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Ellie Quicke #7
Murder by Bicycle
There’s nothing more wholesome than a slice of Ellie’s homemade quiche.
Her friends and neighbours can’t get enough down at the church’s pot-luck lunch. But they’ll soon wish they’d gone without.
After the feast is over, many diners are rushed to hospital with food poisoning! They’re quick to point the finger at Ellie, saying her dicey quiche is to blame.
Mortified Ellie knows that can’t be right. But while she’s still weighing the ingredients of this baffling case, tragedy strikes.
Paddy the handyman is found murdered. He was a gentle old soul, well liked by everyone in the parish.
Who cooked up this scheme to take his life? Ellie can’t help but feel it all links back to the poisoning in church.
Can she puzzle it out before the killer strikes again? The proof — and maybe worse — is in the pudding . . .
Her friends and neighbours can’t get enough down at the church’s pot-luck lunch. But they’ll soon wish they’d gone without.
After the feast is over, many diners are rushed to hospital with food poisoning! They’re quick to point the finger at Ellie, saying her dicey quiche is to blame.
Mortified Ellie knows that can’t be right. But while she’s still weighing the ingredients of this baffling case, tragedy strikes.
Paddy the handyman is found murdered. He was a gentle old soul, well liked by everyone in the parish.
Who cooked up this scheme to take his life? Ellie can’t help but feel it all links back to the poisoning in church.
Can she puzzle it out before the killer strikes again? The proof — and maybe worse — is in the pudding . . .
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
363 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Heley
94 books128 followersVeronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.
AKA Veronica Thorne
AKA Veronica Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 28, 2017
A disaster of food poisoning occurs at Ellie's church luncheon, many of those affected had eaten her quiche. Ellie is helping Felicity settled in her new house. Thomas explores the food poisoning incident and finds that there is a woman selling bakery rolls door to door. All who were affected eat a roll.could the rolls be the source of the food poisoning? Romance enters Ellie's life and Diana continues to demand that her Mother help. Diana leaves Frank with Ellie. I highly recommend this book and series.
April 12, 2015
Faithful readers of Veronica Heley’s Ellie Quicke series will know almost immediately who the perpetrator is in Murder by Bicycle, the seventh novel in this usually fine series. Sometimes, as in the television series Colombo, readers won’t care if they know “who dun it.” But the killer’s motivation is simply unbelievable, and the edge-of-your-seat suspense that, say, Barry Maitland, Lawrence Block, or Laurie R. King provide readers as to whether or not the perpetrator will finally be caught and brought to justice is missing as well until quite late in the novel — far too late.
Sometimes, a novel provides such interesting subplots that readers easily overlook an early revelation of the villain’s identity. No such luck here: The subplots in Murder by Bicycle were too tired to overcome the lack of suspense as to the identity of the murderer. Ellie’s insufferable daughter’s selfishness and tirades; Ellie’s spoiled, bratty grandson; Ellie’s smug, judgmental fellow parishioners; Ellie’s insistent would-be suitors — all have grown old by now. I very nearly abandoned the novel before the halfway point. That’s pretty harsh, I know, but Heley normally delivers such delightful cozies that I’m still surprised but how weak this installment proved. Murder by Bicycle did improve enough at Chapter 13 that I wanted to read it straight through to the end. Would that Heley had been able to imbue the novel with that level of suspense earlier on!
I was originally going to recommend that readers skip this one and go straight from Murder by Committee to Murder of Identity. But Heley redeemed herself — if only just. And that was enough to raise this cozy from a dismal one-star rating to a lukewarm two stars.
Note: If you do want to skip Murder by Bicycle, you obviously won’t be missing much. All you need to know to to successfully navigate the next (and eighth) novel in the series, Murder of Identity, follows:
Sometimes, a novel provides such interesting subplots that readers easily overlook an early revelation of the villain’s identity. No such luck here: The subplots in Murder by Bicycle were too tired to overcome the lack of suspense as to the identity of the murderer. Ellie’s insufferable daughter’s selfishness and tirades; Ellie’s spoiled, bratty grandson; Ellie’s smug, judgmental fellow parishioners; Ellie’s insistent would-be suitors — all have grown old by now. I very nearly abandoned the novel before the halfway point. That’s pretty harsh, I know, but Heley normally delivers such delightful cozies that I’m still surprised but how weak this installment proved. Murder by Bicycle did improve enough at Chapter 13 that I wanted to read it straight through to the end. Would that Heley had been able to imbue the novel with that level of suspense earlier on!
I was originally going to recommend that readers skip this one and go straight from Murder by Committee to Murder of Identity. But Heley redeemed herself — if only just. And that was enough to raise this cozy from a dismal one-star rating to a lukewarm two stars.
Note: If you do want to skip Murder by Bicycle, you obviously won’t be missing much. All you need to know to to successfully navigate the next (and eighth) novel in the series, Murder of Identity, follows:
July 20, 2016
Imagine how you would feel if you made homemade quiches to take to a church meal and everyone clamored to eat your quiches because they knew who made the homemade goodness and then the diners became Ill. That happened to Ellie Quicke in this 7th book in the series. It is just the start of the problems.
I turn to this series when I want a relaxing entertaining read. I like the character of Ellie Quicke who is widowed and starting new chapters in her life. She is making many friends who are featured in the books. She has turned into an amateur sleuth and lives in a suburb of London. I probably wouldn't mind if her daughter Diana who is dreadful wasn't featured in the books. I feel the books should be read in order to see the changes that occur in Ellie after the death of her husband. I enjoy this series very much..
I turn to this series when I want a relaxing entertaining read. I like the character of Ellie Quicke who is widowed and starting new chapters in her life. She is making many friends who are featured in the books. She has turned into an amateur sleuth and lives in a suburb of London. I probably wouldn't mind if her daughter Diana who is dreadful wasn't featured in the books. I feel the books should be read in order to see the changes that occur in Ellie after the death of her husband. I enjoy this series very much..
March 15, 2022
I always think the term 'cosy crime' is ironical: for this is the genre of Veronica Heley's 'Murder by Bicycle', forming part of a long series focussing on sleuth Ellie Quicke. Ellie herself is a very relatable person, always helping others, and perhaps becoming over-involved; which then makes her vulnerable to constant struggles with her over-demanding daughter. The irony comes from the fact that ordinary people are portrayed in a small community where all the minutiae of social life goes on, and yet in their midst is a ruthless murderer. The message is that evil can lurk within a most unassuming exterior; and in the case of this novel, an unobtrusive person harbours murderous thoughts and actions and becomes quite happy to carry out multiple killings.
I don't usually read cosy crime but I have read books by Veronica Heley before, which I love, in particular 'The Lady of the Hall' Series. She is very good at presenting male / female relationships and showing us the dynamics of a relationship going subtly wrong, and the small ways people betray their follies and vices. I think this author is very discerning about human behaviour. The tone is light and often funny in its waspish, perfect observations of people, and their thoughts and actions. I found it a delight to read.
I don't usually read cosy crime but I have read books by Veronica Heley before, which I love, in particular 'The Lady of the Hall' Series. She is very good at presenting male / female relationships and showing us the dynamics of a relationship going subtly wrong, and the small ways people betray their follies and vices. I think this author is very discerning about human behaviour. The tone is light and often funny in its waspish, perfect observations of people, and their thoughts and actions. I found it a delight to read.
May 5, 2017
Right now this is my go to mystery when I want an easy read. I like the characters - though I hope the author doesn't redeem them all like she did the aunt. In the first book she was a bossy demanding tartar and now she is generally nice which I find more boring. If the same is done for the daughter I may stop reading the series. I like the fact that the story and characters are developing with each book. In this one there was a proposal, an engagement and a possible new romantic interest for the main character. The grandson who was a baby in the first book is now 4 and at school in the mornings.
Now - I should never be in a book club because I seem to have something negative about everything I read. But one thing that does grate with me is the author's fondness for the word "dear". Dear Rose, my dear, dear aunt ... etc. Being in a strange mood I decided to count how often the word was used in this one. I was actually surprised it was only 61 times in 236 pages. I thought it would be closer to 100.
Now - I should never be in a book club because I seem to have something negative about everything I read. But one thing that does grate with me is the author's fondness for the word "dear". Dear Rose, my dear, dear aunt ... etc. Being in a strange mood I decided to count how often the word was used in this one. I was actually surprised it was only 61 times in 236 pages. I thought it would be closer to 100.
May 6, 2019
Hmm. I am starting to wonder about towns in England. St. Mary Meade, Midsummer, and wherever Ellie lives seem to have a high percentage of psycho residents! (Yeah, I do tend to read British mysteries.)
Ellie has been assisting at her local church for decades. However, a pot luck luncheon held at the church leads to several folks being ill from what appears to be Ellie’s quiche. One person accuses her of being a murderess! Of course, her selfish, evil daughter, Diane, is trying to sell Ellie’s house to get some money, because she’s in debt again. Plus, there’s several men that are courting Ellie, and her aunt is causing complications.
Are there really that many evil, psychotic people in the world? I hate to think so.
Ellie has been assisting at her local church for decades. However, a pot luck luncheon held at the church leads to several folks being ill from what appears to be Ellie’s quiche. One person accuses her of being a murderess! Of course, her selfish, evil daughter, Diane, is trying to sell Ellie’s house to get some money, because she’s in debt again. Plus, there’s several men that are courting Ellie, and her aunt is causing complications.
Are there really that many evil, psychotic people in the world? I hate to think so.
May 23, 2025
It follows the Ellie Quicke formula faithfully.
First of all, if you’re thinking of reading this book, you must first read the previous book in the series, Murder by Committee, if you expect to understand all that’s going on. This is really continuation of that story.
Second, if you’ve read any books in the series before, you’ll know exactly what to expect in this one, someone in Ellie’s circle, or neighborhood, or church, is in peril, and Ellie Quicke, with her ability to read people, and put seemingly unrelated events and facts together, jumps in to help. They are just what cozy mysteries should be, I guess, essentially bloodless, without much trauma, tidy, safe and don’t take a lot of thought on the reader’s part. They’re a nice distraction from a day’s events.
First of all, if you’re thinking of reading this book, you must first read the previous book in the series, Murder by Committee, if you expect to understand all that’s going on. This is really continuation of that story.
Second, if you’ve read any books in the series before, you’ll know exactly what to expect in this one, someone in Ellie’s circle, or neighborhood, or church, is in peril, and Ellie Quicke, with her ability to read people, and put seemingly unrelated events and facts together, jumps in to help. They are just what cozy mysteries should be, I guess, essentially bloodless, without much trauma, tidy, safe and don’t take a lot of thought on the reader’s part. They’re a nice distraction from a day’s events.
April 30, 2024
Always waiting for the next clue
A wonderful array of characters, each with their own interesting story . It appears to be a lot of coincidences, but there’s a true mystery and crime tying it all together. Don’t start it unless you’ve enough time to devote for a well developed ending. Although you might still be trying to guess the next development.
A wonderful array of characters, each with their own interesting story . It appears to be a lot of coincidences, but there’s a true mystery and crime tying it all together. Don’t start it unless you’ve enough time to devote for a well developed ending. Although you might still be trying to guess the next development.
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April 5, 2024Soap
A religious woman's family and friends drama . Her relationship dramas and a murder or two thrown in . I don't know why but I do enjoy these. I still think they're very soap like .
A religious woman's family and friends drama . Her relationship dramas and a murder or two thrown in . I don't know why but I do enjoy these. I still think they're very soap like .
August 3, 2018
Another entertaining crime investigation led by the intrepid fifty-something widow supported by a coterie of quirky friends and relatives and plagued by an extraordinarily obnoxious daughter.
June 5, 2019
A very enjoyable read....
October 16, 2020
Nice easy series, will continue
January 4, 2023
audiobook
January 1, 2024
Best ending so far, had to read the last four chapters in one session, great reading
October 3, 2024
The interesting characters, relationships and complications keep the reader absorbed.
February 18, 2025
love these stories
Gentle but interesting, and the characters have become known to me! Just about to get the next one! Really enjoying.
Gentle but interesting, and the characters have become known to me! Just about to get the next one! Really enjoying.
July 3, 2025
Mystery
Ellie love a good ending or mystery if you wanna call it that. It will keep us guessing. Here to the next good read
Ellie love a good ending or mystery if you wanna call it that. It will keep us guessing. Here to the next good read
November 28, 2017
Ellie Quicke is accused of poisoning several members of the church's congregation when people become ill after apparently eating her home made quiches. She is positive there was nothing wrong with her quiches but when an elderly man dies and a young woman miscarries her baby the situation becomes serious and Ellie has a fight on her hands to clear her name.
Once again, family and friends are making excessive demands on Ellie's time and patience but fortunately Thomas, the vicar is doing his best to support Ellie but various busy bodies starting rumours about them? I enjoyed this complex mystery which has plenty of clues and read herrings to lure the unwary reader to draw the wrong conclusions. It demonstrates how groups of people can come to incorrect conclusions when they don't have all the facts at their disposal.
I love the dialogue in this series and the characters are believable and likeable. Even Ellie and Thomas are all too human and don't always behave exactly how they should. This series bears re-reading more than once and the books are still as fresh after more than one reading. The series can be read in any order.
Once again, family and friends are making excessive demands on Ellie's time and patience but fortunately Thomas, the vicar is doing his best to support Ellie but various busy bodies starting rumours about them? I enjoyed this complex mystery which has plenty of clues and read herrings to lure the unwary reader to draw the wrong conclusions. It demonstrates how groups of people can come to incorrect conclusions when they don't have all the facts at their disposal.
I love the dialogue in this series and the characters are believable and likeable. Even Ellie and Thomas are all too human and don't always behave exactly how they should. This series bears re-reading more than once and the books are still as fresh after more than one reading. The series can be read in any order.
May 16, 2010
I've decided the reason I like reading this series is because it's like family. They are exasperating and you want to shake some sense in them, but they are family. Ellie Quicke is sometimes very thick-headed, especially where her daughter is concerned. Ellie can't quite figure out what to do with her suitors, particularly since a warm, comforting hug from someone special in her life sets her mind skittering into new directions.
The mysteries are good. In this one, told both from perspective of Ellie and the evil-doer carries the characters from the last book. Poisoning, threats and finally a dramatic fire before the murder is discovered.
The mysteries are good. In this one, told both from perspective of Ellie and the evil-doer carries the characters from the last book. Poisoning, threats and finally a dramatic fire before the murder is discovered.
April 19, 2013
This is the 7th Ellie Quicke mystery and I enjoy them. This one is about a very disturbed woman who is carrying a grudge to the enth degree and murdering people when it suits her wishes and needs. Can Ellie stop her before she kills again? The daughter Diana, she is such a stupid person because she never learns from her mistakes. It's like she's still 13 and only thinks for herself. HOpefully the author will let her grow up some in the next book.
August 22, 2020
Read in February
I enjoyed this book. A bit like Agatha Raisin or even Miss Marple, Ellie Quicke is a bit of an amateur sleuth, she has been accused of poisoning the congregation of her local church with her homemade quiche and when a second incidence os poisoning occurs she makes it her business to find out what is going on. Quite a gentle murder but interesting!
I enjoyed this book. A bit like Agatha Raisin or even Miss Marple, Ellie Quicke is a bit of an amateur sleuth, she has been accused of poisoning the congregation of her local church with her homemade quiche and when a second incidence os poisoning occurs she makes it her business to find out what is going on. Quite a gentle murder but interesting!
May 27, 2015
Seventh in the Ellie Quicke series, this continues the saga of Ellie, her unbelievable daughter Diana, several suitors, and a murderer. After a potluck at church, thirty parishioners fall ill, and Ellie's quiche is suspected to be the culprit. The story moves along and the reader soon knows who the real culprit is, and waits expectantly for Ellie to figure out who's done it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews