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Miso Cozy Mysteries #5
The Daydreamer Detective Returns a Favor
Mei can never catch a break from mysteries!
With her tea shop now open and living her dream life married to Yasahiro Suga, she's just trying to avoid bad luck and live a normal life. But when a friend shows up asking for help with an old missing person's case, Mei can’t resist the pull of a mystery unsolved. She knew the young woman who went missing and had always wondered what happened to her. Now's her chance to find out, even if it turns long-time Chikata residents against her.
While Mei is working at the tea shop and helping with the case, she's also assisting her mom on the family farm. Convincing her mom to renovate the old house is not an easy task, and Mei is continually frustrated by her mom's lack of enthusiasm for the project. Until Mei's brother shows up and wants to buy the business out from under her, betraying Mei and Yasahiro in the process.
Can Mei find the missing woman and keep her reputation intact? And will she and Yasahiro repair their relationship with Mei's mom before it tears their family apart?
With her head in the clouds and a taste for solving crime, you don’t want to miss Mei in The Daydreamer Detective Returns A Favor, the surprisingly rich fifth course to the Miso Cozy series of cozy mystery novels.
Edited Feb 2019. Previously published under the name S. J. Pajonas.
With her tea shop now open and living her dream life married to Yasahiro Suga, she's just trying to avoid bad luck and live a normal life. But when a friend shows up asking for help with an old missing person's case, Mei can’t resist the pull of a mystery unsolved. She knew the young woman who went missing and had always wondered what happened to her. Now's her chance to find out, even if it turns long-time Chikata residents against her.
While Mei is working at the tea shop and helping with the case, she's also assisting her mom on the family farm. Convincing her mom to renovate the old house is not an easy task, and Mei is continually frustrated by her mom's lack of enthusiasm for the project. Until Mei's brother shows up and wants to buy the business out from under her, betraying Mei and Yasahiro in the process.
Can Mei find the missing woman and keep her reputation intact? And will she and Yasahiro repair their relationship with Mei's mom before it tears their family apart?
With her head in the clouds and a taste for solving crime, you don’t want to miss Mei in The Daydreamer Detective Returns A Favor, the surprisingly rich fifth course to the Miso Cozy series of cozy mystery novels.
Edited Feb 2019. Previously published under the name S. J. Pajonas.
- GenresMystery
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
11 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Steph Gennaro
7 books7 followersSteph Gennaro is a long-time Japanophile, and she’s been studying Japanese culture and language for over 20 years. She loves dreaming of far-off places, going for walks with her dog, Lulu Ninja Assassin, hanging out with her family, and reading outside in the summertime. There is no better season than summer. She’s a Capricorn, mother, knitter, and web developer, and pasta is her favorite meal. Steph Gennaro is her pen name for cozy mysteries, but she also writes science fiction romance.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 6, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Gah this was such a good book, the mystery took me completely by surprise which is rare and it was such an unique type of mystery as well. And the characters are so great to read about, I am so happy there was more Mei and Yasa scenes in this book, they are so great together. And besides the mystery there are so many other things going on, other side plot lines, relationship plot lines, the tea shop, Mei's pregnant and a natural disaster. It was a great read.
The mystery in this one was very unique. It's a missing persons case that Mei is digging into. Years ago a girl named Ria went missing, no one knows what happened. and that's what made it such an interesting read, we find out more about Ria, but for a long time it stays very unsure what happened to her and very few clues pop up. It kept me reading and I wanted to know what happened to this girl.
Most cozie mysteries are very formulaic, which usually works great and I don't mind at all, but I loved how Pajonas strays from the formule in each of the books in this series and this one might be the most unique mystery for a cozy mystery book yet. And the twist at the end totally took me by surprise. I never was quite sure who to suspect, I did suspect one person who might be involved, but I didn't guess this. It was a great twist and I liked being surprised like that.
Another great thing about this series is the continuity. In the third book we find out Mei's pregnant and in this book she's still dealing with the pregnancy (and I was happy she didn't put herself in danger too much which this mystery). The relationship with the town people, her mom and Yasahiro continues in each book. The teashop she started in last book is still there and going well. One of the side characters we met in book 3 plays an important role here as she's the one who gets Mei invested in the mystery. And other plot lines hint back to events of earlier books. I like that and it makes it fun to read the series in order and see everything develop over the course of the series.
And in my review of book 3 I mentioned there wasn't as much Mei and Yasahiro scenes, luckily in this book that turned around. They are happily married now and I love reading about them together. They make for such a good team. And I grew to respect Yasahiro even more in this book for how he handled the situation with Mei's mom and how he stood of for Mei and always took her side. It was awesome.
And while this book is definitely a mystery first, there are also so many other side plot lines going on. Which are great to read about. I was curious to see how the situation with Mei's mom would turn out. And I was scared for everyone when a natural disaster hits. There was a nice twist after that as well, which was neat. There are lots of side characters, the tea shop and more side story lines.
To summarize: this was another awesome read in this unique cozy mystery set in Japan! This might be my favorite book in the series yet. The mystery was really well done, the missing person case Mei took on was very interesting and I couldn't wait to find out what had happened to her. And the twist at the end was great and totally not what I had expected. This series has a lot of continuity, so I would recommend reading it in order if possible. There are some great side plot lines going on as well and I liked seeing more Yasahiro and Mei in this book. They are great together and I liked how Yasahiro acted in this book, always picking Mei's side. If you love a good mystery you don't want to miss this series!
Gah this was such a good book, the mystery took me completely by surprise which is rare and it was such an unique type of mystery as well. And the characters are so great to read about, I am so happy there was more Mei and Yasa scenes in this book, they are so great together. And besides the mystery there are so many other things going on, other side plot lines, relationship plot lines, the tea shop, Mei's pregnant and a natural disaster. It was a great read.
The mystery in this one was very unique. It's a missing persons case that Mei is digging into. Years ago a girl named Ria went missing, no one knows what happened. and that's what made it such an interesting read, we find out more about Ria, but for a long time it stays very unsure what happened to her and very few clues pop up. It kept me reading and I wanted to know what happened to this girl.
Most cozie mysteries are very formulaic, which usually works great and I don't mind at all, but I loved how Pajonas strays from the formule in each of the books in this series and this one might be the most unique mystery for a cozy mystery book yet. And the twist at the end totally took me by surprise. I never was quite sure who to suspect, I did suspect one person who might be involved, but I didn't guess this. It was a great twist and I liked being surprised like that.
Another great thing about this series is the continuity. In the third book we find out Mei's pregnant and in this book she's still dealing with the pregnancy (and I was happy she didn't put herself in danger too much which this mystery). The relationship with the town people, her mom and Yasahiro continues in each book. The teashop she started in last book is still there and going well. One of the side characters we met in book 3 plays an important role here as she's the one who gets Mei invested in the mystery. And other plot lines hint back to events of earlier books. I like that and it makes it fun to read the series in order and see everything develop over the course of the series.
And in my review of book 3 I mentioned there wasn't as much Mei and Yasahiro scenes, luckily in this book that turned around. They are happily married now and I love reading about them together. They make for such a good team. And I grew to respect Yasahiro even more in this book for how he handled the situation with Mei's mom and how he stood of for Mei and always took her side. It was awesome.
And while this book is definitely a mystery first, there are also so many other side plot lines going on. Which are great to read about. I was curious to see how the situation with Mei's mom would turn out. And I was scared for everyone when a natural disaster hits. There was a nice twist after that as well, which was neat. There are lots of side characters, the tea shop and more side story lines.
To summarize: this was another awesome read in this unique cozy mystery set in Japan! This might be my favorite book in the series yet. The mystery was really well done, the missing person case Mei took on was very interesting and I couldn't wait to find out what had happened to her. And the twist at the end was great and totally not what I had expected. This series has a lot of continuity, so I would recommend reading it in order if possible. There are some great side plot lines going on as well and I liked seeing more Yasahiro and Mei in this book. They are great together and I liked how Yasahiro acted in this book, always picking Mei's side. If you love a good mystery you don't want to miss this series!
June 28, 2018
I don't remember how I found this series, but I started the first book a couple weeks ago on a whim to see what it was like. I was hoping it would be a little different and entertaining take on one of my favorite genres (cozy mysteries), but it ended up sucking me in completely and I read all the available books, including the novella, in a row! This left me feeling surprised for two reasons: I was happy to have found a new series I really enjoy, yet conflicted because I like it despite nuances that would have me abandoning other books.
Overall, the books are very well written. Writing style good, clean read, minimal editing flaws, all of those things are great, and probably had a lot to do with why I was able to overlook some things.
I am not overly familiar with Japanese culture, modern or no, which means I can't really verify that no liberties were taken. But, from what I /do/ know? It seemed accurate. So, any new knowledge I gleaned in this area while reading, I trusted the information and found it interesting, which means I grew to appreciate another culture even more than I had previously. Also, the cultural aspects never felt out of place or like they were just thrown in--they felt seamless and it was always just the right amount of detail I needed at the right time.
Despite suffering through Mei's endless, ENDLESS waffling about eeeeverything (her "luck," her husband, her mom, her purpose in life, her friendships, her intelligence, her work, her mystery solving, her intuition, her art abilities...) and perpetually self-deprecating and self-doubting nature through every book, I couldn't help but like her. I can't explain it. Usually this kind of woe-is-me protagonist drives me nuts and I abandon the book. Even when Mei predictably got pregnant, a circumstance which also usually turns me off a book, I still couldn't help but like her. Her flaws aside (which there is something to be said for her not being too perfect, which can also be irritating), she is kind, wants the best for everyone, is clever and intelligent, and is doing her best to find herself and come into her own, which is a struggle I think we can all relate to in any culture. Thinking on it now as I type this, I think the cultural aspects being so well explained and addressed at logical times helped me better understand Mei's struggles, which were largely framed by (and a product of) the context of her culture.
So many tragic circumstances kept piling up in this book (they pile up in the others too, but not at this magnitude!) that it grew to be a little hilarious and over-the-top, but somehow it all still felt natural and genuine, even when you add in all the character conflicts and growth that occurs as a result. It was like the original Nancy Drew stories where tragedy after tragedy occurs, except times ten!
By dint of being a cozy mystery, the books in this series are a little formulaic; however, they also have spirit, personality, and style--and some surprises! I could predict some of the things that would happen, but I was definitely caught off guard by other bits. It seems to me that the author has a clear outline for where she wants things to go with the story and characters, but it doesn't feel forced. She is guiding us toward those eventualities by laying the foundations in each book, while her writing style allows freedom of movement in the smaller details that give the story life and dimension in how we (book characters and readers) get there in the end.
I look forward to reading this series as it progresses!
Overall, the books are very well written. Writing style good, clean read, minimal editing flaws, all of those things are great, and probably had a lot to do with why I was able to overlook some things.
I am not overly familiar with Japanese culture, modern or no, which means I can't really verify that no liberties were taken. But, from what I /do/ know? It seemed accurate. So, any new knowledge I gleaned in this area while reading, I trusted the information and found it interesting, which means I grew to appreciate another culture even more than I had previously. Also, the cultural aspects never felt out of place or like they were just thrown in--they felt seamless and it was always just the right amount of detail I needed at the right time.
Despite suffering through Mei's endless, ENDLESS waffling about eeeeverything (her "luck," her husband, her mom, her purpose in life, her friendships, her intelligence, her work, her mystery solving, her intuition, her art abilities...) and perpetually self-deprecating and self-doubting nature through every book, I couldn't help but like her. I can't explain it. Usually this kind of woe-is-me protagonist drives me nuts and I abandon the book. Even when Mei predictably got pregnant, a circumstance which also usually turns me off a book, I still couldn't help but like her. Her flaws aside (which there is something to be said for her not being too perfect, which can also be irritating), she is kind, wants the best for everyone, is clever and intelligent, and is doing her best to find herself and come into her own, which is a struggle I think we can all relate to in any culture. Thinking on it now as I type this, I think the cultural aspects being so well explained and addressed at logical times helped me better understand Mei's struggles, which were largely framed by (and a product of) the context of her culture.
So many tragic circumstances kept piling up in this book (they pile up in the others too, but not at this magnitude!) that it grew to be a little hilarious and over-the-top, but somehow it all still felt natural and genuine, even when you add in all the character conflicts and growth that occurs as a result. It was like the original Nancy Drew stories where tragedy after tragedy occurs, except times ten!
By dint of being a cozy mystery, the books in this series are a little formulaic; however, they also have spirit, personality, and style--and some surprises! I could predict some of the things that would happen, but I was definitely caught off guard by other bits. It seems to me that the author has a clear outline for where she wants things to go with the story and characters, but it doesn't feel forced. She is guiding us toward those eventualities by laying the foundations in each book, while her writing style allows freedom of movement in the smaller details that give the story life and dimension in how we (book characters and readers) get there in the end.
I look forward to reading this series as it progresses!
April 12, 2018
How much do I love this series? So much! Do you have certain books that just feel like curling up next to a warm fire on a winter day? That's what these books feel like for me. I love them! I love Mei and her penchant for investigation, her chef boyfriend and his delicious sounding food, and all of the fun characters of their little farming community in Japan.
Speaking of which, I love that this series is set in Japan. A lot of genre literature is a lot of the same. Same small town, same cast of archetype characters, same, same, same. Setting a cozy in Japan takes that sameness and gives it a much needed breath of fresh air! Additionally, anyone who has been to Japan will recognize the amount of research that went into this setting. It feels so authentic.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this series! This is book 4, and I hope SJ Pajonas plans to continue it for several more books.
Speaking of which, I love that this series is set in Japan. A lot of genre literature is a lot of the same. Same small town, same cast of archetype characters, same, same, same. Setting a cozy in Japan takes that sameness and gives it a much needed breath of fresh air! Additionally, anyone who has been to Japan will recognize the amount of research that went into this setting. It feels so authentic.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this series! This is book 4, and I hope SJ Pajonas plans to continue it for several more books.
January 10, 2018
I love this series! Since reading the first book, I have felt I was coming home. Each successive book in the series enhances that feeling.
Mei is once again drawn into a criminal investigation, only this time it’s a cold case. As she gets closer to the truth she endangers herself and her baby.
I have always been angry with the way Mei’s mother treats her and happy that her husband and friends are there to buoy her up when she needs it. This time, finally Mei’s mother gets it and seems to come around.
Well written with an authentic look at another culture.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
February 24, 2018
Lots of drama and surprises
I have enjoyed this series a lot as Mei develops into a more responsible and loving adult, continuing to work on her family's farm while also running her tea shop and solving another mystery, that of a missing girl whose best friend from high school asks Me I to find. In this book, the dead body doesn't show up until close to the end of the book, but it is no surprise to the reader that the missing girl was murdered. The surprise was the identity of the killer. Other drama includes tense relations with her mother and a huge typhoon which bc causes major damage. I like being able to learn about Japanese culture as well. Great read!
I have enjoyed this series a lot as Mei develops into a more responsible and loving adult, continuing to work on her family's farm while also running her tea shop and solving another mystery, that of a missing girl whose best friend from high school asks Me I to find. In this book, the dead body doesn't show up until close to the end of the book, but it is no surprise to the reader that the missing girl was murdered. The surprise was the identity of the killer. Other drama includes tense relations with her mother and a huge typhoon which bc causes major damage. I like being able to learn about Japanese culture as well. Great read!
March 8, 2018
Mei is enjoying her new tea shop. When her friend Akai inherited the Fukuda house, she ask Mei to oversee the removal of all the accumulated stuff, and keep an eye out for any hint of what happened to her best friend. Ten years earlier, Ria just disappeared and was never heard from again.
While investigating Ria's disappearance, Mei has several encounters with a cop who has it in for her, relations with her mom become strained to the point they are not talking, and they also get to deal with a category two typhoons.
This is the last of this series, and I was sorry to see it end. I have hopes that there will be more in the future.
While investigating Ria's disappearance, Mei has several encounters with a cop who has it in for her, relations with her mom become strained to the point they are not talking, and they also get to deal with a category two typhoons.
This is the last of this series, and I was sorry to see it end. I have hopes that there will be more in the future.
September 28, 2018
I've read the other 3 books in this series. I think this is the best. More emotional, more insight into Mei's personality. Ms. Pajonas shares her knowledge of Japan and its culture in an easy way that does not feel like an info-dump. I was so proud of her husband, Yasahiro, when he came to her defense after her mother's verbal attack. Mei deserved someone to have her back, and he does. A very good mystery--a missing person--but the family dynamics overshadows the mystery. Well done, Ms. Pajonas.
October 19, 2018
Modern Japan
I’ve enjoyed this series and plan to continue to the next book. A lot of mysteries set in Japan are historical and I enjoy the fact that these are set in the modern era. I also appreciate that the characters and their relationships are not static. Mei and her mother have gone through many ups and downs as families do. I find the mystery interesting but as in the other books, it is almost incidental to Mei’s daily life and relationships, which is fine by me in a “cozy”.
I’ve enjoyed this series and plan to continue to the next book. A lot of mysteries set in Japan are historical and I enjoy the fact that these are set in the modern era. I also appreciate that the characters and their relationships are not static. Mei and her mother have gone through many ups and downs as families do. I find the mystery interesting but as in the other books, it is almost incidental to Mei’s daily life and relationships, which is fine by me in a “cozy”.
January 20, 2018
Ichiban
Ichiban means number one in Japanese. This mystery series is a true adventure. I am left hanging on the who done it and have yet to figure out the villain. Having lived in Japan for three years as a military nurse in the 1970's puts me at cultural advantage, but a mystery is a mystery!
Ichiban means number one in Japanese. This mystery series is a true adventure. I am left hanging on the who done it and have yet to figure out the villain. Having lived in Japan for three years as a military nurse in the 1970's puts me at cultural advantage, but a mystery is a mystery!
November 25, 2018
Mei-Chan and her mother are having problems.
The first thing is Akai asks Mei to help her clean out a house, belonging to a family that lost their daughter, the.n her mother becomes very strange finally telling Mei that people think she's a witch and then a typhoon, brings more interesting things.
Read and enjoy.
The first thing is Akai asks Mei to help her clean out a house, belonging to a family that lost their daughter, the.n her mother becomes very strange finally telling Mei that people think she's a witch and then a typhoon, brings more interesting things.
Read and enjoy.
May 16, 2018
A great series
I love the glimpse I get of life in rural Japan. The characters are fun and well developed and still manage to surprise me. I recommend this series to all cozy readers.
I love the glimpse I get of life in rural Japan. The characters are fun and well developed and still manage to surprise me. I recommend this series to all cozy readers.
May 20, 2020
3.5 stars
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June 29, 2020For more information on this book, teasers, and news, please visit: https://www.stephgennaro.com/the-dayd...
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May 28, 2018For more information on this book, teasers, and news, please visit http://www.spajonas.com/blog/
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews