Braking For Bodies
A Cycle Path Mystery
by Duffy Brown
Braking for Bodies:
A Cycle Path Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (April 5, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425268957
E-Book ASIN: B011IVP3ME
My Review
Not having read any books in this series, I’m jumping in mid stream. That didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. Sure, it would be better to meet the characters from the beginning. I’ll fix that when I grab the first book.
Wow. This book takes off and never slows down. Evie Bloomfield rushes from one thing to the next, trying to clear her friend’s name after she’s accused of murdering Peep. He’s the scum bag who came to Mackinac Island to blackmail Fiona. No surprise he’s found dead, killed by a bottle of virgin olive oil, no less. Said bottle last seen in Fiona’s hand.
From here on, things take a turn for the hilarious. The Corpse Crusaders, a group of guests at The Grand Hotel, think this is a parlor game and they are all up in the investigation, seeking clues, tampering with crime scenes, and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Evie and sexy local policeman Nate Sutter let them believe this, figuring to solve the murder with none the wiser, and they don’t want something like murder to ruin the upcoming Lilac Festival, a big draw for the island.
There’s a couple of scenes where Evie needs to get rid of the Corpse Crusader’s so she drops hints that Nate has the answers. I can just imagine his face when they start pestering him. She’s such a pistol.
I tell ya, following Evie around the island was exhausting. She’s either pedaling a bike all over the place or stealing Nate’s horse. And she’s not the best at sleuthing. From braking into and out of jail, to destruction of property and aiding and abetting a fugitive, my head was spinning. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with this much mayhem. And so many laughs.
About stealing Nate’s horse. I’ve been to Mackinac Island a few times, and cars aren’t allowed there. You can walk, rent a bike, or ride a horse or in a carriage. It’s such a difference from the traffic noise. And the cafes and shops are delightful.
I kind of felt for the poor girl. Evie is so busy running the bike shop, helping to pull together Nate’s mothers wedding after everything falls apart, and saving her best friend from spending the rest of her life in jail, she doesn’t even have time to do her laundry. She’s running around the island in dirty clothes and her hair, well, you can imagine. Yet, she never flinches. Never loses her sense of humor. I’d “kill” for a friend like her.
An island community is a lot like a small town. Most people know each other, at least by sight. The islanders are taking bets on when Nate and Evie will hook up. It added one more fun plot to this book. I placed my own bet. Now to see if I’m a winner.
A laugh riot from beginning to end. This is a cozy series you won’t want to miss.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
Evie Bloomfield puts the pedal to the metal—in the latest Cycle Path mystery from the national bestselling author of Geared for the Grave.
Moving from Los Angeles to small, picturesque Mackinac Island to work in a bike shop might seem crazy, but Evie knows it’s the best decision she’s ever made. That’s not to say she’s gotten rid of all her stress; after all, the upcoming Lilac Festival has everyone in town riding in circles.
But things really go downhill when a ferry full of tourists—including Evie’s friend Fiona’s former boss, the editor of a sleazy rag in LA—arrives on the island. No one knows why Peephole Perry came all the way to Mackinac, but things aren’t looking good for Fiona when Peep is found dead. Now Evie has to gear up and get a grip on the truth if she wants to clear her friend’s name…
Author Duffy Brown
While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy Brown longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. Today she conjures up who-done-it stories for Berkley Prime Crime and has two series, the national bestselling Consignment Shop Mysteries set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries on Mackinac Island.
Author Links:
Webpage / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
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I have two Braking For Bodies Tote Bags to giveaway.
US Only (Sorry to my International friends)
Entry is easy. Leave an email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:
“Which would you choose if you visited Mackinac Island? A bike or a horse?”
Giveaway ends April 15th.
Tote Bag Giveaway at each stop.
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April 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway
April 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
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April 12 – I’d Rather Be At The Beach – Review, Giveaway
April 13 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Review, Giveaway
April 14 – Book Babble – Review
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