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The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant
The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant
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The Game Is Afoot
by Elise Bryant
A Hilarious Mystery of Motherhood, Self-Care, and Suburban Secrets
⚽️ MURDER ON THE SIDELINES
When a youth soccer director drops dead, Mavis must navigate the dangerous world of MLM girlbosses and gentle parenting to find the truth.
Extended Synopsis
In The Game Is Afoot, Elise Bryant delivers a clever and humorous exploration of the "Supermom" myth. After rage-quitting her job, Mavis finds herself busier than ever as a full-time chauffeur for her daughter, Pearl, and the reluctant new class mom. Her plans for rest are derailed when Coach Cole, the director of the local kids' soccer program, unexpectedly dies on a sunny Saturday morning. While most assume natural causes, the police uncover evidence of foul play, thrusting Mavis into a suburban investigation she never asked for.
As she digs deeper, Mavis enters the "dark underbelly" of modern parenting trends and multi-level marketing schemes. The mystery serves as a high-stakes distraction from her own life—unemployment, recurring panic attacks, and the complicated return of her ex-husband. Bryant masterfully weaves a narrative about the struggle to find one's purpose when the roles of "mother" and "professional" are in total flux. It is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the realization that sometimes, a murder investigation is the only thing that makes sense in a chaotic world.
[Image depicting the contrast between organized suburban chaos and the analytical tools used in a modern investigation]Author Biography
Elise Bryant is the acclaimed author of It's Elementary, known for her ability to blend sharp social commentary with relatable, humorous mysteries. Her work often explores the complexities of identity, career transitions, and the multi-faceted lives of modern women. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her family.
Reader Targeting
- Cozy Mystery Fans: Readers who enjoy humor-filled "whodunnits" set in relatable, everyday environments.
- Modern Fiction Readers: Those interested in stories exploring the pressures of motherhood, mental health, and career changes.
- Fans of Sharp Satire: Readers who appreciate a witty take on suburban subcultures like MLMs and "gentle parenting."
Accolades & Awards
- Follow-up to the highly successful It's Elementary.
- Praised for its authentic representation of the "Supermom" struggle and mental health awareness.
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9780593640807 |
| ISBN-10: | 0593640802 |
| LCCN: | 2024049561 |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Format: | Paperback (Edition 1) |
| Publication Date: | 2025-07-08 |
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