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The Cycle Path Mysteries #3
Tandem Demise
Smugglers on the hunt, a police chief on the run, lost loot and a dead wedding planner have the Mackinac Island regulars riding in circles After solving two murders, bike shop owner Evie Bloomfield thought life on Mackinac Island would settle into boredom until she finds out Nate Sutter, island police chief and once-upon-a-time under cover cop is on the run. Some badass guys from Nate’s Detroit days think he stole money from them in a champagne smuggling operation and now they’re headed to the island to get their loot. Evie is determined to help Nate because he’s a good cop, Nate is determined to keep interfering Evie and island locals out of harms way, and the crooks are determined to get their money. To add to the island’s problems there’s a dead guy on the dock and the new wedding planner is more interested in playing bedroom bingo than ordering bridal bouquets. With the help of Fiona, Evie’s BFF and local newspaper editor, Evie is determined to prove Nate innocent, figure out how champagne smuggling, bodies on the dock and a bad wedding planner are tied together and not wind up taking a long walk off a short pier herself.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2018
90 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
About the author
Duffy Brown
13 books730 followersDuffy Brown loves anything with a mystery. While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. She has two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson, her license plate is Sherlok and she conjures up who-done-it stories of her very own for Berkley Prime Crime. Duffy’s national bestselling Consignment Shop Mystery series is set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries are set on Mackinac Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 1, 2018
Tandem Demise by Duffy Brown was totally entertaining. Ms. Brown writes characters that are quirky, fun and very likeable. If it wasn't for the winters on Mackinac Island, I would move there so I could hang out with Evie and Fiona. Ms. Brown's description of Mackinac Island has made this a number #1 spot on my bucket list of places to visit.
The story gripped me from the first page and I couldn't put it down until the last page. I confess that I did get a little inkling of who might be behind the smuggling and murders but I wasn't sure until the reveal. Plenty of twists and turns, a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my seat and a sweet little boost to the romance department for Evie made this one a perfect read for me.
The story gripped me from the first page and I couldn't put it down until the last page. I confess that I did get a little inkling of who might be behind the smuggling and murders but I wasn't sure until the reveal. Plenty of twists and turns, a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my seat and a sweet little boost to the romance department for Evie made this one a perfect read for me.
November 15, 2018
Author Duffy Brown, in the short time she’s been a writer, has truly earned the title, author. All you need to do is read one of her books to see what I mean. Her whodunits are a treat to read. My sister and I both are always thrilled when she releases a new book.
This third installment of the Cycle Path mysteries is the best so far. Intriguing, funny, and a wonderfully plotted mystery, TANDEM DEMISE has it all. There are more twists and turns than you’ll find on even the most winding of bike paths. As the story built to the climax, I was both excited to read who the killer was, and bummed that the book was almost over.
Duffy Brown fans, you can’t go wrong with TANDEM DEMISE. New to this author and/or series? Strap on your helmets, you’re in for a wonderfully bumpy ride!
This third installment of the Cycle Path mysteries is the best so far. Intriguing, funny, and a wonderfully plotted mystery, TANDEM DEMISE has it all. There are more twists and turns than you’ll find on even the most winding of bike paths. As the story built to the climax, I was both excited to read who the killer was, and bummed that the book was almost over.
Duffy Brown fans, you can’t go wrong with TANDEM DEMISE. New to this author and/or series? Strap on your helmets, you’re in for a wonderfully bumpy ride!
November 4, 2018
Evie wandering around the dockside at night finds a dead body-one more to add to her black cloud. Evie had been trying to save money on freight, apparently her bike rental shop makes just enough to pay bills yearly. Fiona and she are intrigued and determined to be in on the solution. The local Police come in the form of Nate Sutter. The body appears to be one that Sutter recognizes or else he likes looking at the stars in thought...a lot. There is a sweet addition in the form of Evie having a romance, not that stops her from dogging the investigation. The Wedding planners added a nice touch as did the Police Clerk and her boyfriend...but Evie's Mother was quite simply a hoot.
Duffy Brown writes a quirky, just-fun mystery. Mackinac Island is one that anybody would want to visit with no car traffic and charming little shops. The characters are people you would like to revisit and build a relationship with if you knew them in person. The dialog is hilarious at times with a touch of slapstick events but I found myself laughing more than once.
Do yourself a favor and read this one if you like warm, rollicking mysteries with likeable people, charming places and a few red herrings. Five stars for this one.
Duffy Brown writes a quirky, just-fun mystery. Mackinac Island is one that anybody would want to visit with no car traffic and charming little shops. The characters are people you would like to revisit and build a relationship with if you knew them in person. The dialog is hilarious at times with a touch of slapstick events but I found myself laughing more than once.
Do yourself a favor and read this one if you like warm, rollicking mysteries with likeable people, charming places and a few red herrings. Five stars for this one.
September 26, 2025
I LOVE this series, and I am so bummed this was the last one. Also, the narrator for the audio was PERFECT. Evie & Fiona crack me up with the shenanigans that surround them. This one had a bridezilla & champagne smugglers & the cop was the one in the hot seat. Sooo good && I highly recommend.
November 23, 2018
Meet Evie Bloomfield! She lives on Mackinac Island, a place with no cars, just lots of horses and bicycles. She owns a bicycling shop where she takes old rust bucket bikes & turns them into beautifully painted themed bikes. Things should be quieting down for the winter but Evie finds out that hunky police chief, Nate Sutter, is a ex-undercover cop from Chicago who is hiding out from old enemies. They are looking for the money that went missing when Nate left the wine smuggling scheme that moved product from the United States to Canada. Can Evie find the money and evidence to clear Nate once and for all?
This is the third book in this rollicking series. It has lots of humor and laughter mixed with a great murder storyline that will keep you guessing right to the surprising ending. The characters are delightful and well developed. The setting is authentic and the action is non-stop. I highly recommend this for any cozy or traditional mystery fan!
This is the third book in this rollicking series. It has lots of humor and laughter mixed with a great murder storyline that will keep you guessing right to the surprising ending. The characters are delightful and well developed. The setting is authentic and the action is non-stop. I highly recommend this for any cozy or traditional mystery fan!
November 21, 2018
Another Fantastic Duffy Brown Story
Whenever I pick up a book by this author I know I will be entertained. I love the setting, the mystery was well done and in true Duffy Brown fashion there are plenty of well written, fun characters engaging in witty dialogue and good humor.
Whenever I pick up a book by this author I know I will be entertained. I love the setting, the mystery was well done and in true Duffy Brown fashion there are plenty of well written, fun characters engaging in witty dialogue and good humor.
November 7, 2018
Tandem Demise by Duffy Brown is the third installment in A Cycle Path Mystery series but first one for me and I must say that I have found another favorite sleuth.
I liked everything about this book, from the perfect setting on a gorgeous island, witty and funny and just a tad bit eccentric set of characters to action packed pages.
I had no problem following the story as this book like previous ones can be read as a standalone.
This time when Evie and Fiona find dead guy on the dock it turns out that he is connected to the male wedding planner roaming the island, mob and their well known and most of the time like police chief.
So it is up to Evie to discover what in blazes is going on. In the midst of all her crazy theories Fiona is convinced she has found her perfect guy.
Fantastically entertaining with many laugh aloud moments and with numerous twists and turns you won't be able to put it down.
I have received free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked everything about this book, from the perfect setting on a gorgeous island, witty and funny and just a tad bit eccentric set of characters to action packed pages.
I had no problem following the story as this book like previous ones can be read as a standalone.
This time when Evie and Fiona find dead guy on the dock it turns out that he is connected to the male wedding planner roaming the island, mob and their well known and most of the time like police chief.
So it is up to Evie to discover what in blazes is going on. In the midst of all her crazy theories Fiona is convinced she has found her perfect guy.
Fantastically entertaining with many laugh aloud moments and with numerous twists and turns you won't be able to put it down.
I have received free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2018
Tandem Demise is another wonderful adventure in the Cycle Path Mystery series which take place on Mackinac Island. Through Duffy’s wonderful story telling, the island as well as the mystery come alive off the page! Mackinac Island is located near Lake Huron in Northern Michigan. The story brings to life smugglers, murder, and a plot that puts the Police Chief Nate Sutter on the run. Once again Ellie will be challenged to solve the clues to the murder, and identities of the smugglers. Are they all tied together? Is Nate a “bad guy”, or is someone framing him? If you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t purchased this book – get it! You will be caught up in the intrigue of another cozy mystery!
November 30, 2018
Tandem Demise by Duffy Brown sends us to Mackinac Island where Evie Bloomfield co-owns Rudy’s Bikes. Evie and her friend, Fiona are down at the pier to pick up a delivery of kites when they find a dead man with a bottle of champagne in his arms. Nate Sutter, the chief of police, arrives on the scene and seems to recognize the dead guy. Evie has had success solving the last two murders on the island, and she does not hesitate to begin investigating this one. Wedding planner, Bladen Powers is causing disruptions because he is more focused on bedroom hopping than the details of his clients’ nuptials. Evie finds herself sleuthing without her sidekick, Fiona who has become preoccupied with Detroit cop, Finn McCabe. Finn is worried that an old smuggling case of Nate’s from when he worked undercover in Detroit is coming back to haunt him. The men involved believe Nate stole their money and they want it back. Nate has other worries when Bladen is killed, and the murder weapon belongs to Nate. Someone is framing Nate and Evie has no intention of letting him take the fall. With the islander’s help, Nate goes into hiding and Evie sets out to prove his innocence. Can Evie discover who is framing Nate before he is caught and arrested?
Tandem Demise is a humorous and engaging cozy mystery. I do not recommend reading Tandem Demise as a standalone. You do need to read the books in A Cycle Path Mystery in order (or you will be lost). Duffy Brown has writing style that I classify as easy breezy. It is light, has humor, good dialogue and steady pacing. Evie Bloomfield finds herself co-owning Rudy’s Bikes, but she cannot ride a bike (she has the scabs, scars and bruises to prove it). Evie, though, is a whiz at coming up with unique designs for the bikes and creating them. I loved the description of her Nancy Drew bicycle (I want it). The island is filled with quirky characters and charming shops (lots of fudge shops—yum). I enjoyed the banter between Evie and Nate. They are cute together and he is fully aware of her shenanigans. The mystery was interesting with smuggling, murder, good clues, a handful of suspects and misdirection. Avid cozy mystery readers, though, will have no problem in identifying the guilty party. Evie is determined to investigate the case and she is not about to let locks stand in her way. Thankfully, she has Angelo to teach her the fine art of lock picking. I had a hard time with Evie breaking into the evidence locker. This destroys the chain of custody if discovered and a guilty person could get away with the crime (I know it is fiction, but Mackinac Island is not a fantasy world). Settle into a cozy chair and prepare to laugh as read Tandem Demise. Duffy Brown fans will enjoy this fetching cozy mystery.
Tandem Demise is a humorous and engaging cozy mystery. I do not recommend reading Tandem Demise as a standalone. You do need to read the books in A Cycle Path Mystery in order (or you will be lost). Duffy Brown has writing style that I classify as easy breezy. It is light, has humor, good dialogue and steady pacing. Evie Bloomfield finds herself co-owning Rudy’s Bikes, but she cannot ride a bike (she has the scabs, scars and bruises to prove it). Evie, though, is a whiz at coming up with unique designs for the bikes and creating them. I loved the description of her Nancy Drew bicycle (I want it). The island is filled with quirky characters and charming shops (lots of fudge shops—yum). I enjoyed the banter between Evie and Nate. They are cute together and he is fully aware of her shenanigans. The mystery was interesting with smuggling, murder, good clues, a handful of suspects and misdirection. Avid cozy mystery readers, though, will have no problem in identifying the guilty party. Evie is determined to investigate the case and she is not about to let locks stand in her way. Thankfully, she has Angelo to teach her the fine art of lock picking. I had a hard time with Evie breaking into the evidence locker. This destroys the chain of custody if discovered and a guilty person could get away with the crime (I know it is fiction, but Mackinac Island is not a fantasy world). Settle into a cozy chair and prepare to laugh as read Tandem Demise. Duffy Brown fans will enjoy this fetching cozy mystery.
November 1, 2018
Evie still has that black cloud hanging over her head.
Finding another dead body gets Evie trying to find the killer.
The setting of Mackinac Island always has me wanting to take a trip there.
Quirky characters, smugglers, murders, funny, twists and turns makes this a fantastic read.
Go on the roller coaster adventure with Evie and enjoy the scenery.
Finding another dead body gets Evie trying to find the killer.
The setting of Mackinac Island always has me wanting to take a trip there.
Quirky characters, smugglers, murders, funny, twists and turns makes this a fantastic read.
Go on the roller coaster adventure with Evie and enjoy the scenery.
September 9, 2019
Il cast di personaggi continua a sembrarmi una gabbia di matti, ma la storia si faceva leggere.
November 1, 2018
Once again, Duffy Brown has given us a tale that will knock you off your bicycle. Evie Bloomfield owns and operates a bike rental on lovely Mackinac Island. In this, the third installment in the series, Evie stumbles about trying to find the killer of a boat's coxswain and a wedding planner with the intention of saving the man she obviously cares about, although she'd never admit it. Meanwhile, while maintaining a high degree of hilarity, the plot and pacing are convoluted and suspenseful. Overall, totally entertaining and satisfying.
March 20, 2019
Tandem Demise is a lovely addition to A Cycle Path Mystery, a series that hooked me with the first book. Humor may be a major element but the mystery had me stumped. I adore the people of the island and enjoy visiting them as much as I do following the mystery plot.
December 2, 2018
Did I love this beautifully done cozy mystery? Yes, I surely did! I was enrapt with the setting (Mackinac Island--how wonderful!), the weather, the wonderful characters. All that would have been fantastic, but what author Duffy Brown did to deliver the plot and the super-twisty convolutions and fool me? Over the top superb!
Evie is a "newcomer" to Mackinac Island--a two-year resident, who is part owner of the bike shop. Her mother also moved there and is a practicing attorney with a boyfriend who is a retired Mob boss. No cell phone service or Internet, no cars: only bikes, horses, walking. What a Paradise! Well, it would be if Evie (she of the self-proclaimed "black cloud") and best friend newspaper operator Fiona could stop stumbling over corpses and being a two-person amateur investigation team. Sometimes investigating is best left to the officials; other times not. This is one of those other times. Read it and love it!
Evie is a "newcomer" to Mackinac Island--a two-year resident, who is part owner of the bike shop. Her mother also moved there and is a practicing attorney with a boyfriend who is a retired Mob boss. No cell phone service or Internet, no cars: only bikes, horses, walking. What a Paradise! Well, it would be if Evie (she of the self-proclaimed "black cloud") and best friend newspaper operator Fiona could stop stumbling over corpses and being a two-person amateur investigation team. Sometimes investigating is best left to the officials; other times not. This is one of those other times. Read it and love it!
November 5, 2018
What a ride! Tandem Demise is Duffy Brown's 3rd Cycle Path Mystery (following Geared for the Grave and Braking for Bodies) and each and every book in this series makes me want to take off for Mackinac Island and look for all these crazy characters! Evie and Fiona discover a dead body on the docks, there are both a bridezilla and a wedding planner lothario on the island, and Nate Sutter's forced to go on the lam when he's suspected of a couple of murders! A laugh-a-minute page turner, Tandem Demise was a delight to read, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of cozy mysteries with a little bit of humor and romance! A+
November 8, 2018
LOVE! LOVE! LOVED IT!!
Tandem Demise is the long awaited third book in the Cycle Path Mystery series by Duffy Brown, but it was soooo worth the wait!! My favorite in the series thus far! ( I do believe I have said that about every book, but they all really are phenomenal)
The book starts off with a a bang, when Evie and Fiona find a body on the docks clutching a champagne bottle, and it never lets up from there, not stop action till the very last page!
One of my favorite things about Duffy Brown's writing is her sense of humor, I find myself literally laughing out loud!
While I always suggest reading books in order, this book could definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone if you chose to do so ( but the other books are so good, you should really read them too!)
Already anxiously awaiting the next book! Can't wait to see what Evie and friends are up to next!
I was given a copy of this book in... I voluntarily reviewed it
Tandem Demise is the long awaited third book in the Cycle Path Mystery series by Duffy Brown, but it was soooo worth the wait!! My favorite in the series thus far! ( I do believe I have said that about every book, but they all really are phenomenal)
The book starts off with a a bang, when Evie and Fiona find a body on the docks clutching a champagne bottle, and it never lets up from there, not stop action till the very last page!
One of my favorite things about Duffy Brown's writing is her sense of humor, I find myself literally laughing out loud!
While I always suggest reading books in order, this book could definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone if you chose to do so ( but the other books are so good, you should really read them too!)
Already anxiously awaiting the next book! Can't wait to see what Evie and friends are up to next!
I was given a copy of this book in... I voluntarily reviewed it
June 13, 2019
Good cop, bad cop
Duffy Brown has done it again! I loved the characters. Sutter the hunky Police Chief and Evie the bumbling amateur detective made this book a fun and exciting read.
Duffy Brown has done it again! I loved the characters. Sutter the hunky Police Chief and Evie the bumbling amateur detective made this book a fun and exciting read.
November 18, 2018
I loved this book, for those who have been waiting for this third installment, you won't be disappointed. It is filled with the same characters from previous books ranging from calm to a little zany and all lovable. The humor is great, I absolutely love the humor in this book, with the quick comments which had me laughing many times.
When Evie and Fiona find a body on the dock the adventure begins. From there we meet a wedding planner who seems to be doing everything but planning weddings, the body and planner tie into the Police Chief's past, a police chief on the run and a bridezilla running around to mention a few of the problems. The mystery kept me guessing, I thought I had it and then figured it out right along with Evie. I will definitely continue on with this series and eagerly await the next in this series.
When Evie and Fiona find a body on the dock the adventure begins. From there we meet a wedding planner who seems to be doing everything but planning weddings, the body and planner tie into the Police Chief's past, a police chief on the run and a bridezilla running around to mention a few of the problems. The mystery kept me guessing, I thought I had it and then figured it out right along with Evie. I will definitely continue on with this series and eagerly await the next in this series.
November 22, 2018
Great book!!
Evie has found another body. Things are not looking good. When she realizes that Nate Sutter, the police chief, knows the victim she is bound and determined to find out what is going one.
When another policeman from Detroit shows up that Sutter has worked with in the past undercover,
everyone is glad he is there to help Sutter find the killer. When a second person is murdered, all the clues go back to Sutter. Evie knows that there is no way that he has murdered these people so her, along with her friends, and little black cloud head out to prove his innocence.
This book is so full of suspects it keeps you guessing until the very end.
Great ending. I look forward to the next book in this great series!!
Evie has found another body. Things are not looking good. When she realizes that Nate Sutter, the police chief, knows the victim she is bound and determined to find out what is going one.
When another policeman from Detroit shows up that Sutter has worked with in the past undercover,
everyone is glad he is there to help Sutter find the killer. When a second person is murdered, all the clues go back to Sutter. Evie knows that there is no way that he has murdered these people so her, along with her friends, and little black cloud head out to prove his innocence.
This book is so full of suspects it keeps you guessing until the very end.
Great ending. I look forward to the next book in this great series!!
November 19, 2018
I just love going to Mackinaw Island! One of my favorite places to visit.
Duffy Brown has another hit! Very well written with a great cast of characters that all work so well together. Evie really does need to get rid of the black cloud that follows her around as she stumbles on another murder. This time she needs to prove Sutter is innocent. Boy she does get into some trouble along the way. Although you would think she could ride a bike without falling off since she does run a bike rental place.
I loved every minute of the story with all f it's twists and turns. Really hated to see it end. Looking forward to Evie's next adventure!
Duffy Brown has another hit! Very well written with a great cast of characters that all work so well together. Evie really does need to get rid of the black cloud that follows her around as she stumbles on another murder. This time she needs to prove Sutter is innocent. Boy she does get into some trouble along the way. Although you would think she could ride a bike without falling off since she does run a bike rental place.
I loved every minute of the story with all f it's twists and turns. Really hated to see it end. Looking forward to Evie's next adventure!
November 19, 2018
3.5 stars
TANDEM DEMISE is a charming, entertaining cozy mystery. Third in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The characters are quirky, the Mackinac Island setting idyllic, and the mystery well plotted and executed. I particularly like that the police chief Nate is the suspect in two murders. What a great twist! I did not figure it all out until right before Evie did, which is nice. The banter between Nate and Evie is my favorite part of the book, and I enjoyed all of the characters, even the rather unlikable ones. TANDEM DEMISE is fun reading. Recommended.
I received and ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
TANDEM DEMISE is a charming, entertaining cozy mystery. Third in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The characters are quirky, the Mackinac Island setting idyllic, and the mystery well plotted and executed. I particularly like that the police chief Nate is the suspect in two murders. What a great twist! I did not figure it all out until right before Evie did, which is nice. The banter between Nate and Evie is my favorite part of the book, and I enjoyed all of the characters, even the rather unlikable ones. TANDEM DEMISE is fun reading. Recommended.
I received and ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
September 11, 2019
This book was ok--I just can't get into this series..
January 13, 2019
Tandem Demise is the much-awaited third novel in the Cycle Path Mystery Series and it is set at the very popular summer destination, Mackinac Island. It is now the end of the summer, and soon the last of the “fudgies” (tourists) will be gone with the warm weather. There are two kinds of year-round residents here. One is the “born here”, like Nate, the Chief of Police. The other is the “come here”, like Evie, who moved here from Chicago where she had been a grunt-level graphic designer.
Evie, who can’t ride a bicycle without a crash landing, is part owner of Rudy’s Rides, a bicycle rental shop. Cal is Mr. Bike Wizard, who does repairs on any of the bikes. He also has a huge crush on Evie’s best friend Fiona, but it is his and Evie’s secret. Cal came home from 4 tours in Iraq that set him up with a permanent date with a wheelchair. His day job is helping match up potential employers with qualified employees on the Island, where many, many positions are open each summer.
Evie and Fiona went to the dock to pick up a shipment of kites to sell in the bike shop. While there, they find a dead guy clutching a champagne bottle, and it looks like he has been bashed in the head with something. When they call for help, Police Chief Nate arrives, and it seems as if he knows the victim. As the days go by, Nate doesn’t protest as much as usual about Evie’s “help” with the investigation. A male wedding planner who frequently plans the brides-to-be into his lair, an angry, heartbroken groom, and a prior co-worker of Nate’s brings much humor into the story, as well as someone new who seems to genuinely appreciate Fiona. She is suddenly a happy young woman in love. This is a fast-paced cozy mystery that brings some favorite characters back to life while bringing the right amount of wit and romance from new characters. There is a bridezilla with wealth and connections who is in the middle of everything, especially when a second murder occurs hours before her wedding is scheduled.
The characters are well-defined, in particular Evie and Fiona. We even get to know Nate better, at least until he seems to be the chief murder suspect of at least the second victim, and possibly the first. I can almost picture everyone except the Bridezilla, who doesn’t sound like the kind of woman any self-respecting guy could whisper sweet nothings to, much less a proposal. Cal is a genuinely good guy, deserving of a very special lady.
One thing I appreciated is that most businesses in the mystery are real Mackinac Island shops, also the historic sites. The author’s trademark humor is evident throughout, and plot twists that change the face of the suspect many times over. So many suspicious events cast blame onto the police chief. I did guess who the killer was early on from some little clues here and there. Even though at times it seemed the person was more than innocent and had everyone fooled, something still didn’t seem right. The resolution left no loose ends. I recommend it to fans of the author and the series!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this novel from the publisher and this is my honest review.
Evie, who can’t ride a bicycle without a crash landing, is part owner of Rudy’s Rides, a bicycle rental shop. Cal is Mr. Bike Wizard, who does repairs on any of the bikes. He also has a huge crush on Evie’s best friend Fiona, but it is his and Evie’s secret. Cal came home from 4 tours in Iraq that set him up with a permanent date with a wheelchair. His day job is helping match up potential employers with qualified employees on the Island, where many, many positions are open each summer.
Evie and Fiona went to the dock to pick up a shipment of kites to sell in the bike shop. While there, they find a dead guy clutching a champagne bottle, and it looks like he has been bashed in the head with something. When they call for help, Police Chief Nate arrives, and it seems as if he knows the victim. As the days go by, Nate doesn’t protest as much as usual about Evie’s “help” with the investigation. A male wedding planner who frequently plans the brides-to-be into his lair, an angry, heartbroken groom, and a prior co-worker of Nate’s brings much humor into the story, as well as someone new who seems to genuinely appreciate Fiona. She is suddenly a happy young woman in love. This is a fast-paced cozy mystery that brings some favorite characters back to life while bringing the right amount of wit and romance from new characters. There is a bridezilla with wealth and connections who is in the middle of everything, especially when a second murder occurs hours before her wedding is scheduled.
The characters are well-defined, in particular Evie and Fiona. We even get to know Nate better, at least until he seems to be the chief murder suspect of at least the second victim, and possibly the first. I can almost picture everyone except the Bridezilla, who doesn’t sound like the kind of woman any self-respecting guy could whisper sweet nothings to, much less a proposal. Cal is a genuinely good guy, deserving of a very special lady.
One thing I appreciated is that most businesses in the mystery are real Mackinac Island shops, also the historic sites. The author’s trademark humor is evident throughout, and plot twists that change the face of the suspect many times over. So many suspicious events cast blame onto the police chief. I did guess who the killer was early on from some little clues here and there. Even though at times it seemed the person was more than innocent and had everyone fooled, something still didn’t seem right. The resolution left no loose ends. I recommend it to fans of the author and the series!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this novel from the publisher and this is my honest review.
November 2, 2018
Oh my goodness, this was soooo good! It was well worth the wait! I'm not sure whether it was because I had recently been to Mackinac Island or just the fact that all of us fans were so starved for another book in this series that I tended to enjoy this book a lot more than I usually enjoy a book. I like to think it's a little of both, and mainly that the author just does an amazing job of capturing funny, serious. a little romantic and sometimes downright slapstick moments in her characters, particularly Evie. Evie is definitely someone that I would want to be friends with! Except I probably ride a bike about as well as she does, which is not saying much! We would always have to take Fiona or Donna's carriage on sleuthing missions.
In this new installment, it started right off the bat with Fiona and Evie finding a body on the dock. There was another murder later in the book. I'm sure by the time the person is killed, you'll have guessed who was getting killed. ;) I had a pretty good idea of who the killer was, but a couple of times I was nearly fooled into believing otherwise.
Some of my favorite characters got some featured time with Evie, like Irish Donna that has the shop Blarney Scones. She got to go sleuth with Evie. Evie's mom's boyfriend Angelo, a retired mob boss that I absolutely love, got to go on one of her lock-picking missions with her. Fiona was in rare form because she had fallen head over heels in love with Nate's police friend, Finn, who came to the island to help investigate the first murder.
It's not necessary to read these books in order, but I would highly recommend doing that before reading this one. That way, you'll get the feel for the island and characters, learn about Nate and Evie's history, see how Evie's mom ended up there, just fun things like that. The author does a great job of catching readers up, but honestly, read the other books first, you'll love them!
There were lots of secrets, red herrings and just plain fun times on Mackinac Island in this book. I didn't want the book to end! After the exciting showdown as well as the sweetest ending though, I can't wait for more! Hmm, maybe a book about the coming winter? ;)
In this new installment, it started right off the bat with Fiona and Evie finding a body on the dock. There was another murder later in the book. I'm sure by the time the person is killed, you'll have guessed who was getting killed. ;) I had a pretty good idea of who the killer was, but a couple of times I was nearly fooled into believing otherwise.
Some of my favorite characters got some featured time with Evie, like Irish Donna that has the shop Blarney Scones. She got to go sleuth with Evie. Evie's mom's boyfriend Angelo, a retired mob boss that I absolutely love, got to go on one of her lock-picking missions with her. Fiona was in rare form because she had fallen head over heels in love with Nate's police friend, Finn, who came to the island to help investigate the first murder.
It's not necessary to read these books in order, but I would highly recommend doing that before reading this one. That way, you'll get the feel for the island and characters, learn about Nate and Evie's history, see how Evie's mom ended up there, just fun things like that. The author does a great job of catching readers up, but honestly, read the other books first, you'll love them!
There were lots of secrets, red herrings and just plain fun times on Mackinac Island in this book. I didn't want the book to end! After the exciting showdown as well as the sweetest ending though, I can't wait for more! Hmm, maybe a book about the coming winter? ;)
February 16, 2021
Definitely enjoy these books for the memories I have of visits to Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel. Wondering if there will be more in the series or if this is it?
"Smugglers on the hunt, a police chief on the run, lost loot, and a dead wedding planner have the Mackinac Island regulars riding in circles. After solving two murders, bike shop owner Evie Bloomfield thought life on Mackinac Island would settle into boredom until she finds out Nate Sutter, island police chief and once-upon-a-time undercover cop is on the run. Some badass guys from Nate’s Detroit days think he stole money from them in a champagne smuggling operation and now they’re headed to the island to get their loot. Evie is determined to help Nate because he’s a good cop, Nate is determined to keep interfering Evie and island locals out of harm's way, and the crooks are determined to get their money. To add to the island’s problems there’s a dead guy on the dock and the new wedding planner is more interested in playing bedroom bingo than ordering bridal bouquets.
With the help of Fiona, Evie’s BFF and local newspaper editor, Evie is determined to prove Nate innocent, figure out how champagne smuggling, bodies on the dock and a bad wedding planner are tied together and not wind up taking a long walk off a short pier herself."
"Smugglers on the hunt, a police chief on the run, lost loot, and a dead wedding planner have the Mackinac Island regulars riding in circles. After solving two murders, bike shop owner Evie Bloomfield thought life on Mackinac Island would settle into boredom until she finds out Nate Sutter, island police chief and once-upon-a-time undercover cop is on the run. Some badass guys from Nate’s Detroit days think he stole money from them in a champagne smuggling operation and now they’re headed to the island to get their loot. Evie is determined to help Nate because he’s a good cop, Nate is determined to keep interfering Evie and island locals out of harm's way, and the crooks are determined to get their money. To add to the island’s problems there’s a dead guy on the dock and the new wedding planner is more interested in playing bedroom bingo than ordering bridal bouquets.
With the help of Fiona, Evie’s BFF and local newspaper editor, Evie is determined to prove Nate innocent, figure out how champagne smuggling, bodies on the dock and a bad wedding planner are tied together and not wind up taking a long walk off a short pier herself."
January 13, 2019
This is my first introduction to this series. Another reader suggested reading the first book. While, to a point I can agree on the other hand I don't feel like it was really necessary. Why, I felt like having not read the first book affected my reading experience a little is because I did not have that established relationship with the characters. On the other hand, this is why I did not feel like it was necessary to have read the first book...as this book can be read as a stand alone novel and character relationship can be established immediately or slowly. In my case, it was slowly but not one that I would totally write off. In fact, I might at some point go back and check out book one.
In regards to a cozy mystery, this book is right in that reading lane. It does have some quirky characters and a nice storyline. No worries about blood or gore or foul language. There were some twists. While, this is a fun book, my issue personally is that I was slow to develop that character relationship which in turn made reading this book off to a very slow start. It was a stop and go for a while until I got about a third of the way into the story before it picked up speed.
In regards to a cozy mystery, this book is right in that reading lane. It does have some quirky characters and a nice storyline. No worries about blood or gore or foul language. There were some twists. While, this is a fun book, my issue personally is that I was slow to develop that character relationship which in turn made reading this book off to a very slow start. It was a stop and go for a while until I got about a third of the way into the story before it picked up speed.
November 4, 2018
Evie Bloomfield and her black cloud are at it again. She's found another body. Mackinac Island is in for a wild ride when Nate Sutter, the local sheriff, is the prime suspect. Now Evie and her BFF, Fiona, are determined to find the real murderer. Will they be successful? I loved Tandem Demise and all the characters. The dialogue made me laugh. The banter between Evie and Nate is spot on. The attraction between these two made me sigh. I wanted more romance. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. It was well written and had some unexpected twists. Duffy Brown has outdone herself. I can't wait for the next cozy mystery in the Cycle Path Mystery series.
October 30, 2018
Best one yet!
Wow! This is such a great series and this book is the best one yet! The setting of Mackinac Island is wonderful. My husband and I visited the island two years ago and, as I read, I feel like I am there. The main characters are people that you would like to get to know better. The storyline is so attention-keeping that you don’t want to put it down! Can’t wait for the next one!
Wow! This is such a great series and this book is the best one yet! The setting of Mackinac Island is wonderful. My husband and I visited the island two years ago and, as I read, I feel like I am there. The main characters are people that you would like to get to know better. The storyline is so attention-keeping that you don’t want to put it down! Can’t wait for the next one!
December 12, 2018
Another great book
Duffy Brown did it again with the hilarious cycle path series. Evie is as clumsy as usual. Irish Donna and other residents have me laughing as I read. Waited a while for this to come out. Worth the wait.
Duffy Brown did it again with the hilarious cycle path series. Evie is as clumsy as usual. Irish Donna and other residents have me laughing as I read. Waited a while for this to come out. Worth the wait.
June 6, 2019
The story wasn’t bad as far as cozies go but the book itself had such large print , Numerous editorial errors & was very hard to hold I’ve never seen anything quite like it.....
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