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Noodle Shop Mystery #9.5
Gone to Hot Pot
While Lana Lee is away at a restaurant convention, her friends at Asia Village do their best to keep things running smoothly in this behind-the-scenes look at the Noodle Shop Mystery world.
While Lana is away on a business trip, Megan Riley, best friend and roommate, is on doggie duty. Things between Kikkoman—Lana’s loveable black pug—and Megan go smoothly, except they both have a case of cabin fever, thanks to another treacherous Cleveland winter. When Megan comes up with the idea to take Kikko to Asia Village after a grooming appointment, she never imagined that the wrinkly little dog would disappear right under her nose.
Megan enlists the help of Kimmy Tran who is more than willing to help with the task. She even goes as far as naming their recovery Operation Pu Pu Plunder. Kimmy quickly involves—to Megan’s dismay—many Asia Village shop owners, employees, and even a few regular customers to assist in tracking down clues in search of Lana’s missing dog.
And though Megan begrudgingly appreciates the help of Lana’s beloved work community, she has just one rule for all of Don’t. Tell. Lana.
THE FIRST RULE OF OPERATION PU PU DON’T TALK ABOUT OPERATION PU PU PLUNDER.
While Lana is away on a business trip, Megan Riley, best friend and roommate, is on doggie duty. Things between Kikkoman—Lana’s loveable black pug—and Megan go smoothly, except they both have a case of cabin fever, thanks to another treacherous Cleveland winter. When Megan comes up with the idea to take Kikko to Asia Village after a grooming appointment, she never imagined that the wrinkly little dog would disappear right under her nose.
Megan enlists the help of Kimmy Tran who is more than willing to help with the task. She even goes as far as naming their recovery Operation Pu Pu Plunder. Kimmy quickly involves—to Megan’s dismay—many Asia Village shop owners, employees, and even a few regular customers to assist in tracking down clues in search of Lana’s missing dog.
And though Megan begrudgingly appreciates the help of Lana’s beloved work community, she has just one rule for all of Don’t. Tell. Lana.
THE FIRST RULE OF OPERATION PU PU DON’T TALK ABOUT OPERATION PU PU PLUNDER.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
61 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Chien
24 books1,664 followersVivien Chien first started writing simple stories about adventures with her classmates when she was in elementary school. As she grew up, her love of books and the written word increased, leading to the attempt of her first novel at age 16. After many struggled beginnings and several different genres, she found her passion in the mystery world.
When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.
She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the fifth book in her Noodle Shop series, and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.
When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.
She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the fifth book in her Noodle Shop series, and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 1, 2025
Very short story! Lana is away from home, and her dog, Kikko, gets loose out in the Asian Village. It’s a cute, fun story as Kikko leads Lana’s friends on a chase to find him! You must read the books before this short story to understand who the characters are. Great cozy series!
June 25, 2024
Very short quick read with a guest main character of Megan! I like her a lot in this series and really missed her in the 9th book. We got a new character that I’m sure we will see more of Talia , a easy little mystery around the cutest dog, and appearances around all our favs at Asian Village. Loved it.
September 18, 2025
Loved this shortie about Megan and Kikko!
May 28, 2024
Gone to Hot Pot takes place at the same time as book 9 in this series, Misfortune Cookie, which covers Lana Lee's adventures at a restaurant convention in California. While Lana is away, her best friend Megan Riley is taking care of Lana's dog, Kikkoman. Kikko is quite a handful, but Megan thinks he might enjoy a walk in the Asia Village shopping area. Kikko soon escapes, leaving a trail of little "gifts" to clean up and use to track him down. Megan gets help from Lana's friend, the outspoken Kimmy Tran, but most of all doesn't want Lana to find out Kikko has escaped.
Fans of this series will enjoy the story. It was fun to see Megan take center stage and to see her dynamic with Kimmy, without Lana being around as a go-between. I've always liked Megan, so I love that she's the main character in this story. It's a light read, without any crimes to solve, just finding the missing Kikko. While looking for Kikko, Megan and Kimmy meet a woman who is new to Asia Village. I assume this mysterious character will be making an appearance in a future book. I highly recommend this series to cozy mystery readers or anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery with interesting characters.
Fans of this series will enjoy the story. It was fun to see Megan take center stage and to see her dynamic with Kimmy, without Lana being around as a go-between. I've always liked Megan, so I love that she's the main character in this story. It's a light read, without any crimes to solve, just finding the missing Kikko. While looking for Kikko, Megan and Kimmy meet a woman who is new to Asia Village. I assume this mysterious character will be making an appearance in a future book. I highly recommend this series to cozy mystery readers or anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery with interesting characters.
December 19, 2025
This is a heartwarming cozy little tale about what happens when our favorite detective is out of town. With Lana in Irvine, her roommate has to step up. Taking Kikkoman (Lana’s pug for a walk) and then losing the dog is terrible. But she can rely on Plaza neighbors to help her out. Adorable tale and I want more of them. The characters are so much fun!
May 22, 2024
Delightful
A delightful little fun side read while waiting for the next full length novel in the Noodle Shop series.
Kikko the pug is a fun character and always brings joy even when on the lam.
A delightful little fun side read while waiting for the next full length novel in the Noodle Shop series.
Kikko the pug is a fun character and always brings joy even when on the lam.
May 23, 2024
I just loved it, so refreshing. More of these side quests please 😁
August 1, 2024
A cute little short story back in Asia Village. I devoured this while waiting for my dentist appointment and adored every minute of it!
January 25, 2025
Cute but six Feet deep dish just moved up my tbr for no other reason than it was mentioned in this
June 23, 2024
Brilliant!!
So short and so packed with the best lines, wit and hilarious situations! A must read for fans of Vivien Chien and anyone who wants to try the Noodle Shop Mystery series!
So short and so packed with the best lines, wit and hilarious situations! A must read for fans of Vivien Chien and anyone who wants to try the Noodle Shop Mystery series!
July 9, 2024
This is a novella and a spin off from the usual Noodle Shop Mystery series! While our main character Lana is away in California (book #8), Gone to Hot Pot follows a short adventure with Lana's best friend and roommate, Megan who is regularly featured in the series. Megan is watching Lana's pug Kikkoman, and brought him to Asia Village. Megan was in a store, when suddenly someone opened the door and Kikko zoomed out. The novella follows Megan and other friend Kimmy as they run around Asia Village trying to look for him.
I was really missing this series and was happy to see this new novella released to tide me over! Although Lana wasn't featured in the story, I also like Megan and it was nice to be back in the light hearted, comforting and cozy setting amongst all the practicum craziness in my life right now. Kimmy is definitely annoying at times, but she adds humour into the story. This was a very quick read at just under 50 pages, but it was nice to go back to Asia Village.
I was really missing this series and was happy to see this new novella released to tide me over! Although Lana wasn't featured in the story, I also like Megan and it was nice to be back in the light hearted, comforting and cozy setting amongst all the practicum craziness in my life right now. Kimmy is definitely annoying at times, but she adds humour into the story. This was a very quick read at just under 50 pages, but it was nice to go back to Asia Village.
March 29, 2025
While Lana isn't in this noodle story mystery, Megan Riley makes an appearance as the MC this time around. Megan is caring for Kikkoman, which is Lana's little black pug, while she is in California for a restaurant convention.
There is a sale on makeup inside Asia Village, and Megan decided to bring Kikko with her since she had cabin fever at home and left 'presents' all over the apartment. She figured she could kill two birds with one stone since Kikko could enjoy a walk around Asia Village.
Although the sentiment was nice, she slowly started to regret taking Kikko out of the apartment because she somehow slipped out of the restaurant and started to wander elsewhere. Megan begins to stress, so Kimmy ends up joining her on the hunt to find Kikko.
Will Lana find out they lost her little black pug? Now that Kimmy and Megan have joined forces on this adventure, will they soon become best friends? Let's dive in and see if we can solve the mystery of the missing pug!
There is a sale on makeup inside Asia Village, and Megan decided to bring Kikko with her since she had cabin fever at home and left 'presents' all over the apartment. She figured she could kill two birds with one stone since Kikko could enjoy a walk around Asia Village.
Although the sentiment was nice, she slowly started to regret taking Kikko out of the apartment because she somehow slipped out of the restaurant and started to wander elsewhere. Megan begins to stress, so Kimmy ends up joining her on the hunt to find Kikko.
Will Lana find out they lost her little black pug? Now that Kimmy and Megan have joined forces on this adventure, will they soon become best friends? Let's dive in and see if we can solve the mystery of the missing pug!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
While Lana is in California, Megan has been watching her pug Kikkoman. They are both going a bit stir crazy after all the snow, so Megan takes Kikko to the Noodle Shop just to get out of the house. But when Kikko sneaks out of the shop Megan and Kimmy have to do some sleuthing to find out where Kikko could have gotten to. And swear everyone to secrecy to keep this little adventure hush hush from Lana.
This was a light-hearted mini-mystery for Megan and Kimmy to solve sans-Lana. Kikko definitely gives them a bit of adventure, and readers a lot of entertainment.
Notes on content:
Language: None that I remember
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Megan is white, Kimmy and others at Asian village are Asian American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Poop puns as Kikko leaves them a certain trail.
This was a light-hearted mini-mystery for Megan and Kimmy to solve sans-Lana. Kikko definitely gives them a bit of adventure, and readers a lot of entertainment.
Notes on content:
Language: None that I remember
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Megan is white, Kimmy and others at Asian village are Asian American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Poop puns as Kikko leaves them a certain trail.
May 27, 2024
A great short story!
With Lana away at a restaurateur convention, her roommate and best friend, Megan, is looking after her little pug, Kikko. She decides to take Kikko on a little outing to Asia Village where Lana's family restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House, is located and that's where the action begins. Kikko escapes into the shopping mall and it's up to Megan and Lana's other friend, Kimmy, to find her. A wonderfully written short story that manages to bring in so many of the regular series characters and even a new, mysterious character who I'm looking forward to learning more about in future book. Vivien Chien yet again brings another great Noodle Shop Mystery story to her readers.
With Lana away at a restaurateur convention, her roommate and best friend, Megan, is looking after her little pug, Kikko. She decides to take Kikko on a little outing to Asia Village where Lana's family restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House, is located and that's where the action begins. Kikko escapes into the shopping mall and it's up to Megan and Lana's other friend, Kimmy, to find her. A wonderfully written short story that manages to bring in so many of the regular series characters and even a new, mysterious character who I'm looking forward to learning more about in future book. Vivien Chien yet again brings another great Noodle Shop Mystery story to her readers.
May 29, 2024
Operation Pu Pu Plunder
Lana is in California for a conference. Here roommate, Megan, is in charge of Lana's black pug, Kikko. Winter weather and missing Lana have affected Kikko's temperament, so after a trip to the groomers, Megan
decides they should walk around the enclosed area of the Asian Village. During a
stop in the Ho-Lee
Noodle House. Lana's
restaurant, Kikko slips
away. Joining forces with Kimmy Tran they follow Kikko's rather poopy trail from one place to another, always one step behind the elusive pug. Everyone they meet during their searching is glad to help and they all agree "Don't tell Lana!" Easy breezy reading with no dead bodies, just a
missing little pug. 4 stars
Lana is in California for a conference. Here roommate, Megan, is in charge of Lana's black pug, Kikko. Winter weather and missing Lana have affected Kikko's temperament, so after a trip to the groomers, Megan
decides they should walk around the enclosed area of the Asian Village. During a
stop in the Ho-Lee
Noodle House. Lana's
restaurant, Kikko slips
away. Joining forces with Kimmy Tran they follow Kikko's rather poopy trail from one place to another, always one step behind the elusive pug. Everyone they meet during their searching is glad to help and they all agree "Don't tell Lana!" Easy breezy reading with no dead bodies, just a
missing little pug. 4 stars
July 1, 2024
3.5 rounded up - I marked this as spoilers, although it is only a minor one which I think anyone can guess. I love this series, and have read all of them. That said, I probably could have passed on this novella, as it was really boring next to the rest of the series. I can tell it was supposed to be going on at the same time as Book 9, but I really missed Lana and also her Mom, two of my favorite characters in the series. Megan and Kimmy are good as supporting cast, but a book about a lost dog (which you just know will be found by the end of the story—there, that’s my spoiler), and the supporting cast members as main characters didn’t do much for me. I’m looking forward to number 10 in the series so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
I've loved everything Vivien Chien has written, and this short story featuring Lana Lee's two best friends, Megan Riley and Kimmy Tran, was another winner.
While Lana is away for a restaurateur convention in California, Megan is pet sitting Lana's adorable pug, Kikko. When she ventures out into Asia Village with Kikko, she runs into Kimmy, and the dog decides to take off on its own. The two agree to work together to find the pug.
This was a fun, fast-paced short. I enjoyed this look at Megan and Kimmy, and of course Kikko. A perfect side story. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
While Lana is away for a restaurateur convention in California, Megan is pet sitting Lana's adorable pug, Kikko. When she ventures out into Asia Village with Kikko, she runs into Kimmy, and the dog decides to take off on its own. The two agree to work together to find the pug.
This was a fun, fast-paced short. I enjoyed this look at Megan and Kimmy, and of course Kikko. A perfect side story. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
May 31, 2024
GONE TO HOT POT by Vivien Chien
The Twelfth Noodle Shop Mystery
With Lana Lane at a conference in California it's up to her roommate Megan Riley to look after Kikkoman. The little pug is not taking Lana's absence well, so Megan decides to take her to Asia Village. Waylaid by Kimmy, the pair take Kikko to the Ho-Lee Noodle House, but when it's time to leave Megan discovers that Kikko is gone! This unlikely duo will have to team up in order to find Lana's missing dog-and hope that Lana will never find out!
A Noodle Shop Mystery without Lana Lee? Yes-and it's absolutely wonderful. GONE TO POT may be a short story, but there's a lot to love. Having the almost always fighting duo of Megan and Kimmy having to work together without Lana as a buffer is brilliant. As usual Kimmy has me laughing out loud, especially with her special code name for their mission! I also loved visiting the many shop owners of Asia Village. I can't wait to see more of Talia and her metaphysical shop!
GONE TO HOT POT is a fast funny read from a different point of view. Grab a bite and enjoy the hunt for Kikkoman, though you may not want a pu pu platter!
The Twelfth Noodle Shop Mystery
With Lana Lane at a conference in California it's up to her roommate Megan Riley to look after Kikkoman. The little pug is not taking Lana's absence well, so Megan decides to take her to Asia Village. Waylaid by Kimmy, the pair take Kikko to the Ho-Lee Noodle House, but when it's time to leave Megan discovers that Kikko is gone! This unlikely duo will have to team up in order to find Lana's missing dog-and hope that Lana will never find out!
A Noodle Shop Mystery without Lana Lee? Yes-and it's absolutely wonderful. GONE TO POT may be a short story, but there's a lot to love. Having the almost always fighting duo of Megan and Kimmy having to work together without Lana as a buffer is brilliant. As usual Kimmy has me laughing out loud, especially with her special code name for their mission! I also loved visiting the many shop owners of Asia Village. I can't wait to see more of Talia and her metaphysical shop!
GONE TO HOT POT is a fast funny read from a different point of view. Grab a bite and enjoy the hunt for Kikkoman, though you may not want a pu pu platter!
September 17, 2024
Megan and Kimmie's Adventure
I've been a fan of the Noodle Shop mysteries since the first book. The last book I read, Misfortune Cookie, was set in California where Lana Lee, the manager of her family's restaurant, and her sister Anna May are visiting their Aunt Grace while Lana attends a restaurant conference. Gone to Hot Pot takes place during this trip as Lana's roommate Megan and best friend Kimmie search Asia Village for Lana's missing dog. A short novella, it's a fun look at the Asia Village regulars without Lana or a murder mystery. A fun addition to the series, meant for readers who arealready familiar with the series.
I've been a fan of the Noodle Shop mysteries since the first book. The last book I read, Misfortune Cookie, was set in California where Lana Lee, the manager of her family's restaurant, and her sister Anna May are visiting their Aunt Grace while Lana attends a restaurant conference. Gone to Hot Pot takes place during this trip as Lana's roommate Megan and best friend Kimmie search Asia Village for Lana's missing dog. A short novella, it's a fun look at the Asia Village regulars without Lana or a murder mystery. A fun addition to the series, meant for readers who arealready familiar with the series.
November 3, 2025
While Lana Lee is away at a restaurant convention, her friends at Asia Village do their best to keep things running smoothly in this behind-the-scenes look at the Noodle Shop Mystery world.
While Lana is away on a business trip, Megan Riley, best friend and roommate, is on doggie duty. Things between Kikkoman—Lana’s loveable black pug—and Megan go smoothly, except they both have a case of cabin fever, thanks to another treacherous Cleveland winter. When Megan comes up with the idea to take Kikko to Asia Village after a grooming appointment, she never imagined that the wrinkly little dog would disappear right under her nose.
While Lana is away on a business trip, Megan Riley, best friend and roommate, is on doggie duty. Things between Kikkoman—Lana’s loveable black pug—and Megan go smoothly, except they both have a case of cabin fever, thanks to another treacherous Cleveland winter. When Megan comes up with the idea to take Kikko to Asia Village after a grooming appointment, she never imagined that the wrinkly little dog would disappear right under her nose.
October 14, 2024
GONE TO HOT POT is a short, fun novella set at the same time as MISFORTUNE COOKIE. While Lana Lee is in California for a convention, her best friend and roommate Megan Riley is in charge of dogsitting. Kikko gets lost on their visit to Asia Village, causing a ruckus in the marketplace. With the help of Kimmy Tran, Megan searches the shopping plaza in a frantic effort to find Lana's beloved pet. It's a cute, easy read with a different point-of-view than we usually get in the Noodle Shop mystery books. I enjoyed it.
If I could, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If I could, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
April 7, 2025
Lana Lee is off to a convention and letting her friend Megan is watching Kikkoman, Lana's little pug. All seems to be going well and Megan decides to take Kikkoman on a walk to Asia Village. Somehow Kikkoman disappears and Megan is freaking out. She enlists the help of everyone she can think of to help her find the little dog. She only asks that Lana never finds out about it. This was really a cute, short read. I've never read any of the Noddle Shop Mysteries but these characters were so lovable that I think I should try them.
May 21, 2024
Cute short story
Not an actual mystery unless you count a missing dog in a Chinese Village in Ohio. Related to Vivian Chien’s mystery series in the same setting, this story follows Lana Lee’s two best friends who are supposed. To minding her dog while she and her sister are at a conference in California. See #9 in the series. A quick read as the two friends search frantically for the lost pup. A great series.
Not an actual mystery unless you count a missing dog in a Chinese Village in Ohio. Related to Vivian Chien’s mystery series in the same setting, this story follows Lana Lee’s two best friends who are supposed. To minding her dog while she and her sister are at a conference in California. See #9 in the series. A quick read as the two friends search frantically for the lost pup. A great series.
May 22, 2024
I've loved reading the Noodle Shop Mysteries for years now and always anxiously await the next book. Having a sweet little short story released a few months before the next book is released was a nice surprise! This was a cute story, only 55 pages I think, and we're in Megan's head while she has to team up with Kimmy for a mini adventure in Asia Village. This was just the carefree read I needed and now I'm more excited for the next full novel!
May 22, 2024
Loved It!
Thrilled when I saw that Vivien Chien had written something more. Was so excited last night when its arrival was heralded by my Kindle just as I completed a book and was searching for the next. SO disappointed when I realized it was a short! These characters are like family! This was a great visit, but ended too quickly! Read this author's collection immediately! You will binge until you have completed them and you WILL NOT REGRET IT!
Thrilled when I saw that Vivien Chien had written something more. Was so excited last night when its arrival was heralded by my Kindle just as I completed a book and was searching for the next. SO disappointed when I realized it was a short! These characters are like family! This was a great visit, but ended too quickly! Read this author's collection immediately! You will binge until you have completed them and you WILL NOT REGRET IT!
May 22, 2024
Such a cute little novella!
I really love this series. It’s so light and cozy while still being mysterious. While I did miss Lana in this one, Megan and Kimmy sure had it covered with a mystery of their own. We still had plenty of Kikko as well, since Megan is puppy sitting while Lana is off with her sister at a convention for work. Asia Village in Cleveland sure saw plenty of nonsense in this mystery and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
I really love this series. It’s so light and cozy while still being mysterious. While I did miss Lana in this one, Megan and Kimmy sure had it covered with a mystery of their own. We still had plenty of Kikko as well, since Megan is puppy sitting while Lana is off with her sister at a convention for work. Asia Village in Cleveland sure saw plenty of nonsense in this mystery and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
May 27, 2024
I love that we’re back in the plaza as I missed it from the last book. I also like that the story revolves around Megan and Kikko who have always just been side characters in Lana‘s antics. I could’ve definitely gone for this one being a little longer, but I understand it’s a short story and I do think we see some foreshadowing of an important character that will be involved in the next noodle mystery book coming out in a couple of months. Can’t wait!
July 18, 2024
A cute short story without a dead body, but a different kind of mystery!
While Lana is at a restaurant conference in California, her roommate and bestie Megan is caring for Kikkoman, Lana’s beloved pug. Nikki gets loose at the Asia Village shopping center and Megan teams up with Lana’s other bestie Kimmy to track down Kikko, swearing everyone to secrecy and to not tell Lana.
A fun read and it gives some insight into pet thinking when their human is away.
While Lana is at a restaurant conference in California, her roommate and bestie Megan is caring for Kikkoman, Lana’s beloved pug. Nikki gets loose at the Asia Village shopping center and Megan teams up with Lana’s other bestie Kimmy to track down Kikko, swearing everyone to secrecy and to not tell Lana.
A fun read and it gives some insight into pet thinking when their human is away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews