The Game Is Afoot

De: Elise Bryant

Narrado por: Aure Nash

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 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?

©2025 Elise Bryant (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Exactly what I was looking for!

I've been searching for a lighthearted mystery with a black woman as the lead. Elise Bryant gave me exactly what I was looking for. This book doesn't weigh you down with a dark and brooding detective (although there is a time and a place for that).

The main character deals with every day issued AND some deeper topics, its very well balanced and authentic.

My only negative comment is regarding the ex-husband. Potential spoiler ahead.

I am so not interested in the will they won't they of second chance romance. I will be so disappointed if they are put back together in a future book. Very much team school counselor. I am being dramatically honest when I say I will not continue to read the books if they start dating. He was a dead beat dad for years, being effected by this personally, I have no interest in a romantic spin being put on that.

Even Better Than the First

I loved this book so much. Damn near cried when it ended. Desperately hoping there is a book 3 on the way. Mavis Miller and her cast of characters are delightful and engaging. This book hits different because it’s just so damn relatable to my current era in life, minus the murder and all. I was first introduced to Its Elementary (the first book on the series) by trying to fulfill a Good Reads reading challenge under the black history category and it so thankful I did. The narration of this book is absolutely incredible, all the characters and voices. Absolutely amazing. My favorite read of the year so far.

5 stars

The Game is Afoot is an entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters and and a well developed plot. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Mavis…?

Some spoilers

I enjoyed getting caught up with all the characters. I known it all gets sorted in the end but Mavis was killing me with how many times she ignored her instincts. I love when her a Jasmine talk.

Self care with a side of mystery

I love a good mystery and this one was too cute with the side of murder, mental health breakdown, pre mid life crisis and managing love interests. I have to go back and read the first book because there appears to be a cliff hanger that I have to understand ❣️