Her hours are filled with chauffeuring her daughter, Pearl, around to her extracurricular activities, somehow ending up class mom, and…investigating another mystery?
When Coach Cole, the director of the kids’ soccer program, drops dead on a sunny Saturday morning, no one suspects foul play. However, the police soon discover something suspicious left on the field, making it clear that someone had it in for the coach. But who? Sure, parents got mad when he made their precious star athletes sit on the bench, but not thatmad.
Mavis is determined to find out, even if it takes her into the dark, dangerous underbelly of gentle parents and MLM girlbosses. Plus, it’s an easy distraction from everything else going on. Like the panic attacks she keeps brushing off. Or the fact that she’s unemployed and totally lost as to what her purpose and path in life should be. And then there’s her ex-husband who’s back in town and doing everything she’s ever wanted, just as she’s beginning a new relationship. Mavis knows a murder investigation probably isn’t the self-care she needs right now. But how exactly are you supposed to take care of yourself when you don’t even know who you are anymore?
After rage quitting her job, Mavis finally has time to get all the rest she’s been putting off. Or she should have the time. Hypothetically. Except she’s taken on a new Supermom. Her hours are filled with chauffeuring her daughter, Pearl, around to her extracurricular activities, somehow ending up class mom, and…investigating another mystery?
When Coach Cole, the director of the kids’ soccer program, drops dead on a sunny Saturday morning, no one suspects foul play. However, the police soon discover something suspicious left on the field, making it clear that someone had it in for the coach. But who? Sure, parents got mad when he made their precious star athletes sit on the bench, but not thatmad.
Mavis is determined to find out, even if it takes her into the dark, dangerous underbelly of gentle parents and MLM girlbosses. Plus, it’s an easy distraction from everything else going on. Like the panic attacks she keeps brushing off. Or the fact that she’s unemployed and totally lost as to what her purpose and path in life should be. And then there’s her ex-husband who’s back in town and doing everything she’s ever wanted, just as she’s beginning a new relationship. Mavis knows a murder investigation probably isn’t the self-care she needs right now. But how exactly are you supposed to take care of yourself when you don’t even know who you are anymore?
MY THOUGHTS:
Mavis Miller found herself in a whirlwind of responsibilities when she was reluctantly drawn into her daughter Pearl’s school PTA. Amidst this chaos, she became a key figure in solving a murder. This pivotal moment came after Mavis had faced a disappointing setback in her job, where she had been overlooked for a promotion she believed she deserved.
Frustrated by her lack of recognition at work, Mavis made a rash decision to quit her job. However, her newfound busyness soon turned into a whirlwind of activities, including shuttling Pearl between various extracurriculars. One of these activities was soccer, and when the team’s coach suddenly drops dead on the field, foul play at first seemed unlikely. However, that soon changed. Could he have genuinely upset one of the parents to the extent of causing his death?
Competition was one thing, and the pressure to make parents’ children stand out in activities was another. But to resort to murder was an entirely different level of absurdity. Determined to uncover the truth behind the team’s beloved coach’s demise, Mavis found herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Meanwhile, she was grappling with the same stress she had experienced when she had been forced to join the PTA. This time, however, it was a cult-like MLM that was exerting immense pressure on her to become involved, threatening to break her.
Amidst this chaos, Mavis found herself torn between two romantic interests. She couldn’t help but wonder if she should give her ex-husband, Corey, another chance, especially since he had become more involved in her and Pearl’s life. However, she was also deeply enamored with Jack, the school psychologist at Pearl’s school. This romantic triangle was an enjoyable part of the engaging second installment of the Mavis Miller series, promising to be an entertaining series. The story weaves together suspense, romance, and humor, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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