“You just looks so young!”

….I barely belong here at these school events, single and Black, so every time I hear this, it’s like they’re confirming that, too. It makes me want to roll out my whole resume to justify my place, Like, I have a master’s degree from UCLA, lady! I was eight month’s pregnant with Pearl at the ceremony, but still! I’m grown, just like you! I use Sensodyne, and I have enough white hairs that I can’t keep casually plucking them without looking like a “before” in one of those women’s hair loss Instagram ads I keep getting, and I am pretty sure my back hurts more than it doesn’t hurt now, and I’m wearing Old Navy Pixie pants. There is nothing more grown than Old Navy Pixie pants!”
― Elise Bryant, It’s Elementary

Mavis Miller is raising her seven-year-old daughter Pearl as a single mom while working at a non-profit in California. After her divorce, she and Pearl moved into her father’s house, leading her to deal with the intricacies of a multigenerational household. School runs in the morning are fast-paced, full of rushing and trying to get to school on time. Mavis is determined to leave drop-off as quickly as possible to get to work and to avoid the other moms, specifically Trisha Holbrook, the overbearing and terrifying PTA president. Unfortunately, Trisha corners Mavis one day, demanding Mavis head up the school’s new DEI committee.

One of the few Black parents at Pearl’s elementary school, Mavis isn’t shocked when she’s forced into this position. Hoping that she can use this opportunity to affect real change at the school, Mavis is overwhelmed with work while trying to manage her new PTA duties. Later that night after her very first PTA meeting, Mavis finds herself walking by the school. She is shocked to see Trisha wearing yellow rubber gloves and booties, dragging cleaning supplies and giant black trash bags to her minivan. What could Trisha possibly be doing sneaking around the school so late at night?

The next morning Mavis is shocked to learn that Principal Smith has not shown up for work. In fact, he’s been missing since the PTA meeting the night before when he got into a heated argument with Trisha about the possibility of the school becoming a gifted school. Trisha’s behavior the night before takes on a sinister tone given this new information. Convinced Trisha had something to do with Principal Smith’s disappearance, Mavis launches an investigation to find the truth.

It’s Elementary is a fantastic introduction to a low-spice cozy mystery series. Mavis isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to help her child succeed, but is amazed at the lengths that the fellow moms at her daughters’ school will go to give their kids the very best. This book dives into friendships, school politics, parenting, and managing relationships. I can’t wait to read the second book!

This title is also available in large print.

Mavis Miller Mysteries series

• It’s Elementary (2024)
• The Game is Afoot (2025)