Maverick, Movies & Murder

Katie and Maverick #1

by Mary Seifert

MP3 CD Format Semi-finalist in the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards
The bullets changed everything for me. Sometimes I wished I'd taken a bullet too because I lost the most important men in my life. My dad still fought every day to reclaim his confidence, mobility, and wit from the bullet that creased his brain. But my husband of seventeen days took our dreams with him when he died. They never caught the shooter. After losing everything, Katie Wilk is starting life over in Columbia, Minnesota, with a new career--giving up cryptanalysis in favor of teaching school--and a canine companion, Maverick, a black Labrador retriever. But on one of their first outings, Katie and Maverick discover a dead body in a nearby marshland. Doctor Pete Erickson enters her life. As the county coroner, he's one of the first on the scene; as the doctor that day in the ER, he's the one who stitches up Katie's head; as the son of the police chief, Pete is also in on the investigation. Meanwhile, the locals are gearing up for the premiere of a new docudrama film called Titanic: One Story , which would be the cornerstone piece of a new Titanic exhibit, to open Labor Day weekend at the Midwest Minnesota History Center. The director selected their town as the location for some of the scenes, and many local residents are featured as extras in the movie. There will be a huge gala dinner and celebration for the grand opening. Tragedy strikes when the director dies suddenly, and there are a number of suspects. Katie finds herself in the midst of it all and doesn't know anyone in town well enough to know who she can trust.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks

308 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2022

About the author

Mary is a Minnesota native and has always loved a good mystery, a brain teaser, or a challenge. As a former math teacher, she ties numbers and logic to the mayhem game. The Katie and Maverick cozy mysteries allow her to share those stories, as well as puzzles, riddles, and a few taste-tested recipes. Be sure to follow Mary on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/author/mary-s...

Reviews

[Marianne Reese · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t connect with this book. I didn’t like the MC at all. The writing style was subpar IMO — I kept having to go back and reread paragraphs because they were confusing / disjointed / muddled. The storyline was okay, there weren’t any notable typos, it was just the convoluted presentation of the storyline that turned me off.

[Hege Herfindahl · Rating 1 out of 5]

A confusing book with multiple characters and unrelated random happenings. Not worth reading.

[Connie P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

So convoluted.

Some of this book was interesting, but it jumped all over the place to the extent that it was hard to understand just what was happening from one page to the next (or even why it was happening), which was quite irritating. The "heroine" was usually a histrionic mess, it was hard to discern if she actually liked the people who were supposed to be her friends, she keeps trying to give her dog away to anyone who so much as pets him, she comes very close to being killed several times (in just one book!), and it was hard to like any of the main characters. I couldn't find much reason to like any of them because they were so one dimensional (and so MANY characters that it was impossible to remember who they were and how they were connected). Ironically, what I liked best about this book were the math discussions, and I've always disliked math because I could never understand it. Just like I didn't understand this book. When I finish reading a book, the last thing I want to feel is disappointment. I won't be reading any more of this series.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fun to discover a new-to-me series and author and I am thrilled with this find. Enjoyed this cozy mystery with a bit of edge. Great suspense, interesting heroine backstory that is revealed in snippets, a potential love interest (Katie drove me crazy at times with her dithering) and a lovely introduction to this town and setting. Oh -- and, of course, Maverick the wonder dog!!! Also loved Katie's profession -- former cryptanalyst and new high school math/science teacher. Very different for a cozy heroine. The book includes ciphers and codes and puzzles which I had no hope of solving but felt like one of the cool kids as I worked along side Katie and her science club students. :-)

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Erica Sullivan and though there are six books in the series so far only this first one is on audible. :-( Hoping that will change, otherwise I need to hunt the paperbacks down 'cause this left a few things open-ended.

[Kate Michaelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After going through a tragedy, Katie has recently relocated to Columbia, Minnesota and taken a job as a high school math teacher. While exploring some local trails with her black lab, Maverick, she discovers a body and is forced into the role of amateur sleuth. Katie is a lovable, relatable character, and the supporting cast--including the sweet and hilarious Maverick--really makes these books a joy. If you're a fan of math, codes, or riddles, this series will be a particular treat for you! A former cryptologist and current math teacher, Katie is an expert on these topics, and Seifert weaves these elements through the story. I've read other books in Seifert's series and really enjoyed reading the first one to see how Katie's story began. If you're looking for a smart, charming cozies, check these out!

[Michael Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel Maverick, Movies and murder is set in the fictional town of Columbia Minnesota. A young woman named Katie Wilk moves into the town trying to escape some personal life tragedies. She is a crypto analyst by training and begins a new job as a high school math teacher. She figuratively and literally stumbles across the murder of a local man in the small community. Because of her discovery she becomes embroiled in the investigation. While the story is a bit broad, the novel is a lite read. Katie, during the investigation was trying see how several factors including a movie production of the titanic, an accompanying museum exhibit, a local drug ring and a scandal at the high school were in anyway tied together. All of these elements were confusing in some parts. I would recommend this regardless of those shortcomings in the storyline

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still reading the book and plan on finishing it but it isn't really grabbing me. It is well written technically but so far the characters (other than Mrs C) are either too bland or too annoying for me. The main character is still suffering the after effects of her new husband being murdered and her father having a brain injury from the same shooting by an undiscovered assailant. This makes her one of those people that jump from having a decent day to emotional meltdown with minimal provokation.

Katie and her black labrador retriever Maverick have only been in town for a few weeks when they discover a body during their walk in a nature reserve. Since his wife had died the victim had centered his life on trying to antagonize everyone in town so there are lots of suspects. Since Katie likes cryptology, code breaking, crosswords, and puzzles she must be the perfect person to solve this murder. Maybe when the story lines all come together I will need to change my rating and this review but I am not holding out too much hope.

[Kassandra Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widowed while still a newly-wed, Katie Wilk is looking for a fresh start in Columbia, Minnesota, with a new career as a high school math teacher. But on one of their first walks, her black Labrador, Maverick finds a body, and as a consequence Katie meets the county coroner and ER doctor, Pete Erickson.

Meanwhile the town has gone a bit Titanic crazy due to the local filming of a new docudrama about the ship’s tragic voyage. And Pete and the local sheriff (Pete’s father) are becoming alarmed by an escalating drug problem among the town’s teenagers. So Katie’s new life quickly becomes complicated.

This series (I’ve read book 2 already as well) is very well-written with deep and well-developed characters who draw you in and make you care about them.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong female character having survived the loss of her newlywed husband, Katie and her black lab Maverick move to Columbia, Minnesota for a new start. But Columbia has a lot going on, with the filming of a movie. And when Maverick discovers the body of a rather difficult man, things heat up even more. Maverick seems to be smarter than the average dog, but Katie isn’t sure she wants a dog. There’s Doctor Pete, whom they keep running into, for a little romance. Lots of twists and turns. This book will definitely keep your interest! I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features a good dog, a good movie as part of the story plus murder among the characters! The pace is quick and filled with distinct personalities in a small town. Teachers, an ER doctor, friendly neighbors and students keep crossing paths. I should have taken notes or made a list of the names as people were introduced to the story. As my reading pace quickened, I often had to review who came from where, their interests and what they did for a living.
Maverick , the dog, was a star, the Titanic movie details were rich and the murder was presented in a way unlike anything I have ever read in the past.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly disappointing.
Katie's back story is sorta revealed, but not in a manner that makes it easy to understand. Her qualifications don't in the least seem to qualify her as a teacher, yet she's presented as an excellent one. Could be, but ...
The students and the supporting cast are varied and hard to keep straight. There are several extraneous characters who really lend nothing to the story.
I finished it, and 24 hours later I can't remember who the evil and who the good folks are, nor do I care.

[Judy Engell · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun mystery

This was an interesting, confusing, and too much extra stuff, mystery. It was hard to follow along with the main story because of so much fluff. There was TONS of information about the Titanic and about Math and Science. The excessive details weren’t necessary for the plot of the story. I skimmed through several pages to get to the gist of the story. Lots of characters and side characters and random characters made it hard to follow. The idea was good though

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a slow start; it seemed to concentrate more on the MC's life than on the mystery. I discovered, as I continued reading, that the previous chapters had laid a groundwork for the MC and others to help solve the mystery. Just when I thought the story was over, the truth finally came out. I did enjoy the story, and I will be looking forward to the next in the series. Recommend reading.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a free promotion. It was a lot longer than I thought it would be, but I so enjoyed it. A bit of fun, a bit of drama, a few side-tracks, made it a most enjoyable read. The story was fast paced and every time I thought I had worked it out, something else came out 'from left field'. Will definitely be looking for more stories from this author.

[Katy McCollom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The MC was smart and relatable. I enjoyed the puzzles and Titanic trivia. I also enjoyed that it didn’t seem too formulaic, like some cozies can. My one gripe is that it had a rather large cast of characters to keep up with. I found myself flipping back to understand how all the characters related to one another. Overall, would recommend. Looking forward to book 2.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed this first book . I will continue the series though I wish it were in Kindle Unlimited. The plot is quite complicated and when you thought it ended , another twist. Very surprising. Worth the while.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

This was okay, I have to admit it was a muddle at times and at others it felt I was reading a text book. The subject matter is a good one and important one, but the pacing of the book was just off to me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new author!

This book was free from the Fussy Librarian! And it was a very good book.

I am going to look for others by this author. It was a very well thought out story and kept my interest right to the end!

[Sandra McGarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline but lost myself in too many characters. The last chapter squeezed a lot of information in at the last minute. I could have used a few less characters and more background on the others. Not knowing more about them I didn’t connect well.

[Jerrilynne Evitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maverick, Movies, & Murder

I received this book as an arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. I love this series! There are so many twists and turns that I almost couldn’t keep up! Highly recommended!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, twisty murder mystery that I just couldn’t put down. The main character is an innovative high school Math teacher that most students would have loved, with a supporting cast of wonderful characters including her lovable dog, Maverick.

[ReadaBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were moments when the story line confused me, jumping around in a way that frequently was difficult to follow. Katie’s black lab Maverick is awesome and always welcome to read about. The Titanic theme was surprisingly interesting! I very much enjoyed the walk through the exhibit.

[Carol Erath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It reminds of Hallmark movie mysteries and who doesn’t like those? It had some good humor, plenty of twist and turns. So entertaining.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this story, the characters were interesting. Especially Katie and maverick. The story was interesting and I couldn’t put it down.

[Ann E. Waananen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light reading and quick.

[Emmalee Herring · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 star but +1 for this local author 💕

[Lynn E. AronSpeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving and well done

I particularly enjoyed the depth of detail and rich adjectivization. This girl knows how to write well. I am very pleased to have found her.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, nice story line.. little to detailed at times… but ok

[William Wehrmacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's quite a good tale, but I was often lost by the array of characters, although that's probably just my memory letting me down.