What do you think?
Rate this book
Maya and Sandra Mystery #1
Murder at the PTA
Desperate Housewives
meets Murder, She Wrote, in Lee Hollis’s new mystery series, where a housewife and a female private eye solve murders together in their small Maine town!
Someone is trying to turn Portland High into a school for scandal with a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry. The latest target of ruinous rumors is newly elected PTA president Sandra Wallage. After a heated meeting with outraged parents, Sandra runs into fellow school mom and private investigator Maya Kendrick, who's discovered the person behind the website. But when the women storm into the venomous gossip columnist’s office they find a lifeless body—along with a confession.
Although the police rule the death a suicide, Maya suspects an injured party hung the Dirty Laundry creator out to dry. Maya already has a PI partner—but she's pregnant, and sonograms and stakeouts tend to conflict. So when Sandra volunteers for a crash course in sleuthing, Maya accepts the help. But as these unlikely partners study the clues, a killer plans to teach them a lesson . . .
Someone is trying to turn Portland High into a school for scandal with a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry. The latest target of ruinous rumors is newly elected PTA president Sandra Wallage. After a heated meeting with outraged parents, Sandra runs into fellow school mom and private investigator Maya Kendrick, who's discovered the person behind the website. But when the women storm into the venomous gossip columnist’s office they find a lifeless body—along with a confession.
Although the police rule the death a suicide, Maya suspects an injured party hung the Dirty Laundry creator out to dry. Maya already has a PI partner—but she's pregnant, and sonograms and stakeouts tend to conflict. So when Sandra volunteers for a crash course in sleuthing, Maya accepts the help. But as these unlikely partners study the clues, a killer plans to teach them a lesson . . .
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
About the author
Lee Hollis
43 books746 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
June 11, 2024
This is a cozy mystery, and it is the first book in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series. This book was really about how Maya and Sandra became friends. I feel this book was just a lot of character building which is what a lot of first books in a series are. I felt the mystery part was ok, and I did not guess the big twist. I think the second book can be really good. I give it 3 stars because I do not love books that mainly about building characters friends and developing characters. Again I know first books are like that. I see great things coming for this series. I will carry on reading this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington) or author (Lee Hollis) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 30, 2020
MURDER AT THE PTA by Lee Hollis is the first book in the Maya and Sandra cozy mystery series and the first book that I have read by this author. The story is largely set in Portland, Maine. What happens when the latest target of rumors by a scandalous website affects the new PTA president, Sandra Wallage, wife of junior Senator Stephen Wallage? How does private investigator Maya Kendrick fit into the picture?
Sandra and Maya were great protagonists. You wanted them both to succeed and they had depth, flaws and virtues. Their motivations seemed believable and the secondary characters further enhanced the story. Despite there being a lot of character building in this first book in the series, the story line kept me fully engaged. The author did a great job of creating a setting in and around Portland High School. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing whether I had identified the right culprit or not. Themes include death, private investigations, raising teenagers, complicated marriages, gossip websites, friendship and much more. I can’t tell you the ‘much more’ as that would be a spoiler.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as checking out other books by this author.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks go to Goodreads, Kensington Books and Lee Hollis for the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Sandra and Maya were great protagonists. You wanted them both to succeed and they had depth, flaws and virtues. Their motivations seemed believable and the secondary characters further enhanced the story. Despite there being a lot of character building in this first book in the series, the story line kept me fully engaged. The author did a great job of creating a setting in and around Portland High School. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing whether I had identified the right culprit or not. Themes include death, private investigations, raising teenagers, complicated marriages, gossip websites, friendship and much more. I can’t tell you the ‘much more’ as that would be a spoiler.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as checking out other books by this author.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks go to Goodreads, Kensington Books and Lee Hollis for the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
February 16, 2023
Murder at the PTA is the first book in a cozy mystery series written by Lee Hollis. I've recently finished reading all the books in one of the author's other series, Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mysteries, and I wanted to keep focused on the Maine-themed settings. In this book, a private eye, Maya, connects with a fellow mom, Sandra, to investigate the death of a high school employee. Both their kids had connections to the deceased, and everyone wants them to solve the case. Too bad they both have major personal things going on which prevent them from seeing the true villain early on. I like both the major characters, and the overall setting had positive vibes. I thought the culprit was a fun surprise, but the case ended abruptly in some ways... it was fully fleshed out but the person who hired them had fired them... and we never heard back on that aspect coming full circle. There was also a large focus on teenage sexuality and wondering whether their kids were beginning to have sex. I thought it was more than needed but also had a strange sense of popping up in odd places. LOL But I've already grabbed the second book and will start it this weekend!
March 6, 2022
Murder at the PTA by Lee Hollis is the first book in the cozy Maya and Sandra Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries the Maya and Sandra Mystery series is one that has a fully solved murder within the book so it can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. There will be of course character development that carries over from book to book if reading from the beginning.
The Maya and Sandra Mystery series is a little different than your average cozy in the fact it has two lead characters and changes the point of view between them to give both sides to the story. Sandra Wallage is a housewife and the PTA president that is married to a scandalous politician. Maya Kendrick is a private investigator that has a huge workload with her partner being pregnant and close to giving birth.
Sandra’s husband is the latest victim of a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry outing him as a cheater. As Sandra is trying to pull herself together from the news she runs into Maya at the school and wonders why she is there so she follows her. Both women then discover the body of the woman running the Dirty Laundry website and find themselves caught up in just who killed her.
After beginning the Maya and Sandra Mystery series I thought to myself this is going to be one that is either a hit or miss with readers. The series is a cozy with some humor but along with having two characters it’s also a little different in being a little darker than your normal cozy. Personally I did enjoy the changes to the norm and liked reading this first book of the series. With one character your regular joe jumping into investigations and the other a trained detective I found this a great combo and look forward to returning.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Maya and Sandra Mystery series is a little different than your average cozy in the fact it has two lead characters and changes the point of view between them to give both sides to the story. Sandra Wallage is a housewife and the PTA president that is married to a scandalous politician. Maya Kendrick is a private investigator that has a huge workload with her partner being pregnant and close to giving birth.
Sandra’s husband is the latest victim of a gossipy website called Dirty Laundry outing him as a cheater. As Sandra is trying to pull herself together from the news she runs into Maya at the school and wonders why she is there so she follows her. Both women then discover the body of the woman running the Dirty Laundry website and find themselves caught up in just who killed her.
After beginning the Maya and Sandra Mystery series I thought to myself this is going to be one that is either a hit or miss with readers. The series is a cozy with some humor but along with having two characters it’s also a little different in being a little darker than your normal cozy. Personally I did enjoy the changes to the norm and liked reading this first book of the series. With one character your regular joe jumping into investigations and the other a trained detective I found this a great combo and look forward to returning.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 22, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from net galley and Kensington Books in return for an honest review. Release date for this book is 29 Sept 2020
I really enjoyed this first book in this new cozy Murder mystery series. The characters are compelling and complexed and the storyline was intriguing. Lee Hollis is one of my favorite mystery writers because her stories are more raw and less cutesy then most cozy mysteries. I love that this series has two very strong women as main characters. They come from vastly different backgrounds but complement each other so well. I look forward to reading more in this series to see what direction the authors takes these characters in.
I really enjoyed this first book in this new cozy Murder mystery series. The characters are compelling and complexed and the storyline was intriguing. Lee Hollis is one of my favorite mystery writers because her stories are more raw and less cutesy then most cozy mysteries. I love that this series has two very strong women as main characters. They come from vastly different backgrounds but complement each other so well. I look forward to reading more in this series to see what direction the authors takes these characters in.
September 1, 2019
A great new series set in Maine featuring a pair of unlikely protagonists—housewife, Sandra Wallage, and female P.I., Maya Kendrick. The plot is nifty, and zips along, centering around topics right out of today’s news. Plenty of chuckles throughout, plus a whopper of a shocking ending/reveal! Wow! I can hardly wait to read the next story. Now, I’m going to listen to the old song, Harper Valley PTA! 😊
I received an ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you.
I received an ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you.
Read
July 16, 2021can't say....knockout book! lol come join us this saturday the July 17th
https://youtu.be/P-g04gFIqyc
https://youtu.be/P-g04gFIqyc
September 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this first book in this new cozy Murder mystery series. The characters are compelling and complexed and the storyline was intriguing. Lee Hollis is one of my favorite mystery writers because her stories are more raw and less cutesy then most cozy mysteries. I love that this series has two very strong women as main characters. They come from vastly different backgrounds but complement each other so well. I look forward to reading more in this series to see what direction the authors takes these characters in.
October 2, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
It's as if the authors took their Politically Correct Checklist and wrote a book. As fellow reviewer, Erin, perfectly put it: "This book may be a purple haired leftist wet dream, but it turned me off completely."
✔ Two female co-heroines, one a woman of color
✔ Gay son
✔ A Senator husband is the darling of CNN
✔ Husband/Senator accused of using taxpayer money to pay off mistress
✔ Vegetarian/organic foods prominently showcased
✔ Co-heroine character drives a electric Volt
✔ Co-heroine character's former police-captain ex- husband serving time for corruption
✔ Men are lying, cheating A-Holes
That's just the first 15% of the book. After the minutia at the beginning of the book establishing the women as shat upon wives, it settles down to a respectable mystery.
Sandra Wallage is the wife of the Jr. Senator from Maine. She is the quintessential politician's wife. She is the mother of two teens and president of the PTA. She has also looked the other way, at least once. When a story breaks on a local scandal site that says her husband "The Senator" has used public money to pay off a sexual harassment claim. well, she puts on her politician's wife smile and denies the claims. When she and fellow mom, Maya Kendrick, a local PI, discover who is behind the Dirty Laundry site they rush to confront them, only to find a dead body.
When the police rule the death a suicide, Sandra and Maya both know that is just not the truth. A race is on to find who the real killer is and to also expose some dirty doings in the police department. When the answers cause some discomfort, both Sandra and Maya are at risk to become the next victims. 3-1/2-Stars
It's as if the authors took their Politically Correct Checklist and wrote a book. As fellow reviewer, Erin, perfectly put it: "This book may be a purple haired leftist wet dream, but it turned me off completely."
✔ Two female co-heroines, one a woman of color
✔ Gay son
✔ A Senator husband is the darling of CNN
✔ Husband/Senator accused of using taxpayer money to pay off mistress
✔ Vegetarian/organic foods prominently showcased
✔ Co-heroine character drives a electric Volt
✔ Co-heroine character's former police-captain ex- husband serving time for corruption
✔ Men are lying, cheating A-Holes
That's just the first 15% of the book. After the minutia at the beginning of the book establishing the women as shat upon wives, it settles down to a respectable mystery.
Sandra Wallage is the wife of the Jr. Senator from Maine. She is the quintessential politician's wife. She is the mother of two teens and president of the PTA. She has also looked the other way, at least once. When a story breaks on a local scandal site that says her husband "The Senator" has used public money to pay off a sexual harassment claim. well, she puts on her politician's wife smile and denies the claims. When she and fellow mom, Maya Kendrick, a local PI, discover who is behind the Dirty Laundry site they rush to confront them, only to find a dead body.
When the police rule the death a suicide, Sandra and Maya both know that is just not the truth. A race is on to find who the real killer is and to also expose some dirty doings in the police department. When the answers cause some discomfort, both Sandra and Maya are at risk to become the next victims. 3-1/2-Stars
August 10, 2021
3,5 stars. The premise of this book is really interesting and original, so it could be 5 stars. The problem is that the first and the last parts are thrilled, but the middle are boring and shallow. IMHO, this book could have 50 less pages. Scribd.com English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate.
October 16, 2020
Lee Hollis is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors, so when I heard that they would be having a new series, I was really excited. I think there was a delay with this series because I was looking forward to the release day and noticed that it never came out, so when this finally landed in my hands, I was desperate to read it.
The concept of this series is unlike any I’ve read in the genre. Honestly, I’m not sure that I would have tried it if it weren’t written by Lee Hollis. And after reading this book, I am still a bit iffy about it since it’s not an interest I usually have. However, I gave it a shot anyway.
After reading this book, I did feel a different in the style of writing. It wasn’t as clear-cut as it has been in the past and the beginning of the book was pretty slow for me. Since this is so different than the Hollis style that I know and love, it was a bit of an adjustment. I’ll have to read book two before I can really make a judgment on whether I like it or not. But I’m just glad that there’s a new series to look forward too from Hollis.
October 9, 2020
Dirty little secrets, dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybody's pies
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
Maya a former police officer turned private investigator has a husband, also a former police officer, in jail for corruption while on the force.
That was the story that needed to be told.
Instead i got the wife of a senator who was newly elected PTA president, her husband the philandering senator, her gay son the QB of the football team, her other not gay son who is a theater geek, Oh so clever reversing the stereotypes and somewhere in there a murder.
I'm a fan of The Real Housewives of Bravo, our secret, but this was second rate at best. A dull, poorly acted, cliche filled Lifetime movie. Skip this and go watch the new season of Real Housewives Of Orange County. The coronavirus has struck and the ladies are out of toilet paper! Dear God! Can you spare a square?!
We got our dirty little fingers in everybody's pies
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
Maya a former police officer turned private investigator has a husband, also a former police officer, in jail for corruption while on the force.
That was the story that needed to be told.
Instead i got the wife of a senator who was newly elected PTA president, her husband the philandering senator, her gay son the QB of the football team, her other not gay son who is a theater geek, Oh so clever reversing the stereotypes and somewhere in there a murder.
I'm a fan of The Real Housewives of Bravo, our secret, but this was second rate at best. A dull, poorly acted, cliche filled Lifetime movie. Skip this and go watch the new season of Real Housewives Of Orange County. The coronavirus has struck and the ladies are out of toilet paper! Dear God! Can you spare a square?!
July 30, 2020
I always enjoy cozy mysteries authored by Lee Hollis. This book differs from many cozy mystery debuts. In this series the sleuths are actually a duo. Maya is a private investigator and Sandra is a housewife and PTA president. They are united through their children and a shared fortitude that comes from suffering through disappointment. Maya and Sandra both have complicated marriages and a penchant for righting wrongs. I love that the characters in this book have layers. The surprising twist was the cherry on top.
October 13, 2019
Christ! If I could give this no stars I absolutely would. DNF at page 82. This is part of a new batch of cozies that are Barnes and Noble exclusives for a year and it's the second dud out of two, which means that under no circumstances will I purchase another of these.
Murder At The PTA is supposed to be a mystery, but by page 82, no murder has happened. All we have so far is pages and pages of description of brown people, constantly described as beautiful, gorgeous, impossibly handsome, confident, so beautiful that strangers have to compliment them, etc. It's so over the top and condescending that it's grating and distracting. Meanwhile, the white characters are high school dropouts, opioid addicts, cheating husbands, etc. The main character, Sandra, has a cheating husband, a gay football star for one son and a straight theater son whom horrifies her by making out with his girlfriend in the school hall. Sandra makes a note to herself to talk to her son about his "overly aggressive sexual behavior". This book may be a purple haired leftist wet dream, but it turned me off completely.
Kensington, if you are looking to diversify cozy mysteries, instead of having white authors write phony, cardboard condescending garbage, why not hire some black authors to write about real black people? Hispanic authors to write real Hispanic people? You get the drift. This is garbage.
Murder At The PTA is supposed to be a mystery, but by page 82, no murder has happened. All we have so far is pages and pages of description of brown people, constantly described as beautiful, gorgeous, impossibly handsome, confident, so beautiful that strangers have to compliment them, etc. It's so over the top and condescending that it's grating and distracting. Meanwhile, the white characters are high school dropouts, opioid addicts, cheating husbands, etc. The main character, Sandra, has a cheating husband, a gay football star for one son and a straight theater son whom horrifies her by making out with his girlfriend in the school hall. Sandra makes a note to herself to talk to her son about his "overly aggressive sexual behavior". This book may be a purple haired leftist wet dream, but it turned me off completely.
Kensington, if you are looking to diversify cozy mysteries, instead of having white authors write phony, cardboard condescending garbage, why not hire some black authors to write about real black people? Hispanic authors to write real Hispanic people? You get the drift. This is garbage.
October 3, 2020
It's always good to start a cozy mystery series from the very beginning and this one, Murder at the PTA written by Lee Hollis certainly lived up to my expectations!
The reader soon meets the stars of the show, Maya and Sandra, who went to the same high school. Sandra Wallage is a newly elected PTA president and the wife of a Maine Senator, and Maya Kendrick is an ex-police officer turned private investigator and she runs the PI business with a friend, Frances Turner. I loved the relationship between Maya and Sandra who were total opposites. There was plenty of humour in the story with twists that held my attention and kept me guessing. The mystery was very involved and the killer was someone I didn't expect.
Would I read more in this series from Lee Hollis? An emphatic... yes! 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The reader soon meets the stars of the show, Maya and Sandra, who went to the same high school. Sandra Wallage is a newly elected PTA president and the wife of a Maine Senator, and Maya Kendrick is an ex-police officer turned private investigator and she runs the PI business with a friend, Frances Turner. I loved the relationship between Maya and Sandra who were total opposites. There was plenty of humour in the story with twists that held my attention and kept me guessing. The mystery was very involved and the killer was someone I didn't expect.
Would I read more in this series from Lee Hollis? An emphatic... yes! 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 16, 2020
This book is the first in a new cozy mystery series. For me the book was about the female characters new friendships. We get to know their lives and families. Because i liked the Main characters so much sign me up for the Next book.. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review
August 9, 2020
Maya and Sandra Mystery
There is a website called Dirty Laundry going around Portland High and the latest target is the new PTA president Sandra Wallace a senators wife and her two sons go to that high school. We also meet Maya a private investigator who married a dirty cop serving time who also has a daughter going to the high school.
Maya has an eighth month pregnant partner, but stakeouts and interviewing suspects is hard to do for her. Seeing her daughter and Sandra's son are dating she gives her a quick rundown on the rules and takes a chance on her.
When Maya and Sandra come upon the Dirty Laundry's body in her office in the high school they call he police and Maya is rushed out of the room fast. So when it is ruled a suicide and not a murder she knows something is wrong because she and Sandra showed up first and she saw evidence proving it was murder. She doesn't trust the cop that investigated the scene of the crime but she is not a cop any longer so she has no where to go but to keep investigating with Sandra.
Sandra turns out to be a good with people and getting them to open up
with all her years of being a senators wife it comes easy and Maya's friend doesn't like it. And Maya can't understand what her problem is there trying to find answers. Maya thinks she must be jealous of the time she is spending with Sandra.
I could not believe the ending of the book, I didn't see it coming. I can't wait for the next book in this series. These two will be great together!!
There is a website called Dirty Laundry going around Portland High and the latest target is the new PTA president Sandra Wallace a senators wife and her two sons go to that high school. We also meet Maya a private investigator who married a dirty cop serving time who also has a daughter going to the high school.
Maya has an eighth month pregnant partner, but stakeouts and interviewing suspects is hard to do for her. Seeing her daughter and Sandra's son are dating she gives her a quick rundown on the rules and takes a chance on her.
When Maya and Sandra come upon the Dirty Laundry's body in her office in the high school they call he police and Maya is rushed out of the room fast. So when it is ruled a suicide and not a murder she knows something is wrong because she and Sandra showed up first and she saw evidence proving it was murder. She doesn't trust the cop that investigated the scene of the crime but she is not a cop any longer so she has no where to go but to keep investigating with Sandra.
Sandra turns out to be a good with people and getting them to open up
with all her years of being a senators wife it comes easy and Maya's friend doesn't like it. And Maya can't understand what her problem is there trying to find answers. Maya thinks she must be jealous of the time she is spending with Sandra.
I could not believe the ending of the book, I didn't see it coming. I can't wait for the next book in this series. These two will be great together!!
September 21, 2020
This is the first book in the Maya and Sandra mystery series. Sandra is a senator's wife and president of the PTA at Portland High School. Maya is a recently divorced PI whose cop husband is in jail for corruption. During Sandra's first meeting of the PTA a story in the gossip website for the high school comes out about her husband, Senator Wallage. Sandra does her best to ignore the rumors about her husband. Maya's daughter hires her mother to find out who runs the website and get it shut down. When Maya investigates she traces the website back to Maisie Portman, the assistant principal. Maya goes to confront Maisie and runs into Sandra. Sandra follows her into the office and they both find Maisie hanging from the ceiling. They team up together when Maisie's sister hires Maya to prove her sister was murdered.
I really enjoyed this book. The was a lot of building of the characters and I felt like we really got to know the characters. I like how Maya wasn't really that fond of Sandra at the beginning but grew to like her by the end. They mystery was good. I did not see that twist coming about who the killer was. I never would have guessed the culprit. This was a good first book in the series. I will definitely be on the lookout for more. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The was a lot of building of the characters and I felt like we really got to know the characters. I like how Maya wasn't really that fond of Sandra at the beginning but grew to like her by the end. They mystery was good. I did not see that twist coming about who the killer was. I never would have guessed the culprit. This was a good first book in the series. I will definitely be on the lookout for more. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2020
This was okay. Some parts seemed way too unrealistic.
December 17, 2020
Murder at the PTA by Lee Hollis is the first book in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series. When the person behind gossip website Dirty Laundry is found dead by apparent suicide, private investigator Maya Kendrick is hired by the woman's sister to investigate. Newly elected PTA president and senators wife, Sandra Wallage, befriends maya and assists in the investigation. I loved this book and I especially loved getting to know the characters and how they are drawn together despite their differences. The mystery was good with several twists and the investigation entertaining. A delightful and very enjoyable cozy mystery.
November 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
Lee Hollis is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors, so when I heard that they would be having a new series, I was really excited. I think there was a delay with this series because I was looking forward to the release day and noticed that it never came out, so when this finally landed in my hands, I was desperate to read it.
The concept of this series is unlike any I’ve read in the genre. Honestly, I’m not sure that I would have tried it if it weren’t written by Lee Hollis. And after reading this book, I am still a bit iffy about it since it’s not an interest I usually have. However, I gave it a shot anyway.
After reading this book, I did feel a different in the style of writing. It wasn’t as clear-cut as it has been in the past and the beginning of the book was pretty slow for me. Since this is so different than the Hollis style that I know and love, it was a bit of an adjustment. I’ll have to read book two before I can really make a judgment on whether I like it or not. But I’m just glad that there’s a new series to look forward too from Hollis.
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 28, 2020
Murder at the PTA is the first book in the Maya and Sandry Mystery series by Lee Hollis.
I love that the story is set in Portland, Maine as I live in Maine myself and I loved reading about Maine. Maya Kendrick is a Private Investigator and Sandra Wallage is the wife of a Maine Senator. Sandra is in a new position as the President of the PTA and social media is rampant with a "Dirty Laundry" a social media site that claims that Sandra's husband is taking taxpayer money to pay for a sexual harrasment suit.
The mystery is a multi-layered complex one here. The character development is EXCELLENT.
This is a great first book in a new series. I look forward to reading more from this author and series.
I love that the story is set in Portland, Maine as I live in Maine myself and I loved reading about Maine. Maya Kendrick is a Private Investigator and Sandra Wallage is the wife of a Maine Senator. Sandra is in a new position as the President of the PTA and social media is rampant with a "Dirty Laundry" a social media site that claims that Sandra's husband is taking taxpayer money to pay for a sexual harrasment suit.
The mystery is a multi-layered complex one here. The character development is EXCELLENT.
This is a great first book in a new series. I look forward to reading more from this author and series.
May 26, 2021
I real enjoyed this book as it was more closely to what could happen with a PI and a murder investigation. The Character were very believable. It took me a while to figure out who the murderer was and it was very interesting story line. I can not waiting for the next book to come out.
August 26, 2019
Series: A Maya and Sandra Mystery – Book 1
Author: Lee Hollis
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Private Investigator
Publisher: Kensington Mystery
Page Count: 314
Publishing Date: August 27th, 2019
The debut book, Murder at the PTA in a new cozy mystery series from Kensington Books, Lee Hollis’ “A Maya and Sandra Mystery” starts with a hit. This book will have readers asking for more. Murder at the PTA is a hard-boiled detective story with a fantastic cozy book feel.
Sandra is a politician’s wife in every way that matters, but her husband is a better Senator than a husband. This character could use some improvement. Any new cozy mystery series require growth and development which will come as the series progresses. Currently, she seems to be a bit too easy-going where her husband is concerned and needs a bit more backbone when it comes to dealing with what life throws at her. She lacks confidence in herself, and she has an unusual ability to keep her mouth shut even when it’s not what would be best. There is no doubt about her love for her son’s or her loyalty to a friend.
Maya is a lovely character full of spunk and knows how to investigate a crime. But like Sandra, she needs to have more confidence in herself and her abilities and stop worrying about what other people might think. It's her life, and Maya needs to get over the past. She shouldn’t worry as much as she does about what her husband did and the price he is paying for his crimes. Sooner or later, she will have to make him, and her daughter understands that there is no going back to what once was, and they must move forward.
As a new cozy mystery series, this first book delivers on mystery and entertainment. The killer found, and justice is done. It isn’t easy, and there are lots of personal conflicts and emotions that threaten to tear apart the characters. Everything a good cozy book needs to keep readers engaged and satisfied.
There is room for growth, adventure, excitement, and intrigue. The authors are a veteran brother and sister writing team. They have created a new cozy mystery series that can and will expand in time, with characters that will mature and become beloved by readers. I enjoyed and am happy to recommend, Murder at the PTA. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Author: Lee Hollis
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Private Investigator
Publisher: Kensington Mystery
Page Count: 314
Publishing Date: August 27th, 2019
The debut book, Murder at the PTA in a new cozy mystery series from Kensington Books, Lee Hollis’ “A Maya and Sandra Mystery” starts with a hit. This book will have readers asking for more. Murder at the PTA is a hard-boiled detective story with a fantastic cozy book feel.
Sandra is a politician’s wife in every way that matters, but her husband is a better Senator than a husband. This character could use some improvement. Any new cozy mystery series require growth and development which will come as the series progresses. Currently, she seems to be a bit too easy-going where her husband is concerned and needs a bit more backbone when it comes to dealing with what life throws at her. She lacks confidence in herself, and she has an unusual ability to keep her mouth shut even when it’s not what would be best. There is no doubt about her love for her son’s or her loyalty to a friend.
Maya is a lovely character full of spunk and knows how to investigate a crime. But like Sandra, she needs to have more confidence in herself and her abilities and stop worrying about what other people might think. It's her life, and Maya needs to get over the past. She shouldn’t worry as much as she does about what her husband did and the price he is paying for his crimes. Sooner or later, she will have to make him, and her daughter understands that there is no going back to what once was, and they must move forward.
As a new cozy mystery series, this first book delivers on mystery and entertainment. The killer found, and justice is done. It isn’t easy, and there are lots of personal conflicts and emotions that threaten to tear apart the characters. Everything a good cozy book needs to keep readers engaged and satisfied.
There is room for growth, adventure, excitement, and intrigue. The authors are a veteran brother and sister writing team. They have created a new cozy mystery series that can and will expand in time, with characters that will mature and become beloved by readers. I enjoyed and am happy to recommend, Murder at the PTA. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I knew I'd like anything this author writes, because I love their other two series. It's great how they can set a different tone for each series they've written. Maya and Sandra were the two most unlikely candidates for sleuthing partners, but they worked together really well once Maya adjusted to Sandra being a senator's wife. She soon found out that Sandra wasn't the typical prissy trophy wife but someone who was very committed to a new friendship and possibly sleuthing partnership. Sandra was pretty smart and able to read people well too.
Someone had offed the vice principal of the high school the night that Sandra had her first PTA meeting as president, and the woman's sister hired Maya's PI firm to prove that it was murder not suicide. What a crazy web of deception and secrets this all led to! I loved it, and the showdown was super exciting, at least to me. The wrap-up was great and whatever wasn't already explained got mentioned as to the outcome. What a fun ending! Now I can't wait for the next book!
I won a Kindle copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected my review, and my opinions are completely my own.
Someone had offed the vice principal of the high school the night that Sandra had her first PTA meeting as president, and the woman's sister hired Maya's PI firm to prove that it was murder not suicide. What a crazy web of deception and secrets this all led to! I loved it, and the showdown was super exciting, at least to me. The wrap-up was great and whatever wasn't already explained got mentioned as to the outcome. What a fun ending! Now I can't wait for the next book!
I won a Kindle copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected my review, and my opinions are completely my own.
September 24, 2019
I'm stunned by the number of very high ratings. This is an innocuous little book that will pass your time but evaporate into the atmosphere in no time at all leaving little if any impression.
Neither of the heroines is in any way extraordinary or impressive. Relateable, maybe but hardly memorable. You know who did it -- if not why -- 2/3 of the way into the book. And it's written as though the author is being paid by the word or the product endorsement.
Put it in your purse for those times when you're waiting for a doctor's appointment. It will keep your mind occupied and you won't mind putting it down when the doctor shows his or her face. But choose something else if you want a memorable reading experience.
Neither of the heroines is in any way extraordinary or impressive. Relateable, maybe but hardly memorable. You know who did it -- if not why -- 2/3 of the way into the book. And it's written as though the author is being paid by the word or the product endorsement.
Put it in your purse for those times when you're waiting for a doctor's appointment. It will keep your mind occupied and you won't mind putting it down when the doctor shows his or her face. But choose something else if you want a memorable reading experience.
February 28, 2020
Good first in the series read. If you love cozies, give it a go
September 25, 2020
Murder at the PTA by Lee Hollis is the debut of A Maya and Sandra Mystery series. This book takes the time to establish the main characters and their families. We get to know Sandra Wallage, the wife of United States Senator Stephen Wallage. She has two teenage sons, Jack and Ryan. Sandra was just elected the PTA president at South Portland High School in Maine. She is used to being in the spotlight, but it is not something that she enjoys. Maya Kendrick is a former police officer turned private investigator after her husband was convicted in a corruption scandal. Maya has a sixteen year old daughter, Vanessa who still believes her father is innocent. Maya has a PI business with friend, Frances Turner who is currently eight months pregnant. This leaves Maya carrying the load at the office. It turns out that Maya and Sandra went to high school together. The story deals with scandals, teenage drama, money problems, a boy with a drug problem, and a death. The mystery is not complex. There are a couple of suspects and good clues. I found it a cinch to solve this whodunit. I would have liked a more challenging mystery. I found the story easy to read, but I wish the pacing had been peppier. I liked seeing the changes in the two women as the story progressed. The ending was humorous. I am curious to see what happens next. Murder at the PTA is a cute cozy with thrilling tittle-tattle, a sexy senator, a pregnant partner, chatting at cooking class, private eye practice, and forming friendships.
September 29, 2020
Sandra Wallace has just been elected as president of the PTA and as a politicians wife knows all about scandal. When a website called Dirty Laundry posts an article about her husband she knows she must keep a level head. She runs into Maya, an old classmate who is now a P.I. and find sour she has discovered who is behind the website. When the two women go to confront the woman they find her dead a note next to her. Although the police say her death is a suicide Maya saw some clues that say otherwise. With Maya's partner out on maternity leave she gets help from Sandra. The two delve into their own investigation and soon learn that they have quite a few secrets to dig through. Along the way these two woman who weren't friends in school form a bond of friendship. As they work together will they be able to put all the puzzle pieces together and figure out just who the killer is? This was a great start to a new series, the characters were relatable and the plot easy to follow without giving away everything. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters to next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews