The Game Is Afoot

Mavis Miller #2

by Elise Bryant, Aure Nash (Narrator)

ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST'S 10 BEST MYSTERY NOVELS OF 2025

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 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?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Adult

Audible Audio

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Elise Bryant is the NAACP Image Award-nominated author of Happily Ever Afters, One True Loves, Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling, and the forthcoming It’s Elementary. For many years, Elise had the joy of working as a special education teacher, and now she spends her days reading, writing, and eating dessert. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Long Beach, California. You can visit her online at www.elisebryant.com.

Reviews

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care much for most of the characters especially the main character Mavis. I thought there would be some character growth from the previous book but she seemed to be even worse here. She was so insufferable and it was stressful being in her head.

The mystery part of the story wasn't all that intriguing but I didn't find it boring so I guess that's a win? The romance aspect also didn't fair any better considering Mavis and Jack had zero chemistry(had tons of chemistry with her ex).

Overall, just an okay read.

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

If all cozy mysteries are as good as Elise Bryant's, consider me a fan! Mavis Miller is back to solve another mystery when her almost 8 year old daughter Pearl's soccer coach unexpectedly drops dead on the field one Saturday morning. After rage-quitting her job, Mavis has nothing but time to solve this mystery...and help in Pearl's classroom, try to get Pearl a solo in the school play, all while putting herself second, again, and not taking care of herself or practicing self-care. I love this whole crew, including Pearl, Jasmine, Mavis's dad (who now runs a murd3r podcast!), the lovely though constantly therapizing Jack, and even horrible Trisha! Newcomer Bethany, a woo-woo cancer survivor mom who thinks essential oils can cure anything and is part of an MLM scheme, is an annoying but interesting foible to Mavis's life. This book is SO funny. I love Bryant's sense of humor! It is a mix of warm, caring parent/mom jokes, and snarky, biting observations about how chaotic life can be, including ruminatings on work, being a mom, race, neighborhood busy-bodies, technology, and crime. I laughed out loud so much while reading this story. These characters are relatable and feel strangely true to life (minus the whole murd3r thing). The mystery part is not super difficult to figure out, but the journey to get there is engaging, interesting, and zany. I cannot wait for the third book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elise Bryant, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying Elise Bryant's foray into the cozy mystery arena. Mavis as a divorced single mom protagonist trying to balance ALL THE THINGS is especially relatable. Ms. Bryant is also giving us some love triangle realness in the backdrop, staying true to her romance roots. And the mystery - well, I'm never great at figuring whodunnit and this was no exception. I thought I knew but was guessing right up until the end. And while the mystery was wrapped up in the end, we were left with a cliffhanger of sorts. I will be SAT for the next book in the series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars ✨

Mavis felt a bit insufferable and far more clueless this time around. While the mystery was okay, the story never fully pulled me into the investigation. The Game is Afoot lacked the charm and spark that made the first book so enjoyable.

Pearl continues to be the standout character. I did appreciate Mavis’s focus on herself and her self-care journey—that storyline was one of the stronger aspects of the book. It did a solid job of portraying just how challenging self-care can be, especially for moms.

As for the audiobook, the narrator’s delivery felt overly dramatic and exaggerated. Reading a physical copy ended up working much better for me.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!

I haven't read a funnier book in a while, this actually made me laugh out loud a couple of times. Mavis got into so many sticky situations in this installment, it was truly one thing after another, and it was so entertaining. At the same time, Mavis and her friends and family feel so real and you find yourself rooting for them so much. This book didn't feel super romance-centered, but there's some love triangle hinting going on that I am very much here for! I'm firmly Team Corey - I'm a sucker for a second chance romance. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.

[Grace Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

elise bryant can do no wrong!!!!!! i love mavis and cannot wait to see more of her 🥰🥰

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant (2025)
Mavis Miller #2
11h 11m narrated by Aure Nash, 368 pages

Genre: Mystery Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Humor, African-American Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Featuring: Single Mother, Divorcée, Job Insecurity, Ex-Husband, PTA, School Setting, Southern California, DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Tricenarians, Race Relations, Elderly Dad/Grandpa, School Staff, Profanity, School Psychologist, Facebook, Young Kids, School and Community Setting, Long Chapters, Drama, Soccer, Dating After Divorce, Race Cards, Gentrification, Stereotypes, Cliffhanger

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult language and content

Songs for the soundtrack: Beyoncé, "Seasons of Love" by Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Fredi Walker, Taye Diggs, Gwen Stewart, and Byron Utley; "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, Gladys Knight & the Pips, "The Greatest Love of All" by George Benson, Mariah Carey, "Maybe" by Charles Strouse and Alicia Morton, Billie Elish, Fergie, "I'm A Believer" by Smash Mouth, "Cha Cha Slide" by DJ Casper, "It's the Hard-Knock Life" by Aileen Quinn

Books and Authors mentioned: Frozen by Jennifer Lee; Rumpelstiltskin by the Brothers Grimm, Annie by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin [based on] Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, Shrek by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman [based on] Shrek! by William Steig, The Bodyguard by Robert Tine, Veronica Mars by Rob Thomas, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏫⚽️🥅👧🏾👩🏿🧑🏼‍⚕️

My thoughts:📱24% 2:40:44 Chapter Seven - Pearl is almost 8 but has the comprehension and vocabulary of a 3-year-old, which takes away from the humor. I don’t know a 5-year-old who attends public school and doesn't know what s-h-i-t is but it's Pearl's first time hearing the word, and she needs a definition. Anyway, this is slower than the first book.
📱40% 4:31:16 Chapter Eleven - Stopping here because my battery is low. This has picked up, but I still want to shake this woman. She's the likable one in the story, but she has her flaws.
📱67% 7:26:57 Chapter Eighteen - Pearl is the star of this book.

This was better than the last book. I knew a triangle was forming. It had a great start, but the early part was a bit dramatic.

Recommend to others: Yes, this may replace my Hannah Swenson slot.

Mavis Miller
1. It's Elementary
2. The Game Is Afoot

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mavis is back and this time, it's Pearl's soccer coach who dies after their game is cut short by an angry groundskeeper. But all isn't what it seems with Pearl's production of Annie either, so Mavis has two mysteries to solve. With an MLM cult so realistic, it's scary, The Game is Afoot is a fun cozy mystery, just as entertaining as It's Elementary!

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mavis was extra frustrating in this one. I don't remember if she was as egregious in breaking the law and pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior in book 1, but she definitely crossed the line too many times in this book and I found myself wanting to yell at her. But when she wasn't overstepping in her investigation, I appreciated her life choices and hope she continues to find balance and peace in book 3.

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I absolutely love Mavis she is so relatable and I absolutely love these audiobooks.

[Tamisha booklovertamisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mavis is back, and she's brought the whole gang with her. Her precocious daughter Pearl, her love interest Jack, and her ex Corey. The PTA/school drama is ramped up in this book. From MLM's to kids soccer, this was a cute, cozy "mystery." I like how the authors focused on mental health, but I will say Mavis was getting on my nerves from beginning to end. somehow, she always finds herself in the middle of the excitement. This book was more "who done it" but with less suspense.

[Gabbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many characters, lackluster murder investigation and honestly, I just don’t like mavis in this book. She’s draining and annoying.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series. Mavis' narration is top tier for me, and the different suburban moms/wives are too real sometimes. I loved that we got more on Mavis' relationships and mental health in this book. It feels important for mysteries to really examine the consequences of people witnessing death and stress in their communities. Also, Mavis' dad and Ms. Joyce are treasures that must be protected! I laughed so much at their antics. Can't wait for the next book!

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just so fun and cozy 🥹

[RAWFIZZLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mavis & Pearl are back!!

I needed a witty and mysterious book to pull me out of my slump and this was exactly what the doctor prescribed! It’s astonishing to witness just how far parents will go in order to see their child succeed. I loved Mavis and all of her chaos. She had me cracking up! Maybe she should join her father’s true crime podcast 🤔

thank you NetGalley & Berkeley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this eARC!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elise Bryant is such a talented writer, and I continue to love Mavis Miller as a character! She's funny, she's human, and she's really just trying to make everything work. (Pearl is a close second on my favorites list; I love a well-written, free-spirited kid.)

I struggled with some elements of this book more than the first one. There were a few too many side characters (I kept getting Florence and Bethany confused, which I guess makes sense in a "meta-commentary on all of these identical white ladies in Mavis's rapidly gentrifying neighborhood" sort of way, but not when it comes to storytelling), Mavis seemed a little too clueless and stubborn at times compared to her earlier characterization, and there wasn't as much substance to the mystery itself as I would've liked.

Still, I really enjoy this series, and the world of cozy mysteries is lucky to have Elise Bryant — and Mavis!

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really enjoy the first book, but I have serious FOMO, hence why I’m here again loll. Plus, this cover is way too cute to not pull you in.

One thing about Mavis is she’s going to always find herself in the middle of something. Mavis is beyond annoying, she’s in everyone business and then wonders why she’s so stressed and doesn’t have enough time for herself, maybe tend to yourself first idk? On the other hand, I’m excited to see how this love triangle plays out!

[Kami Shalom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun cozy mystery. I loved catching up with all of these great characters. I actually didn’t guess who dunnit.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the mom drama, the budding romance and my favorite new sleuth, Mavis. She’s quirky, funny and sharp. Can’t wait to keep reading this series.

[Suzanne (The Bookish Libra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come but this was another fun installment in this series.

[mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

first one was better, but yeah still good and funny

[Missy Christman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this series to last forever!!!! Mavis is so funny and her run-ins with the MLM moms with their crystals and gentle parenting is so hilariously accurate and relatable. The mystery—the kids soccer coach being poisoned with a Capri-Sun—is fun but also secondary to Mavis trying to learn how to put herself first and dealing with guilt over self-care while also trying to be class mom and All The Things. So yeah, I’ll take 100 more books please!!!

[Izza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars | I accidentally read book 2 before book 1 😨

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so fun! It gives off cozy mystery vibes mixed with romance and a heavy dose of humor. Mavis Miller who once again finds herself thrown into solving a crime.

Coach Cole, the director of her daughter’s soccer program drops dead, and something about his death doesn’t sit right with Mavis. After quitting her job, she’s freed up some time in her schedule… might as well put her sleuthing skills to the test 🔍

The commentary on MLM girlbosses was hilarious. I love how Mavis navigates the unhinged behavior she encounters, whether it’s at work or at her daughter’s school.

I feel like everyone can find something to relate to in this story—whether it’s navigating motherhood, a new relationship, anxiety, or burnout.

I’m looking forward to book 3 in 2026 🙌

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Girl, Please

This picked up right where the previous book left off. Mavis was still a goofball. Her amateur sleuthing was silly and reckless. The mystery of what happened to Coach Cole was an interesting storyline. The hints for what may happen with Mavis and her ex made me happy. That’ll make me want to read any future books. I thought that this installment was a little better than the first book. I’m not a fan of the cozy mystery genre, but this was entertaining enough.

[Tee Marie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
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?

Thoughts: This is the 2nd book in the Mavis Miller series. I didn't read the first book but after this one I'll go back and do so. This was an unserious, hilarious, cozy good time. Mavis has alot going on in her life, she's a single mom, miserablely employed and over worked. Then Pearl her quirky and smart daughter who constantly says the darnedest things that kept me cracking up. Oh I can't forget the noisy neighbors, the crazy PTA mom's and the murder that needs solving. Mavis gets herself deep in the middle of it all to solve the case, all while being a Hot Mess of Supermom and Superwoman culture and trying to find balance between the two. I recommend this one for anyone who enjoys a good laugh out loud, cozy mystery. Thanks Netgalley and Berkeley publishing for the eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

[Kayla • bookedblonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Quick notes:
🥰Cozy mystery
🏫school setting
🫶🏻loved the main character
🧑‍🧒loved the mother daughter relationship
🔍enjoyed the mystery
🙌laugh out loud moments

commentary on:
- being a Black woman in a predominantly white setting
- The idea of self-care & feeling like you don’t deserve it
- Mental health & therapy
- some parents not handling if their child isn’t “the best”
- pyramid schemes lol

Love supporting the book of a former sped teacher!! You know some of the school interactions she describes can only be written by someone who has been in the classroom 🙈

I didn’t realize this was the second in a series, so I did have a bit of trouble with all the characters at the very beginning, but I do think it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly such a clever, funny, and dynamic cozy mystery series! Bryant’s ability to identify weirdly niche tween/teen culture is amazing (like their obsession with shrek).

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game is Afoot by Elise Bryant is everything I could’ve wanted in a cozy mystery… lots of humor (I have way too many lines that I highlighted), suburban chaos, and a refreshingly real fmc who is trying to solve a murder while juggling motherhood and VERY cringy MLMs.

Mavis is an overextended, recently-divorced mom caught between school drama, soccer field politics, and an unexpected dead body. with witty writing and sneaky red herrings, I love how Bryant blended together laugh-out-loud moments with honest explorations of burnout, mental health, co-parenting, and that relentless pressure to “do it all.” there’s even a little (non-cheesy) romance triangle sprinkled in that had me absolutely kicking my feet 👀

this is technically book 2, but I dove in without reading the first and still had a blast. I’m now a full-on Elise Bryant fan and will absolutely be going back to read It’s Elementary ASAP because I need moreeee!! also I think Mavis finally convinced me to book that therapy appointment lol — yay for self-care!

✨tropes & vibes:
❤️‍🔥 divorced mom energy
❤️‍🔥 soft new romance (but…hello again, ex 👀)
❤️‍🔥 MLM satire & Shrek birthday parties
❤️‍🔥 cozy mystery + real-life chaos
❤️‍🔥 soccer parents gone feral

big thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼

[Monte Price]

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.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

i need book three now!!!!!!!! i love this series and every single one of the characters 🥹