Series: A Cyclist’s Guide Mystery, #1
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Source: Review copy from NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars

It happens to be World Bicycle Day, so today seems like the perfect time to post my thoughts on a delightful new cycling-themed cozy mystery set on the stunning Mediterranean coast of France.

A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO CRIME & CROISSANTS finds American Sadie Green leaving her humdrum office job in Chicago and heading to the South of France to buy a bike tour company. After a successful first nine months, her former boss from back home and his family book a tour, along with a few other cyclists looking to experience the French countryside on two wheels. Of course, Sadie wants everything to be perfect, but her tour plans hit the skids when her boss ends up dead, and the police say it was no accident.

The descriptions of the French scenery and landmarks, and especially the delicious food, were amazing. The book was set up in part like a travelogue in journal form at the beginning of each chapter, which I enjoyed. Sadie was a wonderful, likeable character, very dedicated to her dream business and the guests in her care. I felt bad for Sadie when everything started falling apart!

The murder mystery wasn’t the easiest to figure out, and I enjoyed how all of the pieces of the puzzle came together in the end. I do feel like the mystery and investigation sometimes took a backseat to the descriptions of their travels. While I wish the mystery had been stronger, I still enjoyed taking this armchair trip to France with Sadie and company. I’m looking forward to seeing where the adventure takes us in the next book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC. Opinions are my own.