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
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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
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 6 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
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April 13 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Review, Giveaway
April 14 – Book Babble – Review
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I would probably choose a bike for my stay (maybe just one or two days with a horse). I don’t have much experience with horses.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
When I was younger I went with a horse. Now I’d go for a bike. LOL
I have visited and I have to go by bike as I am allergic to hay.
Yeah, and a bike would go where you wanted with no arguments:)
I would have a bike. I’m a little afraid of horses. They are powerful animals. I have always wanted to visit.
Horses are big and they’ll take advantage of inexperienced riders. Take you right back to the barn. LOL
I would choose a bike! It’s easy to add a basket for picnics and books! Thanks!
And all the fudge you’d have to buy too!
I would choose a horse, I don’t have the energy or the knees to ride a bike anymore.
Yeah, my knees sure aren’t what they used to be either:)
I have done both and I would choose a bike. I like to stop and take pics and doing that from a bike would be so much easier than a horse. 🙂
sherry @ fundinmental
Oh yes, lots of pictures, Sherry!
I’d choose a bike. I don’t have the strength for horseback riding anymore.
I don’t for an all day ride. I think my bottom wouldn’t like it. LOL
As much as I like horses, I’d choose a bike. They’re much easier to clean up after, and they don’t eat or drink as much. 😉
Oops, forgot my email: emhelms63@yahoo.com
LOL I get that!
I have udrd bike. It’s easy to get around with a bike!!! Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
Yeah. And you don’t have to worry about it getting tired. LOL
This sounds like it would be a great series, so I need to grab book one! 🙂 I think it would depend on when i visit the island if I do it now, might need the horse, if I do it after I have loss some more weight I might try the bike….lol.
booklady2007 @ gmail.com
Stormi
This is a good one, Stormi. Really fun characters. I’d go for the horse nine times out of ten. But a bike would be easier. LOL
It would have to be a bike. Have allergies.
I get that. I love riding a bike also.
I would totally choose a horse because there is nothing like riding horseback. I love the sound of this, hilarity and all that, and I like you jumped in miseries with no issues.
I love riding horses too! This book was one laugh after another:)
A bike. Tried riding a horse once did not turn out great.
I’d suggest a bike if you aren’t an experienced rider:)
I love horses, but I’m kind of scared of riding them. Therefore, my choice would so be a bike. Thanks for the chance to win.
robbfan141729@yahoo.com
Probably the bike would be best. You could enjoy the island and not be worrying about what could happen on a horse:)
I would choose the bike. I’d be worrying about the horses well being the whole time. (jozywails@gmail.com)
And your own. Horses can be unpredictable:)
I think I’d choose a horse! meredithfl at gmail dot com
Good choice. I love horses!