Airplanes, Atlanta, & an Assassin

Katie and Maverick #10

by Mary Seifert

A National Competition and a Deadly Detour
High school teacher Katie Wilk is thrilled when her students qualify for Mock Trial America, a prestigious courtroom competition in Atlanta. Alongside her best friend and fellow teacher Jane Mackey, a team of eager teens, and a crew of devoted chaperones, Katie boards a flight from Minnesota—ready for a week of intellectual showdowns and Southern hospitality. But things go sideways before the plane is even off the ground.

With canceled flights, endless delays, and one particularly obnoxious passenger stirring up trouble, the trip turns into a logistical, almost tragic, nightmare. When that same rude traveler turns up later in Atlanta, the chaos takes another terrible turn—and suspicion lands squarely on the Mackey family.

As Katie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of stolen documents, corporate espionage, dangerous toxins, and enough motive to make her question everything. Can she untangle the truth before the killer strikes again?

Luckily, she’s got help—from Maverick, her sharp-nosed, loyal Labrador retriever and trained search-and-rescue dog, who’s always ready to sniff out danger.

Smart, suspenseful, and full of heart, this latest installment in Mary Seifert’s charming cozy mystery series delivers Southern intrigue, tricky puzzles, and the kind of dogged determination only a Lab (and a resolute teacher) can provide.

Praise for this amazing cozy series by multiple award-winning author Mary 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards - Semi-Finalist - Mystery & Mayhem category2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award - Top Pick - Cozy Mysteries2024 International Impact Awards - Winner - Books in a Series
“When teacher Katie Wilk and her students travel to Atlanta for a debate team tournament, trouble follows them. Fortunately, the students are in the care of the kindest and most clever math teacher around. Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin delivers all the charm and endearing characters you expect from a cozy mystery, along with entertaining twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” - Kate Michaelson, author of Hidden Rooms

“The delightful amateur sleuths Katie and Maverick are back! In Airplanes, Atlanta & an Assassin author Mary Seifert weaves an entertaining tale, as Katie Wilk and her students head to Atlanta. What starts with travel mayhem, leads to catastrophe, industrial espionage and murder! Katie pieces together the clues—but just when you think you have it figured out, there’s another twist. You'll keep turning the pages!” –J.H. Jones, author of The Write Group

“…. a solid 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking not just a mystery but an immersive experience, Mary Seifert's debut novel [is] the perfect companion for a cosy night in, a cup of tea, and a journey into the heart of a captivating mystery.” – Maverick, Movies & Murder, Online Book Club

“...an intricate mystery with plenty of action and suspense. Plus, I like the dog.” David Housewright Edgar Award winning author of Something Wicked

“From navigating small town life to solving puzzling murders, Katie and Maverick are a delight.” —Mindy Mejia, international bestseller author

“I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book by Mary Seifert! This well written and thoughtful story kept me engaged with fun characters, interesting information and mind and math puzzles.

Genres: Mystery

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

About the author

Mary Seifert is the author of the Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries 2024 International IMPACT Award winner for books in a series, a collection of fun and thrilling tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Her books, including the 2023 American Fiction Award finalist Maverick, Movies & Murder and the 2024 Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem finalist Santa, Snowflakes & Strychnine, are must-reads for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a good puzzle wrapped in a heartwarming story.

Set in the charming landscapes of West Central Minnesota, where the lakes begin and the criminals are caught, Mary’s stories transport readers to a world of intrigue, humor, and small-town charm. Each book is a delightful mix of suspense and warmth, featuring memorable characters, ingenious puzzles, and clever twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

Busy crafting her next mystery, Mary indulges in her love of research, currently studying the flora and fauna of the Nantahala National Forest and the magnetic call of Atlanta for the upcoming installment of her series. She believes that every great mystery starts with a curious mind and a love for uncovering the truth, but scrupulously scrubs her browsers history of any hint of crime.

Join Mary on her literary journey, where a good story is always paired with a cozy blanket, a glass of wine, and a touch of mischief!

Reviews

[Shannan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twisty, logic based cozy mystery. This is the 10th book in the Katie and Maverick series. One thing that stands out to me is the authors play on words, it made me chuckle. The Detectives names were Knight and Day. At the end is a cocktail recipe and a recipe for crepes. The story isn't predictable but she out little nuggets throughout the novel.
Katie and her students are on a trip to Atlanta for a student mock trial competition. Things do not go as planned. The flight is canceled and she has to get a separate plane from her students. She another teacher take a private flight and they are accompanied by a guy her co-worker met in college. The trip is anything but smooth and they have to make an emergency landing because the two of their pilots are passed out. They find a substance in the cockpit and the mystery begins. After they arrive in Atlanta and get settled one of the passengers of the plane is found dead. Katie and the detectives try to figure out who the culprit is in the action packed mystery. I would definitely read more in this series. I have received this book for free on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Seifert's newest Katie and Maverick Cozy Mystery Series book, Airplanes, Atlanta, and an Assassin is nonstop action woven through the team's state competition. While there is usually lots of action in this series, the newest book takes it to a whole new level from typical frustrating travel issues to a race to stop an assassination. I love the time we get to spend with the great group kids as much as I enjoy the mystery element. Another winner, this one is my favorite of the series so far.
Thank you to NetGalley and Secret Staircase Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this delightful and intense mystery. Airplanes, Atlanta, and an Assassin is sure to win the hearts of new readers and long time fans.
#NetGalley #SecretStaircaseBooks #AirplanesAtlantaandanAssassin #KatieandMaverickCozyMysteryBooks #MarySeifert

[Judith Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful mystery! Lots of twists, turns, and surprises with some familiar faces-notably, Katie and Maverick. But they're in a new setting: Atlanta. Which means, the plot includes some wonderful places of interest, as well as delicious restaurants to try. If you're planning a trip to Atlanta, why not read this book first?

The story develops several different mystery threads, and I especially liked how the author, Mary Seifert, wove them together. From hijacking to corporate espionage to plain ol' theft, all the pieces fit at the end of the story. She kept me guessing, but the ending was very satisfying.

I recommend all the books in this terrific cozy mystery series, but I think my favorite is this latest installment. Enjoy!

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A high school math teacher was on a class field trip with her students. Told in the diary voice of the main character, story has a bit of charm and wit as it takes a while to settle. The number of various characters thrown in here can be a little overwhelming and confusing. The read was generally pretty easy. I liked the set-up and the premise. The thing was that it was pretty slow. It just seemed like more and more characters were coming in, and the reader was just getting bogged down by endless dialogue. When were we going to find a dead body already? We usually already have a dead body within the first 2 chapters in a typical cozy mystery. Story didn’t quite get to me as much as I’d hoped, but it was still a decent and easy read.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of this book was interesting and well thought out, definitely kept you guessing until the very end. The setting was great, and the author leaned into that throughout the book.

The theme and setting of an airport, plus travel delays and issues is so familiar to many, and a setting I haven't seen in many books which was neat. Then we are away from there and in a big city with a big mystery.

Katie and Maverick are quite the duo. I love how she leans on him, he's her four legged sidekick in many ways.

Interwoven throughout is several subplots, Katie is trying to solve the crime, but also we get her as a teacher, her as a friend, and her navigating the way home.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining mystery that packed in lots of action and kept me guessing until the end. Katie and Jane accompany their students to Atlanta and a Mock Trial America competition. There is danger on board (and off) the airplane and around the city, and the ladies need help from their partners (and Maverick) to sort out the clues and stay safe. A page-turner and great addition to the series!
I received an ARC from the author via netgalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book of Mary Seifert, and she has a beautiful writing style that I really connected with.

The setting was fun for me and the author was able to get a rich detailing of the setting into the readers minds for a great inside perspective.

Very descriptive, easy to follow and memorable characters. A few twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing and the climax was satisfying.

This charming novel not only provides an intriguing whodunit but also explores themes of friendship, trust, and redemption, with an adorable pup sidekick.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my kind of story! Loved all the charming elements, fun characters, the setting, and of course the mystery.

This story was so adorable and I was completely hooked from the very beginning. More than a few times, I giggled over the quirkiness and humor.

Katie was a fabulous character, and I thoroughly enjoyed the role that Maverick the Labrador played in helping Katie.

The mysteries are revealed, and the ending is satisfying.

This may be read as a stand-alone even though it's part of a series. Looking forward to continuing with this wonderful series!

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we join Katie and Jane and the Mock Trial team on an adventurous and twisty journey to Atlanta.
The story is brilliantly paced with lots of action, spine-tingling suspense, and jaw-dropping surprises. I loved the characters, especially Jane and Mitchell, they are so much fun! A must-read.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is taking her students on a trip to Atlanta for Mock Trial America but the flights were cancelled at the last minute so Kate and fellow teacher Jane wind up on a private flight, which has to make an emergency landing. Fast paced story with interesting complex characters, filled with lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, this is a real page turner and a must read!

[LoisBow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot was well written with many interesting characters and twists and turns. I had a suspicion about who was involved but didn’t know for certain until the end.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie and Jane accompany students to Atlanta for Mock Trial America Competition along the way they encounter cancelled flights, emergency landings,and murder with twist and turns that will keep you guessing and a plot that will keep you from putting it down..

[Tina McKeever · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high school math teacher on a class field trip with her students. Lots of action and nothing is going as planned - pilots end up passed out and a dead body is found- enjoy as they try to solve the murders.