I had read and enjoyed Dead and Gondola (Christie Bookshop, #1) by Ann Claire, so when I saw she had a new book out, I knew I wanted to give it a read. Thank you to @kensingtonbooks and @btc_books for the opportunity to read a copy of A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime and Croissants – the first in a new cozy mystery series (A Cyclist’s Guide to Mystery)! I alternated between the print copy and audio copy and enjoyed both immensely.

This book is the definition of cozy armchair travel. While I’m not a cyclist and have no actual desire to climb on a bike and go anywhere, I did so enjoy following along from my comfy armchair (and my minivan because summer=driving kids everywhere). 

Sadie Green left her job in Chicago and purchased the French bicycling tour business Oui Cycle. Sadie is determined to follow a dream she had with her best friend Gemma Gooding, who was riding her bike when she was killed in a hit-and-run. The driver was never found. 

Sadie is a bundle of nerves when hometown friends arrive for a tour, including her former boss, Dom Appleton. Sadie is determined to show them the wonders of France and cycling—and to prove she made the right move. She hopes her meticulously planned nine-day itinerary will win them over. When Dom drags his heels, Sadie vows he’ll enjoy it if it kills her. That is, until Dom ends up dead. Determined to seek justice for Dom and save her business, Sadie begins to investigate. But suddenly it’s not just one murder – there are more, as well as other crimes she must solve. 

I turned the pages as fast as Sadie rode her bike and I loved it. She’s a wonderful protagonist and the writing gracefully handles Sadie’s grief at losing her best friend. The ending was most satisfying and I’m eager to climb back on to my imaginary bike and ride along with Sadie on her next adventure. Five stars. 

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 21, 2024

Purchase Links: Amazon ~ BookShop

Author Links: Instagram ~ Facebook