Katie & Maverick Cozy Mysteries, Book #10
Date Published: 07-10-2025
Publisher: Secret Staircase Books
High school teacher Katie Wilk is thrilled when her students qualify for Mock
Trial America, a prestigious courtroom competition in Atlanta. Alongside her
best friend and fellow teacher Jane Mackey, a team of eager teens, and a crew
of devoted chaperones, Katie boards a flight from Minnesota—ready for a
week of intellectual showdowns and Southern hospitality. But things go
sideways before the plane is even off the ground.
With canceled flights, endless delays, and one particularly obnoxious
passenger stirring up trouble, the trip turns into a logistical, almost
deadly, nightmare. When that same rude traveler turns up later in Atlanta, the
chaos takes a deadly turn—and suspicion lands squarely on the Mackey
family.
As Katie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets: stolen documents,
corporate espionage, dangerous toxins, and enough motive to make her question
everything. Can she untangle the truth before the killer strikes again?
Luckily, she’s got help—from Maverick, her sharp-nosed, loyal
Labrador retriever and trained search-and-rescue dog, who’s always ready
to sniff out danger.
Smart, suspenseful, and full of heart, this latest installment in Mary
Seifert’s charming cozy mystery series delivers Southern intrigue,
tricky puzzles, and the kind of dogged determination only a Lab (and a
resolute teacher) can provide.
Weather delayed the incoming plane. We had boarded thirty minutes behind
schedule, and forty-two minutes later, after anxious bouts of fits and giggles
checking watches and phone screens, we saw our pilot step out of the cockpit
to make a brief announcement.
“Good morning, folks. Sorry for the delay, but due to mechanical issues,
we’ve had to cancel our non-stop flight to Atlanta.” As the air
around me took on a rumble, he smiled uneasily and took a big breath.
“We apologize for any inconvenience, and we’ll do our best to
accommodate you and get you to your final destination as quickly as possible.
Please gather your belongings and check the seat pocket before disembarking.
See the gate attendant for more details.”
We exited the aircraft. Our students crowded around me, and I said decisively,
“We’ll catch another plane soon and still arrive in plenty of time
to take advantage of everything we’ve planned before your competition
begins in three days. Don’t worry.”
Famous last words. I hoped I wasn’t constructing a false narrative for
our future.
I massaged my temples as we waited our turn and inched our way to the desk for
information. The smile glued to the young man’s face never wavered as he
checked our tickets. “It’s a very busy Memorial weekend.”
His fingers flew over the keys. “It’ll take a bit of maneuvering
to get your entire group in the sky, but we’ll get you on the next
available flight, however …” He looked up at me, and one corner of his
mouth turned down in a bit of alarm. “The operative word is
available.”
My heart leaped to my throat, and I gritted my teeth in frustration.
“And a nonstop will be impossible.” His eyebrows, cheeks, and lips
morphed into one big apology. “You’ll be rerouted first through
Detroit.”
About the Author
Mary Seifert is the author of the Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries 2024
International IMPACT Award winner for books in a series, a collection of fun
and thrilling tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Her books,
including the 2023 American Fiction Award finalist Maverick, Movies &
Murder and the 2024 Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem finalist Santa, Snowflakes
& Strychnine, are must-reads for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a good puzzle
wrapped in a heartwarming story.
Set in the charming landscapes of West Central Minnesota, where the lakes
begin and the criminals are caught, Mary’s stories transport readers to
a world of intrigue, humor, and small-town charm. Each book is a delightful
mix of suspense and warmth, featuring memorable characters, ingenious puzzles,
and clever twists that keep you guessing until the very end.
Busy crafting her next mystery, Mary indulges in her love of research,
currently studying the flora and fauna of the Nantahala National Forest and
the magnetic call of Atlanta for the upcoming installment of her series. She
believes that every great mystery starts with a curious mind and a love for
uncovering the truth, but scrupulously scrubs her browsers history of any hint
of crime.
Join Mary on her literary journey, where a good story is always paired with a
cozy blanket, a glass of wine, and a touch of mischief!
Twitter “X”: @mary_seifert
Instagram: @maryseifertauthor
Threads: @maryseifertauthor
LinkedIn: Mary KG Seifert
BlueSky: @mkgsei.bsky.social
https://mybook.to/PlanesAtlantaAssassin
