Katie & Maverick Cozy Mysteries, Book #10
Cozy Mystery
Date Published: 07-10-2025
Publisher: Secret Staircase Books
A National Competition and a Deadly Detour
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.
Interview
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
For me, the hardest part about writing my books are the days following their release. I hope they are well received, compelling mysteries with complete plots peppered with red herrings but enough clues to make the reader say when they finish reading, “Oh, I didn’t see that coming, but I should have,” and “I can’t wait for the next one.” I guess that means I have a bit of an imposter syndrome, but all it takes is one positive comment, and I ready for the next installment.
What are your most played songs?
I was a math and music major, so my taste covers all genres, but I’d have to say, during this past June, July and into August, I’ve played Rodgers & Hart’s “Isn’t It Romantic” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” the most often with a little of Beethoven’s “Für Elise” sprinkled in for good measure.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I have absolutely wonderful critique partners in my Sisters in Crime Guppy Group. They are also authors: Kate Michaelson - “Hidden Rooms” and Judy H Jones -“The Write Group.” I am also blessed with beta readers who’ve been with me since book one and have helped smooth out the rough edges and catch inconsistencies from book to book. In addition, my publisher provides more beta readers who help fill in the blanks when I think I’ve included information that doesn’t appear in the text because it has remained in a past story or just in my imagination and comment along the way.
What book are you reading now?
I just finished listening to Freida McFadden’s “Dead Med” !!!!! ARGGGH! and reading a physical copy of Allen Eskens’ “The Quiet Librarian.” I love mysteries.
How did you start your writing career?
I’ve began writing in elementary school and received my first rejection letter as a freshman in college for a short story I submitted to Good Housekeeping. I think I now have enough of those rejection letters to wallpaper a small room. I was fortunate when Secret Staircase, the mystery imprint for Columbine Publishing Group, found my Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries in 2021, and I’ve been happily writing with them, living my dream, ever since.
Tell us about your next release.
The working title of book eleven is “Golf, Ghost & Guilt.” It follows my protagonist, ex-cryptologist-now -high-school-math-teacher Katie Wilk, into summer vacation. Of course, she finds herself in a world of trouble, and it takes all her problem-solving skills and her canine companion’s superior talent to solve the crime.
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!
Contact Links
Website
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Twitter "X": @mary_seifert
Blog
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Instagram: @maryseifertauthor
Threads: @maryseifertauthor
LinkedIn: Mary KG Seifert
BlueSky: @mkgsei.bsky.social
Purchase Links
https://mybook.to/PlanesAtlantaAssassin
Amazon Kindle
Amazon: Paperback
Barnes and Noble
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