Pranks, Payback & Poison (Paperback or Softback)

The Katie & Maverick Cozy Mystery Series - 2024 Winner of the International Impact Book Awards

Several mysteries occupy Katie’s mind, all at once. Her newly discovered half-sister hasn’t yet endeared herself in the Wilk household. Even though her dad is somewhat accepting of the idea that the wife who abandoned him began a new family, Katie can’t get past the fact that her mother never once reached out to her, since she was a toddler. But Ellen has discovered clues that their mom might still be alive somewhere and she is determined to follow the trail, dragging Katie along.

Meanwhile, Ida Clemashevski, their landlady, is exhibiting some strange moods and memory swings and Katie is worried what that’s all about. What she discovers turns out to be deadly, in more ways than one. Now, the trick is to catch an old enemy before payback can be exacted, once and for all.

Praise for the Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries:

“...an intricate mystery with plenty of action and suspense. Plus, I like the dog.” David Housewright Edgar Award winning author of Something Wicked

“From navigating small town life to solving puzzling murders, Katie and Maverick are a delight.” —Mindy Mejia, international bestseller author

“Immediately captivating! Katie and Maverick are destined to become a notable amateur sleuth team in the mystery world.” –Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

“I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book by Mary Seifert! This well written and thoughtful story kept me engaged with fun characters, interesting information and mind and math puzzles. Looking forward to book two!” James, 5-star review

“Fun read! The author has an authentic voice and has done her research. The plot covers many topics: dogs, history, the inner workings of hospitals, family dynamics, and more. I especially enjoyed the puzzles and little-known historical facts that were part of the story. Maverick, Movies & Murder kept my interest and left me wanting more. Highly recommend!” Beth, online 5-star review

“…very much looking forward to her next!!! I can’t get enough of Ms. Seifert’s books!!” – proudarmymom, 5 stars

“…plenty of unanticipated twists and turns. It kept [me] up reading to see what was going to happen next!” – RHN, 5 stars online

“Maverick, Movies, and Murder isn't merely a cosy mystery; it's a literary embrace, a narrative that unfolds in layers, revealing both the familiar and the unexpected.” OnlineBookClub.org review

Mary Seifert has always loved a good mystery, a brain teaser, or a challenge. As a former mathematics teacher, she ties numbers and logic to the mayhem game. The Katie & Maverick Mysteries allow her to share those stories, as well as puzzles, riddles, and a few taste-tested recipes.When she's not writing, she's making wonderful memories with family, exchanging thoughtful ideas with friends, walking her dog whose only speed is faster, dabbling in needlecrafts, and pretending to cook. You can also find her sneaking bites of chocolate and sipping wine, both of which sometimes occur while writing. Mary is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, American Cryptogram Association, Dog Writers of America and PEO.