Book Review: Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis

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Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis is the first installment in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series, a cozy mystery series centered on private investigators. The story follows Sandra Wallage , the wife of a U.S. senator and the newly elected president of Portland High School’s PTA, who becomes the latest target of a vicious gossip website called Dirty Laundry . After a heated PTA meeting, Sandra crosses paths with Maya Kendrick , a private investigator who has uncovered the identity of the person behind the gossip site. When the two women attempt to confront the culprit, they instead discover a dead body. Was it really a suicide, or did someone have a motive for murder? I’m a longtime fan of books by Lee Hollis , which is actually the pen name for sibling writing duo Rick Copp and Holly Simason . They’ve written several cozy mystery series, and what I appreciate most about their books is that they aren’t overly kitschy, unlike some other cozy mysteries I’ve ...
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Book Review: Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

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Book Review Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Leeva at Last written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Matthew Cordell is a children's fiction book that was published on March 7, 2023 by HarperCollins Children's Books.  This story about a girl named Leeva Spayce Thornblossom who is the daughter of the mayor and the town treasurer.  Her parents are obsessed with fame and fortune and have little to do with Leeva.  With the help of the town librarian, Leeva goes on a quest to find out what people are for.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Balzer + Bray for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Leeva at Last.  I was delighted to be approved to receive this book in exchange for my honest review.

This middle grade book was an interesting read, and I wasn't really sure how I felt about it at first.  It seems like it has similar situations to the book Matilda by Roald Dahl . . . I haven't read Matilda or seen the movie, so I am basing this on the synopsis and movie trailers I've seen.  Leeva at Last is a hindrance to her parents and is basically their servant, doesn't attend school, and isn't allowed to leave the yard with the exception of retrieving the newspaper.  Knowing that this book focuses on child neglect from a child's perspective and makes it seem okay, I think it's a book that parents should read as well so they can discuss this very serious topic with their kid.  Other topics in this children's novel include obsessive compulsive disorder and stage fright.

With that being said, I do like the fact that Leeva ends up choosing her family and figuring out that what her biological parents are doing is not okay.  Additionally, she helps her friends conquer their obstacles despite her abhorrent upbringing, which is a great lesson for kids . . . you can overcome your circumstances.

All in all, Leeva at Last written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Matthew Cordell was an intriguing read with many life lessons.  Four out of five stars.

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