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Maya and Sandra Mystery #3
Murder on the Class Trip
In the new installment from veteran Hollywood screenwriter Lee Hollis, friends, moms, and P.I. partners Maya and Sandra have left their hometown of Portland, Maine, on a school trip to Washington, D.C.—where a killer has just added murder to the itinerary. . .
Drafted as chaperones, Maya Kendrick and PTA president Sandra Wallage are accompanying the SoPo High seniors to the nation’s capital—much to the embarrassment of Maya’s daughter Vanessa and Sandra’s son Ryan. Now both moms are about to find out which is harder—shepherding unruly high schoolers or solving a murder. The last sight they expected to see on this trip is a female intern who works for Sandra’s soon-to-be-ex-husband, Senator Stephen Wallage, in a fatally compromising position.
Desperate to avoid scandal, Stephen begs Maya and Sandra to solve the case. But their FBI counterparts—tough-as-nails agents Markey and Rhodes—are far less enthusiastic about the meddling of two “amateurs.” With suspects ranging from senators to students to stalkers, Maya and Sandra must follow a twisty trail of clues so they can catch a killer and survive to make the return trip . . .
Drafted as chaperones, Maya Kendrick and PTA president Sandra Wallage are accompanying the SoPo High seniors to the nation’s capital—much to the embarrassment of Maya’s daughter Vanessa and Sandra’s son Ryan. Now both moms are about to find out which is harder—shepherding unruly high schoolers or solving a murder. The last sight they expected to see on this trip is a female intern who works for Sandra’s soon-to-be-ex-husband, Senator Stephen Wallage, in a fatally compromising position.
Desperate to avoid scandal, Stephen begs Maya and Sandra to solve the case. But their FBI counterparts—tough-as-nails agents Markey and Rhodes—are far less enthusiastic about the meddling of two “amateurs.” With suspects ranging from senators to students to stalkers, Maya and Sandra must follow a twisty trail of clues so they can catch a killer and survive to make the return trip . . .
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2022
38 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hollis
49 books818 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 7, 2024
Murder on the Class Trip is the 3rd book in the Maya and Sandra Mysteries, a cozy amateur sleuth mystery series written by brother and sister writing duo, Lee Hollis. I've read all the books in their Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries, and then I started this one... with only three written thus far, it was easy to catch up to the 2022 release. The series is set in Portland, Maine around a Senator's wife and a private investigator whose husband is in prison. The two women bond of their troubles, as well as due to the children dating one another. In this caper, they're both roped into chaperoning their seniors' school trip to DC, where they find a dead body in Sandra's senator husband's apartment. Whodunit?
Another clever tale weaving together politics, high school drama, and husbands and wives who are figuring out how to deal with one another during a divorce. Toss in some extramarital affairs and a few intense moments with DC FBI detectives, this book has a lot of great things to offer readers. Fans of Hollis's writing will enjoy the book, and those who want more than a small-town cozy will also find some hilarious moments. While I think the series is great, some side stories continue to be left without any follow up in the ending (all three books). One or two I could overlook... but it's too common of a problem in this series, so the editor needs to focus his or her read a bit more. Doesn't need a lot to close the loop on a red herring or explain why this random character popped up to look guilty but then disappears and no one follows up. Oh well... doesn't stop me from reading them tho!
Another clever tale weaving together politics, high school drama, and husbands and wives who are figuring out how to deal with one another during a divorce. Toss in some extramarital affairs and a few intense moments with DC FBI detectives, this book has a lot of great things to offer readers. Fans of Hollis's writing will enjoy the book, and those who want more than a small-town cozy will also find some hilarious moments. While I think the series is great, some side stories continue to be left without any follow up in the ending (all three books). One or two I could overlook... but it's too common of a problem in this series, so the editor needs to focus his or her read a bit more. Doesn't need a lot to close the loop on a red herring or explain why this random character popped up to look guilty but then disappears and no one follows up. Oh well... doesn't stop me from reading them tho!
May 10, 2024
Murder on the Class Trip by Lee Hollis is the third book in the cozy Maya and Sandra Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries the Maya and Sandra Mystery series is one that has a fully solved murder within each book so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There will be of course be character development that carries over from book to book for those reading from the beginning.
The Maya and Sandra Mystery series is a little different than your average cozy in the fact it has two lead characters and changes the point of view between them to give both sides to the story. Sandra Wallage is a housewife and the PTA president that is married to a scandalous politician. Maya Kendrick is a an ex cop whose husband went to prison and now had become a private investigator that has a huge workload with her partner being pregnant and close to giving birth.
When Sandra’s husband became a victim of a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry outing him as a cheater and then the woman running the Dirty Laundry website was murdered it brought Sandra and Maya together to work the case. After that was solved Sandra found she enjoyed helping Maya and proposed being her new partner. Now the ladies are taking on another new case when Sandra and Maya are drafted as chaperones to the school trip to Washington, D.C.. Sandra’s soon to be ex-husband, Stephen, is in need of help yet again when one of his female interns is found murdered and he along with those around him are suspects in her death.
I have been enjoying the Maya and Sandra Mystery series from the beginning and was totally onboard with this one even with it being a bit different than your normal cozy. I really like that there is a real investigator as one of the major characters solving the crimes right along with the other protagonist who is the fish out of water in this case. This third book however was my least favorite of the series so far with the setting being completely political which is something I would normally try to avoid in books. I’m sure others will enjoy it more than me and I will still continue on with the series but this one is only a three star for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Maya and Sandra Mystery series is a little different than your average cozy in the fact it has two lead characters and changes the point of view between them to give both sides to the story. Sandra Wallage is a housewife and the PTA president that is married to a scandalous politician. Maya Kendrick is a an ex cop whose husband went to prison and now had become a private investigator that has a huge workload with her partner being pregnant and close to giving birth.
When Sandra’s husband became a victim of a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry outing him as a cheater and then the woman running the Dirty Laundry website was murdered it brought Sandra and Maya together to work the case. After that was solved Sandra found she enjoyed helping Maya and proposed being her new partner. Now the ladies are taking on another new case when Sandra and Maya are drafted as chaperones to the school trip to Washington, D.C.. Sandra’s soon to be ex-husband, Stephen, is in need of help yet again when one of his female interns is found murdered and he along with those around him are suspects in her death.
I have been enjoying the Maya and Sandra Mystery series from the beginning and was totally onboard with this one even with it being a bit different than your normal cozy. I really like that there is a real investigator as one of the major characters solving the crimes right along with the other protagonist who is the fish out of water in this case. This third book however was my least favorite of the series so far with the setting being completely political which is something I would normally try to avoid in books. I’m sure others will enjoy it more than me and I will still continue on with the series but this one is only a three star for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 9, 2022
This is the third book in this cozy series, and I am so glad to report that there is nary a Woke or PC reference in the whole book. That was a welcome development. This installment was a really great cozy mystery, and I really liked it. There is character growth, a mystery that keeps you guessing and a touch of humor.
The SoPo High senior class trip to Washington D.C. is short a couple of chaperones and PI partners Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage have been strong armed into volunteering to go. Maya, who was dead set against going changed her mind after her estranged husband is paroled from prison and the house is a bit small for them all. Although she has decided to give her marriage another chance it's still a tough time. Sandra, an ex-PTA president, is all for helping out. It would also be a return to her old stomping grounds, not that that is such a good thing, but Ryan, her son, will at least get a chance to see his father, the Senator from Maine, Stephen Wallage.
Shepherding twenty-five high schoolers around D.C. with a high-strung history teacher tour guide, a hot athletic coach and a senior bus driver is challenging, at best. Take it from me, been there done that with forty 8th graders through Europe, but I digress. When the Russian exchange student, Anton, turns up missing, finding him becomes a priority. Then a young female aide to Senator Wallage turns up missing after a visit from Ryan, Anton and Maya's daughter, Vanessa. Maya and Sandra need to find out just what is going on and what they find is murder.
With Senator Stephen Wallage deep in damage control, he hires Maya and Sandra to find out what happened and clear his name, especially when compromising e-mails surface. The FBI is not exactly happy to have two "amateurs" meddling in their case, but they need all the help they can get.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
The SoPo High senior class trip to Washington D.C. is short a couple of chaperones and PI partners Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage have been strong armed into volunteering to go. Maya, who was dead set against going changed her mind after her estranged husband is paroled from prison and the house is a bit small for them all. Although she has decided to give her marriage another chance it's still a tough time. Sandra, an ex-PTA president, is all for helping out. It would also be a return to her old stomping grounds, not that that is such a good thing, but Ryan, her son, will at least get a chance to see his father, the Senator from Maine, Stephen Wallage.
Shepherding twenty-five high schoolers around D.C. with a high-strung history teacher tour guide, a hot athletic coach and a senior bus driver is challenging, at best. Take it from me, been there done that with forty 8th graders through Europe, but I digress. When the Russian exchange student, Anton, turns up missing, finding him becomes a priority. Then a young female aide to Senator Wallage turns up missing after a visit from Ryan, Anton and Maya's daughter, Vanessa. Maya and Sandra need to find out just what is going on and what they find is murder.
With Senator Stephen Wallage deep in damage control, he hires Maya and Sandra to find out what happened and clear his name, especially when compromising e-mails surface. The FBI is not exactly happy to have two "amateurs" meddling in their case, but they need all the help they can get.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
July 29, 2022
This one brought back some memories. I once chaperoned a class trip to Washington DC. The itinerary they followed even sounded familiar and brought back some pleasant memories. Fortunately, my trip didn't include murder. Also, unlike Maya and Sandra, I never got any closer to the White House than the fence outside but, hey, the door was open and I got a distant picture looking inside. In any case, back to the book...
What starts as a case of reluctant chaperoning of their children's much anticipated class trip to DC ends up with murder, political intrigue and posturing, and the involvement of the FBI. Hardly a relaxing vacation for Maya and Sandra. True, Sandra is an ol' pro at navigating Washington DC having been married to Senator Wallage for some two decades, but divorce is coming soon and she's unsure whether to trust Stephan after he lied and cheated on her. She sees something different in him this time, however, when he claims innocence and asks for their investigative help. She's even wavering a bit on that divorce but, well, first they have a murder and some political intrigue, lies and innuendo to deal with. Maya finds her competitive self riled by two female FBI agents, adding to the fun. Oh, and they do get an invite to a White house event thanks to Sandra's longstanding connections and likeability.
There's humor in the book, some of it due to the images bus driver Clancy's driving conjures up in one's mind. If you've ever ridden in a school bus, which most of us have, imagine doing it while past-retirement-age Clancy abruptly abandons his slow-poke ways to help Maya and Sandra chase down a wayward student by speeding up and dodging DC traffic, slamming on the brakes and hitting the gas with seeming glee. He gets his student, however, one who becomes a suspect in the murder of Sen. Wallage's assistant, Tess. That's just the beginning.
Who killed Tess? Is Sen. Wallage telling the truth? What was she doing where she was found? And, hey, speaking of politics, how annoying is Sen. Grisby? Could he have killed or had Tess killed for political gain? How about his son, Kyle? Where did Kyle get those incriminating emails? How far would ambitious reporter Zoe go for a story that would make her career? Why is Preston so, uh, difficult? Could the likable Suzanne have been involved? How about the now ex-girlfriend? Surely not but, well, there is evidence that.....
Oh, enough teasers. Read this book. You won't regret it. It's a quick, easy read whose short chapters just seemed to fly by. My only quibble with the book, which I devoured in one day, is that things seemed a tad too easy. Evidence was easily found with the right help and, no, I don't mean the FBI. Maya and Sandra are both likable and I definitely liked the growth of their friendship over this series. They work together, trusting and using each others strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Sandra is great at the good cop routine but, oh, such a softie, whereas Maya is, well, Maya. Stern, abrupt, and able to use the people and scene reading skills honed during her years on the police force. Both have interesting relationships going on, too, and growth is shown in both. Will that be good or bad? Dang it, I'm ready for the next book, Lee Hollis. Smile.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress. I enjoyed the tour of DC, especially the basement tour of Ford's Theater. I wonder where I stashed all those photos.
What starts as a case of reluctant chaperoning of their children's much anticipated class trip to DC ends up with murder, political intrigue and posturing, and the involvement of the FBI. Hardly a relaxing vacation for Maya and Sandra. True, Sandra is an ol' pro at navigating Washington DC having been married to Senator Wallage for some two decades, but divorce is coming soon and she's unsure whether to trust Stephan after he lied and cheated on her. She sees something different in him this time, however, when he claims innocence and asks for their investigative help. She's even wavering a bit on that divorce but, well, first they have a murder and some political intrigue, lies and innuendo to deal with. Maya finds her competitive self riled by two female FBI agents, adding to the fun. Oh, and they do get an invite to a White house event thanks to Sandra's longstanding connections and likeability.
There's humor in the book, some of it due to the images bus driver Clancy's driving conjures up in one's mind. If you've ever ridden in a school bus, which most of us have, imagine doing it while past-retirement-age Clancy abruptly abandons his slow-poke ways to help Maya and Sandra chase down a wayward student by speeding up and dodging DC traffic, slamming on the brakes and hitting the gas with seeming glee. He gets his student, however, one who becomes a suspect in the murder of Sen. Wallage's assistant, Tess. That's just the beginning.
Who killed Tess? Is Sen. Wallage telling the truth? What was she doing where she was found? And, hey, speaking of politics, how annoying is Sen. Grisby? Could he have killed or had Tess killed for political gain? How about his son, Kyle? Where did Kyle get those incriminating emails? How far would ambitious reporter Zoe go for a story that would make her career? Why is Preston so, uh, difficult? Could the likable Suzanne have been involved? How about the now ex-girlfriend? Surely not but, well, there is evidence that.....
Oh, enough teasers. Read this book. You won't regret it. It's a quick, easy read whose short chapters just seemed to fly by. My only quibble with the book, which I devoured in one day, is that things seemed a tad too easy. Evidence was easily found with the right help and, no, I don't mean the FBI. Maya and Sandra are both likable and I definitely liked the growth of their friendship over this series. They work together, trusting and using each others strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Sandra is great at the good cop routine but, oh, such a softie, whereas Maya is, well, Maya. Stern, abrupt, and able to use the people and scene reading skills honed during her years on the police force. Both have interesting relationships going on, too, and growth is shown in both. Will that be good or bad? Dang it, I'm ready for the next book, Lee Hollis. Smile.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress. I enjoyed the tour of DC, especially the basement tour of Ford's Theater. I wonder where I stashed all those photos.
November 28, 2022
Maya and Sandra have been chosen to be chaperones for their children's senior trip to the nation's capital. Neither wanted to do it but in the end both finally and reluctantly agreed. Sandra takes her son to visit his father who happens to be a senator. While there they meet a young new intern of Senator Wallage's. When said intern is murdered in the Senators home he asks Sandra and Maya to look into the young woman's death. He is adamant that he had nothing to do with her death and wants everyone to know it. Sandra and Maya take on the challenge and realize there are many roads to look down. Will they two be able to discover who the killer is before the senator ends up behind bars?
November 30, 2022
I'm pretty certain that, if asked, Sandra and Maya would have said herding cats would have been an easier task than acting as chaperones for their two kids on the senior trip to Washington, D.C. Their children want to be any place else as the majority of teenagers want to put lots of distance between themselves and their mothers. That's even before taking into account their fathers. Sandra is divorcing her Senator husband of twenty years and Maya's husband has been in prison. Oh, and the icing on the cake? A nice young woman staffer is found dead in the Senator's bed. The obvious move by the senator is to ask Sandra and Maya to investigate. That goes over like a lead balloon as far as the two female FBI agents assigned to the case are concerned.
Sifting through the list of suspects, counting heads to keep the teens corralled and tracking down a killer in a city full of secrets and political games makes for a crazy trip for Sandra and Maya but they are up to the challenge. The mystery kept me engaged from the first page and I enjoyed the humor and friendship between Sandra and Maya. So far there are only three books in this series but if it grows like the Hayley Powell series and the Poppy Harmon series have, we will have lots more fun with this terrific sleuthing duo.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sifting through the list of suspects, counting heads to keep the teens corralled and tracking down a killer in a city full of secrets and political games makes for a crazy trip for Sandra and Maya but they are up to the challenge. The mystery kept me engaged from the first page and I enjoyed the humor and friendship between Sandra and Maya. So far there are only three books in this series but if it grows like the Hayley Powell series and the Poppy Harmon series have, we will have lots more fun with this terrific sleuthing duo.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2023
Partners in detection, Maya and Sandra are having troubles with the men in--and half out of--their lives when they're dragooned into chaperoning their kids' class trip to Washington, D.C., where Sandra used to live as a senator's wife. Her almost-ex becomes involved in a scandal featuring an intern's death as they get to town, and he hires the two private investigators to help clear his name. Maya also worries about the marriage that was derailed when her cop husband was sent to prison on corruption charges. The women impress even the FBI and catch a murderer with Maya's crime smarts and Sandra's knowledge of politics.
July 5, 2022
This was my first book by Lee Hollis and it was honestly just not my cup of tea. The book was focused around a murder involving a Senator from Maine, his staff and the field trip his teenage son is on with his high school class. While the book was involving a Senator there was ALOT or name dropping which threw me off. I am not sure who the target audience for this book is but as a middle aged woman parts of it read very juvenile - there was a line about “gaydar” being off and it felt very inappropriate. I was struggling to finish the book and breathed a sigh when it was over.
August 30, 2022
This was another great installment in the Maya and Sandra series. Maya and Sandra reluctantly agree to chaperon the senior class trip to Washington D.C. when two other chaperons back out at the last minute. While they are in D.C., Sandra and her son, Ryan, visit with Sandra's soon to be ex-husband. The next day, his assistant is found dead in his condo. He asks Sandra and Maya to help prove his innocence. I loved the mystery. The plot was well done, and I didn't guess the killer at all. It was nice to see Maya and her husband try to reconcile now that he is out of jail, as well as Sandra's relationship with her husband. I love this series and can't wait to read more.
December 30, 2022
I enjoy Lee Hollis’ books, but Murder on the Class Trip just didn’t resonate with me. I found the entire plot hard to believe, and the political aspect was too on-topic for fiction work. The murder of an intern is all too believable, as it has happened several times in the world of Washington. Having a Senator accused of the murder might be too close to reality for many readers.
Maya and Sandra are chaperoning a senior class trip. Almost from the start, the trip is rife with issues starting with the reckless bus driver. But when an intern’s body is found in the home of Sandra’s soon-to-be- ex-husband, a Senator, and a well-known cheater, things turn for the worse. It is up to Maya and Sandra to prove his innocence before he is arrested, and the Washington sharks take a bite out of his career.
There are quite a few suspects in the death of the Senators intern. Evidence and red herrings are sprinkled throughout the book, and figuring out the killer’s identity isn’t easy. Roadblocks are thrown up at every turn, and even Maya and Sandra’s children are causing problems. The two sleuths use their professional skills to set up and uncover the killer. Their investigation isn’t well received by the local FBI, and no one wants the Senator to be innocent.
Usually, I find Lee Hollis’ books exciting and easy to lose myself in, but Murder on the Class Trip just didn’t have the feel of a cozy. It read more like a political thriller, and that isn’t what I was expecting. If you take the book as a thriller, it was filled with everything you could ask for, but for a cozy, it just wasn’t, well… cozy. I didn’t like the Senator and did not know who the intern was or what type of person she was; I couldn’t become invested in her murder. I will read the next book in this series, but right now, this is not among my favorite reads or series.
Maya and Sandra are chaperoning a senior class trip. Almost from the start, the trip is rife with issues starting with the reckless bus driver. But when an intern’s body is found in the home of Sandra’s soon-to-be- ex-husband, a Senator, and a well-known cheater, things turn for the worse. It is up to Maya and Sandra to prove his innocence before he is arrested, and the Washington sharks take a bite out of his career.
There are quite a few suspects in the death of the Senators intern. Evidence and red herrings are sprinkled throughout the book, and figuring out the killer’s identity isn’t easy. Roadblocks are thrown up at every turn, and even Maya and Sandra’s children are causing problems. The two sleuths use their professional skills to set up and uncover the killer. Their investigation isn’t well received by the local FBI, and no one wants the Senator to be innocent.
Usually, I find Lee Hollis’ books exciting and easy to lose myself in, but Murder on the Class Trip just didn’t have the feel of a cozy. It read more like a political thriller, and that isn’t what I was expecting. If you take the book as a thriller, it was filled with everything you could ask for, but for a cozy, it just wasn’t, well… cozy. I didn’t like the Senator and did not know who the intern was or what type of person she was; I couldn’t become invested in her murder. I will read the next book in this series, but right now, this is not among my favorite reads or series.
November 21, 2022
Maya's husband, a disgraced police officer, is newly out of prison and she's trying to find equilibrium- and work for both of them- when she gets roped into chaperoning her daughter's class trip to Washington. Her partner Sandra, the almost ex-wife of a US Senator, isn't happy about it but she's a bit looser about the experience. Anyone who has been on a class trip (that's all of us at some point in our lives) will laugh at the constant head counts and some of the other antics of keeping high schoolers reined in. But, this is a cozy murder mystery so when an aide to Sandra's husband is found dead on his bed, a bottle of pills beside her, Sandra and Maya must investigate (mind you, this is DC and it's Senator's staffer so there would be many many entities involved but hey). I liked this for the small details (Sandra takes Maya to a real restaurant, the bus driver tries to go through the drive through at McDonald's, the staffers and so on) as much for the mystery. And then there's Maya and Sandra. I've enjoyed the preceding books in this series- this should be fine as a standalone- and this was a nice move forward. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Can't wait to see what happens next.
December 31, 2022
Another good and entertaining cozy mystery featuring Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage who went to the same high school. I had fun and the solid mystery kept me guessing. Sandra is a PTA president and the wife of a Maine Senator, and Maya is an ex-police officer turned private investigator and she runs a PI business with Sandra on board, too. I love the relationship between Maya and Sandra who are total opposites. Would I read more in this series from Lee Hollis? An emphatic... yes! 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 21, 2023
This is the third book in the series and my first. It can be read as a standalone the author does a good job of explaining who the characters are. I enjoyed this book and the mystery set in Washington DC with politics. A senator and allegations of misconduct. I had no idea who the killer was and was surprised by the ending. I felt it may have needed more of a motive and the explanation and ending seemed rushed.
July 19, 2022
Maya and Sandra find themselves chaperoning a class trip, much to the dismay of their children.
This story is fun and easy to follow, and makes for a great book to read on the beach or relaxing at home.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#MurderontheClassTrip #NetGalley
This story is fun and easy to follow, and makes for a great book to read on the beach or relaxing at home.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#MurderontheClassTrip #NetGalley
November 13, 2022
I enjoyed this story. I’ve chaperoned a few class trips. Thankfully, none of ours got quite so exciting. You have students, (always fun), politics, police, P.I.’s, and a wide range of characters. It was interesting to follow along on the case to see how it would be solved. I think Maya is the one I could relate to the most. I am curious to see where Sandra’s life may take her next. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
December 15, 2022
"Murder on the Class Trip" the 3rd instalment in the "A Maya and Sandra Mystery" by Lee Hollis.
Friends, moms, and P.I. partners Maya and Sandra have left their hometown of Portland, Maine, on a school trip to Washington, D.C.—where a killer has just added murder to the itinerary. . .
I really enjoyed this instalment, I really liked seeing Sandra in her element of Washington DC.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Friends, moms, and P.I. partners Maya and Sandra have left their hometown of Portland, Maine, on a school trip to Washington, D.C.—where a killer has just added murder to the itinerary. . .
I really enjoyed this instalment, I really liked seeing Sandra in her element of Washington DC.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2023
How does this series just keep getting better and better?!?! This was the twistiest one yet! Keep ‘em coming Lee Hollis!
July 7, 2022
I received an ARC of, Murder on the Class Trip, by Lee Hollis. When Sandra and Maya signed up to be chaperones on a class trip, they never thought they would have to solve a murder. I enjoyed seeing who the murderer was.
March 24, 2024
Rounded up to 4-stars. A very solid cozy; the series is improving...as long as Sandra doesn't reconcile with her former husband! Am looking forward to #4.
March 11, 2024
Third and best so far of the P.I. partners Maya and Sandra cozy mystery series.
August 4, 2022
First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Murder on the Class Trip (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #3) by Lee Hollis. I was delighted to receive this book for free in exchange for my honest review. I was intrigued by the synopsis of Murder on the Class Trip by Lee Hollis because politics intrigue me, and I enjoyed visiting Washington, D.C. several years ago, so I was excited to receive an ARC of this book.
This novel isn't the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly won't be the last. Lee Hollis is a talented storyteller that weaves a fun and exciting read that is hard to put down. I read Murder on the Class Trip over the course of two days in July 2022 and was still thinking about it days later.
At first, I found the book to be a little slow, but once I got a few pages into the story, I was hooked and found myself completely absorbed. It was like I was watching a movie in my head. Some of the things I enjoyed about Murder on the Class Trip was that there wasn't any gore or cussing. Not that I'm bothered by that, but sometimes, I just need a book that isn't so intense, and this book fit the ticket perfectly. I loved the characterizations of all the characters and found myself connecting to both Maya and Sandra. Although, I did figure out who the killer was, I loved the fact that there were some red herrings that made me doubt myself. I also didn't figure out who helped frame Senator Wallage, so that was a surprise to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder on the Class Trip by Lee Hollis and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I plan on reading the first two books in the series.
November 8, 2022
Maya runs a private investigation firm with her partner Sandra Wallage.
Caroline Williams, principal of South Portland High School asks Maya to chaperone the senior class trip in Washington DC because her teachers have had to cancel last minute owing to personal reasons. It would be a four-day excursion led by their history teacher.
But Maya turns down the offer citing some work cases she’s handling. In truth, the last thing Maya wants is to go on a trip with a bunch of rowdy teenagers. She’s already managing her kids at home. When she considers her daughter Vanessa would also be on trip she eventually relents.
During the trip in Washington DC, Sandra gets a call from Suzanne Sandra’s soon-to-be ex-husband and US Senator Stephen Wallage’s personal assistant that Tess her roommate—who’s also an intern working for Stephen—hasn’t come home.
According to Suzanne, Tess had to deliver some papers to Stephen’s apartment sewing as he prefers hard copies of his reading material.
When Sandra and Maya head to Stephen’s condo they find Tess dead in his bedroom. They also find a bottle of pills tipped over on the night stand. Did she commit suicide? The two women quickly call the police.
Soon after some evidence comes to light that suggest Stephen may have been romantically involved with Tess. But Stephen insists that there’s nothing physical between him and Tess that he was only mentoring her.
Now Sandra has to help clear Stephen’s name before he gets locked up for a crime he says he didn’t commit.
A well-crafted and beautifully written mystery. Recommend.
Thank you to Lee Hollis, NetGalley and Kensington for the arc of this book.
Caroline Williams, principal of South Portland High School asks Maya to chaperone the senior class trip in Washington DC because her teachers have had to cancel last minute owing to personal reasons. It would be a four-day excursion led by their history teacher.
But Maya turns down the offer citing some work cases she’s handling. In truth, the last thing Maya wants is to go on a trip with a bunch of rowdy teenagers. She’s already managing her kids at home. When she considers her daughter Vanessa would also be on trip she eventually relents.
During the trip in Washington DC, Sandra gets a call from Suzanne Sandra’s soon-to-be ex-husband and US Senator Stephen Wallage’s personal assistant that Tess her roommate—who’s also an intern working for Stephen—hasn’t come home.
According to Suzanne, Tess had to deliver some papers to Stephen’s apartment sewing as he prefers hard copies of his reading material.
When Sandra and Maya head to Stephen’s condo they find Tess dead in his bedroom. They also find a bottle of pills tipped over on the night stand. Did she commit suicide? The two women quickly call the police.
Soon after some evidence comes to light that suggest Stephen may have been romantically involved with Tess. But Stephen insists that there’s nothing physical between him and Tess that he was only mentoring her.
Now Sandra has to help clear Stephen’s name before he gets locked up for a crime he says he didn’t commit.
A well-crafted and beautifully written mystery. Recommend.
Thank you to Lee Hollis, NetGalley and Kensington for the arc of this book.
April 19, 2024
Maya and Sandra come from different backgrounds, but both have troubled relationships with their husbands; Sandra is a U.S. Senator's wife, although in the process of divorcing due to his infidelity, and Maya is a former police officer who turned private investigator after her husband went to prison for corruption (at the beginning of the book, he is released from prison). Now their high school aged son and daughter are dating and Sandra has become Maya's private investigating partner. In this third book in the series, Maya and Sandra agree to chaperone a trip to Washington, D.C. The head chaperone is a high school social studies teacher who is so high-strung it's impossible to believe she has survived in a high school classroom (speaking from my own experience as a high school history teacher🙂) and the final chaperone is a coach who took one look at Sandra and became an insta-stalker.
On a visit to Sandra's soon-to-be-ex-husband's Senate office, we are introduces to his staff, which will become important shortly thereafter when one of the young female aids is found dead in the Senator's bed. Even though Sandra has had some difficulties with her ex she is sure he could never kill anyone, so she and Maya set out to find the killer. In the process, they encounter a pair of female FBI agents who are not impressed with their credentials as private investigators. Pretty sure the FBI would not allow the level of interference in the case that Maya and Sandra engage in. Overall, the mystery was fine with numerous credible suspects. But I struggled, as I often do with cozies, over the motivation for the murder.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous two in the series, primarily because of Sandra's reaction to her ex-husband. He has lied to her repeatedly during their marriage and been unfaithful numerous times, but she still sees him as man of integrity who is a good public servant. There was even a line where she comments about the smirk he would have when he was telling her a lie and was proud of himself because he thought he was getting away with it. She even considers going back to him. I just found that distasteful. Maybe it comes down to the fact that I don't appreciate politics in my cozies and it seems like I am seeing that more and more. I read to escape not to be reminded of how messed up our political system is. Prefer my politicians to not be serial cheaters.
On a visit to Sandra's soon-to-be-ex-husband's Senate office, we are introduces to his staff, which will become important shortly thereafter when one of the young female aids is found dead in the Senator's bed. Even though Sandra has had some difficulties with her ex she is sure he could never kill anyone, so she and Maya set out to find the killer. In the process, they encounter a pair of female FBI agents who are not impressed with their credentials as private investigators. Pretty sure the FBI would not allow the level of interference in the case that Maya and Sandra engage in. Overall, the mystery was fine with numerous credible suspects. But I struggled, as I often do with cozies, over the motivation for the murder.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous two in the series, primarily because of Sandra's reaction to her ex-husband. He has lied to her repeatedly during their marriage and been unfaithful numerous times, but she still sees him as man of integrity who is a good public servant. There was even a line where she comments about the smirk he would have when he was telling her a lie and was proud of himself because he thought he was getting away with it. She even considers going back to him. I just found that distasteful. Maybe it comes down to the fact that I don't appreciate politics in my cozies and it seems like I am seeing that more and more. I read to escape not to be reminded of how messed up our political system is. Prefer my politicians to not be serial cheaters.
December 15, 2022
"Drafted as chaperones, Maya Kendrick and PTA president Sandra Wallage are accompanying the SoPo High seniors to the nation's capital--much to the embarrassment of Maya's daughter Vanessa and Sandra's son Ryan. Now both moms are about to find out which is harder--shepherding unruly high schoolers or solving a murder. The last sight they expected to see on this trip is a female intern who works for Sandra's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Senator Stephen Wallage, in a fatally compromising position.
Desperate to avoid scandal, Stephen begs Maya and Sandra to solve the case. But their FBI counterparts--tough-as-nails agents Markey and Rhodes--are far less enthusiastic about the meddling of two "amateurs." With suspects ranging from senators to students to stalkers, Maya and Sandra must follow a twisty trail of clues so they can catch a killer and survive to make the return trip . . ."
My thoughts:
Book 3 in the Maya and Sandra series by Lee Hollis sees the two PI's chaperoning the class trip to Washington. Some typical teenage misbehavior and over reaction/panic from the lead teacher but the drama focuses mostly on the mystery of who killed the intern - and why. I do like the relationship between May and Sandra but a murder mystery involving the backroom dealings and duplicity of Washington insiders didn't really appeal to me. There is more than enough of the Washington dealings in the real world, let alone the fictional one. None of the behind the scenes dealings were a real surprise. The suspect list was lengthy and top suspects did seem viable. Some nicely placed red herrings and misdirection with a fairly well done takedown. Debrief and sorting out the loose ends answered a few more questions but also left the door open for whatever the next mystery brings.
Desperate to avoid scandal, Stephen begs Maya and Sandra to solve the case. But their FBI counterparts--tough-as-nails agents Markey and Rhodes--are far less enthusiastic about the meddling of two "amateurs." With suspects ranging from senators to students to stalkers, Maya and Sandra must follow a twisty trail of clues so they can catch a killer and survive to make the return trip . . ."
My thoughts:
Book 3 in the Maya and Sandra series by Lee Hollis sees the two PI's chaperoning the class trip to Washington. Some typical teenage misbehavior and over reaction/panic from the lead teacher but the drama focuses mostly on the mystery of who killed the intern - and why. I do like the relationship between May and Sandra but a murder mystery involving the backroom dealings and duplicity of Washington insiders didn't really appeal to me. There is more than enough of the Washington dealings in the real world, let alone the fictional one. None of the behind the scenes dealings were a real surprise. The suspect list was lengthy and top suspects did seem viable. Some nicely placed red herrings and misdirection with a fairly well done takedown. Debrief and sorting out the loose ends answered a few more questions but also left the door open for whatever the next mystery brings.
October 25, 2022
Is there anything worse than being forced to chaperone the senior class trip to Washington, DC, historical sites? There is, if you find the body of a murdered girl (and you met the nice girl just the day before), when it's obvious your soon-to-be ex-husband will be accused of the murder.
Sandra Wallage (the wife of a Senator), and her private detective partner, Maya Kendrick, are trying to help keep 25 teenagers--including their own children--safe and in line with the efforts of the trip leader and another chaperone.
But the mood of DC turns ugly when "proof" is found that Senator Wallage knew his intern much better than was appropriate; much to the delight of slimy politicians in the opposing party. Sandra snd Maya need to find out what happened to Tess, the young and beautiful intern, before Senator Wallage is forced to resign or arrested for murder!
Although I've never enjoyed politics, this was a pretty good story. It's not completely realistic, but what--in entertainment we enjoy--is?
3/5 Stars Slow build-up to the main plot.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the temporary ecopy preview of this book; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#MurderontheClassTrip #NetGalley
#AMayaandSandraMysteryBook3
#LeeHollis #LeeHollisAuth
#MysteryandThrillers
#AmateurSleuthMysteriesKindleStore
#AmateurSleuths
#CozyMystery
#CozyCraftandHobbyMysteries
#CozyCraftandHobbiesMystery
#AmateurSleuthMysteries
#FictionPrivateInvestigators
#FictionCareerWomen
#FictionFemaleSleuth
#FictionBlackSheepKnittingShop
#FictionMysteryPoliticsSenatorIntern
#FictionWashingtonDC
Sandra Wallage (the wife of a Senator), and her private detective partner, Maya Kendrick, are trying to help keep 25 teenagers--including their own children--safe and in line with the efforts of the trip leader and another chaperone.
But the mood of DC turns ugly when "proof" is found that Senator Wallage knew his intern much better than was appropriate; much to the delight of slimy politicians in the opposing party. Sandra snd Maya need to find out what happened to Tess, the young and beautiful intern, before Senator Wallage is forced to resign or arrested for murder!
Although I've never enjoyed politics, this was a pretty good story. It's not completely realistic, but what--in entertainment we enjoy--is?
3/5 Stars Slow build-up to the main plot.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the temporary ecopy preview of this book; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#MurderontheClassTrip #NetGalley
#AMayaandSandraMysteryBook3
#LeeHollis #LeeHollisAuth
#MysteryandThrillers
#AmateurSleuthMysteriesKindleStore
#AmateurSleuths
#CozyMystery
#CozyCraftandHobbyMysteries
#CozyCraftandHobbiesMystery
#AmateurSleuthMysteries
#FictionPrivateInvestigators
#FictionCareerWomen
#FictionFemaleSleuth
#FictionBlackSheepKnittingShop
#FictionMysteryPoliticsSenatorIntern
#FictionWashingtonDC
November 8, 2022
This is the third Maya and Sandra mystery and the first in the series that I have read. Maya Kendrick was a former police officer who is now a private investigator in Maine. Sandra Wallage is the soon-to-be ex-wife of one of Maine's US Senators and her partner.
After being guilted into taking part as chaperones to their children's senior class trip to Washington DC, they find themselves trying to solve the murder of one of Sandra's husband's staffers. Despite loud and frequent claims by a rival in the Senate, Senator Stephen Wallage has an airtight alibi. He was on the Senate floor when the murder happened, but the rest of his staff is still under suspicion.
Between dealing with an anal head chaperone who is obsessed with counting her charges and a fellow chaperone with a major crush on Sandra, Maya and Sandra still find time to investigate. I liked the insider's look at the Senate that Sandra has. I liked the way the two women leaned on each other's strengths in this investigation.
I liked that both women were having husband problems. Maya's has just been released from prison. He's an ex-cop who was convicted of corruption. Now, he's determined to rebuild his relationship with his wife and his daughter and rebuild his life too. Sandra's almost ex was a serial cheater who would like to resume his relationship with her.
This was an entertaining story.
After being guilted into taking part as chaperones to their children's senior class trip to Washington DC, they find themselves trying to solve the murder of one of Sandra's husband's staffers. Despite loud and frequent claims by a rival in the Senate, Senator Stephen Wallage has an airtight alibi. He was on the Senate floor when the murder happened, but the rest of his staff is still under suspicion.
Between dealing with an anal head chaperone who is obsessed with counting her charges and a fellow chaperone with a major crush on Sandra, Maya and Sandra still find time to investigate. I liked the insider's look at the Senate that Sandra has. I liked the way the two women leaned on each other's strengths in this investigation.
I liked that both women were having husband problems. Maya's has just been released from prison. He's an ex-cop who was convicted of corruption. Now, he's determined to rebuild his relationship with his wife and his daughter and rebuild his life too. Sandra's almost ex was a serial cheater who would like to resume his relationship with her.
This was an entertaining story.
January 12, 2023
Sandra and Maya are two different and complex characters who, like ying and yang, they complement each other’s differences. Maya, a former cop turned PI has a hard outer shell but a soft heart, and Sandra Wallage is as elegant as silk having spent the last two decades as a senator’s wife but is also made of tougher stuff as a result of those DC years. Both are excellent moms who would do just about anything for their high schoolers (who happen to be dating each other, awkward for the kids). Speaking of high school, the annual trip is coming up and they need chaperones. No one wants to have their parent chaperoning the trip, and news flash, not all parents want to go either. Such is the case in this story, but without Maya Kendrick there won’t be a trip, and Maya isn’t going alone, her partner in crime solving, Sandra, will going along for the ride. Next stop, Washington D.C., the place where politics can be cutthroat and perception is everything. It looks bad for Senator Wallage, who swears he is innocent, of both an affair with his intern and her death. Sandra knows that her soon to be ex-husband has his flaws, but he isn’t a killer. This is fast paced cozy with several interesting characters creating multiple avenues of inquiry and the culprit was a complete surprise. There is plenty of backstory included so this can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to what life brings to Sandra as she navigates being single.
July 18, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Murder on the Class Trip was a strong take on a love triangle gone wrong.
Maya and Sandra find themselves wrapped up in a murder case after deciding to chaperone on their children's class trip. This murder happens to have a main suspect, that being Sandra's soon to be ex husband Stephen.
For me this story had a pace that started off slow and quickly built up as we continued the story; so the book made sure to keep my attention. It was very interesting to see how Maya and Sandra worked with the FBI, the local police, and the suspects. I must say though the ending sort of fell flat for me as I have read a lot of love triangles gone wrong; but it was definitely a well told story and a series I'd like to add to my reading list.
If you like cozy murder mysteries that build up pace overtime this book is great for that! The plot, characters, and story over all definitely allow you to build a view in your mind for everything going on. It was great to see how Sandra and Maya used their private investigator skills to help solve this case!
Murder on the Class Trip was a strong take on a love triangle gone wrong.
Maya and Sandra find themselves wrapped up in a murder case after deciding to chaperone on their children's class trip. This murder happens to have a main suspect, that being Sandra's soon to be ex husband Stephen.
For me this story had a pace that started off slow and quickly built up as we continued the story; so the book made sure to keep my attention. It was very interesting to see how Maya and Sandra worked with the FBI, the local police, and the suspects. I must say though the ending sort of fell flat for me as I have read a lot of love triangles gone wrong; but it was definitely a well told story and a series I'd like to add to my reading list.
If you like cozy murder mysteries that build up pace overtime this book is great for that! The plot, characters, and story over all definitely allow you to build a view in your mind for everything going on. It was great to see how Sandra and Maya used their private investigator skills to help solve this case!
November 30, 2022
Maya and Sandra are co-opted into being chaperones for their high school kids' trip to Washington, D.C. Of course, these private investigators can't keep away from murder any more then kids on a trip will be to cause mischief. When Sandra's soon-to-be-ex is the prime suspect, the two quickly are knee-deep in politics, scandal and plenty of red-herrings.
This is the first I have read of this series, though it is the third of the series. I have read some of Hollis' other mystery series which I have enjoyed. There is a little more depth to Maya and Sandra's relationships with their significant others (or soon to be) than many cozies as Sandra tries to negotiate co-parenting with her soon-to-be-ex and Maya tries to deal with a newly reintegrated family after her husband has gotten out of prison. It is nice to see that though the husbands might have issues they are still good fathers.
There's some humor, character growth, relationships that are a bit more complicated than many in the cozy world and a decent mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This is the first I have read of this series, though it is the third of the series. I have read some of Hollis' other mystery series which I have enjoyed. There is a little more depth to Maya and Sandra's relationships with their significant others (or soon to be) than many cozies as Sandra tries to negotiate co-parenting with her soon-to-be-ex and Maya tries to deal with a newly reintegrated family after her husband has gotten out of prison. It is nice to see that though the husbands might have issues they are still good fathers.
There's some humor, character growth, relationships that are a bit more complicated than many in the cozy world and a decent mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
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