Juleps, Jockeys & Justice

Front Cover
Secret Staircase Books, an imprint of Columbine Publishing Group, Mar 13, 2025 - Fiction - 296 pages

Spring has blossomed into May, and Katie’s students have figured out a way to bring the excitement and fun of the Kentucky Derby to their year end festivities. Katie is more than glad to work out ways to turn the big event into math lessons, constructing lesson plans to include the mathematics associated with wagering, odds, and the equine industry. So it’s all set—the Derby will turn into an event, even in faraway Minnesota.

 

As her feisty landlady, Ida, and her students begin the planning of a Derby Day party, spirits are running high, but before the party can happen, a freak storm races through town, Katie finds a body, which quickly disappears, and the only witness who could verify her story is Maverick. He’s a brilliant dog, but he’s not talking.

 

After tension-filled hours, the body is found, and now the questions remain, especially when it appears one of the horses may have contributed to the death of its owner. It’s up to Katie to use her puzzle solving skill to save the animal from destruction. Maverick will be there to sniff out the clues—but will they solve the case in time?

 

Praise for this amazing cozy series by multiple award-winning author Mary Seifert:

2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards - Semi-Finalist - Mystery & Mayhem category

2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award - Top Pick - Cozy Mysteries

2024 International Impact Awards - Winner - Books in a Series

 

“…. a solid 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking not just a mystery but an immersive experience, Mary Seifert's debut novel [is] the perfect companion for a cosy night in, a cup of tea, and a journey into the heart of a captivating mystery.” – Maverick, Movies & Murder, Online Book Club.org

 

“...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

 

Contents

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 19
Section 20
Section 21
Section 22
Section 23
Section 24
Section 25
Section 26

Section 9
Section 10
Section 11
Section 12
Section 13
Section 14
Section 15
Section 16
Section 17
Section 18
Section 27
Section 28
Section 29
Section 30
Section 31
Section 32
Section 33
Section 34
Section 35
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2025)

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.

 

Get a free short story when you sign up for Mary’s free author newsletter, filled with fun puzzles and recipes, at maryseifertauthor.com

 

Bibliographic information