Mary Seifert is an award-winning cozy mystery author and creator of the beloved Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries series.
A lifelong lover of puzzles, brainteasers, and whodunits, she combines her background as a mathematics teacher with a passion for storytelling to craft engaging mysteries filled with clever clues, memorable characters, and plenty of twists. Her series was recognized with the 2024 International IMPACT Award for Books in a Series, while Maverick, Movies & Murder was a finalist for the American Fiction Award and Santa, Snowflakes & Strychnine earned recognition as a Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem finalist.
A Minnesota native, Mary draws inspiration from the lakes, small towns, and close-knit communities of her home state. Her stories feature Katie Wilk, a math teacher with a knack for solving mysteries, and Maverick, her loyal black Labrador companion, whose instincts often prove invaluable in uncovering the truth. Through each novel, Mary weaves together mystery, humor, history, and a love of problem-solving.
When she isn’t writing, Mary enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, walking her energetic dog, experimenting with recipes, and researching new adventures for Katie and Maverick. Whether she’s creating puzzles for her characters or plotting their next mystery, she delights in inviting readers into stories that are equal parts suspenseful, heartwarming, and fun. Visit Mary Seifert
Golfing, Gardens & Ghosts (Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries)
School’s out for the summer and math teacher Katie Wilk needs something to occupy her time, something beyond helping to plan Jane Mackey’s upcoming wedding. So, when Jane suggests golf lessons and Katie secures a part-time job at the Shady Oaks Country Club to cover the cost of her golfing gear, it seems like a win-win plan. Unfortunately, the club’s irascible golf pro seems to make enemies wherever he goes, so when his body turns up near the 14th hole, it’s anyone’s guess who might have done him in.
Katie doesn’t really want another murder to investigate, but Officer Ronnie Christianson is back to his old ways, and it looks like he’ll do what it takes to implicate her in the death. And Katie just happens to have seen a potentially incriminating clue, behind a secret garden wall that few know about. Can Katie, Jane, and Ida ask enough questions to find out what really happened before the police come after her?
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 online 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