The Game Is Afoot - by Elise Bryant (Paperback)

About the Book

"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 role: 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 that mad. 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?"--

Book Synopsis

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 role: 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 that mad.

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?

Review Quotes

"When is a cozy so much fun that you need to put down everything you are reading (or streaming) to just enjoy it? When that book is written by Elise Bryant, author of It's Elementary... Fun and fearless--with an occasional anxiety attack--Mavis is the perfect character for 2025."--First Clue

Praise for It's Elementary

"It's Elementary is the coziest of cozy mysteries. With the intrigue and drama of Big Little Lies and the warmth and humor of Abbott Elementary, Elise Bryant's first foray into the genre is a delight. A perfect next read for anyone looking for a charming cast, clever writing, and a hint of romance alongside their whodunit."--Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Funny Story

"Sassy and spirited, Elise Bryant's It's Elementary is the perfect puzzle to unravel under the covers. This cozy mystery isn't just about finding out who did it- it's about finding yourself along the way." --Christina Lauren, NYT bestselling authors of The True Love Experiment

"A delightful mash-up of P.T.A. wars, adorable children, a hot school psychologist and the eminently winning Mavis Miller....In Bryant's fiction, just as in the real world, the smallest conflicts can cause the most damage."--New York Times

"Mavis's first-person-present narration evinces a razor-sharp wit, complementing the clever, twist-riddled plot of YA author Bryant's effervescent adult debut. Myriad mysteries and an enchanting will-they-or-won't-they romance work in tandem to maintain tension throughout, while boldly drawn characters help spotlight issues such as racism, gentrification, and the devaluation of female labor...A smart, funny novel that's certain to make a splash."--Kirkus (starred review)

"Filled with snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud scenes, quirky characters, a solid mystery, and a dash of romance, here's hoping there'll be more stories about Mavis." --Library Journal

"Shady dealings at a California elementary school propel this frothy adult debut from YA author Bryant...This deserves a sequel."--Publishers Weekly

"In It's Elementary, [Bryant] mixes parental insanity with a sly mystery about a missing school principal. Bryant raises excellent questions about access to education while delivering a novel with hefty portions of both suspense and satire."--The Washington Post

About the Author

Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California, and for many years she had the joy of working as a special education teacher. Now she spends her days writing and eating dessert. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Long Beach. You can find her online at EliseBryant.com, or on her delightful Instagram feed @EliseMBryant.