Thank you so much to Elise Bryant and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the eARC of this book. This is my first book by Elise and it did not disappoint either. It's a great Mystery book and anyone who likes mystery's will love this one! This has humor and some good twists. It was a really quick read for myself. I loved the characters and how well written this book is. This is part of a series, just a heads up as well.

“It’s Elementary” author Elise Bryant returns with “The Game Is Afoot” (out July 8 from Berkley), delivering brilliant laughs and sly social commentary in a suburban mystery with heart.

After quitting her job in a blaze of burnout, Mavis Miller is ready to rest, until her daughter’s soccer coach suddenly drops dead. Soon, Mavis is knee-deep in PTA politics, MLM schemes and a murder investigation no one else is taking seriously.

Blending wit, warmth and a well-measured dose of chaos, Bryant explores modern motherhood, identity and anxiety while keeping the mystery tight and twisty; a cozy crime for the overextended and underestimated.

The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant was a fun ride from start to finish. If you’re into mysteries with a bit of humor and some clever twists, this one’s worth picking up. The story follows a sharp, relatable main character who somehow manages to get herself tangled in a murder investigation. Bryant balances the suspense with witty dialogue so it never feels too heavy or complicated, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

The pacing kept me hooked, and the little clues sprinkled throughout had me guessing without feeling lost. Plus, the setting added a cozy vibe that made it feel like I was right there in the middle of the action. What really stood out was the character development; the protagonist felt real, flawed, and likable, which made me root for her all the way through.

I received an advance readers copy of this book.

Mavis finds herself in the middle of a new mystery, all while trying to heal from the first incident, be a present mother, find love, co-parent, and work at her job that she hates. It's quickly too much. Like I said in the first Mavis book, she is one of the most relatable protagonists I've read in a long time. The mystery itself wrapped up a little too quickly, hinging on a found walkie-talkie.

I saw this available on the app and started it immediately. And now that I’ve finished it, I’m both mad and happy that I did so lol I’m happy because I loved this story just as much as the first. I’m mad because wtf am I supposed to do between now and the wait for the next one? And if there’s no more after the 3rd one, what am I going to do?!

Ok so as some of you may know, I’m still a little new to cozy mysteries. The first book in this series was actually what got me interested in them. And just like the first one, this book possessed some of the same magic. I enjoyed this so much! This time there’s no missing principal, but there IS a dead little league soccer coach. Just like I had a really close connection to the first one, as a sports lover I had a really close connection to this one too. It really feels like these stories are made for me.

The one thing I loved about the first one that I was worried wouldn’t be in this one was the humor. But Idk why I was worried. This one was just as funny as the first. And to think it wasn’t JUST Mavis that was funny. It was also Pearl. Pearl bad ass is a trip lmao I truly hope that book 3 isn’t the end of this. Because I cannot fathom not having Pearl around anymore. With her asking can she say shit to talking about her friend in the play. I loved these characters and the laughs they gave me.

The romance was a rough one. I was glad that Bryant left it where she did. Mavis was going through a lot of things at the end of this book and she was just now finding that she should be doing an extra step to better herself. I think letting her figure her ownself out first was the best option. She will learn exactly what she wants and deserves.

The mystery itself was good. It actually reminded me of a documentary that I just watched. If you don’t want any spoilers, don’t click on this… But they really reminded me of Scamanda. I wonder if Bryant saw that documentary before she wrote this. But its just as terrible as it sounds. But for the most part, we all knew there was something wrong with her from the very beginning. Besides that, I liked the way she just so happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I loved the way she was trying to deny everything that was happening. Like girl you must know how this looks lol It was a wild ride and everything about this made it so much fun!

This book was so much fun! I really can’t believe that something got me to read a cozy mystery. If you know me, you know that I am not exaggerating when I said I like the weird stuff, so me going for these more tame books wasn’t happening. But this series changed me. And I hope that Bryant feels that and keeps giving us more Mavis and Pearl. Even after Book 3.

Elise Byrant's YA offerings are extremely charming, and THE GAME IS AFOOT builds on that. It has a great cast of characters, Mavis is a super fun protagonist. Mystery lovers wont be disappointed.

I loved Elise Bryant's first book, Its Elementary, and was hoping it would become a series. So I was happy to see this second book, set in the same community and the same school as the first one. Here, Mavis, a very busy mom to daughter Pearl, is upset when the school's soccer coach is murdered. She sets out to find out who did it, hampered by a fascinating cast of back-stabbing fellow parents, a DEI committee gone all wrong, and society's expectations for parents in general. I look forward to recommending this fun, engaging cozy mystery.

I had really high hopes for this book. Apparently this book is apart of a series, which maybe I should have read the book prior before reading this one. Sadly, I dnf'd this book. The description sounded really interesting, since I thought that the main character would be relatable, however I feel as though her character feel flat. Maybe, it is me and at the time when I read the book.

As a person, who dnf's books, I like to go back and reread them to decide if it is not a book for me. For those who enjoy contemporary novels, this one would be a great choice for you. Also, if you enjoy witty, contemporary, detective novels, this one is for you.

In Mavis’ second appearance, she’s surviving PTA, numerous activities for her daughter Pearl, the return to town of her ex-husband to co-parent, and the growing relationship with Jack. She’s not surviving her job and abruptly quits in a rage. Then the soccer coach is poisoned and her ex-husband is the primary suspect. Honest conversations about mental health, single parenting, and race filter through the laugh out loud moments as Mavis solves yet another murder case.

It was a fun read but I think it might appeal to a limited audience. The helicopter parent, suburban mom madness was entertaining and informative at first but then became repetitive. The mystery seems over shadowed by what I hope is highly exaggerated behavior by far too many characters. Maybe it’s just too unrelated to someone of my advanced years.

Elise Bryant returns with another sharp and hilarious suburban whodunit in The Game is Afoot, and Mavis is once again right in the thick of it—this time, the mystery hits even closer to home when her daughter’s soccer coach suddenly drops dead, seemingly from an energy drink overdose. But Mavis, now jobless and a little too available for neighborhood drama, isn’t buying the official story. With her signature mix of nosiness and reluctant charm, she dives headfirst into a web of secrets involving an eyebrow-raising MLM, shady parents, and a local police force that really wishes she’d just stay out of it.

Fans of It’s Elementary will feel right at home as Mavis fumbles her way through the minefield of mom-group politics and soccer practice side-eyes while trying to rebuild her sense of purpose post-burnout. And that’s where The Game is Afoot really shines—beneath the laugh-out-loud moments and over-the-top antics, Mavis’s journey hits a very real, very relatable nerve. She’s figuring out who she is and what she wants.

The last chapters bring just enough chaos to keep the pages turning, and then, just when you think everything’s been wrapped up… Bryant yanks us back into the bigger mystery that’s been simmering since book one. I need answers, and I’ll be first in line for the next installment.

If you’re craving a mystery with wit, warmth, and just enough murder to spice up your book club pick, The Game is Afoot is a must-read.

Star Rating: 4.5

United States Publication: July 8, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

It's been a few months since Mavis Miller saved the life of the elementary school principal (kind of), and life as a non-PI has settled into a routine. The problem is, Mavis is finding the routine with very little time for herself. If she's not taking care of her daughter, Pearl, she's managing the household chores, her Dad, her ex-husband Corey and his appearance back into their lives, and her new boyfriend, Jack. Oh, and her job at the non-profit. She's put 8 years in at Project Window, was passed up last year for a well-earned and deserved promotion, and is prepping for her annual review, during which she will ask for a raise and recognition for her work. When the annual review doesn't go as planned and Mavis rage quits her job, she suddenly finds herself with a lot of unexpected time. Now she has plenty of time for herself. Except the sudden death of Coach Cole and her reluctant agreement to be classroom mom fill her time in ways she doesn't expect. When digging deeper into Coach Cole's death leads her to Bethany of the MLM Balanced with Bethany, Mavis is thrown into the deep end of the cult-like behaviors and intense competition of the MLM world. Mavis discovers that Bethany will do anything to preserve the income stream created through the stories she spun to make her MLM. Did Coach Cole discover Bethany's truth and threaten to expose her? Or was it the dad on the soccer team who didn't think his kid got enough playing time? Or was it Coach's ex-wife? Or was Coach in the wrong place at the wrong time? Mavis has her sights set on the MLM Queen; it's time to see if this on-again, off-again PI thing will yield results this time around.

Bryant's Mavis Miller is a quirky, flawed, authentic character. I love how Bryant uses this character to address the myths and insecurities present in most suburban enclaves, specifically the pettiness and one-upmanship within the PTA, classrooms, team moms, etc. In this title, she also takes on MLMs, of which I have been active in two different ones, so I'm not unaware of the messages, fervor, and loyalty they sell and promote. The development of Mavis' various relationships is an interesting look at the complexities of people; nothing is black and white. For example, Mavis and her ex-husband, Corey. Their relationship breakdown isn't clear-cut and is fraught with unresolved emotions and lots and lots of history that cannot be pushed to the back burner. Their history informs their present and whatever their future may be. That's just one of the relationships Bryant is taking time to develop and look at through her fictional Mavis Miller and the shenanigans she gets herself into. This is a fun series, I'm really enjoying it.

Elise Bryant’s The Game Is Afoot is a fun follow-up to It’s Elementary, diving back into the chaos of Mavis Miller’s life—a recently divorced mom balancing her kid, a podcast-obsessed dad, a dog, a new romance, an old flame she thought extinguished, unexpected career twists, and, of course, another mystery to solve.

Mavis is such a relatable and fun main character—a recently divorced mom juggling life, parenting, and somehow getting tangled up in a murder mystery. Well, maybe not the murder mystery part. What really hits you is the slow unraveling beneath the chaos—it’s raw and messy, making you root for her in a way that sticks. At the same time, her stubbornness drives you a little crazy, especially when it’s clear things are clearly far from alright. Lady needs a therapist - stat! But honestly, who hasn’t been there?

The romance in this book is delightfully subtle. There’s the fresh, supportive connection with Jack—kind, caring, and genuinely present. Then there’s Corey, the not-so-absent ex-husband who’s apparently realized his mistakes... just a little too late to make much difference. Or is it??

Elise Bryant perfectly balances humor, mystery, and real-life struggles in this one. I really enjoyed how the story blends cozy mystery vibes with some honest takes on parenting and the annoying world of MLMs (I’m looking at you Bethany). The book also tackles important themes like racism and gentrification, co-parenting challenges, mental health struggles, and that relentless, godforsaken pressure on parents to nurture—and gentle-parent—the heck out of their precocious progeny. Note to those parents: your wildly talented kid is still eating boogers—let kids be kids and chill. But hey, go off on your delusion if you want.


Tropes & vibes:
🕵️‍♀️ Amateur sleuth

💔 Recently divorced mom


👩‍👧‍👦 Co-parenting realities
💖 New fledgling romance

😂 Snappy dialogue & humor

🏠 Cozy mystery feel
🐟🚫 Red Herrings

💼 MLM drama
⚽️ Soccer parents at their worst

Mavis is back! If you haven't read the first book in this series, check out IT'S ELEMENTARY. This series is everything I've been looking for in a cozy. It has snark (always a plus) but also a depth I rarely find in the genre. With each book, I deeply felt Mavis as an overextended (and rarely appreciated) mom. The mystery is well executed, which keeps readers guessing and will please cozy readers everywhere, but we also feel life closing in on Mavis in a way that always feels relatable. Also, the laughs! I found myself laughing aloud so many times in this book just as hard as I rooted for Mavis to weave together the clues and catch the perp.

Here's to a great new series, perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties, Finlay Donovan, and Arsenic and Adobo

Let me just tell y'all what a delight of a read this cozy mystery is! The humor in it is so, so good as Mavis navigates MLMs, the PTA, life as a divorced mom, quitting a job - oh, and a murder mystery. Mavis as the main character was such a treat as she offered her honest assessment of what was going around her (and it was so, so many things) and started trying to solve a curious case. This was my first read by this author, and I cannot wait to read more. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this July 2025 read!

This was such a cozy mystery with so many relatable moments. I was laughing out loud and rooting for the characters due to me being so invested. I love a good who dunnit and this truly kept me on my toes. The subtle love triangle has me looking forward to the next installment. I am surprised that I loved this just as much as Book 1. Mavis's ability to learn to prioritize self love was a perfect touch as we all sometimes forget to care for ourselves not as a task but as a lifestyle. This author has quickly become a force to be reconned with in my opinion.

Big thank you to Netgally for inviting me to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this second cozy mystery from Elise Bryant! Her characters are so interesting and in this book, more than a little creepy. I love the background commentary on single parenthood, being a black parent in a predominantly white school, and the stress of living in a neighborhood that is changing. This was a really fascinating mystery and I must say, I'm really glad I wasn't a parent in the age of social media.
I will definitely recommend this to cozy mystery readers. I've loved all of Bryant's books!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

The good word of mouth from the first book was what made me request the sequel before I'd ever even spent a minute of time with Mavis. So in some ways I guess it's lucky that I enjoyed the first book as much as I did. A lot of the elements I liked from the first book in the series carried over to this one. Here we follow as Mavis investigates the death of her daughters soccer coach as she tries to clear her husband from being a suspect. I wasn't crazy with some of the romantic developments, but I did predict that might be a path we were going to go down. All in all though the core of the narrative, and Mavis as a character is more than enough to keep me picking up the books.

Hilarious! | laughed out loud many times. Could be a limited series. I didn't read It's Elementary because I didn't realize it was a sequel first but it makes sense.
I enjoyed Ms. Joyce and was confused by Mavis' relationship with her man and her ex. Mavis is a super mom who decides to quit her job on a whim but not before deciding she will try to solve the murder of her daughter's soccer coach. lol I recommend for an easy read.

When Mavis rage quits the job she's been dying to leave for years, she's suddenly stuck with time on her hands. Instead of investing in self care, she finds herself volunteering as room mom, involving herself in her daughter's school play, and trying to solve another murder. This time, she witnessed her daughter Pearl's soccer coach die right before them, and her ex-husband, Pearl's father, seems to be a suspect. With loads of sketchy moms hawking MLMs and a field rival, capture-the-flag enthusiast, it seems like more than a few people had reason to want the coach dead.

I'm really enjoying this series so far and hope to see more books! It gives me Finlay Donovan vibes with even more mom drama. I think the soccer moms out there will love this one, and as someone without children I also enjoyed it because it reminds me how thankful I am not to have to deal with this chaos. But it's another clever mystery, one I didn't piece together until the end--and I love a book to keep me guessing. We also don't get a ton of cozy mysteries with BIPOC leads, particularly younger ones, so this is a great addition to the genre.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10