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A Cyclist's Guide Mystery #2
A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains & Vines
When ex-pat bicycle proprietress Sadie Greene guides a hard-to-impress group of sophisticated seniors on a stunning trip in northeastern France, she expects some twists, turns, and sudden stops to sip the Riesling. She doesn’t anticipate a detour leading straight to murder . . .
Sadie Greene and her Oui Cycle crew vow to wow her most discerning private group yet with a trip they will never forget. It won’t be easy. The Silver Spinners, six globetrotting seniors, arrive with thrilling tales of two-wheeling adventures. Sadie worries she’ll fail to impress such worldly travelers, even with the backdrop of Alsace, a dreamy region of rolling vineyards, delicious cuisine, and fairytale architecture. Sadie is dead wrong. Her group is stunned, but not for the right reasons . . .
Trouble starts when a guest crashes into a corpse on a solo midnight ride. Or so she says. But when body isn’t found, Sadie hopes it was all a bad dream. She aims to reset the mood with a fun, sunny day pedaling through the vineyards. However, an impromptu detour ends in a crash, and a shattered wine barrel isn’t the only victim. A dead man spills out. Sadie still thinks they can ride away unscathed. After all, who would they know so far from home? Murder once again throws a wrench in Sadie’s gears. The corpse has shocking links to her tour.
The Silver Spinners are key witnesses, prime suspects, and dangerously eager to play amateur detectives. Sadie finds herself tangled in the chaos. With her guests’ lives and Oui Cycle’s reputation on the line, Sadie is determined to trail the culprit. But can she stay on course long enough to reach the truth, or is she heading for a fatal collision with a cunning killer?
Sadie Greene and her Oui Cycle crew vow to wow her most discerning private group yet with a trip they will never forget. It won’t be easy. The Silver Spinners, six globetrotting seniors, arrive with thrilling tales of two-wheeling adventures. Sadie worries she’ll fail to impress such worldly travelers, even with the backdrop of Alsace, a dreamy region of rolling vineyards, delicious cuisine, and fairytale architecture. Sadie is dead wrong. Her group is stunned, but not for the right reasons . . .
Trouble starts when a guest crashes into a corpse on a solo midnight ride. Or so she says. But when body isn’t found, Sadie hopes it was all a bad dream. She aims to reset the mood with a fun, sunny day pedaling through the vineyards. However, an impromptu detour ends in a crash, and a shattered wine barrel isn’t the only victim. A dead man spills out. Sadie still thinks they can ride away unscathed. After all, who would they know so far from home? Murder once again throws a wrench in Sadie’s gears. The corpse has shocking links to her tour.
The Silver Spinners are key witnesses, prime suspects, and dangerously eager to play amateur detectives. Sadie finds herself tangled in the chaos. With her guests’ lives and Oui Cycle’s reputation on the line, Sadie is determined to trail the culprit. But can she stay on course long enough to reach the truth, or is she heading for a fatal collision with a cunning killer?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
52 people are currently reading
4411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 26, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Six globetrotting seniors, The Silver Spinners, are ready for a tour with Sadie Greene and her Oui Cycle crew. The question is, are Sadie, Nadiya, and Jordi ready for them? Sadie is worried the vineyards, architecture, and food of Alsace won’t be as exciting as their other adventures. But never fear, one of the Spinners, out by themselves for a midnight ride, finds a dead body . . . or did she?
In an effort to get the tour back on track, Sadie and her guests set off on an entertaining ride through the vineyards. They don’t get far before one of the bikers crashes into a wine barrel, and the mysterious missing body pours out. Well, that was unfortunate, but it shouldn’t affect her tour. However, it was quickly disclosed that the victim had ties to the well-traveled seniors, one very closely.
So the witnesses become suspects and even draw Sadie into the plot. The Spinners have skin in the game and are keen to do some investigating on their own. Sadie has to think about Oui Cycle, and now there is another murder. Is this going to destroy her new business? They are out of her “friend”, Detective Jacques Laurent’s, jurisdiction, and the local chief of police was pretty clear about staying out of her case. Sadie feels the need to find the killer. It could be one of the seniors she’s traveling with or someone in the wonderful little town where they are staying. Can she ferret out the killer? Or is she on a crash course to her own demise?
As in the first book in this series, A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime & Croissants, Ms. Claire’s detailed descriptions of the village of Riquewihr and every place her characters travel put the reader right there with them. It was easy to close my eyes and imagine each setting in full living color. Each person came full into view as well. Don’t get me started on the food and wine. I felt like I was biking right along with them. Because of the murder, there were days lost from the itinerary, but Sadie truly did her best to get to as many places as possible.
Each of the seniors was unique; one is very outspoken, the clear leader of the group. Two men are partners in love with a shared passion for art and antiques. Two are “young bloods” and are on their first tour with the group. The final has some issues, goes off on her own a lot, and they are the one who found the dead body. For me, they all were a little trying at times. They were entitled, spiteful, demanding, and disagreeable when Sadie was working so hard to please them. I am sure they were true to life of some people taking these kinds of trips, though. The local residents we meet are cleverly written, too. I loved Chou Chou, a supersmart dog who looks like a bear and is a “mammoth who eats everything.” There is also a cat in the village that plays an intriguing part in the story.
Ms. Claire has spun a well-plotted mystery that includes the six silver spinners alongside others who had issues with the victim. He was a villain in his own right. Sadie had her hands full trying to keep her group out of trouble, but it was much like herding cats. The author filled the story with twists and turns, but when the real killer villain was revealed, I was totally taken aback. I think everyone was on my suspect list except this person. I may have missed a clear clue because I was enjoying my personal literary vacation a little too much, but I love being surprised. The ending was so exciting; the pages couldn’t turn fast enough.
I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. The glamping scenes and Chou Chou’s antics had me smiling ear to ear. I was happy to see Laurent’s arrival. His relationship with Sadie is growing. Nadiya and Jordi’s relationship is heating up, too. I am looking forward to seeing both couples’ relationships continue to evolve further in the next book.
A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains & Vines is an entertaining, well-written cozy mystery with a protagonist who is passionate about her job, a crew that has her back, all set in a delightful locale. It was a wonderful virtual trip, and my bags are already packed for my next adventure with Oui Cycle.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Six globetrotting seniors, The Silver Spinners, are ready for a tour with Sadie Greene and her Oui Cycle crew. The question is, are Sadie, Nadiya, and Jordi ready for them? Sadie is worried the vineyards, architecture, and food of Alsace won’t be as exciting as their other adventures. But never fear, one of the Spinners, out by themselves for a midnight ride, finds a dead body . . . or did she?
In an effort to get the tour back on track, Sadie and her guests set off on an entertaining ride through the vineyards. They don’t get far before one of the bikers crashes into a wine barrel, and the mysterious missing body pours out. Well, that was unfortunate, but it shouldn’t affect her tour. However, it was quickly disclosed that the victim had ties to the well-traveled seniors, one very closely.
So the witnesses become suspects and even draw Sadie into the plot. The Spinners have skin in the game and are keen to do some investigating on their own. Sadie has to think about Oui Cycle, and now there is another murder. Is this going to destroy her new business? They are out of her “friend”, Detective Jacques Laurent’s, jurisdiction, and the local chief of police was pretty clear about staying out of her case. Sadie feels the need to find the killer. It could be one of the seniors she’s traveling with or someone in the wonderful little town where they are staying. Can she ferret out the killer? Or is she on a crash course to her own demise?
As in the first book in this series, A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime & Croissants, Ms. Claire’s detailed descriptions of the village of Riquewihr and every place her characters travel put the reader right there with them. It was easy to close my eyes and imagine each setting in full living color. Each person came full into view as well. Don’t get me started on the food and wine. I felt like I was biking right along with them. Because of the murder, there were days lost from the itinerary, but Sadie truly did her best to get to as many places as possible.
Each of the seniors was unique; one is very outspoken, the clear leader of the group. Two men are partners in love with a shared passion for art and antiques. Two are “young bloods” and are on their first tour with the group. The final has some issues, goes off on her own a lot, and they are the one who found the dead body. For me, they all were a little trying at times. They were entitled, spiteful, demanding, and disagreeable when Sadie was working so hard to please them. I am sure they were true to life of some people taking these kinds of trips, though. The local residents we meet are cleverly written, too. I loved Chou Chou, a supersmart dog who looks like a bear and is a “mammoth who eats everything.” There is also a cat in the village that plays an intriguing part in the story.
Ms. Claire has spun a well-plotted mystery that includes the six silver spinners alongside others who had issues with the victim. He was a villain in his own right. Sadie had her hands full trying to keep her group out of trouble, but it was much like herding cats. The author filled the story with twists and turns, but when the real killer villain was revealed, I was totally taken aback. I think everyone was on my suspect list except this person. I may have missed a clear clue because I was enjoying my personal literary vacation a little too much, but I love being surprised. The ending was so exciting; the pages couldn’t turn fast enough.
I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. The glamping scenes and Chou Chou’s antics had me smiling ear to ear. I was happy to see Laurent’s arrival. His relationship with Sadie is growing. Nadiya and Jordi’s relationship is heating up, too. I am looking forward to seeing both couples’ relationships continue to evolve further in the next book.
A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains & Vines is an entertaining, well-written cozy mystery with a protagonist who is passionate about her job, a crew that has her back, all set in a delightful locale. It was a wonderful virtual trip, and my bags are already packed for my next adventure with Oui Cycle.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 31, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series! What was not too like, traveling the beautiful French countryside on bicycles, eating delicious French pastries and croissants, French food and wine, and an interesting murder mystery tied into our heroine's past. Sadie comes out on top and is back for another adventure. Well this time we find ourselves in the lovely Alsace section of France, housed in a lovely old Inn preparing for day trips all over the area with castles to explore, dining in fabulous restaurants, taking classes on cheese making and cookie baking with a group called the Silver Spinners. It's a great setup, correct? Add a wildly interesting, if highly improbable, murder and we should be on our way to a good time. Here is where I have my problem, there is so much good, but this book is really spoiled for me by the characters in the touring group. I am all for quirky characters, but these people are so far over the top that they are annoying and obnoxious. Sadie runs all over trying to control a group that breaks the law, sets people up, disregards others' safety, and are just not nice people. This just pulled me too far out of the story to enjoy it as I hoped. This might not bother others as the backdrop for our story and the mystery are good, but they couldn't save this one for me. I will definitely come back to try again with the next in the series.
May 30, 2025
I read this one while eating a cheese board and drinking a glass of wine and honestly there's no better way to do it!
I really loved the first installment in this series and so of course jumped on reading the second one. It was just as cozy and adventurous as the first! I loved the Silver Spinners crew, and what they brought to the page. Their blend of chaos and care created a nice balance to Sadie's sleuthing and anxiety (lol Sadie is me, I say this with zero judgment).
I am a romance reader at heart and so I almost screamed when Laurent showed up on page, I love him. I was so happy to see him and Sadie getting closer, especially after how everything in the first book went down. So happy for them.
I honestly loved the reveal of who did it. I do wish there was maybe 1-2 more chapters around the end, as the resolution felt a little rushed, and then the book was over. But I was super impressed with how this book read as nearly standalone (as in, I didn't feel like I needed to know what happened in the first book to enjoy this one), and that helped balance that out for me.
I want to go back to France! Maybe I want to get back into cycling (not the outdoor kind)? Either way, especially with that tidbit in the acknowledgments, I'm already on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3 in this series!
I really loved the first installment in this series and so of course jumped on reading the second one. It was just as cozy and adventurous as the first! I loved the Silver Spinners crew, and what they brought to the page. Their blend of chaos and care created a nice balance to Sadie's sleuthing and anxiety (lol Sadie is me, I say this with zero judgment).
I am a romance reader at heart and so I almost screamed when Laurent showed up on page, I love him. I was so happy to see him and Sadie getting closer, especially after how everything in the first book went down. So happy for them.
I honestly loved the reveal of who did it. I do wish there was maybe 1-2 more chapters around the end, as the resolution felt a little rushed, and then the book was over. But I was super impressed with how this book read as nearly standalone (as in, I didn't feel like I needed to know what happened in the first book to enjoy this one), and that helped balance that out for me.
I want to go back to France! Maybe I want to get back into cycling (not the outdoor kind)? Either way, especially with that tidbit in the acknowledgments, I'm already on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3 in this series!
May 27, 2025
I LOVE THIS SERIES. I seriously cannot get enough of this series and Sadie and this book was even better than book 1 (which I adored).
I would go on a cycling tour with her in a instant (regardless of the constant crimes) because she is so much fun. I love her attitude, her fun facts, her passion for both cycling and the beauty of France (and all the croissants of course). I love how she balances being a tour guide and letting her guests get their way, with keeping them on track AND investigating crimes. I love her relationship with Laurent and how they trust each other and treat each other kindly; I cannot wait for more of them!
I adore small villages and this one sounds like the ideal visit. This book had my mouth watering from the food (wine and cheese and cabbage!) and I wish I could stroll the streets browsing. The mystery was heartbreaking, but I love how this group of sassy and strong headed seniors kept the humor HIGH and made this book so delightfully cozy. The ending was drama and I could not turn the pages fast enough.
I hope we get more of this series, I already miss it!!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
I would go on a cycling tour with her in a instant (regardless of the constant crimes) because she is so much fun. I love her attitude, her fun facts, her passion for both cycling and the beauty of France (and all the croissants of course). I love how she balances being a tour guide and letting her guests get their way, with keeping them on track AND investigating crimes. I love her relationship with Laurent and how they trust each other and treat each other kindly; I cannot wait for more of them!
I adore small villages and this one sounds like the ideal visit. This book had my mouth watering from the food (wine and cheese and cabbage!) and I wish I could stroll the streets browsing. The mystery was heartbreaking, but I love how this group of sassy and strong headed seniors kept the humor HIGH and made this book so delightfully cozy. The ending was drama and I could not turn the pages fast enough.
I hope we get more of this series, I already miss it!!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
May 19, 2025
3.5/5 stars
Another fun and wonderfully cozy mystery!! I absolutely love the setting, and the Oui Cycle travel adventures had me texting my friend about a trip to France.
I was surprised by the resolution, but I wish there were more hints leading up to it. At times, the writing felt a little too “quippy” for me, but I overall enjoyed Sadie, the Silver Spinners, and the rest of the characters.
Thank you to Kensington for an advanced copy!
Another fun and wonderfully cozy mystery!! I absolutely love the setting, and the Oui Cycle travel adventures had me texting my friend about a trip to France.
I was surprised by the resolution, but I wish there were more hints leading up to it. At times, the writing felt a little too “quippy” for me, but I overall enjoyed Sadie, the Silver Spinners, and the rest of the characters.
Thank you to Kensington for an advanced copy!
April 15, 2025
First, thanks to Net Galley for this ARC. So excited to have this opportunity!
Another cozy French-set mystery? It's a OUI for me! I had so much fun as Sadie tried to solve the mystery while rangling her rambunctious group of senior cyclers. I will admit, I was hoping for a touch more romance between Sadie and Laurent, but I'll take what I can get. I loved getting to experience another French getaway; these books always make me want to travel and eat lots of bread and cheese!
Sadie and Oui Cycle are back again, this time in Alsace with a group of senior cyclists. She would have her hands full with this group even if it weren't for the murder they stumble upon! Of course, things are made all the more complicated by the fact that the deceased is the very same man who disappeared fifteen years ago, leaving behind a wife who happens to be ON THE TOUR with her boyfriend. Poor Sadie can't catch a break, it seems, but at least this time the first victim isn't part of her tour group!
Ann Claire does a wonderful job with her characters. They all have well-developed personalities and back stories; how I wish I could be Scarlett's bestie! While descriptions of the settings are not totally immersive, they certainly give you a taste for the area and make you wish you were there. The mystery had some well-placed red herrings, but the solution made complete sense in the end., which is a must for this reader.
Another cozy French-set mystery? It's a OUI for me! I had so much fun as Sadie tried to solve the mystery while rangling her rambunctious group of senior cyclers. I will admit, I was hoping for a touch more romance between Sadie and Laurent, but I'll take what I can get. I loved getting to experience another French getaway; these books always make me want to travel and eat lots of bread and cheese!
Sadie and Oui Cycle are back again, this time in Alsace with a group of senior cyclists. She would have her hands full with this group even if it weren't for the murder they stumble upon! Of course, things are made all the more complicated by the fact that the deceased is the very same man who disappeared fifteen years ago, leaving behind a wife who happens to be ON THE TOUR with her boyfriend. Poor Sadie can't catch a break, it seems, but at least this time the first victim isn't part of her tour group!
Ann Claire does a wonderful job with her characters. They all have well-developed personalities and back stories; how I wish I could be Scarlett's bestie! While descriptions of the settings are not totally immersive, they certainly give you a taste for the area and make you wish you were there. The mystery had some well-placed red herrings, but the solution made complete sense in the end., which is a must for this reader.
June 17, 2025
I usually love a cozy mystery, this one the mystery seemed to get lost in the descriptions of the cycling tour that should have been the back drop. I was expecting more mystery and less actual cycling.
November 2, 2025
Sadie is at it again! She is leading a group of silver seniors on a cycling trip through France. From the beginning she becomes involved in a murder mystery! The story is filled with unique characters,some even not human! Chou Chou the dog plays an important role. If you like cozy mysteries pick this book up.
February 25, 2025
Sadie Greene is the proprietor who enjoys her business of a cycling tour through the French countryside. The group she is travelling with are the Silver Spinners who are a riotous bunch of oldsters who truly appreciate the food and scenery. But not so much the disappearing and reappearing dead body who turns out to be one of theirs. Of course they have to investigate!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected E-galley file from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date May 27, 2025
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I requested and received a temporary uncorrected E-galley file from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date May 27, 2025
#ACyclistsGuidetoVillainsVines by @annclaireauthor @kensingtonbooks #acyclistsguidemysteryBk2 @barnesandnoblesale #booklovers #readersofinstagram #cozymysterythriller #cozymysteryseries #Bookstagram #recipes #cozymysteryreaders #cozyreads #cozymystery #France #murdermystery #cycletouring #cycling #situationalhumor #verbal humor #spinners #bicycletouring #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones **** Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #foodie
May 11, 2025
A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO VILLIANS AND VINES is the second book in the Cyclist’s Guide Mysteries by Ann Claire. This charming cozy mystery combines all the elements that keep me coming back for more: delightful characters (both core and auxiliary alike); mouthwatering food; a unique career; and lovely and dramatic descriptions of the locale. Oh, and did I mention the setting is in France?! Oui, s’il vous plaît—sign me up! Plucky protagonist Sadie Greene owns and operates Oui Cycle, an appealing bicycle tour company, pedaling across the French countryside. The author has done her research and brings the setting to life, along with realistic descriptions of the biking and the historical aspects of their visits. I especially loved the dribbles of tour guide tidbits interjected and I found the information on storks utterly fascinating. Yet Ms. Claire manages to keep the mystery and the action moving forward while entertaining her cycle group and readers.
The setup to the mystery is topnotch with a group of chaotic senior cyclists, known as the Silver Spinners at the center of it all. The senior citizens provide humor as Sadie tries to keep them on pace and out of mischief… which is a losing battle. When one of the seniors crashes, a murder victim is uncovered and the mayhem increases. While Sadie hopes it won’t impact their tour, the dead man has a shocking connection to the group and the Silver Spinners are all in for investigating the death. There are plenty of suspects—including the Silver Spinners themselves—and several twists to keep the reader guessing. It was a delight following along as the clues unfolded, yet I didn’t guess the culprit or the reason behind the crime. If you enjoy an armchair vacation with colorful characters while reading a puzzling mystery to solve, then I highly recommend A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains and Vines!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The setup to the mystery is topnotch with a group of chaotic senior cyclists, known as the Silver Spinners at the center of it all. The senior citizens provide humor as Sadie tries to keep them on pace and out of mischief… which is a losing battle. When one of the seniors crashes, a murder victim is uncovered and the mayhem increases. While Sadie hopes it won’t impact their tour, the dead man has a shocking connection to the group and the Silver Spinners are all in for investigating the death. There are plenty of suspects—including the Silver Spinners themselves—and several twists to keep the reader guessing. It was a delight following along as the clues unfolded, yet I didn’t guess the culprit or the reason behind the crime. If you enjoy an armchair vacation with colorful characters while reading a puzzling mystery to solve, then I highly recommend A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains and Vines!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 10, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Cyclist's Guide to Villains & Vines is the 2nd book in a fun cycling themed cozy series by Ann Claire. Released 27th May 2025 by Kensington, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU.
This is a very cozy light destination mystery, with a tour guide and a group of mature cyclists in France's countryside to enjoy wonderful food and cycling and making memories. Murder soon throws a wrench in the spokes; even moreso when they discover that one of the group has ties to the victim.
Despite being a cozy (with an expectedly high suspension of disbelief), these characters are *often* completely out of control. They're so over the top that some readers (at least *this* reader) will often be yanked out of the story. Nevertheless, the story is entertaining, the mystery is well engineered with a satisfying (if over-the-top) climax and denouement, and the descriptions of food and setting are well rendered and easy to picture.
Three and a half stars. With 2 books extant in the series (both on kindle unlimited), it would make a good mini-binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
A Cyclist's Guide to Villains & Vines is the 2nd book in a fun cycling themed cozy series by Ann Claire. Released 27th May 2025 by Kensington, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU.
This is a very cozy light destination mystery, with a tour guide and a group of mature cyclists in France's countryside to enjoy wonderful food and cycling and making memories. Murder soon throws a wrench in the spokes; even moreso when they discover that one of the group has ties to the victim.
Despite being a cozy (with an expectedly high suspension of disbelief), these characters are *often* completely out of control. They're so over the top that some readers (at least *this* reader) will often be yanked out of the story. Nevertheless, the story is entertaining, the mystery is well engineered with a satisfying (if over-the-top) climax and denouement, and the descriptions of food and setting are well rendered and easy to picture.
Three and a half stars. With 2 books extant in the series (both on kindle unlimited), it would make a good mini-binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
June 5, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I very much looked forward to this one. It wasn't as good. Perhaps I wanted a little more history of the tours given, which I felt the first book did a little better. I also had a hard time adjusting to the many characters early on in this book. It took me a while to distinguish everyone. There really were a lot.
What I loved about this, was that we were taken to a different region in France. This time in one dear to my heart, as it deals with my lineage: Alsace! What a fun place. I enjoyed learning a bit of tidbits of things at the start of each chapter too.
Sadie takes on a group of English tourists who are known as the Silver Spinners. Most of them are a bit older in age and Sadie has electrical bikes for them to help assist in any hardships with the tour. Of course, a dead body has been found, though the night before, it was seen elsewhere and had disappeared. There is some drama as to who was found deceased that leads to many suspects having connections to the person.
What was sad about the first half of this book, is we barely even hear about Laurent, the wonderful cop and love interest of Sadie from the first book. He does show up but is not in it enough.
About halfway through the book, I felt like I could figure out who the killer was. I was excited to see that I was right as it was going on, but man, there were so many reasons that I could have changed my mind. I just had some suspicions and 3/4s of the way it grew and grew in my mind. I do like how it wrapped up. I also like that it sort-of set up the next book!
I appreciated the fact that this is a clean story with no bad words or sex. It does my heart good.
What I loved about this, was that we were taken to a different region in France. This time in one dear to my heart, as it deals with my lineage: Alsace! What a fun place. I enjoyed learning a bit of tidbits of things at the start of each chapter too.
Sadie takes on a group of English tourists who are known as the Silver Spinners. Most of them are a bit older in age and Sadie has electrical bikes for them to help assist in any hardships with the tour. Of course, a dead body has been found, though the night before, it was seen elsewhere and had disappeared. There is some drama as to who was found deceased that leads to many suspects having connections to the person.
What was sad about the first half of this book, is we barely even hear about Laurent, the wonderful cop and love interest of Sadie from the first book. He does show up but is not in it enough.
About halfway through the book, I felt like I could figure out who the killer was. I was excited to see that I was right as it was going on, but man, there were so many reasons that I could have changed my mind. I just had some suspicions and 3/4s of the way it grew and grew in my mind. I do like how it wrapped up. I also like that it sort-of set up the next book!
I appreciated the fact that this is a clean story with no bad words or sex. It does my heart good.
July 9, 2025
Sadie is still running her cycling tour company in France and loving it. This new group is quite a headache though. They seem to cause her problems at every turn and keep veering off the planned course. When one of them discovers a dead body one night during their midnight cycling things take a weird turn. First the body disappears and then reappears in a wine barrel. Addie is thrust into another murder mystery against her will. Even worse is that one of her groups members recognizes the dead man. He may have gone by the name Eddie in France but he was really Edwin, a man thought to have died when he was lost at sea during a vacation with his wife and two sons.
Discovering that Eddie/Edwin was alive and newly dead is a shock for the women that were part of his lives. Did his secret cause his death? Turns out that Eddie/Edwin was a man of secrets and he liked to “start over” whenever things got too boring or difficult. He planned to “start over” again but his time with more money by blackmailing a “friend”. He knew who the local art thief was no tried to blackmail him for financial help but that clearly backfired.
Sadie almost lost her life finding out the truth and it was very nice to read about her and Laurent gradually getting closer. He’s become a good fried and I think that in the future it will turn into one thing more.
Discovering that Eddie/Edwin was alive and newly dead is a shock for the women that were part of his lives. Did his secret cause his death? Turns out that Eddie/Edwin was a man of secrets and he liked to “start over” whenever things got too boring or difficult. He planned to “start over” again but his time with more money by blackmailing a “friend”. He knew who the local art thief was no tried to blackmail him for financial help but that clearly backfired.
Sadie almost lost her life finding out the truth and it was very nice to read about her and Laurent gradually getting closer. He’s become a good fried and I think that in the future it will turn into one thing more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
This is a fun and light "whodunit" that I really enjoyed. Sadie is the owner of a cycling tour company in France. Her latest group of tourists are the Silver Spinners - a group of quirky and spry senior citizens who have hired Sadie to take them on a cycling tour of the Alsace region of France. But instead of cycling and wine, the group finds themselves in the middle of a murder mystery when one of the Silver Spinners decides to go out for a midnight ride in town and discovers a dead body.
As the mystery unfolds, it turns out that the murder victim is someone tied to the past of one of the Silver Spinners. Did the Silver Spinners book this trip because one of them knew that the victim lived in this small French village, or is it just coincidence?
A little cheesy at times, but if you are looking for a mystery that is just a nice, easy read for the beach, this book will do the trick!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the mystery unfolds, it turns out that the murder victim is someone tied to the past of one of the Silver Spinners. Did the Silver Spinners book this trip because one of them knew that the victim lived in this small French village, or is it just coincidence?
A little cheesy at times, but if you are looking for a mystery that is just a nice, easy read for the beach, this book will do the trick!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2025
I just got back from a wonderful "cycling tour " of the beautiful French countryside with it's delicious food and wine, a lovable but frustrating senior cycling group, a huge and affectionate dog and murder.... once again Oui Cycling Tours is right in the middle of a mystery.
Of course, my "trip" took place in my favorite reading area. The book was a wonderful balance of mystery, humor, food, wine and the countryside. Sadie Greene , the main character, was a likable and determined heroine that didn't rush into danger and worked with the police. Even so, Sadie found herself trying to protect her group of sophisticated seniors from running into danger and away from the police.
I love my "vacations" and can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Of course, my "trip" took place in my favorite reading area. The book was a wonderful balance of mystery, humor, food, wine and the countryside. Sadie Greene , the main character, was a likable and determined heroine that didn't rush into danger and worked with the police. Even so, Sadie found herself trying to protect her group of sophisticated seniors from running into danger and away from the police.
I love my "vacations" and can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 30, 2025
To be clear, this was an enjoyable read! A bicycle tour guide is a fresh character, and of course there's the opportunity for a rotating cast of characters with each new tour group. And the French countryside as a setting isn't too shabby either!
I really like tour guide Sadie, and I love the way the author works the cycling into all aspects of the story! The mystery is well-plotted.
I gave the first book in this series 5 stars. This one gets 3.5 stars, mostly because the antics of the Silver Spinners were so over the top and repetitive. I'm glad I read the first title first. Also, this title doesn't quite have the oomph, the weight, that the first title managed.
Still, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like tour guide Sadie, and I love the way the author works the cycling into all aspects of the story! The mystery is well-plotted.
I gave the first book in this series 5 stars. This one gets 3.5 stars, mostly because the antics of the Silver Spinners were so over the top and repetitive. I'm glad I read the first title first. Also, this title doesn't quite have the oomph, the weight, that the first title managed.
Still, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2025
I love cozy mysteries like “A Cyclist’s Guide to Villains & Vines.” Sadie, our main character, is fun and relatable. She is living the dream - running her cycling tourism business in Southern France, doing her best to keep her customers happy, and falling for the handsome detective. This time around, her tour is made up of a group of seniors who travel the world together. They seem a little mysterious and sneaky. A dead body is found and an art thief is at large in the area. Not to mention, the dead many has an interesting connection with a cyclist and the inn owner. This story was filled with hijinks and really kept me guessing!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 20, 2025
A charming mobile cozy that sees Sadie's tour of Alsace with the Silver Spinners turn into a murder investigation. It's the second in a series but will be just fine as a standalone. Here's the thing about that dead man-he was once involved with one of the Spinners but then ghosted her. So is she the murderer or is her partner? Or any one of the other Spinners? This mixes murder and a delightful destination with wine (always fun). The Spinners might occasionally go a bit over the top but the chaos adds to the plot. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to wherever Sadie goes next.
July 6, 2025
4.5/5 stars
I wonder if they plan to write more, I would like another. I might have enjoyed this even more than the first. One criticism I had of the first book, was the lack of clues to follow along with the mystery. I felt like the storyline in the second was better suited to this and the mystery aspect was more enjoyable.
If they continue, the only thing the writer needs to be aware of is continuously bringing up the past incidents on Sadie’s tours. At some point it will become unrealistic that this keeps accidentally happening to her. I can suspend belief to some point, but it becomes harder if you constantly remind me.
I wonder if they plan to write more, I would like another. I might have enjoyed this even more than the first. One criticism I had of the first book, was the lack of clues to follow along with the mystery. I felt like the storyline in the second was better suited to this and the mystery aspect was more enjoyable.
If they continue, the only thing the writer needs to be aware of is continuously bringing up the past incidents on Sadie’s tours. At some point it will become unrealistic that this keeps accidentally happening to her. I can suspend belief to some point, but it becomes harder if you constantly remind me.
June 30, 2025
A very nice addition to A Cyclist’s Guide, aka “Oui Cycle” cozy mystery series. Sadie takes “The Silver Spinners” around the village of Riquewihr for touring. Or should I say these feisty silvers took her for a tour of wine country, art appreciation, fun, and trouble as they stumble across a body. But the person who they find dead died years ago with another identity. The crazy trouble they find along the way as they try to solve a murder is captivating and witty just as the 1st book was. A nice read.
Thank you Kensington Publishing & Goodreads Giveaways for my free copy.
Thank you Kensington Publishing & Goodreads Giveaways for my free copy.
August 12, 2025
The first book of this series was a fun fast-paced read that blended travel and mystery. A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO VILLAINS & VINES returns to the adventures of the French bicycle tour company, though the writing didn’t hold my attention as well and the characters weren’t as charming. Most of them were quite annoying and not in a love-to-hate kind of way. It took away from the enjoyment of reading. The pace was pretty slow. Overall, this just didn’t have the same feel as the first book. I’m hopeful that the next in the series will return to the original tone.
October 11, 2025
This was a fun follow up to the first in the series. The tour group of mostly retired seniors were really funny (particularly Benji and Maurice) and it was nice to see the tour guide employees (and Laurent) make an appearance. The animal characters were also endearing (even the goats).
All in all, the murderer was pretty easy to spot but motive was less clear until the end. I thought the author did a good job of writing the character of Edwin even though he dies in literally the first chapter. The dialogue was witty and fun. 4.25 ⭐️
All in all, the murderer was pretty easy to spot but motive was less clear until the end. I thought the author did a good job of writing the character of Edwin even though he dies in literally the first chapter. The dialogue was witty and fun. 4.25 ⭐️
January 17, 2025
This is the second book in a series about Sophie - a cycling tour guide. She loves helping people discover the countryside, and is hopeful her new group will have a fantastic trip. What she doesn't want to happen is to find another dead body, yet somehow she stumbles into another situation where she's trying to solve another mystery. There are some good moments, though the story takes a while to pick up and get going. t
#ACyclistsGuidetoVillainsVines #NetGalley.
#ACyclistsGuidetoVillainsVines #NetGalley.
May 29, 2025
🧶📚 Book Review 📚🧶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved A Cyclist's Gide to Villians & Vines. It was so funny! Sadie is guiding a group of sophisticated seniors when one finds a dead body, only to later realize it's the body of a friend of there's thats been presumed deam years ago. The story about the victims' double life is then uncovered, and they must find out what happened to him.
The tour group is a bunch of hyper senior citizens that keep Sadie on her toes. You never know what they will get up to next. There are so many twists and turns to this story it kept me entertained from beginning to end. I also liked that the romance between Sadie and the detective was further explored. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the book in the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved A Cyclist's Gide to Villians & Vines. It was so funny! Sadie is guiding a group of sophisticated seniors when one finds a dead body, only to later realize it's the body of a friend of there's thats been presumed deam years ago. The story about the victims' double life is then uncovered, and they must find out what happened to him.
The tour group is a bunch of hyper senior citizens that keep Sadie on her toes. You never know what they will get up to next. There are so many twists and turns to this story it kept me entertained from beginning to end. I also liked that the romance between Sadie and the detective was further explored. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the book in the series!
May 30, 2025
This is the second series I have read by this author, and I have enjoyed both of them so far. She does a really great job at bringing her characters to life and fully developing them. Each book has a solid mystery filled with the red herrings twist and turns that are gonna keep you guessing straight until the end.
While I highly recommend this series, anything by this author is absolutely fabulous if you’re a cozy mystery lover.
While I highly recommend this series, anything by this author is absolutely fabulous if you’re a cozy mystery lover.
June 6, 2025
This book is set in France and really makes you want to visit! The travel descriptions were beautifully detailed and well-written. However, the mystery storyline felt slow-paced, and the romance lacked depth. I didn’t sense much chemistry between Sadie and Laurent, but since romance isn’t a central theme of the book, it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
This book was my second Goodreads giveaway win!
This book was my second Goodreads giveaway win!
June 20, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first in the series. The cycling group characters were really obnoxious. I would have refunded their money and sent them packing immediately if I were their guide. I also don’t really like the “evil ex” trope, which was on display here. There were some plot threads that never got tied off, I think. For one, who was the woman who tried to run a couple of the riders off the road?
September 8, 2025
3/5 - I liked the setting and vibes of the book, but it's details are definitely forgettable and will be hard to remember in a year considering they were forgettable even while reading!
It's a cozy French countryside setting, with silly quirky characters. The writing isn't stellar but you can sense the author's enthusiasm. The book was wordy at times and made me zone out missing key details not just of the mystery but the characters too!!
A lot of the book blurred together but I enjoyed myself while reading it.
It's a cozy French countryside setting, with silly quirky characters. The writing isn't stellar but you can sense the author's enthusiasm. The book was wordy at times and made me zone out missing key details not just of the mystery but the characters too!!
A lot of the book blurred together but I enjoyed myself while reading it.
November 10, 2025
I liked everything about this book except for the obnoxious Sliver Spinners! If I had been on a tour with them I would have demanded my money back. If I was their guide I would have ditched them after they got arrested for murder. Why Sadie felt like she had to protect them is beyond me. They treated her with utter disrespect. This book would have been so much better if the guests hadn’t been such assholes!
May 22, 2025
** I read an advance reader copy of this book. **
Another completely fun and amusing mystery with bicycles and tours of France!! There were tons of twists and turns and I was kept guessing til the end. The villain at the end made sense and I loved the characters and the descriptions of food and locations!
Another completely fun and amusing mystery with bicycles and tours of France!! There were tons of twists and turns and I was kept guessing til the end. The villain at the end made sense and I loved the characters and the descriptions of food and locations!
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