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A Cyclist's Guide Mystery #3
A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments
Springtime in Provence brings flower-filled meadow, sun-drenched coastlines—and a bachelorette cycling tour that guide Sadie Green hopes to pull off without a hitch. However, the ride takes a deadly detour when a killer crashes the party in USA Today bestselling author Ann Clair’s latest mystery for armchair travelers and Francophiles!
Sadie Greene has broken her streak—her crime streak, that is. For months, her bicycle tours through France have been blissfully uneventful, marred only by the occasional punctured tire or crushed croissant. Thus, when Sadie takes on a last-minute booking for a bridal party, she expects love, laughter, and champagne toasts. But more than pre-wedding jitters come along for the ride.
A bossy bride, rowdy party games, and a tagalong stranger threaten to turn Sadie’s carefully planned itinerary into a tour de farce. She can shift gears to keep the bride happy, but she can’t please everyone. A road-rager targets the group. So does a killer. To add to Sadie’s horror, the murder victim is found wearing the bride’s tiara.
While the police dig into the victim’s past, Sadie suspects a deadly case of mistaken identity. Fearing the real target may still be on her tour, Sadie once again says “I do” to a murder investigation. As her suspect list spins out of control, Sadie uncovers secrets and motives that could shatter the bridal party. Love, life, and liberty are on the line as Sadie races to unmask a killer before the wedding turns into a wake.
Sadie Greene has broken her streak—her crime streak, that is. For months, her bicycle tours through France have been blissfully uneventful, marred only by the occasional punctured tire or crushed croissant. Thus, when Sadie takes on a last-minute booking for a bridal party, she expects love, laughter, and champagne toasts. But more than pre-wedding jitters come along for the ride.
A bossy bride, rowdy party games, and a tagalong stranger threaten to turn Sadie’s carefully planned itinerary into a tour de farce. She can shift gears to keep the bride happy, but she can’t please everyone. A road-rager targets the group. So does a killer. To add to Sadie’s horror, the murder victim is found wearing the bride’s tiara.
While the police dig into the victim’s past, Sadie suspects a deadly case of mistaken identity. Fearing the real target may still be on her tour, Sadie once again says “I do” to a murder investigation. As her suspect list spins out of control, Sadie uncovers secrets and motives that could shatter the bridal party. Love, life, and liberty are on the line as Sadie races to unmask a killer before the wedding turns into a wake.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published June 30, 2026
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July 11, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back in France with Sadie Greene, hosting a bachelorette cycling tour while her beau, Laurent, is leading the bachelors on their own cycling adventure. The last few months of her bike tours have gone smoothly, with just the usual bike tour issues: No dead bodies. So she was looking forward to a fun tour with a bridal party filled with laughter, love, and endless selfies to remember all the beautiful places they visited.
What she gets is a bridezilla, Clemintine, her domineering best friend, Suzanne, her younger sister, Ivy, who wants to be anywhere other than France, her friend from college, Asha, who has very little biking experience, and Zellie, who won’t be joining the daily excursions. Her job is to sew thousands of seed beads to Clem’s wedding veil. They are joined by Jade, whom they meet during a rainstorm stop along the road. Sadie had a wonderfully planned itinerary, but Clem, Suzanne, and soon Jade, think it is only an idea. They have no problem changing Sadie’s plans on a whim. Added to the chaos, a guy in a van, filled with road rage, following them everywhere.
Then, Sadie’s dead body problem returns. One of her group is found dead, wearing the bride’s tiara. When a clear identification is made, the police delve into the victim’s past and connections. Sadie realizes the deceased may not have been the true target and that she may be traveling with a killer, putting her right in the middle of another murder investigation.
Can she survive another investigation? Will she catch the killer? Or will the wedding be called off to make room for a funeral?
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Ms. Claire’s detailed descriptions take her readers on delightful virtual French vacations. We are in the South of France, with the Provencal sun warming our cheeks, on our bikes “rolling through an impressionist painting come to life, a moving landscape of colors, textures, and ethereal light.” That is just the first few minutes. She even makes us feel the rain falling, jump when a creature is found, bike steep hills, crave the food and the wine, and more.
This time, Sadie’s bridal party group was almost too much. You can only recite “the customer is always right” so many times. Laurent wasn’t having a good time with the guys either. With Nadiya’s boyfriend, Jordi, away for the week, Sadie’s mentors and the former owners of Oui Cycles are driving the Support and Gear (SAG) van. Usually, it’s just Nadiya there to help her muddle through any issues. It was nice to have Bea and Bernard along to offer their advice on some of the craziness.
Ms Claire does an excellent job at keeping each new character unique and likable or unlikable as the predicament requires. The bridal party runs the gamut of status, and some interactions become pretty volatile. Clem was more interested in shopping and clubbing, with biking taking a backseat. Suzanne had a bag of crazy game ideas. Sadie didn’t want to be a “downer,” and the girlfriends, for the most part, seemed on board. Asha is married with children at home, so she would have liked to avoid the foolishness. It took a lot for Clem’s sister Ivy to make the trip. She had to pay her own way, buy an “ugly” dress, and burn her vacation days at work. We didn’t get to meet many of the groomsmen, but the groom, Luc Bastide, didn’t show his best side.
The author penned a mystery with many twists and turns. I enjoyed the way Laurent passed on what information her could to Sadie, and that when he was able, he was by her side. By the end of the tours, all the guests were ready for the trip to end, as was the neighbor next to the villa where the girls were staying. Sadie followed clues and pieced together the puzzling mystery. Then, with the help of others, brought everyone together for the big reveal. I loved it!
A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments is an extraordinary addition to this series. The cycling tour theme, the idyllic destinations with cultural details, the well-crafted characters, snippets of humor, and a top-notch mystery all come together for a very captivating story. I can’t forget the poppies. I would love to look out at the poppy fields every day for a week!
I will be anxiously awaiting my next virtual vacay with Sadie and Oui Cycles!
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 Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
We are back in France with Sadie Greene, hosting a bachelorette cycling tour while her beau, Laurent, is leading the bachelors on their own cycling adventure. The last few months of her bike tours have gone smoothly, with just the usual bike tour issues: No dead bodies. So she was looking forward to a fun tour with a bridal party filled with laughter, love, and endless selfies to remember all the beautiful places they visited.
What she gets is a bridezilla, Clemintine, her domineering best friend, Suzanne, her younger sister, Ivy, who wants to be anywhere other than France, her friend from college, Asha, who has very little biking experience, and Zellie, who won’t be joining the daily excursions. Her job is to sew thousands of seed beads to Clem’s wedding veil. They are joined by Jade, whom they meet during a rainstorm stop along the road. Sadie had a wonderfully planned itinerary, but Clem, Suzanne, and soon Jade, think it is only an idea. They have no problem changing Sadie’s plans on a whim. Added to the chaos, a guy in a van, filled with road rage, following them everywhere.
Then, Sadie’s dead body problem returns. One of her group is found dead, wearing the bride’s tiara. When a clear identification is made, the police delve into the victim’s past and connections. Sadie realizes the deceased may not have been the true target and that she may be traveling with a killer, putting her right in the middle of another murder investigation.
Can she survive another investigation? Will she catch the killer? Or will the wedding be called off to make room for a funeral?
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Ms. Claire’s detailed descriptions take her readers on delightful virtual French vacations. We are in the South of France, with the Provencal sun warming our cheeks, on our bikes “rolling through an impressionist painting come to life, a moving landscape of colors, textures, and ethereal light.” That is just the first few minutes. She even makes us feel the rain falling, jump when a creature is found, bike steep hills, crave the food and the wine, and more.
This time, Sadie’s bridal party group was almost too much. You can only recite “the customer is always right” so many times. Laurent wasn’t having a good time with the guys either. With Nadiya’s boyfriend, Jordi, away for the week, Sadie’s mentors and the former owners of Oui Cycles are driving the Support and Gear (SAG) van. Usually, it’s just Nadiya there to help her muddle through any issues. It was nice to have Bea and Bernard along to offer their advice on some of the craziness.
Ms Claire does an excellent job at keeping each new character unique and likable or unlikable as the predicament requires. The bridal party runs the gamut of status, and some interactions become pretty volatile. Clem was more interested in shopping and clubbing, with biking taking a backseat. Suzanne had a bag of crazy game ideas. Sadie didn’t want to be a “downer,” and the girlfriends, for the most part, seemed on board. Asha is married with children at home, so she would have liked to avoid the foolishness. It took a lot for Clem’s sister Ivy to make the trip. She had to pay her own way, buy an “ugly” dress, and burn her vacation days at work. We didn’t get to meet many of the groomsmen, but the groom, Luc Bastide, didn’t show his best side.
The author penned a mystery with many twists and turns. I enjoyed the way Laurent passed on what information her could to Sadie, and that when he was able, he was by her side. By the end of the tours, all the guests were ready for the trip to end, as was the neighbor next to the villa where the girls were staying. Sadie followed clues and pieced together the puzzling mystery. Then, with the help of others, brought everyone together for the big reveal. I loved it!
A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments is an extraordinary addition to this series. The cycling tour theme, the idyllic destinations with cultural details, the well-crafted characters, snippets of humor, and a top-notch mystery all come together for a very captivating story. I can’t forget the poppies. I would love to look out at the poppy fields every day for a week!
I will be anxiously awaiting my next virtual vacay with Sadie and Oui Cycles!
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 Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 29, 2026
Once again, I adore the Oui Cycles adventures! The French setting and cozy vibes are simply perfect. I did find the writing style a little too… quippy(?) at times, and I wish at least some of the characters on the tour were a little less annoying, but I overall really enjoyed the mystery.
July 20, 2026
As per usual, this was a good cozy mystery. There were things I liked more about this book compared to the other two in the series, but also some things I liked less about it! I still enjoy the books as they come out. I thought it was interesting that this book's introduction and epilogue were basically narrated from a magpie's perspective. The ending was quite cute!
This is about Sadie, who is giving another bike tour to a group of people. This group is a bachelorette party. Laurent's going to be a best man in a wedding for a childhood pal, and he is giving a tour to the bachelor party while Sadie gives a tour to the bride's group. They go through Provence. As always, I love when there are beautiful places that Sadie brings the group through and describes it to the cyclists. It is always so much fun to get that bit of a tourist attraction while reading the book.
Clementine is the bride-to-be and she has a group of friends, her sister, and her assistant who she chose to be in her party. The only problem is, most all of the people don't really like Clementine because she is a bit selfish. Some of them don't even like the groom-to-be.
Unlike some of the other books, the murder doesn't take place in this book until about 75 pages in, giving us a chance to get to know the characters better. The problem Sadie has with this group, is that they are not listening to her. Clementine wants to do bridal games that can be a bit risqué. She tries to lead them a little off course which is hard for Sadie and Nadiya (her assistant and friend) to lead them through. Also, they are not allowed to contact the men at all. They've even picked up a stranger to add to their party. When the murder does happen, Sadie does her best to pay attention to the clues around her. She wants to make sure that she can figure out who might have killed the person. She and Laurent try to figure it out together (and Laurent trusts her instinct more than ever because of the past two books before). I thought the two of them in this were really a great team. I would have liked a little more of Laurent on it, but when he is there, it is really good!
The problem I have with this book is probably mainly how off hinged Clementine is. I do love how these books are always so clean without language or sexual stuff, but in this, there is a whole scene of strip poker while they are riding their bikes! Sadie doesn't want them to do it, but they don't listen. Of course, there was a consequence to this action that even included a church situation, so I am glad there was a result for a bad choice. The only other content (other than the murdered victim found) is talk about someone flirting and kissing someone they are not in a relationship with while being in a relationship.
I did have my suspicions about who the murderer was, but guessed incorrectly.
So yeah, I liked this book probably better than the other two. I could have rated it higher if not for the strip poker (which isn't really even described other than the last bit of clothing removed talked about for one of the characters). Therefore, I am rating it the same as I had the first two. Still, it was a fun story! I wonder if there will be more or not after this one. The way it ended, it seems like there could be more or it seems like it might be done too. I guess I'll see if another book comes out next year!
This is about Sadie, who is giving another bike tour to a group of people. This group is a bachelorette party. Laurent's going to be a best man in a wedding for a childhood pal, and he is giving a tour to the bachelor party while Sadie gives a tour to the bride's group. They go through Provence. As always, I love when there are beautiful places that Sadie brings the group through and describes it to the cyclists. It is always so much fun to get that bit of a tourist attraction while reading the book.
Clementine is the bride-to-be and she has a group of friends, her sister, and her assistant who she chose to be in her party. The only problem is, most all of the people don't really like Clementine because she is a bit selfish. Some of them don't even like the groom-to-be.
Unlike some of the other books, the murder doesn't take place in this book until about 75 pages in, giving us a chance to get to know the characters better. The problem Sadie has with this group, is that they are not listening to her. Clementine wants to do bridal games that can be a bit risqué. She tries to lead them a little off course which is hard for Sadie and Nadiya (her assistant and friend) to lead them through. Also, they are not allowed to contact the men at all. They've even picked up a stranger to add to their party. When the murder does happen, Sadie does her best to pay attention to the clues around her. She wants to make sure that she can figure out who might have killed the person. She and Laurent try to figure it out together (and Laurent trusts her instinct more than ever because of the past two books before). I thought the two of them in this were really a great team. I would have liked a little more of Laurent on it, but when he is there, it is really good!
The problem I have with this book is probably mainly how off hinged Clementine is. I do love how these books are always so clean without language or sexual stuff, but in this, there is a whole scene of strip poker while they are riding their bikes! Sadie doesn't want them to do it, but they don't listen. Of course, there was a consequence to this action that even included a church situation, so I am glad there was a result for a bad choice. The only other content (other than the murdered victim found) is talk about someone flirting and kissing someone they are not in a relationship with while being in a relationship.
I did have my suspicions about who the murderer was, but guessed incorrectly.
So yeah, I liked this book probably better than the other two. I could have rated it higher if not for the strip poker (which isn't really even described other than the last bit of clothing removed talked about for one of the characters). Therefore, I am rating it the same as I had the first two. Still, it was a fun story! I wonder if there will be more or not after this one. The way it ended, it seems like there could be more or it seems like it might be done too. I guess I'll see if another book comes out next year!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies and Predicaments is the third book in Ann Claire’s excellent cozy mystery series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Sadie Greene, the first-person protagonist, is an American expatriate who owns a bicycle tour company, Oui Cycle, in the South of France. She’s now in a sweet romance with Laurent, a local police detective, despite the fact that his overbearing mother does not approve.
In this story, Sadie has agreed to guide a last-minute cycling tour for a bachelorette party. Laurent is the groom’s best man, and the men of the wedding party are doing their own cycling tour. According to rules set by the maid-of-honor, the bridezilla’s best friend, the two groups are to have no contact. But things don’t always work out as planned.
Early in the tour, the group gets caught in a rainstorm and takes shelter in a borie, a stacked stone hut in a field. There, they meet another cyclist, Jade Rey, also taking cover. Clementine, the bride-to-be, invites Jade to join the group, and the two hit it off. Besides the bride and her maid-of-honor, Suzanne, the group consists of Ivy (Clementine’s younger sister, with whom she has nothing in common), Asha (a somewhat estranged college friend), and Zelle (Clem’s overworked and under-appreciated assistant).
The girls end up going to a dance club that evening, where Clementine flirts and dances with Florian, a dashing Frenchman the group met earlier in the day. Unfortunately, Luc Bastide, the groom-to-be, shows up drunk, makes a scene, and gets the whole group kicked out of the club. Sadie, Suzanne, and Laurent have to drive Luc home.
The next morning, Sadie, Ivy, and Zelle bike to a bakery for pastries. En route, they find a dead body. At first, they think it’s Clementine, but then realize it’s Jade. Was it a case of mistaken identity, or was Jade the intended victim? Sadie can’t keep from getting involved in the investigation, uncovering details of Jade’s past in an effort to learn why she was killed. Almost everyone is a suspect, and I wasn’t sure about the culprit until the big reveal.
I love the author’s writing and subtle sense of humor. She does a great job describing the picturesque setting, including slipping in cultural details as part of Sadie’s role as a tour guide. I highly recommend this series, and I’m not even a cyclist.
In this story, Sadie has agreed to guide a last-minute cycling tour for a bachelorette party. Laurent is the groom’s best man, and the men of the wedding party are doing their own cycling tour. According to rules set by the maid-of-honor, the bridezilla’s best friend, the two groups are to have no contact. But things don’t always work out as planned.
Early in the tour, the group gets caught in a rainstorm and takes shelter in a borie, a stacked stone hut in a field. There, they meet another cyclist, Jade Rey, also taking cover. Clementine, the bride-to-be, invites Jade to join the group, and the two hit it off. Besides the bride and her maid-of-honor, Suzanne, the group consists of Ivy (Clementine’s younger sister, with whom she has nothing in common), Asha (a somewhat estranged college friend), and Zelle (Clem’s overworked and under-appreciated assistant).
The girls end up going to a dance club that evening, where Clementine flirts and dances with Florian, a dashing Frenchman the group met earlier in the day. Unfortunately, Luc Bastide, the groom-to-be, shows up drunk, makes a scene, and gets the whole group kicked out of the club. Sadie, Suzanne, and Laurent have to drive Luc home.
The next morning, Sadie, Ivy, and Zelle bike to a bakery for pastries. En route, they find a dead body. At first, they think it’s Clementine, but then realize it’s Jade. Was it a case of mistaken identity, or was Jade the intended victim? Sadie can’t keep from getting involved in the investigation, uncovering details of Jade’s past in an effort to learn why she was killed. Almost everyone is a suspect, and I wasn’t sure about the culprit until the big reveal.
I love the author’s writing and subtle sense of humor. She does a great job describing the picturesque setting, including slipping in cultural details as part of Sadie’s role as a tour guide. I highly recommend this series, and I’m not even a cyclist.
July 26, 2026
Some vacations leave you with souvenirs. This one leaves Sadie Greene with another murder to solve. Ann Claire’s A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments was exactly the kind of cozy escape I needed. Kensington Cozies, thank you so much, along with NetGalley, for the gifted ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Every beautiful road hides a story.”
One of my favorite things about this series is that I get to visit France without packing a suitcase. Every time Sadie heads out on another cycling tour, I know I’m in for gorgeous scenery, amazing food, and, somehow, another murder.
Poor Sadie can’t seem to catch a break. She’s leading a bachelorette cycling tour that starts out stressful and only gets worse. The bride was…a lot. Between clashing personalities, constant drama, unexpected detours, and a body turning up, I honestly thought Sadie deserved hazard pay.
Sadie remains one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. She’s patient, kind, and far more understanding than I would have been. I also loved seeing more of her relationship with Laurent. Even while leading separate wedding tours, they made a great team, and I always enjoy watching their relationship grow.
The mystery kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had the killer figured out, another secret changed everything. That’s exactly what I want from a cozy mystery—plenty of suspects, believable motives, and a reveal that makes perfect sense.
The setting nearly stole the show. Provence felt so vivid that I could picture the villages, cafés, vineyards, winding roads, and fields of poppies. It made me want to book a trip…although I’d probably avoid traveling with this bridal party.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with memorable characters, beautiful settings, humor, and a satisfying whodunit, this series is worth adding to your list. You don’t have to love cycling to enjoy it. Just bring your imagination—and maybe a croissant.
Have you ever picked up a mystery because of the setting, or is the crime always what pulls you in?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Every beautiful road hides a story.”
One of my favorite things about this series is that I get to visit France without packing a suitcase. Every time Sadie heads out on another cycling tour, I know I’m in for gorgeous scenery, amazing food, and, somehow, another murder.
Poor Sadie can’t seem to catch a break. She’s leading a bachelorette cycling tour that starts out stressful and only gets worse. The bride was…a lot. Between clashing personalities, constant drama, unexpected detours, and a body turning up, I honestly thought Sadie deserved hazard pay.
Sadie remains one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. She’s patient, kind, and far more understanding than I would have been. I also loved seeing more of her relationship with Laurent. Even while leading separate wedding tours, they made a great team, and I always enjoy watching their relationship grow.
The mystery kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had the killer figured out, another secret changed everything. That’s exactly what I want from a cozy mystery—plenty of suspects, believable motives, and a reveal that makes perfect sense.
The setting nearly stole the show. Provence felt so vivid that I could picture the villages, cafés, vineyards, winding roads, and fields of poppies. It made me want to book a trip…although I’d probably avoid traveling with this bridal party.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with memorable characters, beautiful settings, humor, and a satisfying whodunit, this series is worth adding to your list. You don’t have to love cycling to enjoy it. Just bring your imagination—and maybe a croissant.
Have you ever picked up a mystery because of the setting, or is the crime always what pulls you in?
July 9, 2026
Sadie Green is enjoying her life in France running the Oui Cycling Tours with her detective boyfriend Laurent. She has taken on a bachelorette party complete with Bridezilla who happens to be the future wife of a friend of Laurent's and his overbearing Maman who doesn't seem to like Sadie much. There is a lot of tensions in the group. Laurent, by the way, is with the groom's group but the "rules" say the groups cannot meet on the trip. That lasts as long as they meet a young Frenchwoman named Jade who the bride invites to join the group. Before the long Jade's body shows up dead (which has become kind of thing with Oui Tours). Who would have killed someone they just met? Was Jade's past different than what she let on? Also, there is a mystery around the Brides's grandmothers missing ring and how does it fit into this?
This was so much fun. You got to feel like you were experiencing the French countryside. I enjoyed Sadie and that she is chasing her dream and pursing what makes her happy (especially Croissants LOL) We learn that Jade hid a lot about herself, there is the younger sister Ivy who has been estranged due to the ring and only there so her family doesn't lose face, the assistant who the bride first on a regular basis, and the wedding planner best friend. Then the groom is kind of not likeable, at least to me. There is a whole lot going on that will keep you turning the pages. I didn't guess the culprit till the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read this story and give my opinion.
This was so much fun. You got to feel like you were experiencing the French countryside. I enjoyed Sadie and that she is chasing her dream and pursing what makes her happy (especially Croissants LOL) We learn that Jade hid a lot about herself, there is the younger sister Ivy who has been estranged due to the ring and only there so her family doesn't lose face, the assistant who the bride first on a regular basis, and the wedding planner best friend. Then the groom is kind of not likeable, at least to me. There is a whole lot going on that will keep you turning the pages. I didn't guess the culprit till the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read this story and give my opinion.
July 25, 2026
This series continues to delight, and my only complaint is that I'm not in France when I read them! I loved the Aix-en-Provence setting for this third installment, since that's the only place in France outside of Paris I had a chance to explore a few years ago. I felt like I could really picture where this story was taking place, in addition to bringing back some fond memories!
Sadie's voice is charming and quirky, and I liked how she provided some of her and Oui Cycle's backstory from the first two books in such a way so that this could be read as standalone (or to help jog memories, which I appreciated!). I'm also obsessed with her and Laurent (I'm just a romance reader) and I was going to be so mad if The whole "bachelor/bachelorette party" set-up just seemed perfect for it, and I'm so glad I called it—the epilogue made me smile!
What also made me smile: the fact that I couldn't guess the killer. I always love being surprised by a twist. There were also multiple mysteries, which I enjoyed and appreciated, because it provided a lot of different motives and threads to follow. Plus, it doesn't sound like this is the last book in the series! The acknowledgments hinted at a fourth installment, and I can't wait to see where in France Sadie, Oui Cycle, and Ann Claire take us next.
Sadie's voice is charming and quirky, and I liked how she provided some of her and Oui Cycle's backstory from the first two books in such a way so that this could be read as standalone (or to help jog memories, which I appreciated!). I'm also obsessed with her and Laurent (I'm just a romance reader) and I was going to be so mad if The whole "bachelor/bachelorette party" set-up just seemed perfect for it, and I'm so glad I called it—the epilogue made me smile!
What also made me smile: the fact that I couldn't guess the killer. I always love being surprised by a twist. There were also multiple mysteries, which I enjoyed and appreciated, because it provided a lot of different motives and threads to follow. Plus, it doesn't sound like this is the last book in the series! The acknowledgments hinted at a fourth installment, and I can't wait to see where in France Sadie, Oui Cycle, and Ann Claire take us next.
July 18, 2026
"A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments" is book #3 in "A Cyclist's Guide Mystery" by Ann Claire.
You couldn't help but feel for Sadie Greene as she tried to deal with the last minute booking of a bridal party for a cycling tour in this story. Having to constantly deal with the whims of the demanding bride-to-be and the rest of the group as well as the two meddling mothers, two strangers and the rage driver. The discovery of a body after a night of clubbing throws everyone off as questions rise, fingers are pointed and the realization that there may be a killer on the tour.
How Sadie managed to remain civil to some of these characters is amazing. With the help of her cycling crew and boyfriend Laurent, the group uncovers some surprising information about the suspects. Interesting twists along the way before a classic gathering of all the players so Sadie can lay out the case and solve the murder.
The meddling mothers, the groom and the demanding bride all got on my nerves but there actions did add to the fiber of the story. Overall, an interesting cozy mystery read.
You couldn't help but feel for Sadie Greene as she tried to deal with the last minute booking of a bridal party for a cycling tour in this story. Having to constantly deal with the whims of the demanding bride-to-be and the rest of the group as well as the two meddling mothers, two strangers and the rage driver. The discovery of a body after a night of clubbing throws everyone off as questions rise, fingers are pointed and the realization that there may be a killer on the tour.
How Sadie managed to remain civil to some of these characters is amazing. With the help of her cycling crew and boyfriend Laurent, the group uncovers some surprising information about the suspects. Interesting twists along the way before a classic gathering of all the players so Sadie can lay out the case and solve the murder.
The meddling mothers, the groom and the demanding bride all got on my nerves but there actions did add to the fiber of the story. Overall, an interesting cozy mystery read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#ACyclistsGuidetoPoppiesPredicaments #NetGalley
Sadie Green is living her dream. Cycling in beautiful parts of the world and meeting interesting people, she can't be more happy that she bought Oui, Cycle, a thriving cycling tour company.
Leading tours during springtime in Provence is magical, however, her group of cyclists are not very nice.
The group, celebrating a bachelorette party, is made up of two dueling sisters, a long forgotten college friend, a strict best friend, and an assistant are pushing every one of Sadie's buttons.
The bride is immature and flirtatious, and downright rude to everyone.
When someone is found dead. Sadie has to find the killer, her company may depend on it.
Sadie Green is living her dream. Cycling in beautiful parts of the world and meeting interesting people, she can't be more happy that she bought Oui, Cycle, a thriving cycling tour company.
Leading tours during springtime in Provence is magical, however, her group of cyclists are not very nice.
The group, celebrating a bachelorette party, is made up of two dueling sisters, a long forgotten college friend, a strict best friend, and an assistant are pushing every one of Sadie's buttons.
The bride is immature and flirtatious, and downright rude to everyone.
When someone is found dead. Sadie has to find the killer, her company may depend on it.
July 18, 2026
Another fun installment in the cyclist guide series. I love the settings of these books - they bring the areas of France to life!
When a surprising and unexpected addition to a bachelorette party ends up dead, Sadie is forced to investigate to clear her tour group and the bachelor.
Sadie is inquisitive, clever, and entertaining, and the storyline had a lot of twists and turns. I thought I had figured out whodunnit earlier on, and I enjoyed the scattered clues throughout and fleshing out of the story.
Thanks to #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC
When a surprising and unexpected addition to a bachelorette party ends up dead, Sadie is forced to investigate to clear her tour group and the bachelor.
Sadie is inquisitive, clever, and entertaining, and the storyline had a lot of twists and turns. I thought I had figured out whodunnit earlier on, and I enjoyed the scattered clues throughout and fleshing out of the story.
Thanks to #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My favorite thing about this series are the vivid descriptions of the travels in France, it really makes you want to book a vacation. I do feel like the new characters could have been fleshed out more, to connect with them better and I still think the romance between the main character and her boyfriend reads flat and unrealistic. I did enjoy the mystery storyline of this installment, it kept me guessing until the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sadie's travelogues are the best! Her descriptions of sights on her bike tours and of the food...magnifique! I wish I could go on one. It is unfortunate that she's had a few issues on past tours. Death. Murder. There have to be better ways to meet interesting police detectives. A bridal bachelorette party is almost too much for Sadie. The bride defines the term bridezilla. And of course there is a murder.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and @KensingtonPub for this ARC. Book 3 of Sadie and her bike cycling tours around France. Each tour somehow finds a dead body and her company is getting quite the reputation. This time? A bachelorette party gone wrong. Just a fun, cozy series. #ACyclistsGuidetoPoppiesandPredicaments #AnnClaire #KensingtonPub #June2026
July 2, 2026
An interesting cast of characters as a group from a wedding party cycle around France. I do wish there would have been more backstory to the characters. The ride was fun and I didn’t suspect the guilty party. As a bonus, the author included a recipe at the back of the book.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2026
Take me to France, even by reading a book, and I am there! Add in a cute cozy mystery? And I will double down and really be all in! This series does exactly that for me. It’s a great combination that satisfies this French and cozy loving girl’s heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I LOVED this book! I loved the premise, the characters and all the twists and turns. It was so much fun to read! Super excited that there will be a book four, and hopefully many after that!
July 20, 2026
This is my comfort series and I loved this book so much. The way this author describes these gorgeous settings is so well done that I feel like I'm on these trips with Sadie (and I so wish I could go on one of her tours). The idea of cycling through the gorgeous country and visiting all these unique sites and the DELICIOUS food... I love it so much. Even with less than likeable characters, they are not all bad and definitely brought plenty of drama and secrets to the story. The mystery had such great twists and turns and I love love the reveal at the end. I just enjoy this series SO much!!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
July 25, 2026
7/25/2026 3.5 stars. Full review, with recipe photos, tk at CriminalElement.com.
August 1, 2026
It was an enjoyable ride through Provence.
June 23, 2026
I'm a huge fan of travelouge mysteries and this series scratches that itch. I love hearing about the various places in Europe as they cycle through with a dash of mystery and drama. Here, we have Sadie taking a bachelorette party on a trip with her boyfriend taking the bachelors. I thought Poppies and Predicaments brought more depth and little more mystery than the previous entries. This is the perfect summer read especially if you dream of cycling through Europe!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
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