Murder At the Pta

Murder at the PTA by Lee Hollis is the debut of A Maya and Sandra Mystery series. This book takes the time to establish the main characters and their families. We get to know Sandra Wallage, the wife of United States Senator Stephen Wallage. She has two teenage sons, Jack and Ryan. Sandra was just elected the PTA president at South Portland High School in Maine. She is used to being in the spotlight, but it is not something that she enjoys. Maya Kendrick is a former police officer turned private investigator after her husband was convicted in a corruption scandal. Maya has a sixteen year old daughter, Vanessa who still believes her father is innocent. Maya has a PI business with friend, Frances Turner who is currently eight months pregnant. This leaves Maya carrying the load at the office. It turns out that Maya and Sandra went to high school together. The story deals with scandals, teenage drama, money problems, a boy with a drug problem, and a death. The mystery is not complex. There are a couple of suspects and good clues. I found it a cinch to solve this whodunit. I would have liked a more challenging mystery. I found the story easy to read, but I wish the pacing had been peppier. I liked seeing the changes in the two women as the story progressed. The ending was humorous. I am curious to see what happens next. Murder at the PTA is a cute cozy with thrilling tittle-tattle, a sexy senator, a pregnant partner, chatting at cooking class, private eye practice, and forming friendships.