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Noodle Shop Mystery #13
And Then There Were Bun
Things get spicy when Megan throws a surprise birthday party for Lana at Ho-Lee Noodle House that ends in disaster.
With the help of Lana’s parents and close friends, Megan packs the family restaurant with a guest list that includes friends—both old and new—to help celebrate her best gal’s birthday. But when one of their guests brings an unsavory plus one that Lana just happened to date back in her college days, tensions build between her old beau and her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau.
After a heated exchange of words between the two men, the evening returns to the smooth and enjoyable party that Megan had originally hoped for. But relief is short lived when Lana’s ex is found in the dumpster outside of Asia Village.
As if the circumstances and tragedy taking place on Lana’s birthday aren’t enough, the gang gets an even bigger surprise when Adam is the main suspect under scrutiny. Not only are there several witnesses confirming the verbal confrontation between the two men earlier in the evening, but it’s also reported that Adam disappeared from the party for a considerable amount of time. And unfortunately for him, not even Lana can back up his whereabouts. With Adam in the hot seat, his own partner, Matthew Higgins, must investigate the crime alongside their boss—the Chief of Police, Tom Riceton, who wants speedy results to keep away the threat of Internal Affairs knocking on their door.
As Adam struggles with the dynamic shifts in his personal life, being on suspension and shut out from his resources at the police department, he must rely solely on his skills as a detective and the ingenuity of Lana’s amateur sleuthing capabilities to solve the case and clear his name definitively.
With the help of Lana’s parents and close friends, Megan packs the family restaurant with a guest list that includes friends—both old and new—to help celebrate her best gal’s birthday. But when one of their guests brings an unsavory plus one that Lana just happened to date back in her college days, tensions build between her old beau and her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau.
After a heated exchange of words between the two men, the evening returns to the smooth and enjoyable party that Megan had originally hoped for. But relief is short lived when Lana’s ex is found in the dumpster outside of Asia Village.
As if the circumstances and tragedy taking place on Lana’s birthday aren’t enough, the gang gets an even bigger surprise when Adam is the main suspect under scrutiny. Not only are there several witnesses confirming the verbal confrontation between the two men earlier in the evening, but it’s also reported that Adam disappeared from the party for a considerable amount of time. And unfortunately for him, not even Lana can back up his whereabouts. With Adam in the hot seat, his own partner, Matthew Higgins, must investigate the crime alongside their boss—the Chief of Police, Tom Riceton, who wants speedy results to keep away the threat of Internal Affairs knocking on their door.
As Adam struggles with the dynamic shifts in his personal life, being on suspension and shut out from his resources at the police department, he must rely solely on his skills as a detective and the ingenuity of Lana’s amateur sleuthing capabilities to solve the case and clear his name definitively.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Vivien Chien
25 books1,796 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not impact the rating or review.
I am going to start off that this is going to go a little ranty. And it's because this cozy mystery decided to downplay some real world things going on and it set me off. And it has to do with the police. Fans of this series knows that the lead, Lana Lee, has been dating her boyfriend Adam Trudeau who is a detective with the local police for most of the series. The last few books have Adam giving Lana his blessing to do her undercover investigating and even has helped him out on one his cases. This book shifts things to have Adam in the hot seat with him being accused of murdering Lana's ex from college. And this is where my rant comes in. Lana's usual friends (Kimmy and Megan) are on hand to help out, but now with Meghan dating Adam's boss there's tension there. And then Megan gets insulted (as does Lana) about people thinking police do bad things.
Are you for real? Chien is a WOC and I really want to ask her, are you serious? This book was written with everything going down in this country over the last two years, ICE running rampant, and yes the police doing some truly terrible stuff. This book takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, which has a pretty heavy Black population and I am now realizing this book has never even referenced anyone not white or Asian in this book. And I feel like I should have picked up on that way before now, but this is a cozy mystery series so I don't really expect them to dig deep. But this whole thing just drove me insane. It didn't get better either with Lana all of a sudden starting to become "afraid" of Adam and I just went this is so dumb. The overall reason behind the murder was such a hot mess and surprise surprise dealt with the police so you think that maybe there be some self-reflection on the part of some of the characters, but nope.
Honestly, the only one not working my nerves in this one was Kimmy. But the series is starting to fall flat for me. Chien needs to decide if she's going to move her character on from Asia Village murders [and seriously that place is turning into Cabot Cove at this pace] and have her become a private investigator. The last scene with the guilty party was such a mess I didn't even know what to say about it outside of this is so dumb. I just gave it three stars for the fact that it moved at a steady pace and it seemed to be closing the loops on some subplots from earlier books. And some scenes were funny, but it was not satisfying at all with the whole both Megan and Lana are dating cops things.
I am going to start off that this is going to go a little ranty. And it's because this cozy mystery decided to downplay some real world things going on and it set me off. And it has to do with the police. Fans of this series knows that the lead, Lana Lee, has been dating her boyfriend Adam Trudeau who is a detective with the local police for most of the series. The last few books have Adam giving Lana his blessing to do her undercover investigating and even has helped him out on one his cases. This book shifts things to have Adam in the hot seat with him being accused of murdering Lana's ex from college. And this is where my rant comes in. Lana's usual friends (Kimmy and Megan) are on hand to help out, but now with Meghan dating Adam's boss there's tension there. And then Megan gets insulted (as does Lana) about people thinking police do bad things.
Are you for real? Chien is a WOC and I really want to ask her, are you serious? This book was written with everything going down in this country over the last two years, ICE running rampant, and yes the police doing some truly terrible stuff. This book takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, which has a pretty heavy Black population and I am now realizing this book has never even referenced anyone not white or Asian in this book. And I feel like I should have picked up on that way before now, but this is a cozy mystery series so I don't really expect them to dig deep. But this whole thing just drove me insane. It didn't get better either with Lana all of a sudden starting to become "afraid" of Adam and I just went this is so dumb. The overall reason behind the murder was such a hot mess and surprise surprise dealt with the police so you think that maybe there be some self-reflection on the part of some of the characters, but nope.
Honestly, the only one not working my nerves in this one was Kimmy. But the series is starting to fall flat for me. Chien needs to decide if she's going to move her character on from Asia Village murders [and seriously that place is turning into Cabot Cove at this pace] and have her become a private investigator. The last scene with the guilty party was such a mess I didn't even know what to say about it outside of this is so dumb. I just gave it three stars for the fact that it moved at a steady pace and it seemed to be closing the loops on some subplots from earlier books. And some scenes were funny, but it was not satisfying at all with the whole both Megan and Lana are dating cops things.
August 30, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lana Lee thinks everyone has forgotten her birthday, but her best friend Megan comes through with the surprise. Ho-Lee Noodle House is filled with family and friends when Lana arrives. She is taken aback when an old friend from college arrives accompanied by her “greatest heartbreak”, Devon Jones. Detective Adam Trudeau, her current boyfriend, is instantly on alert. It isn’t long before there is an altercation between the two. Before things escalate, Devon is escorted out the door, and guests get back to celebrating.
But it didn’t last; Devon Jones not only left the party, he left the building. Someone had taken out the trash. Devon Jones is dead. His body was found in the dumpster behind Asia Village. And in a real twist, Detective Adam Trudeau is the prime suspect. Not able to account for some of his time, the time the murder was committed, he is off the case and suspended from the force pending the investigation’s outcome.
Adam has a hard time being shut out of the case. Soon, Lana, Megan, and Kimmy are investigating while Adam is doing his own thing. Megan dating Chief of Police Tom Riceton complicates things, but Lana is determined to help Adam get his gun and badge back.
You know this close-knit family, her best friend, and boyfriend would not forget Lana’s 30th birthday, so the surprise party was expected. The arrival of the hated college ex-boyfriend was not. Adam and Lana’s relationship has been growing at the perfect pace. He loves her so much. Would he actually kill the creep that hurt her so badly? Lana did have a few moments when she wasn’t sure. Thankfully, the woman came to her senses. Megan dating Tom added more angst to the story and has her questioning that relationship as well. Of course, the Mahjong Matrons are back and want to help. Kimmy gets her dander up any time any investigating goes on without her, but she wasn’t as over-the-top as usual. Instead, Anna May was very testing. All the characters Ms. Chien has created for this are fun and quirky in their own ways. It is easy to get all wrapped up in their lives.
The mystery the author has written was very well plotted. A huge part of Adam’s life is his job, so it was hard for him to be sidelined, especially because he was working on an important case that was entering a critical part of the investigation when this murder was committed. It gives the story a different feel. The suspect pool was limited, although things happening behind the scenes could have added another. I was up in the air on my decision until the very end. The actual motive, evidence found later, the connections, the forethought, the intention, and how the plan played out were pretty chilling.
The Noodle Shop Mysteries are must-reads for me. I anxiously await each new story pretty impatiently, but Vivien Chien always makes the wait worthwhile. Her characters are engaging and entertaining, the mall/Noodle House setting is unique, the humor is placed well, and the mystery is always well done. And Then There Were Bun was just plain marvelous and an excellent addition to this series. I highly recommend the entire series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
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 Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Lana Lee thinks everyone has forgotten her birthday, but her best friend Megan comes through with the surprise. Ho-Lee Noodle House is filled with family and friends when Lana arrives. She is taken aback when an old friend from college arrives accompanied by her “greatest heartbreak”, Devon Jones. Detective Adam Trudeau, her current boyfriend, is instantly on alert. It isn’t long before there is an altercation between the two. Before things escalate, Devon is escorted out the door, and guests get back to celebrating.
But it didn’t last; Devon Jones not only left the party, he left the building. Someone had taken out the trash. Devon Jones is dead. His body was found in the dumpster behind Asia Village. And in a real twist, Detective Adam Trudeau is the prime suspect. Not able to account for some of his time, the time the murder was committed, he is off the case and suspended from the force pending the investigation’s outcome.
Adam has a hard time being shut out of the case. Soon, Lana, Megan, and Kimmy are investigating while Adam is doing his own thing. Megan dating Chief of Police Tom Riceton complicates things, but Lana is determined to help Adam get his gun and badge back.
You know this close-knit family, her best friend, and boyfriend would not forget Lana’s 30th birthday, so the surprise party was expected. The arrival of the hated college ex-boyfriend was not. Adam and Lana’s relationship has been growing at the perfect pace. He loves her so much. Would he actually kill the creep that hurt her so badly? Lana did have a few moments when she wasn’t sure. Thankfully, the woman came to her senses. Megan dating Tom added more angst to the story and has her questioning that relationship as well. Of course, the Mahjong Matrons are back and want to help. Kimmy gets her dander up any time any investigating goes on without her, but she wasn’t as over-the-top as usual. Instead, Anna May was very testing. All the characters Ms. Chien has created for this are fun and quirky in their own ways. It is easy to get all wrapped up in their lives.
The mystery the author has written was very well plotted. A huge part of Adam’s life is his job, so it was hard for him to be sidelined, especially because he was working on an important case that was entering a critical part of the investigation when this murder was committed. It gives the story a different feel. The suspect pool was limited, although things happening behind the scenes could have added another. I was up in the air on my decision until the very end. The actual motive, evidence found later, the connections, the forethought, the intention, and how the plan played out were pretty chilling.
The Noodle Shop Mysteries are must-reads for me. I anxiously await each new story pretty impatiently, but Vivien Chien always makes the wait worthwhile. Her characters are engaging and entertaining, the mall/Noodle House setting is unique, the humor is placed well, and the mystery is always well done. And Then There Were Bun was just plain marvelous and an excellent addition to this series. I highly recommend the entire series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
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 Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 2, 2026
This book starts with Lana Lee celebrating her 30th birthday. Her best friend, Megan Riley, has planned a surprise party at the noodle shop owned by Lana's family. Things are great until Lana's ex-boyfriend crashes the party and is later found dead after a confrontation with Lana's current boyfriend, police detective Adam Trudeau. Both Adam and Lana are devastated when Adam becomes the prime suspect.
It was interesting seeing Lana and her friends Kimmy Tran and Megan investigate without access to inside information from the police department since Adam was suspended. Megan and Kimmy don't always get along, but the three women have learned to work together which makes them effective sleuths and is entertaining for readers. That part of the investigation was fun, but I didn't like that this case had friends suspecting each other, making things tense between Lana and Adam as well as between Lana and her friends. It was stressful, especially for a cozy mystery. The suspenseful ending helps make up for this and the book ends on a happy, hopeful note.
I received a copy of this ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
It was interesting seeing Lana and her friends Kimmy Tran and Megan investigate without access to inside information from the police department since Adam was suspended. Megan and Kimmy don't always get along, but the three women have learned to work together which makes them effective sleuths and is entertaining for readers. That part of the investigation was fun, but I didn't like that this case had friends suspecting each other, making things tense between Lana and Adam as well as between Lana and her friends. It was stressful, especially for a cozy mystery. The suspenseful ending helps make up for this and the book ends on a happy, hopeful note.
I received a copy of this ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 29, 2026
Overall was good except they kept trying to convince me that cops are sexy… disagree lol
August 13, 2026
Some things you can always trust with the Noodle Shop series: Lana Lee will figure it out, her friends Kimmy and Megan will always help her solve the crime, and the other quirky residents of Asia Village will play a role in helping her figure out any dilemma she's facing. I kind of knew who would end up being the culprit well before the end, but that didn't detract from the fun of the story. I would still like to know how Lana can drink coffee at midnight and fall asleep 5 minutes later, but that's a mystery for me to solve.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I may be over this series. And I hate that because I like that we at least get a little bit of diversity in this one. This is number thirteen in the series. This time Lana is turning thirty and her best friend throws her a surprise party. But when her awful ex boyfriend from college shows up with another friend of their's, he causes a fight. However when he's later found dead in a dumpster, Lana's current boyfriend is the prime suspect. And Lana can't let that stand.
I had so many annoyances in this one.
-The comments about people who have issues with the police were just so not it. What world are they living in?
-Trent tells Lana that Devon left to go to the restroom and Lana assumes that meant he left the entire restaurant to go to the restroom. Who would assume that?
-So, Adam weirdly wouldn't discuss what Devon said to cause his fight with him, but Lana doesn't bother to ask him the next morning. Not does she ask Trent when she talks to him later. AND Trent tells her that Devon wasn't referring to Lana, but she doesn't ask who it was he was referring to?
-They keep referring to Trent as a good blguy, but he's been best friends with the awful Devon for years, so can he really be that good of a guy.
-Adam's boss insists that Adam refer to him by this first name, but then calls Adam by his last name.
Overall, this one was just annoying. Lana seemed like she just stopped using her brain.
I had so many annoyances in this one.
-The comments about people who have issues with the police were just so not it. What world are they living in?
-Trent tells Lana that Devon left to go to the restroom and Lana assumes that meant he left the entire restaurant to go to the restroom. Who would assume that?
-So, Adam weirdly wouldn't discuss what Devon said to cause his fight with him, but Lana doesn't bother to ask him the next morning. Not does she ask Trent when she talks to him later. AND Trent tells her that Devon wasn't referring to Lana, but she doesn't ask who it was he was referring to?
-They keep referring to Trent as a good blguy, but he's been best friends with the awful Devon for years, so can he really be that good of a guy.
-Adam's boss insists that Adam refer to him by this first name, but then calls Adam by his last name.
Overall, this one was just annoying. Lana seemed like she just stopped using her brain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2026
The Noodle Shop Mystery series is like a cozy fuzzy blanket providing familiar warmth and comfort. It was once again fun to hang out with Lana Lee, manager of her family’s Chinese restaurant in Fairview, the fictitious suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I enjoy Lana Lee with her feisty approach and how she shares with the reader what she thinks and how she thinks – it’s hilarious! I love how the author has drawn the reader into how Lana’s mind works and has given Lana a unique voice and tone into how she says things – I can literally hear her speak. Who knew Asia Village is such great place for murders? And this time it hits close to home on Lana’s 30th birthday. Her ex-boyfriend is the victim and her current boyfriend is under a suspicious cloud. The pieces in this mystery case may not hang as perfectly together as those in her other books, but I was entertained and liked how there was some suspicion and a bit of tension amongst the group about involvement. Another fun, fast-paced read that kept me chuckling and smiling as I breezed through this cozy mystery with my familiar group of friends again. I give this book a solid 3.5 rounded up to 4. Looking forward to #14! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 2, 2026
From start to finish, I was sucked into this book. It starts off with Lana not thinking anyone remembers her birthday. Megan has a surprise planned for her though. Then in walks her ex who is an ex for a reason. He gets killed and Adam is removed from the case. The gang worked together to "help" solve it, and the author made the words flow perfectly. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!!
September 11, 2026
And Then There Were Bun is the 13th book in the fabulous A Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien. I love this series and always look forward to the next book. It is Lana Lee's 30th birthday and her best friend and roommate Megan is throwing a surprise party for her. All of Lana's friends and family were at Ho-Lee Noodle House including Lana's boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau. A couple of college friends showed up and started antagonizing Adam. When one of them ends up dead, Adam is a suspect and is placed on suspension. Megan is dating Chief of Police Tom Riceton who is Adam's boss and things become awkward. Lana, Megan and their friend Kimmy get into some interesting situations which adds some fun to the story. I suspected the culprit but had no idea why and I wasn't sure until near the end. There is enough going on to keep the reader's interest and I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! The characters, friendship and relationships make this such an enjoyable cozy mystery. #AndThenThereWereBun #ANoodleShopMystery#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks
September 3, 2026
Another fun adventure with Lana and her friends! I enjoyed following along as they investigated to clear Adam’s name, and his acceptance of Lana and Megan’s snooping around. While the investigation was front and center and the twists and turns were plentiful, I figured out who the guilty party was early on. This did not take away from my enjoyment as I didn’t know why, and it was interesting to see the motivation behind the crime. I was really hoping for a proposal for Lana’s birthday. Maybe in the next one…
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the review copy.
September 5, 2026
#13 in the Noodle Shop series and it's still as fresh and fun as the first! I love these characters, the unique setting, the writing. It's a quick read with characters that feel like familiar friends.
If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend.
If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend.
September 14, 2026
Megan throws a birthday party for Lana that includes both old and new friends. But when one of their guests brings a plus one that Lana happened to date back in her college days, tensions build between her old beau and her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau. After a heated exchange between the two men, the ex was asked to leave. Then his body is found in the dumpster outside of Asia Village. Lana is surprised when Adam is the main suspect in the murder. Can she find the true culprit and clear Adam's name?
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment to a wonderful cozy mystery series. I love reading about how Lana discovers clues and investigates suspects. She is a very smart and capable amateur sleuth. The plot was confounding, as I thought I knew who the culprit was, but I discovered that I was wrong in the end. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment to a wonderful cozy mystery series. I love reading about how Lana discovers clues and investigates suspects. She is a very smart and capable amateur sleuth. The plot was confounding, as I thought I knew who the culprit was, but I discovered that I was wrong in the end. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2026
But did they actually forget her birthday????
Lana Lee turns 30 and her birthday does not get off to the best start. And it also doesn't end great. I feel you, Lana, I really do. Turning 30 is... traumatic. And that's not me being dramatic (ok, maybe it is.) But at least everyone survived my 30th, for Lana Lee, not so much.
I started reading this series when it was but a wee thing, when the very first book had recently come out. I loved it right off and have continued to read each book as they come out. I love pretty much everything about the series, the Asia Village setting, her wildly different BFFs, her sweet and quirky family, her adorable snorty dog, and Lana herself. Lana Lee is one of those people that even though she's nothing like me, she's into fashion and makeup and she can walk in high heels, I love her. She's a strong woman, she's a great friend, and she doesn't take life too seriously, even when it's getting real.
This book has some wild things going on. Lana's boyfriend Adam is one of the prime suspects so the race is on to figure out who the killer is so he can go back to the career that defines him. But this mystery goes much deeper than one ex in a dumpster. Will Lana figure it out before the killer comes back for seconds? Read it and find out - but start with Death by Dumpling!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Lana Lee turns 30 and her birthday does not get off to the best start. And it also doesn't end great. I feel you, Lana, I really do. Turning 30 is... traumatic. And that's not me being dramatic (ok, maybe it is.) But at least everyone survived my 30th, for Lana Lee, not so much.
I started reading this series when it was but a wee thing, when the very first book had recently come out. I loved it right off and have continued to read each book as they come out. I love pretty much everything about the series, the Asia Village setting, her wildly different BFFs, her sweet and quirky family, her adorable snorty dog, and Lana herself. Lana Lee is one of those people that even though she's nothing like me, she's into fashion and makeup and she can walk in high heels, I love her. She's a strong woman, she's a great friend, and she doesn't take life too seriously, even when it's getting real.
This book has some wild things going on. Lana's boyfriend Adam is one of the prime suspects so the race is on to figure out who the killer is so he can go back to the career that defines him. But this mystery goes much deeper than one ex in a dumpster. Will Lana figure it out before the killer comes back for seconds? Read it and find out - but start with Death by Dumpling!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 17, 2026
Lana's surprise 30th birthday party is ruined when her old college boyfriend Devon shows up... and then is found bludgeoned in the dumpster. The number one suspect is Lana's boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, who nearly got into a physical altercation with the victim during the festivities.
I've commented on Vivien Chien's weird defense of the police in her previous books, but this book is full-blown copaganda. Not only is Lana dating a man in law enforcement, so is her best friend Megan as of the last book. Megan was the single most annoying character throughout this book because all of her rationality somehow went to Kimmy Tran. Considering how much I've stated I hated Kimmy throughout the series, I can't believe Kimmy was the likeable character while I thought Megan needed a Xanax. It's like Megan got a lobotomy once she entered a relationship with that cop or whatever the hell his rank is since he's higher up the chain than Detective Adam Trudeau. I know one of Megan's character traits is being loyal, but there's being loyal and there's being stupid, stubborn, and overly aggressive because things aren't aligning with your worldview. Megan's number one suspects were Peter (their mutual friend) and Trent (an old college friend) because they criticized the police force.
When characters bring up how crooked cops can be, Lana and Megan practically foam at the mouth defending their boyfriends and the police force as a whole. It was especially embarrassing for Megan because she's been dating her boyfriend for a very short amount of time and she was defending her boyfriend so ardently, over some tame criticisms, that she was ready to fight their old college friend Trent. Trent expected a calm conversation with Lana because he didn't know what to say when giving his police statement and Megan insulting him for his wariness of the police wasn't helping. And when Trent told Megan to stop over-reacting, the author had to slide in some comment of how men always dismiss women by claiming they're crazy. Pretty ironic when Megan was over-reacting and being aggressive towards Trent, especially when the author keeps writing that Lana and Megan use the excuse of "women problems" (AKA their periods) to stop their respective boyfriends and their friend Peter to stop asking questions. You can't complain about sexism and then use it yourself. I mean, how old are these men if they're freaked out about periods???
And considering her readiness to defend her boyfriend, Lana didn't even bother asking Adam what her ex-boyfriend Devon said to him that riled him up so much that Adam was willing to fight him in a public setting. As a cop. How is that not important? Lana wasn't particularly smart either when it came to this investigation. Her sister, who Lana infamously doesn't get along with, said Lana had to be careful because Adam (Lana's current boyfriend) nearly got into a fight with Devon (Lana's ex-boyfriend) and everyone is going to suspect him. Lana got so defensive and bad-mouthed Anna-May and was surprised when others like Peter and Kimmy agreed. How the hell did Lana solve 12 murders up until that point and not put that together? She's only dismissing her sister because they don't get along. She should have had a wake-up call when her close friends agreed with Anna-May's theory, or soften up to the theory, especially when the police did suspect Adam!
So who what happened? I both like and dislike this reveal. I like it because it proves Megan and Lana wrong . I dislike this reveal because of the way Megan and Lana treated a certain character afterwards. Megan and Lana were just willfully stupid and mean-spirited in this book and I couldn't stand it. And considering the murderer's motive included a cop who was going to be exposed for his crimes, I'm surprised - or maybe I shouldn't be surprised - that they would gloss over that fact when they've been so vehemently defending the police.
Also, once again, a thesaurus is needed. Here's my count of certain phrases and dialogue tags that kept repeating. I was listening to this as an audiobook because I couldn't get a hold of a physical book so I might have zoned out and missed some.
Clucking of tongues was popular again.
"Helen clucked her tongue." (Chapter 2)
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 4)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 5)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 5) Yes, she clucked her tongue twice in the same chapter!!
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 5)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 7)
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 9)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 12)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 21)
"[Megan] clucked her tongue." (Chapter 29)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 35)
Raspberries is a classic repeat word, but has lessened in comparison to previous books.
"[Megan] blew a raspberry." (Chapter 3)
"Megan blew a raspberry." (Chapter 4)
"Megan blew a raspberry." (Chapter 16)
"Yuna blew a raspberry." (Chapter 19)
Characters "tsk-ing" is new.
"Nancy tsked." (Chapter 2)
"I tsked." (Chapter 5)
"My mother tsked." (Chapter 8)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 10)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 11)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 15)
"Adeline tsked." (Chapter 34)
"Reid tsked." (Chapter 37)
Groaning was an immensely popular dialogue tag in this book.
"I groaned." (Chapter 3)
"The groan I released was guttural." (Chapter 5).
"Adam groaned." (Chapter 7)
"I groaned." (Chapter 8)
"Megan groaned." (Chapter 8)
"When we were alone, his shoulder dropped and he groaned. "I hate lawyers."' (Chapter 8)
"[Anna-May] groaned." (Chapter 9)
"I groaned." (Chapter 10)
"Megan groaned and covered her face with her hands." (Chapter 12)
"Yuna groaned." (Chapter 19)
"I let out a groan and looked out of the window." (Chapter 20)
'"I don't know," [Megan] groaned. (Chapter 30)
"Trent groaned." (Chapter 37)
Characters smacking their foreheads is a classic. Again, it's lessened lately.
"[Adam] smacked his forehead." (Chapter 12)
"I smacked my forehead and turned around to face her." (Chapter 16)
"I could have smacked myself for not thinking it sooner." (Chapter 18)
"'Nothing," I said, smacking myself on the forehead." (Chapter 33)
Lips pursing was popular in the last book and still gets repeated a lot in this book.
"My mother pursed her lips." (Chapter 9)
"Megan pursed her lips." (Chapter 10)
"Kimmy tilted her head, pursing her lips." (Chapter 11)
"Trent pursed his lips." (Chapter 16)
"[Adeline] pursed her lips." (Chapter 24)
"I pursed my lips." (Chapter 32)
"Megan pursed her lips." (Chapter 36)
By the end, I kind of wished I kept track of how many times characters rolled their eyes or smirked as well. It was a lot. There was a moment where the writing got way too exaggerated, in which a character named Adeline both rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. It was a ridiculous bit of writing and made it kind of obvious that the author couldn't write a younger character without making them seem juvenile instead. All of the characters seemed really juvenile, really.
Any way, this book gets a low rating for all of the hostile copaganda and the lobotomy that Lana and Megan both apparently both received.
I've commented on Vivien Chien's weird defense of the police in her previous books, but this book is full-blown copaganda. Not only is Lana dating a man in law enforcement, so is her best friend Megan as of the last book. Megan was the single most annoying character throughout this book because all of her rationality somehow went to Kimmy Tran. Considering how much I've stated I hated Kimmy throughout the series, I can't believe Kimmy was the likeable character while I thought Megan needed a Xanax. It's like Megan got a lobotomy once she entered a relationship with that cop or whatever the hell his rank is since he's higher up the chain than Detective Adam Trudeau. I know one of Megan's character traits is being loyal, but there's being loyal and there's being stupid, stubborn, and overly aggressive because things aren't aligning with your worldview. Megan's number one suspects were Peter (their mutual friend) and Trent (an old college friend) because they criticized the police force.
When characters bring up how crooked cops can be, Lana and Megan practically foam at the mouth defending their boyfriends and the police force as a whole. It was especially embarrassing for Megan because she's been dating her boyfriend for a very short amount of time and she was defending her boyfriend so ardently, over some tame criticisms, that she was ready to fight their old college friend Trent. Trent expected a calm conversation with Lana because he didn't know what to say when giving his police statement and Megan insulting him for his wariness of the police wasn't helping. And when Trent told Megan to stop over-reacting, the author had to slide in some comment of how men always dismiss women by claiming they're crazy. Pretty ironic when Megan was over-reacting and being aggressive towards Trent, especially when the author keeps writing that Lana and Megan use the excuse of "women problems" (AKA their periods) to stop their respective boyfriends and their friend Peter to stop asking questions. You can't complain about sexism and then use it yourself. I mean, how old are these men if they're freaked out about periods???
And considering her readiness to defend her boyfriend, Lana didn't even bother asking Adam what her ex-boyfriend Devon said to him that riled him up so much that Adam was willing to fight him in a public setting. As a cop. How is that not important? Lana wasn't particularly smart either when it came to this investigation. Her sister, who Lana infamously doesn't get along with, said Lana had to be careful because Adam (Lana's current boyfriend) nearly got into a fight with Devon (Lana's ex-boyfriend) and everyone is going to suspect him. Lana got so defensive and bad-mouthed Anna-May and was surprised when others like Peter and Kimmy agreed. How the hell did Lana solve 12 murders up until that point and not put that together? She's only dismissing her sister because they don't get along. She should have had a wake-up call when her close friends agreed with Anna-May's theory, or soften up to the theory, especially when the police did suspect Adam!
So who what happened? I both like and dislike this reveal. I like it because it proves Megan and Lana wrong . I dislike this reveal because of the way Megan and Lana treated a certain character afterwards. Megan and Lana were just willfully stupid and mean-spirited in this book and I couldn't stand it. And considering the murderer's motive included a cop who was going to be exposed for his crimes, I'm surprised - or maybe I shouldn't be surprised - that they would gloss over that fact when they've been so vehemently defending the police.
Also, once again, a thesaurus is needed. Here's my count of certain phrases and dialogue tags that kept repeating. I was listening to this as an audiobook because I couldn't get a hold of a physical book so I might have zoned out and missed some.
Clucking of tongues was popular again.
"Helen clucked her tongue." (Chapter 2)
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 4)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 5)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 5) Yes, she clucked her tongue twice in the same chapter!!
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 5)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 7)
"I clucked my tongue." (Chapter 9)
"Kimmy clucked her tongue." (Chapter 12)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 21)
"[Megan] clucked her tongue." (Chapter 29)
"Megan clucked her tongue." (Chapter 35)
Raspberries is a classic repeat word, but has lessened in comparison to previous books.
"[Megan] blew a raspberry." (Chapter 3)
"Megan blew a raspberry." (Chapter 4)
"Megan blew a raspberry." (Chapter 16)
"Yuna blew a raspberry." (Chapter 19)
Characters "tsk-ing" is new.
"Nancy tsked." (Chapter 2)
"I tsked." (Chapter 5)
"My mother tsked." (Chapter 8)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 10)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 11)
"Megan tsked." (Chapter 15)
"Adeline tsked." (Chapter 34)
"Reid tsked." (Chapter 37)
Groaning was an immensely popular dialogue tag in this book.
"I groaned." (Chapter 3)
"The groan I released was guttural." (Chapter 5).
"Adam groaned." (Chapter 7)
"I groaned." (Chapter 8)
"Megan groaned." (Chapter 8)
"When we were alone, his shoulder dropped and he groaned. "I hate lawyers."' (Chapter 8)
"[Anna-May] groaned." (Chapter 9)
"I groaned." (Chapter 10)
"Megan groaned and covered her face with her hands." (Chapter 12)
"Yuna groaned." (Chapter 19)
"I let out a groan and looked out of the window." (Chapter 20)
'"I don't know," [Megan] groaned. (Chapter 30)
"Trent groaned." (Chapter 37)
Characters smacking their foreheads is a classic. Again, it's lessened lately.
"[Adam] smacked his forehead." (Chapter 12)
"I smacked my forehead and turned around to face her." (Chapter 16)
"I could have smacked myself for not thinking it sooner." (Chapter 18)
"'Nothing," I said, smacking myself on the forehead." (Chapter 33)
Lips pursing was popular in the last book and still gets repeated a lot in this book.
"My mother pursed her lips." (Chapter 9)
"Megan pursed her lips." (Chapter 10)
"Kimmy tilted her head, pursing her lips." (Chapter 11)
"Trent pursed his lips." (Chapter 16)
"[Adeline] pursed her lips." (Chapter 24)
"I pursed my lips." (Chapter 32)
"Megan pursed her lips." (Chapter 36)
By the end, I kind of wished I kept track of how many times characters rolled their eyes or smirked as well. It was a lot. There was a moment where the writing got way too exaggerated, in which a character named Adeline both rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. It was a ridiculous bit of writing and made it kind of obvious that the author couldn't write a younger character without making them seem juvenile instead. All of the characters seemed really juvenile, really.
Any way, this book gets a low rating for all of the hostile copaganda and the lobotomy that Lana and Megan both apparently both received.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1.5 - I made the mistake of getting this arc on NetGalley without cross-checking other sites. The NetGalley synopsis did not mention this was part of an armchair detective series, which I do not enjoy reading. I was excited to see Asian representation in the mystery/thriller space, but I cringe when it's overdone with only the Asian last names being repeated and portrayal of a stereotypical Asian space. Bias aside, I'm also not a fan of books where every person is a suspect. I don't know how the rest of this series reads, but if it was anything like this one, this is the most toxic friend group to be in. The protagonist Lana was also celebrating her 30th birthday, but her dialogue and actions were reminiscent of a high school or college student (i.e. Holly Jackson's Good Girl's Guide). I would only recommend And Then There Were Bun to readers who are cozy mystery fans and/or who are already enjoying the Noodle Shop Mystery series.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Vivien Chien for the ARC of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Vivien Chien for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Lana's ex boyfriend from college shows up uninvited to her 30th birthday party things get tense between him and Adam, her current boyfriend. When the ex is found murdered in a dumpster things get even worse.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I had my ideas on who the killer was going to be but I was way off the mark. Is it wrong that one day I hope Anna May gets her comeuppance? Sister dynamics are complicated but she is in her own league of awful sometimes. If you like cozy mysteries you will not be disappointed with this one.
Thanks to St. Martins Press, Minotaur and NetGalley for the arc.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I had my ideas on who the killer was going to be but I was way off the mark. Is it wrong that one day I hope Anna May gets her comeuppance? Sister dynamics are complicated but she is in her own league of awful sometimes. If you like cozy mysteries you will not be disappointed with this one.
Thanks to St. Martins Press, Minotaur and NetGalley for the arc.
September 23, 2026
One of my favorites in the series.
September 21, 2026
I think this is the best one yet! Mostly because i figured out the killer halfway through
September 21, 2026
I love this book series!
September 10, 2026
When a birthday celebration turns into a crime scene, Lana Lee is plunged into another twisty, high-stakes investigation. What should have been a festive gathering quickly spirals into chaos as secrets, petty resentments, and hidden grudges bubble to the surface. Lana has to balance running the Ho-Lee Noodle House, managing high family expectations, and dodging the unyielding radar of the Mahjong Matrons while sifting through a room packed with suspects who each have something to hide.
Lana’s development throughout this series continues to be the ultimate highlight. Her sharp wit and impulsive sleuthing instincts are balanced by a genuine emotional maturity that makes her personal life and dynamic with Detective Adam Trudeau feel deeply rewarding. The suspects are delightfully messy, the red herrings keep you guessing until the final chapters, and the pacing across 320 pages never lets up.
Between the delicious descriptions of steamed buns and noodle dishes that will make you pause to order takeout, this is another flavorful, page-turning victory for Asia Village.
Lana’s development throughout this series continues to be the ultimate highlight. Her sharp wit and impulsive sleuthing instincts are balanced by a genuine emotional maturity that makes her personal life and dynamic with Detective Adam Trudeau feel deeply rewarding. The suspects are delightfully messy, the red herrings keep you guessing until the final chapters, and the pacing across 320 pages never lets up.
Between the delicious descriptions of steamed buns and noodle dishes that will make you pause to order takeout, this is another flavorful, page-turning victory for Asia Village.
September 13, 2026
Lana Lee turns 30, has a surprise birthday party, her horrible ex walks in, is later found murdered and her now cop boyfriend is a suspect. This book was great!
September 14, 2026
I absolutely love this series and think this is the best one yet! I can't wait for more to come.
September 12, 2026
Lana is back on the case! If there’sone thing you can count on it’s that Lana will always solve the crime (with a little help from the rest of Asian Village). Another quick, cozy little mystery that kept me turning the pages.
September 2, 2026
Honestly - this has been my favorite of the series so far :)
September 1, 2026
Another great book by Vivien Chien. She definitely keeps you guessing on who committed the murder every time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a fun read following Lana and friends as they solve another murder. This series is chock full of wonderful characters and I’m so invested in them.
When Lana’s terrible ex appears at her birthday party, tensions are high, and when he ends up dead behind the restaurant, suspicions get cast on the people she loves most. As always, Lana, Kimmy, and Megan jump in to clear their friends of suspicion and draw out the real murderer.
I loved how the story unfolded and that everything tied together at the end. I can’t wait for the next in this series. Always a treat!
Thank you to #NetGalley #StMartinsPress and #MinotaurBooks for an ARC
When Lana’s terrible ex appears at her birthday party, tensions are high, and when he ends up dead behind the restaurant, suspicions get cast on the people she loves most. As always, Lana, Kimmy, and Megan jump in to clear their friends of suspicion and draw out the real murderer.
I loved how the story unfolded and that everything tied together at the end. I can’t wait for the next in this series. Always a treat!
Thank you to #NetGalley #StMartinsPress and #MinotaurBooks for an ARC
October 5, 2026
I have always enjoyed this lighthearted mystery series – it’s fun and entertaining, and I appreciate the themes of friendship, family, and romance. I liked the foreshadowing of Mr. Zhang announcing his intentions toward grandma in this book, and I’m anticipating that becoming a major part of a future installment. (I’m not counting this as a spoiler because it has been easy to see this coming for quite some time now.)
There are a few things I wish were different, to the point that they’ve become annoying and really detract from my enjoyment of these madcap novels. First and foremost, I’ve gotten REALLY tired of seeing the word “shimmy” or “shimmied” overused - multiple times in every book! Please come up with something different and give that word a permanent rest! There are definitely many other effective ways to describe movement in the situations where it’s being used. It’s an unusual word that should only come up once in a blue moon for it to feel appropriate and natural. It’s jarring and repetitive for it to keep coming up so often. Please stop!
Another one is tinkle time - it’s much too cutesy (even for animal lovers, which I am) to be overused the way that it has been. It was fine the first time (in the first book), but please just keep it simple – “I need to take Kikko out.” Since what’s happening is described in detail most of the time (the dog’s urgent behavior, the bush sniffing and wandering around, etc.), there is really no need to refer to it with such a twee expression over and over. Even a reader who has never had a dog understands about their bodily functions and needs. Again – this is a needless distraction.
Also the too-frequent junk food references don’t fit at all - these characters aren’t teenagers or even really young adults. The main character turned 30 in this book, and her peers are most likely similar in age. It simply makes sense for there to be more mature behavior and attitudes (including better emotional regulation) emerging by this point. Also, there’s no way they could eat quantities of heavy junk food (daily donuts??) and drink sugary sodas and hard alcohol as regularly as is described and still have attractive figures and good skin. I only mention this because it is obviously important to the female characters - their love of cosmetics and fashionable clothes is stressed in each book. It’s way past time to stop focusing so much on food as a plot device - other than the family dinners which are rather charming and used effectively to reveal relational interactions which might not naturally happen any other way.
Speaking of plot, I would love to see more intricacy and depth to the mysteries – it feels as though the denouement comes really abruptly (as in this book) without sufficient groundwork being laid for everything to fall into place the way it always does. With this book in particular, I was reading it electronically and not paying attention to the chapters/pages, and it felt like the investigation was just really getting started when it was suddenly concluded and everything was explained in a summary-like fashion. It brings to mind the classic writing advice, “show, don’t tell.” There were also too many one-dimensional side characters in this book, which were obviously only there for misdirection and to try and move the plot along. I would also like to see more realistic relationship development between the couples, especially the main character Lana and her boyfriend Adam. The romantic relationships are kept at a very shallow level from a reader’s perspective, sort of like window dressing. I think these characters deserve better, and the readers do as well.
I know this may sound like a negative review because there is specific constructive criticism. I hope that it will be taken in the sincere spirit in which it was given, and used to help take this series up a notch or ten. At this point, I plan to keep reading this series because I do enjoy it, but it could be so much more satisfying if the suggested changes would be implemented.
At the end of one of these books, I always feel like there must be more…but there isn’t. Maybe it’s like the old cliché about eating Chinese food (which I do love) - you leave full, but then you’re hungry two hours later.
There are a few things I wish were different, to the point that they’ve become annoying and really detract from my enjoyment of these madcap novels. First and foremost, I’ve gotten REALLY tired of seeing the word “shimmy” or “shimmied” overused - multiple times in every book! Please come up with something different and give that word a permanent rest! There are definitely many other effective ways to describe movement in the situations where it’s being used. It’s an unusual word that should only come up once in a blue moon for it to feel appropriate and natural. It’s jarring and repetitive for it to keep coming up so often. Please stop!
Another one is tinkle time - it’s much too cutesy (even for animal lovers, which I am) to be overused the way that it has been. It was fine the first time (in the first book), but please just keep it simple – “I need to take Kikko out.” Since what’s happening is described in detail most of the time (the dog’s urgent behavior, the bush sniffing and wandering around, etc.), there is really no need to refer to it with such a twee expression over and over. Even a reader who has never had a dog understands about their bodily functions and needs. Again – this is a needless distraction.
Also the too-frequent junk food references don’t fit at all - these characters aren’t teenagers or even really young adults. The main character turned 30 in this book, and her peers are most likely similar in age. It simply makes sense for there to be more mature behavior and attitudes (including better emotional regulation) emerging by this point. Also, there’s no way they could eat quantities of heavy junk food (daily donuts??) and drink sugary sodas and hard alcohol as regularly as is described and still have attractive figures and good skin. I only mention this because it is obviously important to the female characters - their love of cosmetics and fashionable clothes is stressed in each book. It’s way past time to stop focusing so much on food as a plot device - other than the family dinners which are rather charming and used effectively to reveal relational interactions which might not naturally happen any other way.
Speaking of plot, I would love to see more intricacy and depth to the mysteries – it feels as though the denouement comes really abruptly (as in this book) without sufficient groundwork being laid for everything to fall into place the way it always does. With this book in particular, I was reading it electronically and not paying attention to the chapters/pages, and it felt like the investigation was just really getting started when it was suddenly concluded and everything was explained in a summary-like fashion. It brings to mind the classic writing advice, “show, don’t tell.” There were also too many one-dimensional side characters in this book, which were obviously only there for misdirection and to try and move the plot along. I would also like to see more realistic relationship development between the couples, especially the main character Lana and her boyfriend Adam. The romantic relationships are kept at a very shallow level from a reader’s perspective, sort of like window dressing. I think these characters deserve better, and the readers do as well.
I know this may sound like a negative review because there is specific constructive criticism. I hope that it will be taken in the sincere spirit in which it was given, and used to help take this series up a notch or ten. At this point, I plan to keep reading this series because I do enjoy it, but it could be so much more satisfying if the suggested changes would be implemented.
At the end of one of these books, I always feel like there must be more…but there isn’t. Maybe it’s like the old cliché about eating Chinese food (which I do love) - you leave full, but then you’re hungry two hours later.
October 10, 2026
LANA LEE CANNOT CATCH A BREAK, AND HONESTLY, I AM HERE FOR THE CHAOS. 😂🔎🍜
Lana is turning 30, and her best friend Megan throws her a surprise birthday party at her family’s restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. Sounds lovely, right? WRONG. 😂 When Lana’s ex shows up and gets into a heated confrontation with her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, things take a DARK turn. The ex ends up dead, and suddenly Adam is the prime suspect!
Because apparently a birthday cake and some noodles weren’t enough excitement. 🙃
I loved watching Lana, Megan, and Kimmy work together to figure out what really happened. With Adam suspended and unable to use his usual police resources, Lana has to put her amateur sleuthing skills to work to clear his name. And when the people you care about are suddenly caught up in a murder investigation, things get a whole lot more personal!
One of my FAVORITE things about this series is the characters. At this point, they feel like familiar friends, and I genuinely enjoy getting to spend more time with them. The friendships, the family dynamics, the humor, and all the little moments between the mystery make these books SO much fun to read.
And of course, there’s the food! 🥟🍜 Vivien Chien knows how to make me want to grab some takeout while I’m reading. 😂
The mystery kept me guessing, the personal stakes made me even more invested, and I loved seeing Lana and her friends work through all the twists and turns. This is exactly why I love a good cozy mystery: an entertaining whodunit, characters I care about, a fun setting, and just enough chaos to keep me turning the pages.
If you love cozy mysteries, amateur sleuths, quirky characters, food-centered settings, and murder investigations with a side of humor, PLEASE add the Noodle Shop Mystery series to your TBR!
Another winner from Vivien Chien, and I’m already ready for more Lana Lee! 🥹📚🍜
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, & of course the queen AUTHOR herself for my copy of this ARC! All opinions are my own. 💗
Lana is turning 30, and her best friend Megan throws her a surprise birthday party at her family’s restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. Sounds lovely, right? WRONG. 😂 When Lana’s ex shows up and gets into a heated confrontation with her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, things take a DARK turn. The ex ends up dead, and suddenly Adam is the prime suspect!
Because apparently a birthday cake and some noodles weren’t enough excitement. 🙃
I loved watching Lana, Megan, and Kimmy work together to figure out what really happened. With Adam suspended and unable to use his usual police resources, Lana has to put her amateur sleuthing skills to work to clear his name. And when the people you care about are suddenly caught up in a murder investigation, things get a whole lot more personal!
One of my FAVORITE things about this series is the characters. At this point, they feel like familiar friends, and I genuinely enjoy getting to spend more time with them. The friendships, the family dynamics, the humor, and all the little moments between the mystery make these books SO much fun to read.
And of course, there’s the food! 🥟🍜 Vivien Chien knows how to make me want to grab some takeout while I’m reading. 😂
The mystery kept me guessing, the personal stakes made me even more invested, and I loved seeing Lana and her friends work through all the twists and turns. This is exactly why I love a good cozy mystery: an entertaining whodunit, characters I care about, a fun setting, and just enough chaos to keep me turning the pages.
If you love cozy mysteries, amateur sleuths, quirky characters, food-centered settings, and murder investigations with a side of humor, PLEASE add the Noodle Shop Mystery series to your TBR!
Another winner from Vivien Chien, and I’m already ready for more Lana Lee! 🥹📚🍜
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, & of course the queen AUTHOR herself for my copy of this ARC! All opinions are my own. 💗
September 14, 2026
And Then There Were Bun was such a fun mix of murder, family drama, old grudges, and the kind of humor that made me laugh even when things were getting serious. Lana Lee is exactly the kind of amateur detective who cannot leave a mystery alone, and I honestly enjoyed being inside her head while she tried to figure out what happened. Her thirtieth birthday starts with everyone apparently forgetting her, only for her to walk into a surprise party that brings together almost everyone important in her life. Then her past walks through the door too. Devon showing up was already enough to make Lana uncomfortable, but when he ends up dead, suddenly everyone around her has a reason to be looked at twice. What I really enjoyed was how the investigation kept making me question people I thought I understood. Lana and Megan trying to piece things together felt especially entertaining because they did not always agree, and their arguments sometimes made me laugh more than the actual jokes. There is also a lot going on with Adam, the police investigation, Lana’s family, and the people around Asia Village, so the mystery never feels completely separate from her personal life. I also appreciated that Lana is not suddenly turned into some perfect detective. She makes assumptions, gets things wrong, follows her instincts, and sometimes puts herself in situations where I wanted to yell at her to stop. The final part brought everything together in a way that made the earlier clues matter. By the end, I was smiling at the humor while also feeling relieved that Lana and Megan made it through everything. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery with plenty of personality.
October 4, 2026
I struggled with this one 🩵 sadly! Ive read this series from book one but I just couldn't click with this one. I know for certain I didn't love the audiobook portrayal of Lana and Megan. It was my first listen, I usually always read it myself, but I swear it made them sound ditsy, especially the first half of the book. Not a fan of that! I absolutely love Lana Lee and her friends, family and the china village life, but this didn't quite feel like our usual brave Lana. I'm used to her getting into trouble and going mad until she solves a case, adventuring around town to check off her list of leads. Really focused and on top of it. But this book was focused more on her and her friends/boyfriend working together as a whole and less of her amateur sleuthing ways got to shine. We didn't get any real sleuthing until half way or more and she almost always had Megan with her. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy Kimmy, Megan and Lana together! Could keep that in every book... It's just Lana herself that felt off. I also found it unlikely she would ever suspect people she loves. Again, love Lana, but I just felt like this book subdued her usual talent. I think it was part of the storyline... Her being a little burnt out and struggling to make sense of things- shocked by yet another death close to her. But I guess I didn't like that hehe she found herself again... But a little too late! Hopefully she feels more herself next book 🙂
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