The Game Is Afoot

Mavis Miller #2

by Elise Bryant

A clever and hilarious new mystery about a mother who thinks she has to do it all—even solve a murder—from the author of It's Elementary

After rage quitting her job, Mavis finally has time to get all the rest she’s been putting off. Or she should have the time. Hypothetically. Except she’s taken on a new  Supermom. Her hours are filled with chauffeuring her daughter, Pearl, around to her extracurricular activities, somehow ending up class mom, and…investigating another mystery?

When Coach Cole, the director of the kids’ soccer program, drops dead on a sunny Saturday morning, no one suspects foul play. However, the police soon discover something suspicious left on the field, making it clear that someone had it in for the coach. But who? Sure, parents got mad when he made their precious star athletes sit on the bench, but not that mad.

Mavis is determined to find out, even if it takes her into the dark, dangerous underbelly of gentle parents and MLM girlbosses. Plus, it’s an easy distraction from everything else going on. Like the panic attacks she keeps brushing off. Or the fact that she’s unemployed and totally lost as to what her purpose and path in life should be. And then there’s her ex-husband who’s back in town and doing everything she’s ever wanted, just as she’s beginning a new relationship. Mavis knows a murder investigation probably isn’t the self-care she needs right now. But how exactly are you supposed to take care of yourself when you don’t even know who you are anymore?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Contemporary, Thriller

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Elise Bryant is the NAACP Image Award-nominated author of Happily Ever Afters, One True Loves, Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling, and the forthcoming It’s Elementary. For many years, Elise had the joy of working as a special education teacher, and now she spends her days reading, writing, and eating dessert. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Long Beach, California. You can visit her online at www.elisebryant.com.

Reviews

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care much for most of the characters especially the main character Mavis. I thought there would be some character growth from the previous book but she seemed to be even worse here. She was so insufferable and it was stressful being in her head.

The mystery part of the story wasn't all that intriguing but I didn't find it boring so I guess that's a win? The romance aspect also didn't fair any better considering Mavis and Jack had zero chemistry(had tons of chemistry with her ex).

Overall, just an okay read.

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying Elise Bryant's foray into the cozy mystery arena. Mavis as a divorced single mom protagonist trying to balance ALL THE THINGS is especially relatable. Ms. Bryant is also giving us some love triangle realness in the backdrop, staying true to her romance roots. And the mystery - well, I'm never great at figuring whodunnit and this was no exception. I thought I knew but was guessing right up until the end. And while the mystery was wrapped up in the end, we were left with a cliffhanger of sorts. I will be SAT for the next book in the series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

If all cozy mysteries are as good as Elise Bryant's, consider me a fan! Mavis Miller is back to solve another mystery when her almost 8 year old daughter Pearl's soccer coach unexpectedly drops dead on the field one Saturday morning. After rage-quitting her job, Mavis has nothing but time to solve this mystery...and help in Pearl's classroom, try to get Pearl a solo in the school play, all while putting herself second, again, and not taking care of herself or practicing self-care. I love this whole crew, including Pearl, Jasmine, Mavis's dad (who now runs a murd3r podcast!), the lovely though constantly therapizing Jack, and even horrible Trisha! Newcomer Bethany, a woo-woo cancer survivor mom who thinks essential oils can cure anything and is part of an MLM scheme, is an annoying but interesting foible to Mavis's life. This book is SO funny. I love Bryant's sense of humor! It is a mix of warm, caring parent/mom jokes, and snarky, biting observations about how chaotic life can be, including ruminatings on work, being a mom, race, neighborhood busy-bodies, technology, and crime. I laughed out loud so much while reading this story. These characters are relatable and feel strangely true to life (minus the whole murd3r thing). The mystery part is not super difficult to figure out, but the journey to get there is engaging, interesting, and zany. I cannot wait for the third book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elise Bryant, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars ✨

Mavis felt a bit insufferable and far more clueless this time around. While the mystery was okay, the story never fully pulled me into the investigation. The Game is Afoot lacked the charm and spark that made the first book so enjoyable.

Pearl continues to be the standout character. I did appreciate Mavis’s focus on herself and her self-care journey—that storyline was one of the stronger aspects of the book. It did a solid job of portraying just how challenging self-care can be, especially for moms.

As for the audiobook, the narrator’s delivery felt overly dramatic and exaggerated. Reading a physical copy ended up working much better for me.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!

I haven't read a funnier book in a while, this actually made me laugh out loud a couple of times. Mavis got into so many sticky situations in this installment, it was truly one thing after another, and it was so entertaining. At the same time, Mavis and her friends and family feel so real and you find yourself rooting for them so much. This book didn't feel super romance-centered, but there's some love triangle hinting going on that I am very much here for! I'm firmly Team Corey - I'm a sucker for a second chance romance. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.

[Grace Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

elise bryant can do no wrong!!!!!! i love mavis and cannot wait to see more of her 🥰🥰

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant (2025)
Mavis Miller #2
11h 11m narrated by Aure Nash, 368 pages

Genre: Mystery Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Humor, African-American Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Featuring: Single Mother, Divorcée, Job Insecurity, Ex-Husband, PTA, School Setting, Southern California, DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Tricenarians, Race Relations, Elderly Dad/Grandpa, School Staff, Profanity, School Psychologist, Facebook, Young Kids, School and Community Setting, Long Chapters, Drama, Soccer, Dating After Divorce, Race Cards, Gentrification, Stereotypes, Cliffhanger

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult language and content

Songs for the soundtrack: Beyoncé, "Seasons of Love" by Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Fredi Walker, Taye Diggs, Gwen Stewart, and Byron Utley; "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, Gladys Knight & the Pips, "The Greatest Love of All" by George Benson, Mariah Carey, "Maybe" by Charles Strouse and Alicia Morton, Billie Elish, Fergie, "I'm A Believer" by Smash Mouth, "Cha Cha Slide" by DJ Casper, "It's the Hard-Knock Life" by Aileen Quinn

Books and Authors mentioned: Frozen by Jennifer Lee; Rumpelstiltskin by the Brothers Grimm, Annie by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin [based on] Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, Shrek by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman [based on] Shrek! by William Steig, The Bodyguard by Robert Tine, Veronica Mars by Rob Thomas, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏫⚽️🥅👧🏾👩🏿🧑🏼‍⚕️

My thoughts:📱24% 2:40:44 Chapter Seven - Pearl is almost 8 but has the comprehension and vocabulary of a 3-year-old, which takes away from the humor. I don’t know a 5-year-old who attends public school and doesn't know what s-h-i-t is but it's Pearl's first time hearing the word, and she needs a definition. Anyway, this is slower than the first book.
📱40% 4:31:16 Chapter Eleven - Stopping here because my battery is low. This has picked up, but I still want to shake this woman. She's the likable one in the story, but she has her flaws.
📱67% 7:26:57 Chapter Eighteen - Pearl is the star of this book.

This was better than the last book. I knew a triangle was forming. It had a great start, but the early part was a bit dramatic.

Recommend to others: Yes, this may replace my Hannah Swenson slot.

Mavis Miller
1. It's Elementary
2. The Game Is Afoot

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mavis is back and this time, it's Pearl's soccer coach who dies after their game is cut short by an angry groundskeeper. But all isn't what it seems with Pearl's production of Annie either, so Mavis has two mysteries to solve. With an MLM cult so realistic, it's scary, The Game is Afoot is a fun cozy mystery, just as entertaining as It's Elementary!

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I absolutely love Mavis she is so relatable and I absolutely love these audiobooks.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series. Mavis' narration is top tier for me, and the different suburban moms/wives are too real sometimes. I loved that we got more on Mavis' relationships and mental health in this book. It feels important for mysteries to really examine the consequences of people witnessing death and stress in their communities. Also, Mavis' dad and Ms. Joyce are treasures that must be protected! I laughed so much at their antics. Can't wait for the next book!

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just so fun and cozy 🥹

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mavis was extra frustrating in this one. I don't remember if she was as egregious in breaking the law and pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior in book 1, but she definitely crossed the line too many times in this book and I found myself wanting to yell at her. But when she wasn't overstepping in her investigation, I appreciated her life choices and hope she continues to find balance and peace in book 3.

[RAWFIZZLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mavis & Pearl are back!!

I needed a witty and mysterious book to pull me out of my slump and this was exactly what the doctor prescribed! It’s astonishing to witness just how far parents will go in order to see their child succeed. I loved Mavis and all of her chaos. She had me cracking up! Maybe she should join her father’s true crime podcast 🤔

thank you NetGalley & Berkeley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this eARC!

[Tamisha booklovertamisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mavis is back, and she's brought the whole gang with her. Her precocious daughter Pearl, her love interest Jack, and her ex Corey. The PTA/school drama is ramped up in this book. From MLM's to kids soccer, this was a cute, cozy "mystery." I like how the authors focused on mental health, but I will say Mavis was getting on my nerves from beginning to end. somehow, she always finds herself in the middle of the excitement. This book was more "who done it" but with less suspense.

[Tee Marie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
After rage quitting her job, Mavis finally has time to get all the rest she’s been putting off. Or she should have the time. Hypothetically. Except she’s taken on a new role: Supermom. Her hours are filled with chauffeuring her daughter, Pearl, around to her extracurricular activities, somehow ending up class mom, and…investigating another mystery?

When Coach Cole, the director of the kids’ soccer program, drops dead on a sunny Saturday morning, no one suspects foul play. However, the police soon discover something suspicious left on the field, making it clear that someone had it in for the coach. But who? Sure, parents got mad when he made their precious star athletes sit on the bench, but not that mad.

Mavis is determined to find out, even if it takes her into the dark, dangerous underbelly of gentle parents and MLM girlbosses. Plus, it’s an easy distraction from everything else going on. Like the panic attacks she keeps brushing off. Or the fact that she’s unemployed and totally lost as to what her purpose and path in life should be. And then there’s her ex-husband who’s back in town and doing everything she’s ever wanted, just as she’s beginning a new relationship. Mavis knows a murder investigation probably isn’t the self-care she needs right now. But how exactly are you supposed to take care of yourself when you don’t even know who you are anymore?

Thoughts: This is the 2nd book in the Mavis Miller series. I didn't read the first book but after this one I'll go back and do so. This was an unserious, hilarious, cozy good time. Mavis has alot going on in her life, she's a single mom, miserablely employed and over worked. Then Pearl her quirky and smart daughter who constantly says the darnedest things that kept me cracking up. Oh I can't forget the noisy neighbors, the crazy PTA mom's and the murder that needs solving. Mavis gets herself deep in the middle of it all to solve the case, all while being a Hot Mess of Supermom and Superwoman culture and trying to find balance between the two. I recommend this one for anyone who enjoys a good laugh out loud, cozy mystery. Thanks Netgalley and Berkeley publishing for the eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elise Bryant is such a talented writer, and I continue to love Mavis Miller as a character! She's funny, she's human, and she's really just trying to make everything work. (Pearl is a close second on my favorites list; I love a well-written, free-spirited kid.)

I struggled with some elements of this book more than the first one. There were a few too many side characters (I kept getting Florence and Bethany confused, which I guess makes sense in a "meta-commentary on all of these identical white ladies in Mavis's rapidly gentrifying neighborhood" sort of way, but not when it comes to storytelling), Mavis seemed a little too clueless and stubborn at times compared to her earlier characterization, and there wasn't as much substance to the mystery itself as I would've liked.

Still, I really enjoy this series, and the world of cozy mysteries is lucky to have Elise Bryant — and Mavis!

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really enjoy the first book, but I have serious FOMO, hence why I’m here again loll. Plus, this cover is way too cute to not pull you in.

One thing about Mavis is she’s going to always find herself in the middle of something. Mavis is beyond annoying, she’s in everyone business and then wonders why she’s so stressed and doesn’t have enough time for herself, maybe tend to yourself first idk? On the other hand, I’m excited to see how this love triangle plays out!

[Suzanne (The Bookish Libra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come but this was another fun installment in this series.

[mimi (semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

first one was better, but yeah still good and funny

[Missy Christman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this series to last forever!!!! Mavis is so funny and her run-ins with the MLM moms with their crystals and gentle parenting is so hilariously accurate and relatable. The mystery—the kids soccer coach being poisoned with a Capri-Sun—is fun but also secondary to Mavis trying to learn how to put herself first and dealing with guilt over self-care while also trying to be class mom and All The Things. So yeah, I’ll take 100 more books please!!!

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so fun! It gives off cozy mystery vibes mixed with romance and a heavy dose of humor. Mavis Miller who once again finds herself thrown into solving a crime.

Coach Cole, the director of her daughter’s soccer program drops dead, and something about his death doesn’t sit right with Mavis. After quitting her job, she’s freed up some time in her schedule… might as well put her sleuthing skills to the test 🔍

The commentary on MLM girlbosses was hilarious. I love how Mavis navigates the unhinged behavior she encounters, whether it’s at work or at her daughter’s school.

I feel like everyone can find something to relate to in this story—whether it’s navigating motherhood, a new relationship, anxiety, or burnout.

I’m looking forward to book 3 in 2026 🙌

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Girl, Please

This picked up right where the previous book left off. Mavis was still a goofball. Her amateur sleuthing was silly and reckless. The mystery of what happened to Coach Cole was an interesting storyline. The hints for what may happen with Mavis and her ex made me happy. That’ll make me want to read any future books. I thought that this installment was a little better than the first book. I’m not a fan of the cozy mystery genre, but this was entertaining enough.

[Kayla • bookedblonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Quick notes:
🥰Cozy mystery
🏫school setting
🫶🏻loved the main character
🧑‍🧒loved the mother daughter relationship
🔍enjoyed the mystery
🙌laugh out loud moments

commentary on:
- being a Black woman in a predominantly white setting
- The idea of self-care & feeling like you don’t deserve it
- Mental health & therapy
- some parents not handling if their child isn’t “the best”
- pyramid schemes lol

Love supporting the book of a former sped teacher!! You know some of the school interactions she describes can only be written by someone who has been in the classroom 🙈

I didn’t realize this was the second in a series, so I did have a bit of trouble with all the characters at the very beginning, but I do think it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly such a clever, funny, and dynamic cozy mystery series! Bryant’s ability to identify weirdly niche tween/teen culture is amazing (like their obsession with shrek).

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game is Afoot by Elise Bryant is everything I could’ve wanted in a cozy mystery… lots of humor (I have way too many lines that I highlighted), suburban chaos, and a refreshingly real fmc who is trying to solve a murder while juggling motherhood and VERY cringy MLMs.

Mavis is an overextended, recently-divorced mom caught between school drama, soccer field politics, and an unexpected dead body. with witty writing and sneaky red herrings, I love how Bryant blended together laugh-out-loud moments with honest explorations of burnout, mental health, co-parenting, and that relentless pressure to “do it all.” there’s even a little (non-cheesy) romance triangle sprinkled in that had me absolutely kicking my feet 👀

this is technically book 2, but I dove in without reading the first and still had a blast. I’m now a full-on Elise Bryant fan and will absolutely be going back to read It’s Elementary ASAP because I need moreeee!! also I think Mavis finally convinced me to book that therapy appointment lol — yay for self-care!

✨tropes & vibes:
❤️‍🔥 divorced mom energy
❤️‍🔥 soft new romance (but…hello again, ex 👀)
❤️‍🔥 MLM satire & Shrek birthday parties
❤️‍🔥 cozy mystery + real-life chaos
❤️‍🔥 soccer parents gone feral

big thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼

[Katryn Bury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of THE GAME IS AFOOT (7/8/25) (one million out of five stars)

As an author, I have to spend a lot of time talking about my own books. But when I read IT'S ELEMENTARY, I turned into an evangelist. I started telling EVERYONE I knew about this book--because it has it all! Mystery, but with a relatable and funny main character whose mistakes and trials felt so much like those that parents (especially women and femme presenting folks) face.

When I was lucky enough to read an ARC of book 2, all I expected was to bask in the glory of Elise Bryant’s phenomenal voice again. But Y’ALL SHE TOOK IT EVEN HIGHER. Bryant’s The Game is Afoot has all of Mavis’s signature wit (and the type of curiosity that makes for a perfect amateur detective) but it also tackles the very real myth and expectation of mothers “having it all.” This is especially true for Mavis, who is expected to do it (all while being frequently expected to do MORE work to educate the white parents at her daughter’s school) and give everything of herself.

As a result, Mavis is not only trying to solve a mystery, but trying to navigate numerous mental health landmines in a way that will make so many feel seen. Speaking of, the mystery itself is fantastic. We delve into white lady MLMs which immediately made me squirm and the sea of W³YP (my not-so-secret code for white women wearing yoga pants) makes for an excellent crop of suspects. I found myself changing my mind about who did it all the way until the end. Like many great mysteries, this book takes you down paths you only think might be headed towards the solution, leading you into classic traps and keeping you guessing for the whole ride.

I truly love Mavis Miller SO MUCH and I hope she’ll sleuth again!

***
Thanks a million to Elise Bryant for sending along an ARC and I would say I’m unbiased because I’m not reviewing this for book swag, but I am a thousand percent biased because I love Mavis Miller and I will continue metaphorically jumping on a couch about her until the end of time.

[Daria (AnxiKitKatReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgally and Berkley Pub for the ARC.

After rage quitting her job, Mavis Miller tells herself that she’s going to finally have all the time to do the self care she has been putting off. However, she decides her time would be better spent trying to be a super mom and put all her attention on making sure her daughter has a fulfilling life. While taking on more tasks than she should, the Coach of her daughter’s soccer team drops dead on the field. Once the police mention possible foul play, Mavis decides she must help figure out this case. Self care can come after that…

This book was hilarious and at times, infuriating. I was laughing at all the PTA moms with their ridiculous MLM schemes or “my child is #1” antics. Those women were crazy and I can see why Mavis wanted to avoid them as much as possible while also being a supportive mom to her daughter. I absolutely loved the relationship between Mavis and Pearl, her almost 8 year old daughter. Pearl was so witty and you could tell she cared about her mom a lot. Mavis was determined to take on whatever she could to make sure Pearl knew she was supported and would be able to get into whatever she wanted, but honestly it was too much.

Now, Mavis got on my nerves! At times she reminded me of someone I know who acts like this. That anxiety and people pleasing were intense!! She really needed to know that if she doesn’t help every manic woman that asked her something, the world wouldn’t end. I just wanted to shake her and tell her go home. She really was doing everything, but dealing with her issues and the relationships she has. The way she got triggered every time someone was trying to help her was ridiculous, but you can’t help someone that doesn’t want to be helped.

I enjoyed this book and the banter. I didn’t realize it was a sequel until I started reading, so I’ll be checking out the first book “Elementary” soon.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC of this absolute gem!
The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant is such a delight. It’s funny, heartfelt, and cleverly plotted. It’s exactly what I want in a cozy mystery that feels modern and real.
Bryant nails the chaos and contradictions of motherhood through Mavis, who is vulnerable, sharp, and so funny. I loved her voice, wry, relatable, and authentic. Watching her juggle class mom duties, panic attacks she keeps brushing off, an ex husband back in town, a new relationship, and a murder investigation was both hilarious and surprisingly moving.
The mystery is well layered with plenty of twists, but what really shines is the balance of humor, emotion, and that sharp look at suburban life, from the sports parent politics to the pressure to be a “Supermom” and the MLM girlboss culture.
Elise Bryant’s writing feels warm and engaging, full of empathy for messy, complicated women. Mavis isn’t perfect, and that’s exactly why you root for her. If you love cozy mysteries with a modern voice, authentic characters, and a good dose of humor, The Game Is Afoot is a must read. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it!

[Fadeless Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elise Bryant's The Game Is Afoot is a compelling and entertaining mystery novel. It continues the story of Mavis Miller, a modern mother who finds herself involved in solving a murder case.

The narrative follows Mavis as she navigates her personal life, including new challenges and relationships, while also becoming an accidental detective. When a local soccer coach is found dead, Mavis feels compelled to investigate, leading her into unexpected situations and interactions with various community members.

Bryant's writing style is engaging, offering a blend of humor and realistic portrayals of everyday life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Mavis's experiences and perspectives. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with a plot that keeps readers guessing until the end.

This book offers a good balance of suspense, lighthearted moments, and thoughtful reflections on modern social dynamics. It will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with strong, relatable protagonists and a touch of wit.

[Emily Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨
The Game is Afoot by Elise Bryant
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
.
I will start this off by saying that cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre, but I will read anything Elise Bryant writes. If you liked Bryant's first cozy mystery, I think you will enjoy this one, too. I will say that Mavis annoyed me a little more in this sequel because of her infuriating avoidance of talking about and processing her emotions. However, she was still a lovable character who once again got herself wrapped up in the town's latest murder.
.
I did like that this book ended on a cliffhanger, making us assume there will be another book in the Mavis series. I do definitely plan to read it to see how some of the unfinished business from this book unfolds. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of over the top mysteries (think Finlay Donovan), and I HIGHLY recommend any of Bryant's YA books.