Geared for the Grave by Duffy Brown is the first book in the “Cycle Path” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2014

Mackinac Island is a peaceful summer resort town where everyone coasts through the streets on bicycles. But after someone sends a prominent local on her final ride, it’s up to one resourceful visitor to get things running again.

Hoping to shift her chances of a promotion in her favor, Evie Bloomfield heads to Mackinac Island to assist her boss’s father. Rudy Randolph has broken his leg and operating his bike shop, Rudy’s Rides, is too much to handle by himself. But Evie’s good turn only leads to more trouble.

After Evie’s arrival, wealthy resident Bunny Harrington dies in what looks like a freak bike accident. Upon closer inspection, Bunny’s brakes were tampered with, and now the prime suspect in her murder is also Bunny’s number one enemy: Rudy. So if Evie hopes to stay on her boss’s good side, she’ll need to steer Rudy clear of jail. Now she must quickly solve this mystery so she can put the brakes on the real killer’s plan.

What a delicious read that tickled my funny bone. This evenly-paced drama was a refreshing mystery executed in a style that pulled me in immediately for a nice ride that I did not want to get off. I laughed and laughed at the antics that Evie and Irma got involved in, all to clear a friend’s name. And adding Mother, what a perfect touch.  I know whenever I read a Duffy Brown mystery, she is going to delight my senses with a quirky cast of characters that includes the heroine of this light mystery and an unexpected sidekick that is so lovable, I wish the best for her. The witty banter, the small-town atmosphere and again this likable cast will keep me coming back to Mackinac Island for years to come.  A great read and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for Evie and her friends.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog