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PTO Murder Club Mystery #1
Rest In Pieces
Mustang Ridges isn’t a town, a stripper, or some old western movie. She’s a feisty, single mom living in the small town of Lakeside, Texas where money does buy happiness and keeping up appearances is much more important than the truth. Six months ago on her thirtieth birthday, her husband decided that married life, fatherhood, and his job as the Lakeside Chief of Police weren’t as exciting as a permanent vacation to Grand Cayman with his mistress and a million dollars in diamonds he stole from the police evidence lockup.
Mustang is a pariah in a Lakeside full of piranha. But she refuses to leave—this is her home, and she figures that if she can’t join them, then she’ll beat them at their own game. With a little luck, some intimidation, and the help of her good friends Monica and Haley, Mustang presides over her own little slice of Lakeside, the Bee Creek Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.
All is quiet in Lakeside until Molly Miars, the kindergarten teacher, is found dead. According to the new police chief, she overdosed on heroin. That doesn’t explain why her head was the only body part to make it to her funeral. Mustang and her follow PTOers don’t buy the heroin overdose for a second.
Vowing to do right by Molly, the PTO decides to investigate.
Quickly they find that Lakeside isn’t the quiet, sleepy town it appears to be. There is a dark side—money laundering and drug trafficking. When Mustang’s name turns up on a contract killer’s hit list, things go from bad to worse. Can she and the PTO stay alive long enough to find out who killed Molly Miars?
Mustang is a pariah in a Lakeside full of piranha. But she refuses to leave—this is her home, and she figures that if she can’t join them, then she’ll beat them at their own game. With a little luck, some intimidation, and the help of her good friends Monica and Haley, Mustang presides over her own little slice of Lakeside, the Bee Creek Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.
All is quiet in Lakeside until Molly Miars, the kindergarten teacher, is found dead. According to the new police chief, she overdosed on heroin. That doesn’t explain why her head was the only body part to make it to her funeral. Mustang and her follow PTOers don’t buy the heroin overdose for a second.
Vowing to do right by Molly, the PTO decides to investigate.
Quickly they find that Lakeside isn’t the quiet, sleepy town it appears to be. There is a dark side—money laundering and drug trafficking. When Mustang’s name turns up on a contract killer’s hit list, things go from bad to worse. Can she and the PTO stay alive long enough to find out who killed Molly Miars?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2015
242 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Katie Graykowski
33 books410 followersKatie Graykowski is an internationally bestselling author of 25 novels.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 31, 2020
4.5 stars
My first experience with Katie Grayowski and it is a very good one! Fast paced, full of humor and suspense.
I had such a good time that I read all 4 books one after the other...and now I wish for more!
My first experience with Katie Grayowski and it is a very good one! Fast paced, full of humor and suspense.
I had such a good time that I read all 4 books one after the other...and now I wish for more!
October 9, 2025
Quite well written, but not really my style. Three yummy mommies in small town Texas set out to solve the murder of their children’s kindergarten teacher, and get caught up with all sorts of low life along the way.
May 19, 2016
Hated the ending
I loved this book all the way through, until the ending. I hate books that leave you hanging and require purchasing more in a series to find out who the bad guys are and what was really the entire plot.
I loved this book all the way through, until the ending. I hate books that leave you hanging and require purchasing more in a series to find out who the bad guys are and what was really the entire plot.
December 27, 2018
Fabulous - vibes of Stephanie Plum and Shelby Nichols
Fantastic read. A lot of action, a lot of emotion and a whole lot of acerbic wit - terrific - all wrapped up in a cozy that you will fly through. Tremendous characters with three main female ones that are completely different but yet so alike. From our main heroine who feels undesirable, has a wicked sense of humour to her two cohorts (one is part of high Society and the other is a normal working single mom) but all three share kinship to their little group and all have a keen sense for justice.
When a member of their little group is found dead the other three don't believe that it was a drug overdose. They certainly never saw any evidence of drug misuse. As the three look into things they find that the 'body' being buried is a mannequin except for the head - why. The more they find out the more questions they have. Who was the dead woman's boyfriend as she was pregnant when she died? Why has her house and later her garden and garage been cleaned up? Why do two handsome men suddenly start flirting with her? Throw in ricin, money, a hit list, bugs in their homes, police on the take, diamonds and much more for a thrilling read that will have you chuckling at some of the one liners but always eager to find out what happens next.
Fantastic read. A lot of action, a lot of emotion and a whole lot of acerbic wit - terrific - all wrapped up in a cozy that you will fly through. Tremendous characters with three main female ones that are completely different but yet so alike. From our main heroine who feels undesirable, has a wicked sense of humour to her two cohorts (one is part of high Society and the other is a normal working single mom) but all three share kinship to their little group and all have a keen sense for justice.
When a member of their little group is found dead the other three don't believe that it was a drug overdose. They certainly never saw any evidence of drug misuse. As the three look into things they find that the 'body' being buried is a mannequin except for the head - why. The more they find out the more questions they have. Who was the dead woman's boyfriend as she was pregnant when she died? Why has her house and later her garden and garage been cleaned up? Why do two handsome men suddenly start flirting with her? Throw in ricin, money, a hit list, bugs in their homes, police on the take, diamonds and much more for a thrilling read that will have you chuckling at some of the one liners but always eager to find out what happens next.
February 20, 2016
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work
April 2, 2019
I have been so blessed 2 find such great amazing authors, Katie is one. Have you check out the Texas Rose Ranch Series, must read or listen, which ever you do prefer ... OH MY GOODNESS!! such a great series. I have loved each and every book from that series. must reads for sure. Love them so so much. book covers too. any who ... i found this free ... i think it was from her newsletter ... "Rest In Pieces" and "Perfect Summer" ... how to do i pick a fave??! They are so fun. I love mysteries ...they are my go too for sure. Give me some humor too ... I am just a pig in dirt for sure. LOL!! I look forward to more from each series ... this one has 3 and 6 in the other ... and I think they are on KU as well. so cool!! happy reading. ENJOY!! ( ;
May 30, 2017
Mystery and humor!! This book is a must read! You will read it in one sitting. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 25, 2016
Sometimes we just need a good laugh and what's better than a good humorous cozy mystery? Now a good cozy needs a few must-haves: an outrageously far fetched, even farcical plot, several hilarious situations, a cast of crazy and (mostly) likeable characters and a very talented author to fix the mix. On rare occasions, when the stars are aligned and, well, all that fortuitous or even well planned stuff combine, that's when Cozy Magic happens, and it has certainly happened here!
I just loved this book, it didn't grab me right away, it crept up on me and the next thing I knew, just like in the old romance novels, I was exclaiming aloud! My kitchen resounded with "what did she just say" and "she's crazy!" I really did rewind a couple of times to make sure I'd heard right, and yes, I did laugh aloud. Unusual for me, I'm more of the silent smile sort, and then only at a push.
The publishers summary is pretty comprehensive and I don't want to add any spoilers, suffice to say, if you want a break from life and reality and need a good laugh, the adventures of the PTO Murder Club will fix you right up and once you listen to the first book you will be sure to want more
Narrator
Narrated by Pam Dougherty a well known actress ( or should that be actor?) who has now added Audiobook Narrator to her resume. This is the first of her narrations that I've listened to and my goodness what a bonzer job she does! Not familiar with Australian? Bonzer means first rate, spot on, excellent, bang up, proper job - you get the drift, she was fantastic. Pam has a natural feel for comedic nuance and timing, she makes every word the author has written count and she just doesn't miss a beat. All the characters are distinct from each other and easily identifiable, I particularly enjoyed the manicurist, so funny. Gender changes are often problematic, but Pam nailed those too. Excellent job, I'll be sure to listen to more of her work.
Audiobook provided by author, publisher or narrator in return for an honest review.
I just loved this book, it didn't grab me right away, it crept up on me and the next thing I knew, just like in the old romance novels, I was exclaiming aloud! My kitchen resounded with "what did she just say" and "she's crazy!" I really did rewind a couple of times to make sure I'd heard right, and yes, I did laugh aloud. Unusual for me, I'm more of the silent smile sort, and then only at a push.
The publishers summary is pretty comprehensive and I don't want to add any spoilers, suffice to say, if you want a break from life and reality and need a good laugh, the adventures of the PTO Murder Club will fix you right up and once you listen to the first book you will be sure to want more
Narrator
Narrated by Pam Dougherty a well known actress ( or should that be actor?) who has now added Audiobook Narrator to her resume. This is the first of her narrations that I've listened to and my goodness what a bonzer job she does! Not familiar with Australian? Bonzer means first rate, spot on, excellent, bang up, proper job - you get the drift, she was fantastic. Pam has a natural feel for comedic nuance and timing, she makes every word the author has written count and she just doesn't miss a beat. All the characters are distinct from each other and easily identifiable, I particularly enjoyed the manicurist, so funny. Gender changes are often problematic, but Pam nailed those too. Excellent job, I'll be sure to listen to more of her work.
Audiobook provided by author, publisher or narrator in return for an honest review.
July 11, 2015
Really enjoyed this funny, witty mystery / choc lit book. Three friends try to outdo the local police force by looking into their friends death; suspecting that their friend was murdered and had not died from a drug overdose. Their sweet, kindergarten teacher friend could not possibly be a heroin addict. Their antics gets them into many pickles, but one of them usually finds a way out. Mustang, Hayley and Monica make a great team.
I think this is a great beach or garden read. I recommend it to readers who like easy mysteries with a bit if fun.
I think this is a great beach or garden read. I recommend it to readers who like easy mysteries with a bit if fun.
May 16, 2016
Fantastic Story
Who can resist a book who's main character is named Mustang Ridges!
When the murder of a teacher stuns the community, it appears the victim wasn't well liked by everyone.
Secrets run deep in this cozy mystery and I was kept guessing until the end.
Who can resist a book who's main character is named Mustang Ridges!
When the murder of a teacher stuns the community, it appears the victim wasn't well liked by everyone.
Secrets run deep in this cozy mystery and I was kept guessing until the end.
June 8, 2015
very good
September 18, 2016
A Funny Mystery
This group of ladies had me in stitches. I've decided that I'm going to be their new best friend. A must read for Katie Graykowski fans.
This group of ladies had me in stitches. I've decided that I'm going to be their new best friend. A must read for Katie Graykowski fans.
September 19, 2019
A PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) president and a dead teacher.
Why would a beloved kindergarten teacher overdose? The teacher was afraid of needles and didn’t even drink, much less do drugs. But it couldn’t have been murder? What could the motive be? That’s what Mustang aims to find out.
Since the police tended to protect the haves of the TX town and Molly (like Mustang) was part of the have-nots, Mustang takes matters into her own hands.
Looking at the body at the funeral home, the PTO club realize something shocking—half the body was plastic and half was missing. What!? Why would her real head be connected to a fake body? Where was it? I enjoyed the girls fumbling in haste trying to put the body back together.
I liked how this started off, all crafty and witty. But what should’ve been an interesting mystery soon turns into a rioting gab fest between the broads. Although they were snarky and had high energy, they just seemed to lack focus. Keep your eye on the prize, girls! And what’s with all the guns? The gun lesson was truly boring.
All in all, story had silly antics and a slow pace. It involved pregnancy, drug lords, surveillance bugs, and terrorist plots. The mystery wasn’t that easy to follow. It was okay, although I hope the next one would be better.
Why would a beloved kindergarten teacher overdose? The teacher was afraid of needles and didn’t even drink, much less do drugs. But it couldn’t have been murder? What could the motive be? That’s what Mustang aims to find out.
Since the police tended to protect the haves of the TX town and Molly (like Mustang) was part of the have-nots, Mustang takes matters into her own hands.
Looking at the body at the funeral home, the PTO club realize something shocking—half the body was plastic and half was missing. What!? Why would her real head be connected to a fake body? Where was it? I enjoyed the girls fumbling in haste trying to put the body back together.
I liked how this started off, all crafty and witty. But what should’ve been an interesting mystery soon turns into a rioting gab fest between the broads. Although they were snarky and had high energy, they just seemed to lack focus. Keep your eye on the prize, girls! And what’s with all the guns? The gun lesson was truly boring.
All in all, story had silly antics and a slow pace. It involved pregnancy, drug lords, surveillance bugs, and terrorist plots. The mystery wasn’t that easy to follow. It was okay, although I hope the next one would be better.
June 21, 2022
The ways my life can Suck!!!
I owned this book for 7 freaking YEARS !!7 FREAKING YEARS !!! and had no idea how wonderful it was
I am almost tempted to look up what I read instead of this but self flagellation isn't my style
What is my style is sarcasm and snarky and if I was a MILF from Texas instead of an old lady from Pennsylvania this would be my story
Mustang Ridges; Not a stripper nor a porn star, is a divorced mom who struggles to keep her only child in his top shelf school district while trying to keep take out on the table and avoid the glares of her neighbors - see her ex-husband embezzled a ton of money from the town and skedaddled to the Caribbean
If her life wasn't bad enough one of her friends has OD'ed on heroin. This is a surprising because the woman was a straight laced kindergarten teacher with no history of substance abuse. Now Mustang and her PTO pals are going to investigate the death and it just gets weirder by moment.
She will also be joined by two hot men who seem to be competing for her attentions; but can see trust them?
And can her crazy landlady Astrid contact Molly on the other side?
Well plotted it's like Stephanie Plum grew up and moved to Texas and that ain't a bad thing
I owned this book for 7 freaking YEARS !!7 FREAKING YEARS !!! and had no idea how wonderful it was
I am almost tempted to look up what I read instead of this but self flagellation isn't my style
What is my style is sarcasm and snarky and if I was a MILF from Texas instead of an old lady from Pennsylvania this would be my story
Mustang Ridges; Not a stripper nor a porn star, is a divorced mom who struggles to keep her only child in his top shelf school district while trying to keep take out on the table and avoid the glares of her neighbors - see her ex-husband embezzled a ton of money from the town and skedaddled to the Caribbean
If her life wasn't bad enough one of her friends has OD'ed on heroin. This is a surprising because the woman was a straight laced kindergarten teacher with no history of substance abuse. Now Mustang and her PTO pals are going to investigate the death and it just gets weirder by moment.
She will also be joined by two hot men who seem to be competing for her attentions; but can see trust them?
And can her crazy landlady Astrid contact Molly on the other side?
Well plotted it's like Stephanie Plum grew up and moved to Texas and that ain't a bad thing
September 30, 2018
UNBELIEVABLY FUNNY READ
This first book in the PTO Murder Club shows great promise for a very entertaining and fascinating new series. This book introduces three mother's who are very close friends that decide to investigate the murder on a local teacher. Author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and writing a cute and hilariously funny mystery adventure. These women are outrageously funny as they search for clues of a murder and ultimately uncover a huge plot that includes murder, money and betrayals. This series definitely has the beginnings of a highly entertaining thrillers.
This first book in the PTO Murder Club shows great promise for a very entertaining and fascinating new series. This book introduces three mother's who are very close friends that decide to investigate the murder on a local teacher. Author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and writing a cute and hilariously funny mystery adventure. These women are outrageously funny as they search for clues of a murder and ultimately uncover a huge plot that includes murder, money and betrayals. This series definitely has the beginnings of a highly entertaining thrillers.
July 13, 2021
This was a humorous cozy mystery. It's very similar to the off brand cozy writing of Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. The main character is Mustang Ridges, yes that is her name, a single mom living in a small town of Lakeside, Texas. She also happens to be involved in the local PTA. When a teacher at the local elementary school dies, it's rule the drug overdose by the local police. The most suspicious part is when Mustang and her friends turn up for the viewing. Half of Molly's body is missing in the other half is plastic, except for her head which is genuine.
May 14, 2018
Very good start to series
Mustang and her two best friends set out to prove the kindergarten teacher was murdered and did not overdose. They learn truths about their town that shock and confuse them. The mystery is well written. The characters are likeable to most I'm sure but not to me. There's something missing that holds my attention so I don't plan to read anymore.
Mustang and her two best friends set out to prove the kindergarten teacher was murdered and did not overdose. They learn truths about their town that shock and confuse them. The mystery is well written. The characters are likeable to most I'm sure but not to me. There's something missing that holds my attention so I don't plan to read anymore.
February 19, 2019
Fun book !
I didn't want to put the book down, I scared my cat several times when I laughed out loud. The main character is really a character, as you will discover when read this series.! I learned about this author through my Amazon Prime membership. Getting ready to start the second book in the PTO Murder club cozy mysteries.
I didn't want to put the book down, I scared my cat several times when I laughed out loud. The main character is really a character, as you will discover when read this series.! I learned about this author through my Amazon Prime membership. Getting ready to start the second book in the PTO Murder club cozy mysteries.
August 9, 2019
I loved this book! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Combining a well-woven mystery with sassiness and humor is a perfect combination for me. The inner dialogue Mustang has with herself was absolutely hilarious. I'm looking forward to reading the author's other books and continuing this series.
June 14, 2023
Okay, I did not like this story at first. It just seemed weird. Then it started getting a little better, and then more so, till the pot was cooking along quite well. The characters are very interesting, the difficulties they get into keep getting weirder and more dangerous as they progress in their search for who killed their friend. I definitely recommend this book.
June 9, 2017
Fun but predictable
I had a little trouble getting used to the narrator, but settled in after a short while. Three friends become embroiled in a dangerous drug ring while trying to investigate the death of another friend.
I had a little trouble getting used to the narrator, but settled in after a short while. Three friends become embroiled in a dangerous drug ring while trying to investigate the death of another friend.
September 18, 2017
This book was a surprise ton of fun. Mustang Ridges (yes that's her real name) reminds me alot of Darynda Jones' Charlie Davidson series but without the paranormal aspect. The ending was a little bit of a gentle letdown maybe but otherwise totally worth the time. A fun cozy mystery.
February 19, 2019
Rest in Pieces
I love this book. The characters were relatable and witty. The story was relayed creatively. The only complaint I have was there was too much "mind-talking".I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I love this book. The characters were relatable and witty. The story was relayed creatively. The only complaint I have was there was too much "mind-talking".I'm looking forward to the next installment.
March 4, 2019
This woman is my alter ego — omg her characters are refreshing, funny and inspiring. I laughed and laughed and then I admired the syntax and sentence structure. When is book 4? Daman has to win please!
April 21, 2019
Quirky sleuth
Mustang, Haley & Monica are a strange mix off friends. This books is funny, entertaining and heartfelt. What friends do you have that would work so hard to find your killer?
Mustang, Haley & Monica are a strange mix off friends. This books is funny, entertaining and heartfelt. What friends do you have that would work so hard to find your killer?
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August 1, 2019Good mystery!
Mustang, yes that is her real name, and her two friends set out to find out what happened to their friend Molly. Molly supposedly died of a heroin overdose but the three women do not believe that is the truth.
Mustang, yes that is her real name, and her two friends set out to find out what happened to their friend Molly. Molly supposedly died of a heroin overdose but the three women do not believe that is the truth.
August 8, 2019
Hysterical characters
One of the funniest Cozy Mysteries I have read in a long time. I do wish the mystery had been concluded at the end instead of having to get the next book, though.
One of the funniest Cozy Mysteries I have read in a long time. I do wish the mystery had been concluded at the end instead of having to get the next book, though.
May 19, 2020
Rest in Pieces
A murder mystery that will leave you laughing through all the antics while trying to solve it. I really like this book and the comedy added to it. I will definitely be listening to the next.
A murder mystery that will leave you laughing through all the antics while trying to solve it. I really like this book and the comedy added to it. I will definitely be listening to the next.
February 16, 2023
I enjoyed this although it stretched my credulity but not happy that it wasn’t concluded so l have to get the next one etc l don’t mind if l'm told it’s part of a story but not to find out till the last page sucks.
June 13, 2017
Funny romantic suspense/thriller. Skimmed it on Kindle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews