Crime Rangoon

Noodle Shop Mystery #12

by Vivien Chien

It's stranger than fiction when Lana Lee investigates a murder that mimics the plot of a bestselling mystery, working together with her detective boyfriend for the first time ever.

Cindy Kwan, owner of Asia Village’s bookshop, The Modern Scroll, is privileged to host best-selling author, Charlene Chan for a signing in honor of the writer’s latest book, The Mystery of General Tso.

Lana Lee is equally excited for the appearance of her favorite author and even more so when Cindy asks her to be Charlene’s “handler” for the event. Taking her duties very seriously, Lana stays by the side of the prominent author to assist in anything that she might need.

With a line out the door and stretched through the plaza, Cindy is overjoyed at what a success this is for her shop. But, unfortunately for Cindy, her success comes with a the author is found dead in the mystery aisle, clutching a copy of her own book. Coincidentally the book’s plot matches the details of the murder.

Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is charged with leading the case investigation, but finds himself overwhelmed when he realizes just how much of the book series is mimicked in reality. For the first time in their relationship, Adam calls on Lana to partner up with him to help solve the case. The couple must work through the novel to outwit the murderer, stay one step ahead, and beat the die-hard fan to the last chapter.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Adult, Murder Mystery, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 30, 2025

About the author

Vivien 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.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello again, Asia Village! This 12th addition to the Noodle House series has Lana Lee helping out the village bookstore with an author event. Charlene Chan is a popular mystery writer, but not everyone is a fan. A verbal confrontation comes early, but she dismisses it. Lana, Megan, and Kimmy are there to make sure the event runs smoothly.

Smoothly is just an adverb of hope as the author is found dead. Lana’s police officer boyfriend trusts her to help out this time rather than telling her to not meddle in the investigation.

There are a lot of clues to the culprit and it’s easy to figure out, but it’s still entertaining getting to the conclusion. I liked the bookstore setting and the local book club in attendance. Recommended to readers of the Noodle House series and those that need a cozy fix.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for an early copy.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trouble seems to follow Lana Lee. She is helping the owner of Asia Village's bookstore at an author signing when the author, Charlene, is murdered. Surprisingly, Lana's boyfriend the cop asks for her help with the case, and she, Megan, and Kimmy (who is incredibly annoying) are eager to help. It wasn't too hard to guess the murderer, and it's hard to imagine a more dangerous place than this small area in Ohio which has seen so many murders, all of which Lana has solved (and survived)--three and a half stars. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number twelve in the Noodle Shop Mystery series brings another murder for Lana to solve and this time it's her favorite author. I like this series a lot, but this one was off. It felt like the entire book was a series of Lana telling other people about what had just happened. I mean, it's not the details of what she has to tell them written out each time, so it isn't repetitive in that way, but we do get Lana saying she's got to fill someone in about something constantly and that usually takes at least a paragraph each time to say that.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and this book made me so happy to see all of my favorite characters working together. Even Peters helps facilitate the investigation in his own way (though don't remind him!) I love that Lana is a huge book lover and has the exciting opportunity to help host and meet her favorite author. It is something so many book lovers can relate to and the excitement of the event jumps off the page. I also really love that Lana has embraced her multitudes and that she can enjoy running her family's noodle shop business AND sleuth around with her friends. And the fact that her detective boyfriend not only accepts her, but encourages her made me smile so much. No spoilers, but what a fun set up for a mystery that has an extra edge of possible foreshadowing that keeps us all on our toes (readers and Lana). Also seeing more and learning more about Megan was lovely and I hope that continues! I was shocked by the ending and how it all came together. I had so much fun reading this!

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Best-selling author Charlene Chan will be signing her latest book, The Mystery of General Tso, at The Modern Scroll, the bookshop at Asia Village. Ms. Chan happens to be Lana Lee’s favorite author. She is thrilled that bookshop owner Cindy Kwan has asked her to be the author’s “handler” for her signing.

The day of the event arrives, and it’s a huge success. Then, Charlene Chan is found dead, holding her own book, in the mystery aisle. Her death seems to mimic the plot of the book she now holds. Detective Adam Trudeau, Lana’s boyfriend, knows she could really help him with the case. Lana, Kimmy, and Megan are surprised when he asks for her help, and are totally on board to help her get the information he needs, but the killer isn’t making it easy. They all team up to throw the book at the person who cut so many chapters out of the bestselling author’s life.

I totally agree with Lana Lee in that “Bookstores are the happiest places on earth”. I was moved by the entire first paragraph of the book, and that Ms. Chien used an author’s work as the basis of her murder was brilliant, making Crime Rangoon my new favorite book in this series.

Lana’s love of reading and books truly shines in this story, as does the friendship she has formed with bookshop owner Cindy Kwan. She really goes the extra mile to help her through the traumatic event. Megan isn’t acting like herself, but we find out she has a very good reason. She still helps Lana work through the clues of the case. Kimmy is over-the-top, as usual, and determined not to be left out of anything. She inserts herself into the investigation any way she can, which upsets her boyfriend, Peter. I loved that Adam realized what an asset Lana can be and figured out ways to use her knowledge and instincts while keeping his chief in the dark. The Mahjong Matrons are always fun and ready to share any local gossip. Ms. Chien also introduces a new character who was a mystery for most of the book, but when she revealed what she was dealing with, she truly touched my heart.

This book was so well-plotted, entwining the mystery with purposeful subplots. The pacing was perfect, and the theme was fabulous. There was a crowd of suspects; the store was definitely over the fire limit. A horrible scene placed a huge target on one person, but there were other sketchy individuals present. Lana was all in trying to find connections and motives, and I was totally entertained following along. Then there was an epic twist, and Lana had her A-ha moment too late as Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ serenaded her from the radio. I was surprised, too, and a little aggravated with myself, but this was a story I was totally caught up in without turning on my inner detective.

Crime Rangoon has a treasure trove of cozy elements. Wonderful, genuine, true-to-life characters, a unique setting at the Asia Village, humor, and romance balanced flawlessly with a marvelously written mystery that flowed so well it was impossible to put down. What a fantastic way to wrap up 2025!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Vivien Chien, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's to be done when a mystery book seemingly comes to life?

That's what Lana Lee is up against when the author of her favourite book series is found dead at her book signing in Lana's beloved Asia Village in Cleveland. When Lana's detective boyfriend Adam Trudeau asks for her help with the case, she pulls out all the stops with the help of her best friends Megan and Kimmy to determine if someone really imitated the murder from the author's book.

The first paragraph of this book beautifully characterizes the impact that bookstores can have on the lives of people; how we can find ourselves within the shelves of the shop, relating to a character at some of the highest and lowest parts of our lives. You can tell that Vivien Chien knows the mind of a reader, and this latest instalment in the Noodle Shop Mystery series is my favourite yet.

Seeing the growth of my favourite characters, especially Megan, had me voraciously devouring this book. The mystery is engaging from start to finish, and I was left wanting the next book immediately. Also, huge shout out to the representation of a character trying to shoulder the emotions of a family illness all by themselves; it's portrayed in a way that anyone who has faced that situation can relate to.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press I Minotaur Press for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t stand Kimmy or Ana May. Brought this down from a 4 stars to 2. I hate Kimmy that much. I’m going to DNF this series since she keeps getting a bigger part and outdoing Lana. This is ridiculous

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew who had done it and was worried it would follow a different path than what actually happened. Nice surprise.

[Antoinetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite books in the Noodle Shop Mysteries. The storyline was very captivating and I did not want to stop reading. I wanted to find out who did and why.
Vivien Chien is an amazing author and I can't wait to see what new adventure she comes up with for Lana.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, I came in fresh. No backstory, no previous Noodle Shop intel, just me and vibes. And within ten pages I was already screaming “SOMEONE PROTECT LANA LEE AT ALL COSTS.” Because not only is she out here working full-time in a family restaurant, dodging neighborhood aunties, and acting as a glorified book signing babysitter... she also just tripped into a murder straight out of her favorite author’s crime novel. IN THE ACTUAL BOOKSTORE. DURING THE SIGNING. You cannot write this level of chaos. Except Vivien Chien did and now I’m spiraling.

First of all, I was not prepared for how much I would want to crawl into Asia Village and live there like a cozy little chaos goblin. The Modern Scroll? Perfect. Ho-Lee Noodle House? Iconic. The general vibe? Equal parts comfort food and murder peril. And Lana... oh girl, you are doing SO much for someone not actually on the force. I’d be feral too if my detective boyfriend suddenly decided this was the moment to finally let me into the casework, like it’s couple’s game night but make it Homicide.

The case itself? Straight out of the pages of the victim’s own book, The Mystery of General Tso, which feels illegal somehow. Not just because of the murder, but because of the absolute audacity of killing an author during a signing while they’re surrounded by fans and dumpling grease. And yet? It slaps. The mystery kept me guessing (I suspected the koi pond at one point, don’t ask), and the fact that Lana had to basically read the book to solve the crime?? Meta. Insane. Delicious.

Let’s talk about Detective Adam Trudeau. Sir. Sir!!! You finally let Lana in on the case and immediately get overwhelmed like a man trying to read IKEA instructions without his glasses. He’s lucky he’s hot, because half the time I wanted to shake him and the other half I was like “aww you emotionally stunted menace, you’re trying.” Their dynamic is chaotic in the best way... competence porn meets rom-com meets “please stop dragging my girlfriend into murder scenes but also yes, she’s helpful.”

Kimmy and Megan? Absolute legends. If I ever get accused of murder, I want them on my emergency contact list. Megan is the best friend every main character deserves and Kimmy brings the chaotic energy of someone who once solved a crime just by being nosey and refusing to mind her business. Every cozy needs a squad and this one is dangerously effective.

Did I predict the killer? Absolutely not. Did I yell “YOU SNEAKY LITTLE RAT” at my Kindle? Oh yes. That twist was nasty in the best way and the way it ties back into the fictional book plot gave me that weird little serotonin hit only found in tightly plotted cozies and true crime reenactments.

Also, I have now developed an unhealthy attachment to Kikko the pug and if anything happens to him in future installments I will riot in the food court.

This was my first trip to Asia Village and guess what? I’m already packing my bags to go back. If this is book twelve and it’s still serving this hard? I’m sold. Fully obsessed. Going full conspiracy-board about past murders I haven’t even read yet. RIP my TBR, it’s all noodles and bodies from here on out. Four stars.

Whodunity Award: For Murder at the Book Signing, Sponsored by General Tso’s Ghost

Huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC that kicked off my unhinged obsession with this series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, bouncy series, with a wonderful array of central characters. The heroine of the series is Lana Lee, the owner (along with her family) of a restaurant in Cleveland. The restaurant sits in Asia Village, and one of the businesses near Lana’s (as well as near to her heart), is a bookstore. When Lana is browsing one day the owner mentions that her employee has quit out of the blue and she’s in a panic about a huge upcoming author appearance. Lana offers to help, and the owner assigns her to be the author’s assistant (mainly monitoring the signing line and opening the books to the right page to be signed). Lana is also a big fan of the author’s and has just finished the book.

Lana is so delighted, she goes ahead and recruits her somewhat brash and slightly loud buddy Kimmy to help at the register, as Kimmy has her own shop in the market and is experienced at handling a crowd. As signing day dawns and Lana and Kimmy arrive at the mall they are shocked to see the number of people waiting to meet the author, and the bookstore owner is slightly overwhlemed. However, the team gets down to work, the author arrives, and the signing begins.

It goes well and the author patiently works her way through a long line despite feeling slightly faint in the middle of the event, but when the signing ends, disaster strikes, with the author being found dead in the mystery aisle. As Lana is the one to find her, and has also read her book - which describes to a T the manner of her own death - she’s pretty freaked out. Lana, her roommate Megan, Kimmy, and Lana’s boyfriend, Adam Trudeau – who also happens to be a cop – settle in to figure out what happened.

To Lana’s utter shock, Adam invites her to be a part of the investigation, and she happily agrees, though it makes her quite nervous when she listens in on an interrogation. There seem to be plenty of suspects, but the women and Adam eliminate them one by one, left with a seemingly insolvable puzzle.

Of course it’s not insolvable, but it does take some clever sleuthing and deductive reasoning on Lana’s part to unmask the killer. These books are so much fun because the characters are interesting and nicely quirky, but they are still supportive of each other. Adam is just a decent guy and while he gets annoyed by Lana’s and her friend’s involvement at times, he also appreciates it. Lana also has one of the cutest dogs in mystery fiction, Kikko the black pug.

The other standout of course is the setting, Cleveland being a fairly unusual one, as well as the gentle portrayal of the Asian community in Cleveland. As depicted by Chien it’s an incredibly supportive one. This book is one of the reasons I read and enjoy cozies. The people are interesting and nice to each other, they function in a recognizable environment, and the mysteries are clever. Lana isn’t jaded by her investigations, and she’s properly shocked at discovering a dead body. I can’t say you won’t be hungry as you read as the food described sounds delicious. All in all, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as a good cozy, and the sleuthing in this one is top notch.

[Obsidian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.

This is the 12th book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. At this point the series is like a well oiled machine. We have Lana, Meghan, Kimmy, investigating with Adam and the Mahong Matrons assisting. In this newest one, Lana helps out the bookstore owner in the plaza she knows. She's happy to help since one of her favorite authors is going to come to the bookstore to sign copies of her newest book. When the author unexpectedly dies though, Lana and her friends are on the case when all signs point to murder.

Lana and her sister's relationship is still fractured, but her relationships with Adam, Meghan, and Kimmy have gotten stronger. At this point everyone knows Lana is an amateur sleuth and she doesn't have to run around pretending she's not looking into the crime. That definitely makes things easier. I think that it was good though to see Lana/Meghan getting better at their sleuthing though Kimmy was very hard to take and I honestly don't get why she's even invested. I don't think Chien has done enough IMHO to even show why Lana stays friends with Kimmy cause she's mostly annoying to me as a character.

Lana and Adam's relationship is very strong per usual and it seems as if they are moving to a point of moving in together (eventually) and even seeing that they are going to be with each other in the long-term. We get hints about Meghan's past relationship but I really wish that Chien had delved into that more. I did call BS though on who she decides she's interested in and who is interested in her. It just felt overly complicated and not realistic.

The main mystery though was good, I was interested in it because the idea of an author being murdered similar to a story she wrote was great, but I wish that Chien had followed that thread a bit more. It seemed as if everyone was a bad red Herring and I guessed pretty early who the guilty party was and wondered why in the world Lana didn't get there quicker.

The book did read a bit fillerly to me but I enjoyed it anyway.

[L.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana is helping Asia Village neighbor Cindy with an author event at The Modern Scroll bookshop. Charlene Chan is a hot new mystery author and her latest release was unputdownable. The women can hardly believe their luck getting a bestselling author to come to their store and attracting hordes of customers to Asia Village to buy, buy, buy! Charlene, better known as Charlie, is sweet as pie and everyone is enamored... well, not everyone. When Charlene dies from apparently being injected with insulin it's up to Lana to figure out who among the attendees did her in. Was it an ex-lover? A cheated writers group partner? Or the mysterious man dressed as the killer from her book?

I really enjoy this series. It's nice to read a cozy where the heroine is not the same 30-60 white woman working in a library/bookstore/craft shop, entangled in romances with two men, with the perfect pet cat/dog who can basically talk and would solve the mysteries if only the MC could read their cues. Don't get me wrong, I love that storyline, but this series is a breath of fresh air. I love that she's young and everything about her life is about as different from mine as one could get. Her boyfriend, Detective Trudeau, leans on her a lot in this book and that's a rare storyline where the love interest isn't constantly trying to keep baby in the corner.

In this book, as Lana is trying to figure out the killer there is one person who should stand out and somehow I just missed it completely. If you pick up on it, that might ruin the story for you if you like to be kept in the dark until the end. But I didn't figure it out, as obvious as it was in retrospect. I don't know if I wasn't paying close enough attention or if Chien did an amazing job of hiding it. Either way, I didn't pick out the killer until the last few chapters.

Anyone who is a fan of cozy mysteries, particularly someone who maybe getting a little tired of the same-old same-old storylines, should check out this series.

Thank you to Vivien Chien, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[TsarinaTyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another really great cozy in the Noodle Shop series by Vivien Chien. Lana Lee, manager of Ho Lee Noodle House in the Asia Village shopping mall in Cleveland, Ohio and amateur sleuth from circumstances out of her control, finds herself with yet another murder to solve that happened too close to home. The book begins with Lana excited to be part of a book signing for her favorite author that is taking place at her favorite bookstore, The Modern Scroll, in Asia Village. She his it off immediately with author Charlaine "Charlie" Chan and is looking forward to getting to know her better. As per the norm, before long, a murder takes place and any pleasantries Lana was looking forward to, are no longer an option. She enlists the help of her friend and roommate, Megan, and her longtime friend, Kimmy, to help her figure out the killer's identity and see that they pay for their crime. Surprisingly, this time she doesn't need to hide her sleuthing from her police detective boyfriend, Adam. There are so many suspects since the murder happened at the busy book signing event that was packed with people anxiously waiting to have their books signed. The book has all the wonderful characters you've come to expect, including Lana's friend, the chef at the restaurant, Peter, who just so happens to also be Kimmy's boyfriend. And, of course, the Mahjong Matrons who dine every morning at the restaurant Lana's family owns and seem to know everything that takes place within Asia Village. This is probably my favorite in the series so far with a wonderfully written storyline that has twists and turns, red herrings, strong and believable characters, and so many mentions of delicious foods that your stomach will be grumbling as you place your takeout order from your favorite Chinese restaurant while you're reading .... I did ... twice ... while reading this great book! Way to go, Vivien Chien, I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to be writing such wonderful stories! Keep kicking butt, and, in case no one told you yet today ... you look absolutely amazing!!

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is Chien's twelfth entry in the Noodle Shop Mystery Series which is a BIPOC Culinary Cozy Mystery set in Cleveland, Ohio. Featuring a family restaurant manager who's chance to be her favorite author's “handler” at a book signing are dashed when the writer's found dead. She'll find herself officially teaming up with her detective boyfriend to investigate the prominent author's death after her newest book's plot matches the details of her murder. With her extensive knowledge of the author's book series, she'll use all her skills to work through the novel so she and her boyfriend can outwit the murderer and beat the die-hard fan to the last chapter.

With plenty of twists and turns, Chien has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Chien's writing and character work are brilliant; the main character's well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• For Animal Lovers: There's the MC's adorable pug.
• Features a shopping plaza with a diverse assortment of Asian shops and proprietors.

While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Death by Dumpling. This is a favorite series and this newest entry doesn't miss; highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Lana Lee manages her family's Asian restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio, but is happy to take a break from the family business for a day to help out at her friend's bookstore. Cindy Kwan is having her first author event and Lana is thrilled to assist the author, who is one of her favorites. The event starts out well but then ends in tragedy when the author dies in the Mystery aisle. Lana has solved cases in the past and this time her boyfriend who is a homicide detective asks for her help.

This is the twelfth book in this series, but I think it would work as a standalone, too. Lana is a likeable character, and I enjoy her friendship with her best friend and roommate Megan Riley, as well as her longtime friend Kimmy Tran. I wasn't sure at first, but I'm also on board with her romance with Adam since he has proven himself to be a loving and supportive partner to Lana. I love reading about the close-knit community of Lana's fellow merchants in the Asia Village Shopping Plaza. The characters aren't perfect, but they have each other's back when needed.

In this book, I liked that things were changed up a bit and Adam actually asked Lana for her help since she was on the scene when the author died and had knowledge that could help solve it. It was interesting seeing the two of them work with both Megan and Kimmy on the investigation. There are several suspects for them to look into and the clues are there for them (and the reader) to identify the actual killer. I liked the ending as well as some interesting developments that could affect Megan, Lana, and Adam. If you've not yet read this cozy mystery series, I highly recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime Rangoon by Vivian Chien is a Noodle Shop mystery featuring Lana Lee and her many friends. Lana managed the restaurant for her parents since she had opted not to chase a career in law or medicine, as they would have chosen. She had a lovely boyfriend, Adam Trudeau, who was a police detective. Her restaurant was located in a mall called Asia Village and was surrounded by other businesses and friends. On this particular day, Lana is helping her friend, Cindy, who ran the local bookstore, Mosdern Scroll. Modern Scroll was set to hold a book signing for local author and one of Lana’s favorites, Charlene Chan. Cindy’s other employee, Tara, had quite abruptly so Lana had offered to help and had been appointed Charlie’s handler for the event. Cindy, and Lana’s other friend, Kimmy Tran, were to man the registers. Everything was going swimmingly and Lana was getting a donut, another of her favorite things, when something went wrong with Charlie. She was on the floor...dead.

Lana is a great character, intrinsically curious, and a fan of mystery books. She makes friends wherever she goes and lives with her bestie, Megan, who owns a bar, so their schedules don’t match up many days. Thankfully there was a nurse at the signing, Hallie, who pronounced Charlie dead. This was an unusual case as Lana was present, and wonder-of-wonders, Adam asked her and her friends to assist. Usually that was the last thing he wanted. This was an odd crime. So far it followed the plot of Charlie’s latest book. It made the whole thing a little disconcerting. After following numerous false leads, they found the murderer with no one, Lana, getting hurt. Love this series. Chien develops excellent characters.

I was invited to read Crime Rangoon by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #VivianChien #CrimeRangoon

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a really disappointing read. Lana makes several comments about the world that I just can't get over and let go. The first was about how she dismisses the world news cause it seems to not really involve her. Even if this was written over a year ago, the conflicts around the world that are still on going to this day, it seems selfish and egocentric (which she always is but I can usually let it go easier) I also DNFed the book because of this. Then some weird crap about how no one wants to work now a days and they are always calling off or quiting cause employees am I right? Woman you are doing everything but running your business, you're employees are carrying you and you still think like this?
Then she was like COPS ARE GREAT!!! But you still always interfere with the investigation, make up your narrative. Either they are amazing and don't need you or they suck and do need you.

Then the mystery itself was awful. Like basic investigative stuff about looking into the victim and starting with her personal life seemed half looked into. And the why was so stupid I am sorry. The who was a given, there was no other actual suspect. And Kimmy... she would complain when not involved but then complained that she was and she was especially awful to people in this volume. How does she have friends and bf?

personal stuff-- Girl it is book 12 and you are acting like the idea of living or being with him in a serious way is outrageous? Why do these people date? She still is so childish when it comes to her sister.

This is probably my last book in this series.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like these books get better and better as the series goes on. This one is unique because Lana is actually invited to work with her detective boyfriend, Adam Trudeau, on the case.

Asia Village's bookstore, The Modern Scroll, is hosting its first author signing and Lana Lee couldn't be more excited because one of her very favorite authors is doing the event and Lana is her "handler." Unfortunately, the same author is murdered in the bookstore, eerily mimicking the plot of her new book. As Lana digs into the case, she sees some similarities between her life and the murder case and it gives her a serious case of the chills. As the plot moves along, the list of suspects gets longer and becomes more difficult to rule people out and Lana is becoming frantic to solve the case.

I always enjoy the character friendship dynamics in this series. Everyone should have the best BFF like Megan and a ride or die like Kimmy in their lives. Between the three women, they are an unstoppable group of amateur sleuths. I also liked there was a little side plot for Megan, as she usually is just Lana's sleuthing sidekick and here we get to see a little more of her as a person.

There were a few plot holes I noticed but I feel like it might spoil the story and did not detract from my enjoyment of the book in the slightest.

I adore this series and hope Ms. Chien continues to write more of them, I will be the first in line for her next book.

Thank you to Minotaur books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Crime Rangoon is a new instalment to the Noodle Shop Mystery series and much like the other books it’s a comfortable and fun cozy mystery that delivers exactly what long time readers expect while creating a perfectly comfortable environment and not so easy to solve mystery for those jumping in to the series.

In terms of long time readers, Lana is where we have last left her, managing her family’s restaurant in Asia Village and smooth sailing with her detective boyfriend, Adam. In terms of changes with characters the biggest one is with her roommate, though perhaps her boyfriend not being quite as protective and eliciting her help is some progress (though given how trouble seems to haunt Asia Village, it’s about time!). For new readers, this is a sold cozy mystery with some quirky characters and a murder of an author in a bookstore that will have any book worm easily getting swept up in the discovery of clues and unsavory characters.

As a long time fan I’m ready for some more significant changes for those in Asia Village and for Lana and Adam’s relationship, but one thing I can always count on is this series being a sure thing in terms of its engaging writing and hard to guess plot!

[kneecolereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙃𝙪𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙍𝘾. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.

Not only did the fictional authors mystery series give me FOMO because I wanted to read it, the Asian market & bookshop setting is EVERYTHING and this instantly screamed READ ME.

Some of the choices the characters made felt a little unrealistic, especially when it came to Lana being involved in the investigation alongside her detective boyfriend. I know cozy mysteries require a little "just go with it", but my brain kept going “bestie, that man would be fired in a second.” I also went into this fully unaware that this is book TWELVE in the series. While you don’t have to read the others first, I do think having that background might have helped me feel more connected to the characters. It felt like I was missing some inside jokes, which is on me, not the book.

The culprit reveal at the end was a bit of a letdown for me, but not enough to completely turn me off the series. If anything, I now kind of want to go back and read more, mostly because the titles are incredible and clearly speaking directly to my stomach (Death by Dumpling is exactly how I would like to go out).

Overall, this was a fun and cozy read even if it didn’t fully stick the landing for me. I enjoyed it enough that I would absolutely pick up another one, preferably while eating dumplings.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime Rangoon is the 12th Noodle Shop Mystery by Vivien Chien and it continues to be a favorite series of mine. Lana Lee manages her family's noodle shop in Asia Village in Cleveland, OH. Lana is excited because her favorite author Charlene (Charlie) Chan will be at an author event signing copies of her new book. Lana is helping bookstore owner Cindy with the.event. There is a huge crowd including some people who are not fans of Charlie's and some suspicious spectators. Charlie isn't feeling well and then collapses dead. Lana and her boyfriend Detective Adam Friday work on the case together (yay!) along with Lana's roommate Megan and friend Kimmie. Megan has a secret that is interesting! Kimmie adds a little humor and annoyance (sometimes she is helpful, usually not). It makes the story fun when they all work together. Lana is smart, loyal and caring and she and Adam are a cute couple (no wedding talk yet). The characters are generally very likable and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. I hope this series continues on for many more books! I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books and I voluntarily leave this review.
#CrimeRangoon #NoodleShopMystery #NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy at the Modern Scroll is hosting a book signing for a local mystery author and Lana is helping her out by acting as the author's handler for the event. The event is going great until a woman barges in accusing the author, Charlene Chan, of stealing her idea and then Charlene is found dead in the mystery aisle. It doesn't take long for Lana to realize that Charlene is found dead exactly like the victim in her most recent book. Much to everyone's surprise Adam asks Lana for her help in working the case and she, Megan, and Kimmy jump at the chance to not have to hide their investigation.
Another fantastic Noodle Shop Mystery. Lana and her friends (and Kikko!) are always fun to hang out with. The plot for the book by Charlene Chan also sounded very intriguing! There were several suspects but I had a pretty good idea of who the killer was. We didn't get to see too much of the other people from Asia Village which is a bummer because they are always a hoot but we got the see the Matrons and we can never get too much of those 4 ladies. I can't wait to see what happens next will Lana and Co especially Megan!
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC

[Allison Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that this is the first book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. And I loved it! I don’t know why I haven’t read this series before. But now I can go back and binge-read the previous 11 books!

Lana Lee is thrilled to be helping the owner of the bookshop by being an aide to one of her favorite authors. But as the evening progresses, life starts to imitate art - specifically the author’s latest published book - and the author is killed in the same way and location as the murder she had written about.

Lana and her besties want to investigate but know her boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, won’t allow them to. But Lana is completely gobsmacked when Adam actually asks for her help!

I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters, and life inside the Asia Village shops and restaurants. The author is such a talented writer that I could easily imagine the settings. The characters leapt off the page as the story progressed.

I highly recommend this series to fans of Cozy Mysteries! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I am happy to leave my honest opinions.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really having a hard time with this one. I've been a Lana Lee fan from book 1 and I really enjoyed it, esp as an Asian American.

Crime Rangoon felt... off. Vivien's writing has become super good over the years but this installment.. I had a really hard time paying attention to it. Not only does Lana say that while being the author's handler (and trying not to cry talking to Detective Hotty Pants and Higgins), she had an immense craving for donuts while at working the event and walked away to the dessert table. Is this regret or what? I didn't feel bad at all. I was screaming inside, "Girl, you are an author's handler, your appetite should have been dealt with before the event!"

Anna May and Kimmy are becoming rather annoying. Anna May always pushing Lana with her comments about her hair, and these women are late 20s and almost 30s? Are they 10? Kimmy is so irrational af and is like an uncontrollable dog that can't stay leashed.

There is a lot of repeating of the events to people and not enough people looking into things and I had to DNF at 41% when I found myself falling asleep and almost dropping my Kindle on my face.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the twelfth installment of the wonderful Noodle Shop Mysteries, tenacious amateur sleuth, Lana Lee, teams up with her boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, to solve the murder of Lana’s favorite author who died during a signing at the Modern Scroll bookstore in Asia Village.

I love the world that author Vivien Chein has created and the colorful cast of characters who fill its pages. I love the hours I spent immersed in its familiarity. I can practically smell the sugary goodness of the donuts at the neighboring donut shop and hear the lapping of water in the koi pond at Asia Village. Although this is the twelfth book in the series, you can read it and not feel lost even if you haven’t read the previous eleven books.

I figured out the culprit earlier than the previous ones, but it was a great addition to the series. The only drawback to finishing one of the Noodle Shop Mystery books quickly is having to wait for the next installment to be released.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the next book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series, CRIME RANGOON by Vivien Chien, Lana Lee is the protagonist. She runs her family’s restaurant, the Ho-Lee Noodle House, in Asia Village. Cindy Kwan, owner of the Modern Scroll bookshop in Asia Village, holds a book signing featuring Lana’s favorite author, Charlene Chan. Cindy enlists Lana to be Charlene Chan’s handler. I want to know what happens at the signing and read on.

It is fun to be in Lana Lee’s world. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. The backstory and characters are great, but I wish the murder had occurred earlier in the book. The meals with Lana’s family make me hungry for Chinese food. I enjoy reading about Lana’s best friend, Megan, and her quirky friend, Kimmy. I especially want to know where Lana’s relationship goes with her boyfriend, Adam. I look forward to reading future books in the series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes everything about a book can line up when you read the description. You are brought in by the characters, the plot outline and the setting. You would do anything to begin reading immediately. To dive into the world and immerse oneself.

That was this book for me. I was very excited to jump into this series. I have been looking for a new cozy mystery, and this seemed like it would be populated with all the ingredients to become a new favored series.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. I do not know why but for some reason I did not love the writing of this series. I could not click with the main character, the first-person perspective or the way language was used. In the end this is one of the least enjoyable books I read all year. It was hard to get through. I would half-read half-skim to get through the book.

While this might be a series that others enjoyed, I do not think I will visit this world again.

I read through thanks to an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books, an imprint that I love, but this was not the book for me.

[elijahsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now Crime Rangoon is the 12th entry into the Nood Shop Mystery series, I started reading the series when the 7th book was released and it’s just crazy to think of how that time has flown by. This is seriously one of my favorite series of all time. I love these characters and I love this world, and I love each mystery. I will say though this book is a major step up from the previous one which I didn’t love. but it just felt amazing to be back with these characters and how involved Adam was with the group in the sleuthing this time around. like I love him and Lana so much and I cannot wait to see their relationship flourish. Hopefully a proposal will happen soon. And i’ll always prop our author, Vivien Chien, for always putting out the best books despite all the hardships she is facing and overcoming it just show us how powerful she truly is.