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It's Elementary
A fast-paced, completely delightful new mystery about what happens when parents get a little too involved in their kids' schools, from NAACP Image Award nominee Elise Bryant.
Mavis Miller is not a PTA mom. She has enough on her plate with her feisty seven-year-old daughter, Pearl, an exhausting job at a nonprofit, and the complexities of a multigenerational household. So no one is more surprised than Mavis when she caves to Trisha Holbrook, the long-reigning, slightly terrifying PTA president, and finds herself in charge of the school’s brand-new DEI committee.
As one of the few Black parents at this California elementary school, Mavis tries to convince herself this is an opportunity for real change. But things go off the rails at the very first meeting, when the new principal's plans leave Trisha absolutely furious. Later that night, when Mavis spies Trisha in yellow rubber gloves and booties, lugging cleaning supplies and giant black trash bags to her waiting minivan, it’s only natural that her mind jumps to somewhere it surely wouldn’t in the light of day.
Except Principal Smith fails to show up for work the next morning, and has been MIA since the meeting. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Mavis, along with the school psychologist with the great forearms (look, it’s worth noting), launches an investigation that will challenge her views on parenting, friendship, and elementary school politics.
Brilliantly written, It's Elementary is a quick-witted, escapist romp that perfectly captures just how far parents will go to give their kids the very best, all wrapped in a mystery that will leave you guessing to the very end.
Mavis Miller is not a PTA mom. She has enough on her plate with her feisty seven-year-old daughter, Pearl, an exhausting job at a nonprofit, and the complexities of a multigenerational household. So no one is more surprised than Mavis when she caves to Trisha Holbrook, the long-reigning, slightly terrifying PTA president, and finds herself in charge of the school’s brand-new DEI committee.
As one of the few Black parents at this California elementary school, Mavis tries to convince herself this is an opportunity for real change. But things go off the rails at the very first meeting, when the new principal's plans leave Trisha absolutely furious. Later that night, when Mavis spies Trisha in yellow rubber gloves and booties, lugging cleaning supplies and giant black trash bags to her waiting minivan, it’s only natural that her mind jumps to somewhere it surely wouldn’t in the light of day.
Except Principal Smith fails to show up for work the next morning, and has been MIA since the meeting. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Mavis, along with the school psychologist with the great forearms (look, it’s worth noting), launches an investigation that will challenge her views on parenting, friendship, and elementary school politics.
Brilliantly written, It's Elementary is a quick-witted, escapist romp that perfectly captures just how far parents will go to give their kids the very best, all wrapped in a mystery that will leave you guessing to the very end.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2024
About the author
Elise Bryant
8 books1,058 followersElise 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
June 17, 2024
I love the concept of this one, and the execution was pretty good as well. The romance was light and fluffy with a bit of a third act. This probably would’ve been five stars if the romance was given a bit more room to shine, since I was always hoping for a few more crumbs.
My favorite part was the narrator, Aure Nash, because her voice work was hilarious! It felt like she had a lot of fun recording this one. The ending was a tad rushed, but overall this was really fun.
I received an ALC from PRHaudio. All opinions are honest and my own.
My favorite part was the narrator, Aure Nash, because her voice work was hilarious! It felt like she had a lot of fun recording this one. The ending was a tad rushed, but overall this was really fun.
I received an ALC from PRHaudio. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 15, 2024
Such a fun, smart cozy mystery about over-involved parents but also about racism, motherhood, and community.
September 4, 2024
3.5 stars!
pretty solid adult debut from this author! i definitely would be up to read more by her in the future. i’m not really into murder mysteries but this was fine, i really liked the romance.
pretty solid adult debut from this author! i definitely would be up to read more by her in the future. i’m not really into murder mysteries but this was fine, i really liked the romance.
July 14, 2024
This is a laugh out loud delight of a cozish mystery set in the utter chaos that is elementary school PTA. I mean where else will you find a more contentious bunch of back stabbing, power hungry, manipulative psychos who will do literally anything to ensure little Muffy's transcripts dazzle the admissions office at Stamford?
Mavis Miller wants no part of it. Raising her 7 year old daughter Pearl on her own (with a little help from her retired lawyer dad) while her ex-husband travels the world with his band and fighting the good fight at a non-profit is enough without adding the politics and infighting of monthly PTA meetings. But she's utterly powerless in the face of the relentless Knoll Elementary School PTA president Trisha, who taps Mavis to chair the PTA's brand new DEI committee, diversity, equity, and inclusion. What Trisha wants, Trisha gets.
At her first PTA meeting Mavis watches as Trisha's grand plan to transform Knoll Elementary into a school for gifted students is uncerimonously scrapped by the new principal. She also just happens to be in the bathroom to hear just how angry Trisha is about that and she just happens to witness Trisha acting very suspicously in the school parking lot later that night while walking Pearl's puppy.
And then the principal disappears.
Now convinced that Trisha's bizarre behavior and the principals vanshing much be connected she teams up with the school psychologist (who's movie star good looks are just an added bonus and in no way plays into her decision to partner with him, at all) to try to figure out just what is happening at Knoll Elementary.
This is a fast paced, clever charmer that had me rooting like crazy for smart, hilariously sarcastic Mavis to crack the case. As this is what I call a "set up" novel (at least I hope it is) for a longer series we meet a large number of supporting players in Mavis's world and the board does get a bit overfilled with both potential bad guys and red herring subplots but the resolution when it comes is quite satisfying. Mavis is every cool mom you've wanted to commiserate with at the class bake sale, her caustic, but never cruel, sense of humor shines through every page but author Elise Bryant doesn't put her on a pedestal. Her exhaustion, feelings of insecurity, and endless frustration with school systems's designed to keep every kid who isn't white from succeeding resonate deeply. She's a fighter, but wishes she didn't have to be.
I cannot wait to see where her next battle takes her.
Mavis Miller wants no part of it. Raising her 7 year old daughter Pearl on her own (with a little help from her retired lawyer dad) while her ex-husband travels the world with his band and fighting the good fight at a non-profit is enough without adding the politics and infighting of monthly PTA meetings. But she's utterly powerless in the face of the relentless Knoll Elementary School PTA president Trisha, who taps Mavis to chair the PTA's brand new DEI committee, diversity, equity, and inclusion. What Trisha wants, Trisha gets.
At her first PTA meeting Mavis watches as Trisha's grand plan to transform Knoll Elementary into a school for gifted students is uncerimonously scrapped by the new principal. She also just happens to be in the bathroom to hear just how angry Trisha is about that and she just happens to witness Trisha acting very suspicously in the school parking lot later that night while walking Pearl's puppy.
And then the principal disappears.
Now convinced that Trisha's bizarre behavior and the principals vanshing much be connected she teams up with the school psychologist (who's movie star good looks are just an added bonus and in no way plays into her decision to partner with him, at all) to try to figure out just what is happening at Knoll Elementary.
This is a fast paced, clever charmer that had me rooting like crazy for smart, hilariously sarcastic Mavis to crack the case. As this is what I call a "set up" novel (at least I hope it is) for a longer series we meet a large number of supporting players in Mavis's world and the board does get a bit overfilled with both potential bad guys and red herring subplots but the resolution when it comes is quite satisfying. Mavis is every cool mom you've wanted to commiserate with at the class bake sale, her caustic, but never cruel, sense of humor shines through every page but author Elise Bryant doesn't put her on a pedestal. Her exhaustion, feelings of insecurity, and endless frustration with school systems's designed to keep every kid who isn't white from succeeding resonate deeply. She's a fighter, but wishes she didn't have to be.
I cannot wait to see where her next battle takes her.
July 27, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
It’s Elementary has a little bit of everything: cozy mystery, romance, and an adversity story all rolled into one. While the variety is charming, the numerous plotlines can feel overwhelming, and the main mystery sometimes gets lost in the mix. Though it had potential, it fell short for me, leaving me wishing for a more focused narrative.
It’s Elementary has a little bit of everything: cozy mystery, romance, and an adversity story all rolled into one. While the variety is charming, the numerous plotlines can feel overwhelming, and the main mystery sometimes gets lost in the mix. Though it had potential, it fell short for me, leaving me wishing for a more focused narrative.
September 2, 2024
Thank you PRH audio for the free listening copy. #PRHAudioPartner
For fans of Abbott Elementary, Bryant gives us a cozy mystery with a little bit of humor, drama, and romance. Mavis, the mother of 7-year-old Pearl, is trying to figure out the mystery behind the school's principal's disappearance. She is simultaneously spearheading the PTA's DEI committee. She is one of the very few Black moms, and although annoyed with how she came to be in the position, she is determined to try to make a difference in the school.
With a murderer on the loose, Knoll Elementary is full of antics. Together, Mavis and the school psychologist—who may or may not be in love—try to make sense of it all. The head of the PTA is plotting to turn the school into a school for the gifted. Mavis takes on defending basic civil rights. 'It's Elementary' brings up strong topics like single motherhood with help, DEI issues, banned books, and so much more. I wouldn't have been able to guess what this book brings to life. It is a medium-paced book with slow moments, but the narrator keeps you engaged as she lends her voice to many characters throughout the book. My favorite character is Pearl, Mavis's daughter, who is spunky and 7 going on 30. PTA moms and others can enjoy this book.
3.5/5 ⭐️
I'd recommend this one.
For fans of Abbott Elementary, Bryant gives us a cozy mystery with a little bit of humor, drama, and romance. Mavis, the mother of 7-year-old Pearl, is trying to figure out the mystery behind the school's principal's disappearance. She is simultaneously spearheading the PTA's DEI committee. She is one of the very few Black moms, and although annoyed with how she came to be in the position, she is determined to try to make a difference in the school.
With a murderer on the loose, Knoll Elementary is full of antics. Together, Mavis and the school psychologist—who may or may not be in love—try to make sense of it all. The head of the PTA is plotting to turn the school into a school for the gifted. Mavis takes on defending basic civil rights. 'It's Elementary' brings up strong topics like single motherhood with help, DEI issues, banned books, and so much more. I wouldn't have been able to guess what this book brings to life. It is a medium-paced book with slow moments, but the narrator keeps you engaged as she lends her voice to many characters throughout the book. My favorite character is Pearl, Mavis's daughter, who is spunky and 7 going on 30. PTA moms and others can enjoy this book.
3.5/5 ⭐️
I'd recommend this one.
September 22, 2024
I saw some other reviewers complained that this book had too many plot lines in it, and I would tend to agree with that. I also felt like it could not pick a tone to stick with. Sometimes it felt very silly, and then other parts were grounded in really serious and important issues. I don’t think it found a good balance between the two and it sometimes felt jarring to read from one scene to the next.
The resolution to the missing principal plot was not too difficult to guess. I feel like the author left way too many hints toward how that one was gonna go. The other mini mystery in the story, however, was harder to guess. The climax of that one got a bit too exaggerated and silly, though, when the issues it was discussing are worth a better discussion (I’m an elementary school teacher, so it hit a little closer to home).
There is a “barely there“ romance plot, that’s not based on much except an interesting meeting and instant attraction 🤷♀️ So if you are reading for the mystery and don’t want any romance, there really isn’t enough that it’s going to distract from the story. However, if you were hoping for a bigger romance plot, I would pick up something else.
I think this book would’ve done better if it just picked a few things to focus on. I think it tried to cram too many things in, and as I said, kind of swung tonally from being too silly to super serious, especially at the end. While the main story lines wrap up, the book ends in a way that hints this could be the beginning of a series. I’m not sure I’m interested in it enough to read the next one, unfortunately.
The resolution to the missing principal plot was not too difficult to guess. I feel like the author left way too many hints toward how that one was gonna go. The other mini mystery in the story, however, was harder to guess. The climax of that one got a bit too exaggerated and silly, though, when the issues it was discussing are worth a better discussion (I’m an elementary school teacher, so it hit a little closer to home).
There is a “barely there“ romance plot, that’s not based on much except an interesting meeting and instant attraction 🤷♀️ So if you are reading for the mystery and don’t want any romance, there really isn’t enough that it’s going to distract from the story. However, if you were hoping for a bigger romance plot, I would pick up something else.
I think this book would’ve done better if it just picked a few things to focus on. I think it tried to cram too many things in, and as I said, kind of swung tonally from being too silly to super serious, especially at the end. While the main story lines wrap up, the book ends in a way that hints this could be the beginning of a series. I’m not sure I’m interested in it enough to read the next one, unfortunately.
September 22, 2024
2 1/2. it wasn't bad, it was just a bit boring and i thought the main character and her inner thoughts were more of a teenager, all in all, if you think you want to read it then do, but if you can read another book, you won't miss this.
August 23, 2024
Ohh this was SUCH a fun time! From the first chapter on, I was thoroughly entertained. Every time I read a cosy mystery, I'm reminded how much I enjoy them, and this one left me wanting more. It's so much fun but also full of heart, so you genuinely care about the characters. I'm especially impressed at how fleshed out and interesting the kid character was.
Read
July 17, 2024Vibes: Abbott Elementary x Only Murders In the Building
IT'S ELEMENTARY was everything I wanted it to be. A light murder mystery for those of us who grew up watching too many Law & Order SVU re-runs as kids and maybe a tad too many crime podcasts & docus as adults 😅.
But I mean... What would YOU do if you saw the head of the school PTA dragging heavy black bags and cleaning supplies out of the school at night, and then the very next day your principal was declared missing?
EXACTLY. 🕵️♀️
This book was a completely different vibe from Elise's YA romances and I loved it. Can't wait to see what else she does in the adult space.
P.S. I subjected my husband to much speculation as I read the book and am happy to report I WAS RIGHT.
IT'S ELEMENTARY was everything I wanted it to be. A light murder mystery for those of us who grew up watching too many Law & Order SVU re-runs as kids and maybe a tad too many crime podcasts & docus as adults 😅.
But I mean... What would YOU do if you saw the head of the school PTA dragging heavy black bags and cleaning supplies out of the school at night, and then the very next day your principal was declared missing?
EXACTLY. 🕵️♀️
This book was a completely different vibe from Elise's YA romances and I loved it. Can't wait to see what else she does in the adult space.
P.S. I subjected my husband to much speculation as I read the book and am happy to report I WAS RIGHT.
August 12, 2024
Final Rating: 2/5⭐️
Sigh, this book almost put me in a book slump
It’s Elementary was one of my highly anticipated reads of 2024 and I was sadly disappointed. This book read more like a young adult fiction book and was a bit too quirky for my liking. Some parts of the book made me chuckle but once I heard one of the characters say “Woke-ify” ,I knew it just wasn’t for me. 😵💫
Sigh, this book almost put me in a book slump
It’s Elementary was one of my highly anticipated reads of 2024 and I was sadly disappointed. This book read more like a young adult fiction book and was a bit too quirky for my liking. Some parts of the book made me chuckle but once I heard one of the characters say “Woke-ify” ,I knew it just wasn’t for me. 😵💫
July 6, 2024
This was a fun cozy mystery with a hint of romance.
I enjoyed following Mavis as she tries to piece together the mystery of the missing principal. How she joins forces with the school psychologist to investigate the different aspects of the story.
The scenes with Mavis and her daughter, Pearl, were so cute. I really liked their interactions.
This book also hits on topics that are happening now including DEI teams, and parents trying to police the books that are in libraries.
This was a fun one & I’ll def read more cozy mysteries by this author.
Thx PRH Audio for the early audiobook.
I enjoyed following Mavis as she tries to piece together the mystery of the missing principal. How she joins forces with the school psychologist to investigate the different aspects of the story.
The scenes with Mavis and her daughter, Pearl, were so cute. I really liked their interactions.
This book also hits on topics that are happening now including DEI teams, and parents trying to police the books that are in libraries.
This was a fun one & I’ll def read more cozy mysteries by this author.
Thx PRH Audio for the early audiobook.
August 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I loved loved loved the characters and dialogue in this book. I truly LOL’d to a lot of parts! I think this book had a lot of potential it was so fun at times but I did find it hard to get through as well. The story dragged and there was a lot whole of nothing happening for the middle 60% of the book. The mystery aspect was also a bit predictable, I guessed both twists pretty early on. I loved the real housewives of the PTA vibe and just wish there was a whole story on that.
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars! Whoever narrated for Trisha shouldn’t have! 🤣🤣🤣
August 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this!!
I'd read more mystery books in the world and by this author.
I would read again. I do recommend.
I'd read more mystery books in the world and by this author.
I would read again. I do recommend.
August 22, 2024
Highly recommend picking up the audiobook for this one--it was a delight to listen to!
August 20, 2024
Loved this! I hope this is a series! The audiobook narrator was absolutely amazing too so many different voices
August 14, 2024
It's Elementary by Elise Bryant is a well-written and engaging story that blends humour, mystery, and the challenges of modern parenting. Mavis Miller, juggling a demanding job, a spirited daughter, and the pressures of a multigenerational household, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the chaos of PTA politics. The book's strength lies in its witty dialogue and sharp observations about elementary school dynamics.
However, one aspect of the story that was frustrating was Mavis's lack of assertiveness in her professional life. While she navigates her personal life confidently, her inability to stand up for herself at work felt incongruent and left me wanting more growth in her character. The situation begged for a turning point, some resolution where she would finally push back, but it never materialized. This left a lingering dissatisfaction as the story wrapped up without addressing this significant aspect of her character. Despite this, the book offers a quick, entertaining read with plenty of twists to keep you engaged.
However, one aspect of the story that was frustrating was Mavis's lack of assertiveness in her professional life. While she navigates her personal life confidently, her inability to stand up for herself at work felt incongruent and left me wanting more growth in her character. The situation begged for a turning point, some resolution where she would finally push back, but it never materialized. This left a lingering dissatisfaction as the story wrapped up without addressing this significant aspect of her character. Despite this, the book offers a quick, entertaining read with plenty of twists to keep you engaged.
August 19, 2024
3.7⭐️
Life is hard but at least I’m not forced to be a PTA mom
Life is hard but at least I’m not forced to be a PTA mom
August 28, 2024
Oh my gosh I LOVED this book. From the very first chapter to the very last sentence. I did not want to put it down and was disappointed that I actually had to stop to sleep at night. Mavis is flawed, overwhelmed, loving; perfect motherhood representation. I don't think I've ever related so hard to another character, sometimes it was like she was in my head. I laughed a lot and especially at her interactions with her amazing lovable daughter Pearl. She did NOT hold back in her mind and is a mom I would love to hang with if I was ever force to join the PTA. A mystery and splash of romance made the story even better, though I think I would read just about anything that Mavis was up to.
The challenges she faced from balancing work, motherhood, investigating, to trying to bring real change for the elementary school kids through her new role of DEI chair, was so well portrayed in a true and messy way.
There are some shocking revelations, tense moments, people that will enrage you; balanced out with laughter and adorable moments and you cannot help but root for Mavis to find all the answers. Mavis is far from perfect, but she is the perfect amateur sleuth MC.
Please please please let there be more books!
note: I listened to some parts of this book on audio and loved the narrator!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
The challenges she faced from balancing work, motherhood, investigating, to trying to bring real change for the elementary school kids through her new role of DEI chair, was so well portrayed in a true and messy way.
There are some shocking revelations, tense moments, people that will enrage you; balanced out with laughter and adorable moments and you cannot help but root for Mavis to find all the answers. Mavis is far from perfect, but she is the perfect amateur sleuth MC.
Please please please let there be more books!
note: I listened to some parts of this book on audio and loved the narrator!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
July 8, 2024
3.5 rounded up
I quite enjoyed this adult cozy mystery debut by a fav YA author! It was the perfect mix of Finlay Donovan and Class mom but told from the POV of a Black single mother who gets mixed up in her daughter's elementary school PTA politics and finds herself trying to figure out what happened to their mysteriously missing principal. Okay on audio (I didn't love the narrator), this was still an fun read and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the series! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
I quite enjoyed this adult cozy mystery debut by a fav YA author! It was the perfect mix of Finlay Donovan and Class mom but told from the POV of a Black single mother who gets mixed up in her daughter's elementary school PTA politics and finds herself trying to figure out what happened to their mysteriously missing principal. Okay on audio (I didn't love the narrator), this was still an fun read and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the series! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
July 11, 2024
This was such a fun cozy mystery! As one of the few Black parents at her child's elementary school, she finds herself leading the new DEI committee. It's a chance for her to make some positive change at the school -- but she gets put on the back burner when she is walking her dog one night and witnesses the PTA president committing a possible crime.
There's family dynamics, mommy drama, romance, and more. I wanted a little more from this book on the mystery front, but I thought the end was well-executed and worth the wait.
This was a fantastic adult debut from Elise Bryant!
There's family dynamics, mommy drama, romance, and more. I wanted a little more from this book on the mystery front, but I thought the end was well-executed and worth the wait.
This was a fantastic adult debut from Elise Bryant!
August 29, 2024
rep: black cast
we get thrown into the chaos of being a working adult while being a single mom involved in PTA. the balance is tough for mavis miller but she does her best for her young daughter, pearl. although things are tough and work isn’t going well, mavis know she has her support system in her friends and her father. when the school principal suddenly went missing and mavis witnessed something suspicious that night, all she wanted to do is to figure out the truth. alongside her, is the school psychologist whom she happens to find attractive. meanwhile, the topics of banned books, diversity in schools, and gentrification of her neighbourhood were all brought up and discussed within the book itself.
the book is pretty fast-paced. basically, there’s always something going on either at work or at PTA or at home. mavis barely gets time to breathe but she does it so well. the romance between jack and mavis does get developed slowly, but half the time i was just side-eying him in case he turns out to be a villain.
we get thrown into the chaos of being a working adult while being a single mom involved in PTA. the balance is tough for mavis miller but she does her best for her young daughter, pearl. although things are tough and work isn’t going well, mavis know she has her support system in her friends and her father. when the school principal suddenly went missing and mavis witnessed something suspicious that night, all she wanted to do is to figure out the truth. alongside her, is the school psychologist whom she happens to find attractive. meanwhile, the topics of banned books, diversity in schools, and gentrification of her neighbourhood were all brought up and discussed within the book itself.
the book is pretty fast-paced. basically, there’s always something going on either at work or at PTA or at home. mavis barely gets time to breathe but she does it so well. the romance between jack and mavis does get developed slowly, but half the time i was just side-eying him in case he turns out to be a villain.
August 22, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. This was such a pleasant surprise! I loved everything about this (minus the mild language). I related to Mavis’s character and her thoughts surrounding motherhood and work and loved how this book explored these themes as they relate to black moms. I also love the hint of romance in here! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! 👏🏾
September 3, 2024
I had fun with this one!
June 13, 2024
*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
What a fabulous cozy mystery! The PTA can be cutthroat, but this one takes it to the next level. Between being a single mom, battling casual racism, and trying to solve the principal's disappearance, Mavis Miller has a LOT going on. Where some mysteries get dull trying to lean too hard into the coziness, we get to focus on Mavis's career and home life. It made for a compelling story where I was just as invested in the mystery as I was with the subplots. Pearl is adorably precocious and I hope we get more books in this world because WHAT is going on with Mackenzie Skinner?? (Also are her dad and Miss Joyce crushing on each other?)
Like seriously, give me a series yesterday.
What a fabulous cozy mystery! The PTA can be cutthroat, but this one takes it to the next level. Between being a single mom, battling casual racism, and trying to solve the principal's disappearance, Mavis Miller has a LOT going on. Where some mysteries get dull trying to lean too hard into the coziness, we get to focus on Mavis's career and home life. It made for a compelling story where I was just as invested in the mystery as I was with the subplots. Pearl is adorably precocious and I hope we get more books in this world because WHAT is going on with Mackenzie Skinner?? (Also are her dad and Miss Joyce crushing on each other?)
Like seriously, give me a series yesterday.
February 16, 2024
PTA Mom Gone Wild and a Missing Principle
The moment Elise announced this book, I was excited to read it. It's a cozy mystery that evokes a lot of emotions. The story revolves around Mavis, a single mother who lives with her father. At the beginning of the book, she is asked to head a DEI committee by the overzealous PTA President. During the first meeting, things go awry for the PTA President as the new principal decides not to proceed with her plans for the school. The next morning, the principal goes missing, and Mavis has a suspect in mind from the very beginning. Together with the school psychologist, she tries to unravel this mystery, while also developing feelings for him. The story is full of twists and turns that kept me engrossed until the very end!
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, make sure to grab a copy when it's released! I hope this isn't the last mystery we see from Elise.
The moment Elise announced this book, I was excited to read it. It's a cozy mystery that evokes a lot of emotions. The story revolves around Mavis, a single mother who lives with her father. At the beginning of the book, she is asked to head a DEI committee by the overzealous PTA President. During the first meeting, things go awry for the PTA President as the new principal decides not to proceed with her plans for the school. The next morning, the principal goes missing, and Mavis has a suspect in mind from the very beginning. Together with the school psychologist, she tries to unravel this mystery, while also developing feelings for him. The story is full of twists and turns that kept me engrossed until the very end!
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, make sure to grab a copy when it's released! I hope this isn't the last mystery we see from Elise.
July 13, 2024
It's Elementary by Elise Bryant
11h 22m narrated by Aure Nash, 368 pages
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Humor, African-American Fiction,
Featuring: Single Mother, PTA, School Setting, Southern California, DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tricenarians, Race Relations, Elderly Dad/Grandpa, School Staff, Profanity, School Psychologist, Facebook, Young Kids, Long Chapters, Drama, Halloween
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult language and content
Songs for the soundtrack: "I'm A Survivor" by Reba McEntire, "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Hippo the Hero)" by Gayla Peevey, "All I Ask" by Adele, "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" by Nina Simone
Books and Authors mentioned: The Odyssey by Homer, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, Brené Brown, The Shining by Stephen King, The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon - Hardy Boys #1, The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #1, Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (Standard and Supplemental Batteries) EXAMINER'S MANUAL by Richard W. Woodcock and M. Bonner Johnson, A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, Ain't I A Woman by Sojourner Truth, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫👧🏾👩🏿🧑🏼⚕️
My thoughts: 📱15% 1:42:42 [Chapter] Five - I don't know how I missed this was a mystery, but I'm intrigued. I was annoyed that Tricia's voice is squeaky and higher pitched than the 7-year-olds but I'm over it now.
📱33% 3:42:04 [Chapter] Eight - I'm enjoying the story but the MC thinks too much which makes the pace a bit slow, I'm also over the passive-aggressive race jokes. I will be up tonight with this one.
📱63% 7:09:52 [Chapter] Fifteen - It's like a cozy with profanities but mostly because this MC is slow.
This is one of the new Cozy Mysteries that's R-rated for content that stops it from being a cozy mystery. It could have been a 5-star read but I guess whodunit before the mystery got started, and she talked way too much, especially about race. Educational parts sure the bad jokes, too much. I'm not a fan of the pushover trope but I think made a compromise, because I enjoyed the story and most of the characters I gave it an extra half.
Recommend to others: Yes! This is a pretty good story. A few may find it offensive or repetitive but if you have an open mind and accept characters as people, it is a great domestic story.
11h 22m narrated by Aure Nash, 368 pages
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Humor, African-American Fiction,
Featuring: Single Mother, PTA, School Setting, Southern California, DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tricenarians, Race Relations, Elderly Dad/Grandpa, School Staff, Profanity, School Psychologist, Facebook, Young Kids, Long Chapters, Drama, Halloween
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult language and content
Songs for the soundtrack: "I'm A Survivor" by Reba McEntire, "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Hippo the Hero)" by Gayla Peevey, "All I Ask" by Adele, "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" by Nina Simone
Books and Authors mentioned: The Odyssey by Homer, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, Brené Brown, The Shining by Stephen King, The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon - Hardy Boys #1, The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #1, Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (Standard and Supplemental Batteries) EXAMINER'S MANUAL by Richard W. Woodcock and M. Bonner Johnson, A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, Ain't I A Woman by Sojourner Truth, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫👧🏾👩🏿🧑🏼⚕️
My thoughts: 📱15% 1:42:42 [Chapter] Five - I don't know how I missed this was a mystery, but I'm intrigued. I was annoyed that Tricia's voice is squeaky and higher pitched than the 7-year-olds but I'm over it now.
📱33% 3:42:04 [Chapter] Eight - I'm enjoying the story but the MC thinks too much which makes the pace a bit slow, I'm also over the passive-aggressive race jokes. I will be up tonight with this one.
📱63% 7:09:52 [Chapter] Fifteen - It's like a cozy with profanities but mostly because this MC is slow.
This is one of the new Cozy Mysteries that's R-rated for content that stops it from being a cozy mystery. It could have been a 5-star read but I guess whodunit before the mystery got started, and she talked way too much, especially about race. Educational parts sure the bad jokes, too much. I'm not a fan of the pushover trope but I think made a compromise, because I enjoyed the story and most of the characters I gave it an extra half.
Recommend to others: Yes! This is a pretty good story. A few may find it offensive or repetitive but if you have an open mind and accept characters as people, it is a great domestic story.
July 20, 2024
I’ve been getting more and more into cozy mysteries lately and couldn’t resist this one with its focus on how far parents are willing to go when it comes to their children.
Mavis Miller is a single mom who, between raising her 7 year old and trying to work full time, has no time whatsoever for the PTA. Somehow, though, she still finds herself drafted by Trisha, the school’s overbearing PTA President, to lead the school’s new DEI committee. At first Mavis is annoyed since she knows she’s being chosen simply because of the color of her skin, but then she embraces the role as it might be a chance to really make a difference in the mostly white school.
Things quickly go awry, however, when one evening after a contentious PTA meeting, Mavis witnesses Trisha wearing rubber gloves and booties and behaving very suspiciously. When the new Principal doesn’t show up for work the next day and hasn’t been seen since the PTA meeting, Mavis immediately fears something sinister has happened and decides to do some sleuthing to see if she can figure out the truth.
This was such a fun read! I loved the behind the scenes look at the PTA and all of its drama, and I enjoyed watching Mavis play amateur detective, especially when she enlists the school psychologist to help her. This is a fast-paced read, filled with fun banter and engaging side characters. My favorite was Mavis’ daughter, Pearl, who is just the cutest, sassiest little girl. I adored every scene she was in!
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or have been interested in trying one, I definitely recommend It’s Elementary!
Thanks to Berkley pub for my gifted review copy. All opinions are my own.
Mavis Miller is a single mom who, between raising her 7 year old and trying to work full time, has no time whatsoever for the PTA. Somehow, though, she still finds herself drafted by Trisha, the school’s overbearing PTA President, to lead the school’s new DEI committee. At first Mavis is annoyed since she knows she’s being chosen simply because of the color of her skin, but then she embraces the role as it might be a chance to really make a difference in the mostly white school.
Things quickly go awry, however, when one evening after a contentious PTA meeting, Mavis witnesses Trisha wearing rubber gloves and booties and behaving very suspiciously. When the new Principal doesn’t show up for work the next day and hasn’t been seen since the PTA meeting, Mavis immediately fears something sinister has happened and decides to do some sleuthing to see if she can figure out the truth.
This was such a fun read! I loved the behind the scenes look at the PTA and all of its drama, and I enjoyed watching Mavis play amateur detective, especially when she enlists the school psychologist to help her. This is a fast-paced read, filled with fun banter and engaging side characters. My favorite was Mavis’ daughter, Pearl, who is just the cutest, sassiest little girl. I adored every scene she was in!
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or have been interested in trying one, I definitely recommend It’s Elementary!
Thanks to Berkley pub for my gifted review copy. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2024
One of my favorite shows will forever and always be Murder, She Wrote because it manages to be both cozy and heartwarming while also being interestingly whodunnit and sometimes darker & this book encapsulates all of those themes perfectly
I would say majority of this book would classify as a cozy mystery. You’re experiencing the day in the life of a single mom who works a full-time job (& yes they joke about the Reba song, and it’s iconic haha) - and you get to step into her thoughts as she processes a big change in her normal life. Sure, it’s chaotic because she is going full stop and giving her all, but it felt cozy because it felt like a character you’d know in real life. Her schedule felt relatable, and her friendships were recognizable. You can easily see this being a 90s movie that you binge watch in the fall.
Now, the last like 15% really ramps up and reads a little more thriller/mystery > cozy mystery? But I thought it gave a fun switch to the pacing!
I would say majority of this book would classify as a cozy mystery. You’re experiencing the day in the life of a single mom who works a full-time job (& yes they joke about the Reba song, and it’s iconic haha) - and you get to step into her thoughts as she processes a big change in her normal life. Sure, it’s chaotic because she is going full stop and giving her all, but it felt cozy because it felt like a character you’d know in real life. Her schedule felt relatable, and her friendships were recognizable. You can easily see this being a 90s movie that you binge watch in the fall.
Now, the last like 15% really ramps up and reads a little more thriller/mystery > cozy mystery? But I thought it gave a fun switch to the pacing!
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