A Cyclist’s Guide To Poppies & Predicaments

A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO POPPIES & PREDICAMENTS by Ann Claire is the third book in the Oui Cycle series after A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants and A Cyclist's Guide to Villains & Vines. In this cozy mystery, a cycling adventure is disrupted by murder as the Velo Vixens, a group on a bachelorette party trip, become suspects. The proprietor of Oui Cycle, Sadie Greene, is caught (again and again) between keeping her clients happy and occupied and making safer choices. Honestly, that gets a bit wearisome, especially when she says, “‘I don't ascribe to ye olde toxic saying that the customer (or bride) is always right.’” Not sure that is accurate; she seems like too much of a pushover, but thankfully Laurent (her boyfriend and police officer) is friends with the best man and so is available as a support in the face of murder and all. “And all, in this case, would include murder, stalking, extortion, punching, arrest, lies, omissions, temporary van theft, and phone confiscation.” With all of that happening and despite plenty of clues, the ending was still a surprise. A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO POPPIES & PREDICAMENTS is a cute story and provides some interesting facts (who knew that the phrase déjà vu originated as late as 1870?) and touristy info about Provence, its charming towns, and beautiful vistas.