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.
EXCERPT
In reality, rushing water poured into the pond next to us, and plumes pounded the base of the falls, feeding the swiftly moving water in front of us. It burbled over substantial boulders and rocks and looked no less intimidating than any other spot.
Wendell removed his shoes, stuffed his socks inside, tied the laces, and hung them around his neck. He rolled up his pants legs and nodded. “You might want to do the same.”
The last remnants of the rainwater had evaporated from my clothes, and I couldn’t imagine getting wet all over again. I reluctantly removed my shoes and socks, crusty with dried mud, leaves, and burrs.
Wendell pocketed the gun, descended to the water’s edge, and stepped from the shore to the nearest flat stone, teetered, then caught his balance. He took another step. And another. The words he called over his shoulder were almost lost in the cacophony surrounding us. “It’s fine.”
I had few options. I tied the laces of my shoes together in front of me around the straps of my backpack to help keep it secure and took a deep breath. The staff acted like a third leg, and the first steps were easy, but the chilly splashes caused me to shiver, and midway across, I slid on a stone, slimy with lichen, dropped the stick, and pitched into the unexpectedly deep torrent of water.
My body slammed into the ice-cold river, forcing the air from my lungs. I couldn’t get my footing and fought to take a breath as the strong current carried me along and quickly swept me downstream, away from Wendell. I bounced against hard, stationary items submerged below the surface, pummeled from side to side, and could almost hear dinging as if hitting the bumpers on a pinball machine. The turbulence in the water increased, rippling and foamy. The surge dragged me under. I came up sputtering and inhaled a mouthful of water before the world around me spun out of control.
I couldn’t catch my breath. From deep in my subconscious came words I learned from CJ Bluestone, Carlee’s dad and Maverick’s search-and-rescue trainer. “Stay calm, no matter what the problem.” I had a problem—a big problem.
My heavy pack continued to pull me under. No matter how much I wriggled and writhed, I couldn’t shrug it loose. I thrashed and my shoes thumped my chest. Then I remembered the ties, but my numb fingers didn’t have the dexterity to undo the knots. The river quickly turned to rapids, more froth, faster moving, more stones, and an increase in the roar of spilling water. Whatever waited for me wouldn’t be gentle, and my efforts to steer toward shore made no headway. I watched a huge log a few hundred yards in front of me rise up and plummet out of sight. Kicking and flailing had little impact on my trajectory. My strength declined. My head filled with a million thoughts, some welcome memories and some regrets, when I realized, I wasn’t going to make it.
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
