What do you think?
Rate this book
Singaporean Mystery #3
Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge
Rosie “Aunty” Lee—feisty widow, amateur sleuth and proprietor of Singapore’s best-loved home cooking restaurant—is back in another delectable, witty mystery set in Singapore.
Slightly hobbled by a twisted ankle, crime-solving restaurateur Aunty Lee begrudgingly agrees to take a rest from running her famous café, Aunty Lee’s Delights, and turns over operations to her friend and new business partner Cherril.
The café serves as a meeting place for an animal rescue society that Cherril once supported. They were forced to dissolve three years earlier after a British expat killed the puppy she’d adopted, sparking a firestorm of scandal. The expat, Allison Fitzgerald, left Singapore in disgrace, but has returned with an ax to grind (and a lawsuit). At the café one afternoon, Cherril receives word that Allison has been found dead in her hotel—and foul play is suspected. When a veterinarian, who was also involved in the scandal, is found dead, suspicion soon falls on the animal activists. What started with an internet witch hunt has ended in murder—and in a tightly knit, law-and-order society like Singapore, everyone is on edge.
Before anyone else gets hurt—and to save her business—Aunty Lee must get to the bottom of what really happened three years earlier, and figure out who is to be trusted in this tangled web of scandal and lies.
Slightly hobbled by a twisted ankle, crime-solving restaurateur Aunty Lee begrudgingly agrees to take a rest from running her famous café, Aunty Lee’s Delights, and turns over operations to her friend and new business partner Cherril.
The café serves as a meeting place for an animal rescue society that Cherril once supported. They were forced to dissolve three years earlier after a British expat killed the puppy she’d adopted, sparking a firestorm of scandal. The expat, Allison Fitzgerald, left Singapore in disgrace, but has returned with an ax to grind (and a lawsuit). At the café one afternoon, Cherril receives word that Allison has been found dead in her hotel—and foul play is suspected. When a veterinarian, who was also involved in the scandal, is found dead, suspicion soon falls on the animal activists. What started with an internet witch hunt has ended in murder—and in a tightly knit, law-and-order society like Singapore, everyone is on edge.
Before anyone else gets hurt—and to save her business—Aunty Lee must get to the bottom of what really happened three years earlier, and figure out who is to be trusted in this tangled web of scandal and lies.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
194 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
April 17, 2022
I gave up at page 209, because Aunty Lee is acting a little disappointed in this third book. And I loved her at the 1st and the 2nd books of this series.
July 30, 2019
The busybody Aunty Lee, cook extraordinaire and amateur detective is on another case!
Western sisters who openly hate all of Singapore are back in town for a law suit. One sister is murdered, but was she the right victim?
On hearing of her sister's death Vallerie not only breaks down, but also breaks up the restaurant
Vallerie was having a hysterical breakdown every bit as dramatic as the breakdowns Aunty Lee had seen on television. She laughed and cried and flung everything she could reach (plate, water glass, chopsticks, spoon, fork, and knife) in all directions. Aunty Lee tried to remember whether the correct response was to throw a warm blanket or cold water over the woman. She would have liked to offer some hot soup, but it didn’t seem appropriate, especially as Vallerie seemed quite capable of throwing that too.
A westerner's feeding frenzy in Aunty Lee's restaurant
“I’m hungry,” said Vallerie. “Why are all of you just sitting here? I don’t know about you but I haven’t had any lunch. How do you eat this stuff? Don’t you have any normal food like a steak or a pie or fish and chips?”
How do the police really appear?
People tended to have misconceptions of the police, Aunty Lee felt. All the police officers on the imported American and Korean crime dramas seemed to be clever or good-looking or both, and adept at hunting down criminals while cracking jokes and having love affairs.
Most police officers in Singapore were quiet and respectful young people who reminded Aunty Lee of the sons and daughters of friends. They were physically fit but drank too much coffee, ate too much fast food, and got too little sleep while trying to figure out the best way to handle difficult situations with no perfect solutions.
Nina's views on servant/master relations
Nina sprayed a soapy wash and ran a damp cloth over the surfaces, Aunty Lee commented, “Vallerie seems used to having servants pick up after her.”
“No, madame.”
“No?”
“People like you, madame, you are used to having servants in the house. For you servants are like family members, lower than daughter-in-law but higher than gardener. For people like Madame Vallerie, they one day want to be your good friend, ask you about your family, your boyfriend, cry to you about their problems . . . then the next day treat you like dog shit. Move one chair also cannot. Got to shout for you to put down the mop, wash your hands, change your shoes, come upstairs to move chair a bit closer to the door for her. And then scold you for not coming faster.”
This is a twisty puzzle of murders, with many people moving in and out of the scenes. Who is the real murderer? You can guess, but you will only be sure by the last chapter.
Enjoy!
Western sisters who openly hate all of Singapore are back in town for a law suit. One sister is murdered, but was she the right victim?
On hearing of her sister's death Vallerie not only breaks down, but also breaks up the restaurant
Vallerie was having a hysterical breakdown every bit as dramatic as the breakdowns Aunty Lee had seen on television. She laughed and cried and flung everything she could reach (plate, water glass, chopsticks, spoon, fork, and knife) in all directions. Aunty Lee tried to remember whether the correct response was to throw a warm blanket or cold water over the woman. She would have liked to offer some hot soup, but it didn’t seem appropriate, especially as Vallerie seemed quite capable of throwing that too.
A westerner's feeding frenzy in Aunty Lee's restaurant
“I’m hungry,” said Vallerie. “Why are all of you just sitting here? I don’t know about you but I haven’t had any lunch. How do you eat this stuff? Don’t you have any normal food like a steak or a pie or fish and chips?”
How do the police really appear?
People tended to have misconceptions of the police, Aunty Lee felt. All the police officers on the imported American and Korean crime dramas seemed to be clever or good-looking or both, and adept at hunting down criminals while cracking jokes and having love affairs.
Most police officers in Singapore were quiet and respectful young people who reminded Aunty Lee of the sons and daughters of friends. They were physically fit but drank too much coffee, ate too much fast food, and got too little sleep while trying to figure out the best way to handle difficult situations with no perfect solutions.
Nina's views on servant/master relations
Nina sprayed a soapy wash and ran a damp cloth over the surfaces, Aunty Lee commented, “Vallerie seems used to having servants pick up after her.”
“No, madame.”
“No?”
“People like you, madame, you are used to having servants in the house. For you servants are like family members, lower than daughter-in-law but higher than gardener. For people like Madame Vallerie, they one day want to be your good friend, ask you about your family, your boyfriend, cry to you about their problems . . . then the next day treat you like dog shit. Move one chair also cannot. Got to shout for you to put down the mop, wash your hands, change your shoes, come upstairs to move chair a bit closer to the door for her. And then scold you for not coming faster.”
This is a twisty puzzle of murders, with many people moving in and out of the scenes. Who is the real murderer? You can guess, but you will only be sure by the last chapter.
Enjoy!
September 7, 2025
Halloween Bingo 2025
I always enjoy a visit with Aunty Lee. She is a busy woman, cooking up delicious food for her café clients, her friends, family members, and the local police force. As this book opens, she has sprained an ankle and must rest it to let it heal. Aunty Lee is a woman who needs something to occupy her mind, so if she can't be up and figuring out what to do with an over supply of mangoes, she might as well think about the murder that is affecting her young friends.
This mystery reminded me strongly of Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced. (That is one of my very favourite Christie novels, so this is a compliment in my opinion.) It was very late in the book when part of the truth clicked into place for me and I realized that I had been an idiot for many chapters! Once I knew who had done what, I kicked myself for not twigging to it much earlier.
Ms. Yu writes a satisfying mystery, although her books always make me hungry. I have never been to Singapore, but I would dearly love to try some of the spicy delicacies cooked up in Aunty Lee's kitchen.
I read this book for the Amateur Sleuth square of my Halloween Bingo card.
I always enjoy a visit with Aunty Lee. She is a busy woman, cooking up delicious food for her café clients, her friends, family members, and the local police force. As this book opens, she has sprained an ankle and must rest it to let it heal. Aunty Lee is a woman who needs something to occupy her mind, so if she can't be up and figuring out what to do with an over supply of mangoes, she might as well think about the murder that is affecting her young friends.
This mystery reminded me strongly of Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced. (That is one of my very favourite Christie novels, so this is a compliment in my opinion.) It was very late in the book when part of the truth clicked into place for me and I realized that I had been an idiot for many chapters! Once I knew who had done what, I kicked myself for not twigging to it much earlier.
Ms. Yu writes a satisfying mystery, although her books always make me hungry. I have never been to Singapore, but I would dearly love to try some of the spicy delicacies cooked up in Aunty Lee's kitchen.
I read this book for the Amateur Sleuth square of my Halloween Bingo card.
April 14, 2016
I have not read the first two Aunty Lee mysteries, but Ovidia Yu does a thorough job of catching new readers up to the cast and setting. AUNTY LEE'S CHILLED REVENGE is loaded with details about Singaporean culture, including the food, attitudes toward family and marriage, and perception of immigrants. I don't know how much of this information was familiar to readers of the first two books, but I found it fascinating.
Aunty Lee is a nosy old lady in the vein of Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher. Her restaurant is very successful, with her biggest complaint being either her employee trying to monetize it further or an in-law trying to take it over far before Aunty Lee is ready to hand over the reins. A recent foot injury set her back, but she's ready to start snooping again. Especially since the perfect situation fell in her lap: three old friends met up in her restaurant to speak to the woman planning to sue them when news arrived of the woman's death.
Allison Love was an ex-pat driven from the country by cyberbulling. She'd come back for monetary revenge, but now all that is left is three people with strong motives and a sister who needs a place to stay. And of course Aunty Lee is willing to take her in, both out of kindness and a desire to get closer to the case.
I figured out part of the solution before the end, but didn't solve the entire mystery because I thought that was it. I think it was clever of Yu to make half of the mystery more obvious than the other. I also liked how Yu treated her characters with equanimity. Through Aunty Lee's eyes, even the most obnoxious characters are judged with mercy. Aunty Lee tries not to attribute malice, even as she seeks it out.
I sometimes found that AUNTY LEE'S CHILLED REVENGE read more like a travelogue than a mystery novel, but I didn't entirely mind that feature. This is a wonderful read for anyone who likes old ladies who are just as clever as they should be.
Aunty Lee is a nosy old lady in the vein of Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher. Her restaurant is very successful, with her biggest complaint being either her employee trying to monetize it further or an in-law trying to take it over far before Aunty Lee is ready to hand over the reins. A recent foot injury set her back, but she's ready to start snooping again. Especially since the perfect situation fell in her lap: three old friends met up in her restaurant to speak to the woman planning to sue them when news arrived of the woman's death.
Allison Love was an ex-pat driven from the country by cyberbulling. She'd come back for monetary revenge, but now all that is left is three people with strong motives and a sister who needs a place to stay. And of course Aunty Lee is willing to take her in, both out of kindness and a desire to get closer to the case.
I figured out part of the solution before the end, but didn't solve the entire mystery because I thought that was it. I think it was clever of Yu to make half of the mystery more obvious than the other. I also liked how Yu treated her characters with equanimity. Through Aunty Lee's eyes, even the most obnoxious characters are judged with mercy. Aunty Lee tries not to attribute malice, even as she seeks it out.
I sometimes found that AUNTY LEE'S CHILLED REVENGE read more like a travelogue than a mystery novel, but I didn't entirely mind that feature. This is a wonderful read for anyone who likes old ladies who are just as clever as they should be.
April 5, 2016
REVIEW: AUNTY LEE'S CHILLED REVENGE by Ovidia Yu
Third in the SINGAPOREAN MYSTERY series, this mystery requires Aunty Rosie Lee, proprietor of a well-patronized Singapore restaurant, to solve two mysteries that may involve her new business partner. A British expatriate accused three years earlier of killing an adopted dog, has returned to Singapore and is herself murdered, reigniting the uproar she had incited three years ago. Aunty Lee may be an outstanding cook and restaurateur, but she is also a clever sleuth.
Third in the SINGAPOREAN MYSTERY series, this mystery requires Aunty Rosie Lee, proprietor of a well-patronized Singapore restaurant, to solve two mysteries that may involve her new business partner. A British expatriate accused three years earlier of killing an adopted dog, has returned to Singapore and is herself murdered, reigniting the uproar she had incited three years ago. Aunty Lee may be an outstanding cook and restaurateur, but she is also a clever sleuth.
August 2, 2016
Premise of the story is, Allison Love is brutally murdered in her hotel room prior to an arranged meeting with Brian, Josephine and Cherril over a pending lawsuit that the three ruined Allison's marriage and life. Valerie Love, Allison's sister, is left traumatized and alone in hateful Singapore and Auntie Lee takes her in.
As the murder investigation unfolds, Auntie Lee begins to realize there is more to this than meets the eye, and pulling and pushing a few strings herself, starts to unravel a complex tale of love and revenge.
This installment was slow going. I had a difficult time feeling engaged in any way and had trouble sympathizing, empathizing, relating to or with any of the characters. Auntie Lee is restricted to limited walking after a tumble off a makeshift step-stool. She is struggling to feel engaged as life in her shop goes on without her.
Valerie Love is just annoying, which is, ultimately, the point. But, for the 368 pages in which I had to read about her being annoying, it grated on my nerves rather than eliciting a feeling of suspense and empathy. This right here was probably the main reason I found the book to be tedious. Add in the issue of Valerie's calling people "stupid bitches" or "stupid sluts" and similar and she was just not a likeable or empathize-able character.
Josephine and Brian were two dimensional to really develop any thoughts for them. Cherill was carrying her own fears and secrets, but by the time it came for her big reveal, it came across more as a "huh?" and "meh".
What perplexed me and to which I found somewhat uncomfortable as the book progressed, was the constant reference to Valerie (and others) being fat. As in, Valerie is the pale fat sister. I can see the reference once, but the commentary about people being fat was constant. I am uncertain if this is a Singaporean thing, or an attempt to Westernize the book and thus, a commentary on how Westerner's are all overweight.
About the only thing I enjoyed was the few scenes with Nina, Inspector Salim, and Commissioner Raja. And Auntie Lee ordering too many mangoes.
So, ultimately, not my favorite in the series. This one lost some of the quirky charm the first two books had and became a long, uncomfortable read. Recommended with reservations.
As the murder investigation unfolds, Auntie Lee begins to realize there is more to this than meets the eye, and pulling and pushing a few strings herself, starts to unravel a complex tale of love and revenge.
This installment was slow going. I had a difficult time feeling engaged in any way and had trouble sympathizing, empathizing, relating to or with any of the characters. Auntie Lee is restricted to limited walking after a tumble off a makeshift step-stool. She is struggling to feel engaged as life in her shop goes on without her.
Valerie Love is just annoying, which is, ultimately, the point. But, for the 368 pages in which I had to read about her being annoying, it grated on my nerves rather than eliciting a feeling of suspense and empathy. This right here was probably the main reason I found the book to be tedious. Add in the issue of Valerie's calling people "stupid bitches" or "stupid sluts" and similar and she was just not a likeable or empathize-able character.
Josephine and Brian were two dimensional to really develop any thoughts for them. Cherill was carrying her own fears and secrets, but by the time it came for her big reveal, it came across more as a "huh?" and "meh".
What perplexed me and to which I found somewhat uncomfortable as the book progressed, was the constant reference to Valerie (and others) being fat. As in, Valerie is the pale fat sister. I can see the reference once, but the commentary about people being fat was constant. I am uncertain if this is a Singaporean thing, or an attempt to Westernize the book and thus, a commentary on how Westerner's are all overweight.
About the only thing I enjoyed was the few scenes with Nina, Inspector Salim, and Commissioner Raja. And Auntie Lee ordering too many mangoes.
So, ultimately, not my favorite in the series. This one lost some of the quirky charm the first two books had and became a long, uncomfortable read. Recommended with reservations.
June 21, 2016
Set in Singapore, this cozy centers on the death of a tourist, the sister of the notorious "Puppy Killer", a British ex-pat who'd had a puppy euthanized, and caused a scandal years before. Aunty Lee, and her cast of characters, come into play because the Puppy Killer has returned (with her now murdered-sister) to sue the people who originally brought charges, and made an internet sensation, of the case. And of course, they know Aunty Lee.
This was my first foray into Aunty Lee's world. I found the dishes and descriptions of her cafe items interesting, though had to look up each and every one to make sure I had it right, as there was no glossary to help me distinguish Katong Laksa from Cheng tng, (I read an ARC, and a glossary may be included in the final.) There were a lot of folks involved on Aunty's side of things, which took some sorting out, and not that much description of the city beyond food culture. But still, I found it interesting. These internationally set cozies are good for giving snippets of culture usually not represented in mysteries, and a series allows the reader to learn at a leisurely pace.
As to the mystery itself, it soon became obvious where the story was leading in terms of one main element. The hints in the backstory just had me rather impatient for the reveal to know I was right. There also were enough annoying characters still left that I was wishing one or two of them might be picked off instead.
I f another Aunty Lee falls into my hands, I may give it a go, but may not seek her out otherwise. Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for sending the book my way. Sorry I didn't like it more.
This was my first foray into Aunty Lee's world. I found the dishes and descriptions of her cafe items interesting, though had to look up each and every one to make sure I had it right, as there was no glossary to help me distinguish Katong Laksa from Cheng tng, (I read an ARC, and a glossary may be included in the final.) There were a lot of folks involved on Aunty's side of things, which took some sorting out, and not that much description of the city beyond food culture. But still, I found it interesting. These internationally set cozies are good for giving snippets of culture usually not represented in mysteries, and a series allows the reader to learn at a leisurely pace.
As to the mystery itself, it soon became obvious where the story was leading in terms of one main element. The hints in the backstory just had me rather impatient for the reveal to know I was right. There also were enough annoying characters still left that I was wishing one or two of them might be picked off instead.
I f another Aunty Lee falls into my hands, I may give it a go, but may not seek her out otherwise. Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for sending the book my way. Sorry I didn't like it more.
December 17, 2020
Aunty Lee’s Singapore world is far from that of Miss Marple’s English village, but both ladies share intense curiosity in the people and goings-on around them which, naturally, leads them to solve crimes the police haven’t quite solved yet. Some ghastly behavior from an appalling English woman, a cringe-making caricature.
Fun light reading.
Fun light reading.
February 14, 2019
This is a light, fluffy cozy mystery. It's written by a Singaporean author and is from the POV of a Singaporean resident, and I liked reading that perspective. Aunty Lee is a warm, lovely lady who loves to feed people in her restaurant, but also loves poking her nose into murder mysteries. Her artless questioning conceals a sharp perceptiveness, which allows her to draw information from people who don't realize that they are giving up valuable information instead of just chatting, and she talks to so many people that she gets a LOT of information.
Aunty Lee also likes to talk about food a lot, and I am REALLY looking forward to Singapore after reading descriptions of all the yummy things to eat there. She also includes in her afterward a bit more detailed information about food, a couple of recipes (including one for moon cakes that looks frankly intimidating) and some of her favorite places in Singapore. I googled those places to get an idea of what the spots she mentioned look like.
The weak part was the mystery itself. The whole thing revolved around someone impersonating someone else, and because the impersonator had put on weight, no one seemed to be able to figure this out or recognize her. This led to lots of hints which consisted of discussing how fat our suspect was, and I got tired of it. It was also pounded home so much in the text that I figured that it was the whole mystery, and it wasn't! Biggest red herring ever.
So, the whole backbone of the story, about an Englishwoman who adopted a dog from a Singaporean animal rescue organization and then put the dog down only a few months later without giving the organization a chance to rehome it, is based on a true incident that took place in 2013. I wonder if this is a bit of chilled revenge on the author's part, because she didn't have the Englishwoman in question depicted in a very flattering manner. Although I don't know any details about the case except what I found online, I can't say that I'm very sympathetic to putting a young dog (only about a year old) down without trying to rehome it first. I adopted my dog when she was about a year old, and she'd just been given to a shelter because the family didn't want her any more. My guess is that they got her around the holidays as a puppy and when she got older and started trying to assert herself to find her place (apparently there were several children and other dogs in the home) they decided not to deal with it and gave her up. Their loss, definitely my gain- she's a wonderful dog.although she's a bit scared of kids and dislikes small yappy dogs.
Anyway, it was a lovely visit to Singapore, and I'd gladly wander the streets with the author and hope that she would point out some of her favorite restaurants and dishes to me!
Aunty Lee also likes to talk about food a lot, and I am REALLY looking forward to Singapore after reading descriptions of all the yummy things to eat there. She also includes in her afterward a bit more detailed information about food, a couple of recipes (including one for moon cakes that looks frankly intimidating) and some of her favorite places in Singapore. I googled those places to get an idea of what the spots she mentioned look like.
The weak part was the mystery itself. The whole thing revolved around someone impersonating someone else, and because the impersonator had put on weight, no one seemed to be able to figure this out or recognize her. This led to lots of hints which consisted of discussing how fat our suspect was, and I got tired of it. It was also pounded home so much in the text that I figured that it was the whole mystery, and it wasn't! Biggest red herring ever.
So, the whole backbone of the story, about an Englishwoman who adopted a dog from a Singaporean animal rescue organization and then put the dog down only a few months later without giving the organization a chance to rehome it, is based on a true incident that took place in 2013. I wonder if this is a bit of chilled revenge on the author's part, because she didn't have the Englishwoman in question depicted in a very flattering manner. Although I don't know any details about the case except what I found online, I can't say that I'm very sympathetic to putting a young dog (only about a year old) down without trying to rehome it first. I adopted my dog when she was about a year old, and she'd just been given to a shelter because the family didn't want her any more. My guess is that they got her around the holidays as a puppy and when she got older and started trying to assert herself to find her place (apparently there were several children and other dogs in the home) they decided not to deal with it and gave her up. Their loss, definitely my gain- she's a wonderful dog.although she's a bit scared of kids and dislikes small yappy dogs.
Anyway, it was a lovely visit to Singapore, and I'd gladly wander the streets with the author and hope that she would point out some of her favorite restaurants and dishes to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
I was introduced to the Aunty Lee series by this book. When I decided to be part of this tour, I figured that book 3 of a series wasn’t so far in that I couldn’t manage to catch up, so I was able to sink my teeth into the first two books in this delicious series, Aunty Lee's Delights and Aunty Lee's Deadly Specials, and I’m glad I did.
Not that a newbie to the series couldn’t start with Aunty Lee’s Chilled Revenge. The author does a good job of catching readers up with the setting and cast of characters. But it does add a bit to the fun to see how everyone has changed from the beginning. Also how the writing has evolved. While I enjoyed both of the first two books, this is definitely the best one yet.
Aunty Lee is everyone’s favorite grandmother, although the reality is that she isn’t anyone’s actual grandmother. She was the late MK Lee’s second wife, and he already had two children. Aunty Lee never had any of her own, and her stepchildren have, so far, not managed to give her any grandchildren to spoil.
So Aunty Lee pretty effectively spoils the entire neighborhood, especially through her award-winning home-cooking restaurant, Aunty Lee’s Delights. Rosie Lee doesn’t need the money, but she needs the work to keep her occupied. And to help her get involved with solving murders.
With a sprained ankle keeping her on the sidelines, Aunty Lee is feeling depressed and slightly useless, until a murder walks into her restaurant.
Not exactly literally. Three old friends, including Aunty Lee’s business partner, are waiting at the restaurant to meet with the woman who is threatening to sue them. But she never arrives. Instead, the police come to say that the woman has been murdered, and the dead woman’s sister shows up a few minutes later, ranting and raving. As she generally does.
While Aunty Lee may be sorry that a woman is dead, and particularly sorry that her business partner is temporarily a suspect, she is energized by the thought of a murder she can help solve being delivered right to her doorstep.
She’s so happy, in fact, that she takes the dead woman’s sister home with her, hoping that in comfort and privacy the woman will reveal some of the secrets she is so obviously keeping. Meanwhile, Aunty Lee dives into the three-year-old incident that brought all the principals to her little cafe.
Back then, her partner Cherril was part of an animal rescue society, along with her friends Brian Wong and Jacqueline DelaVega. The woman who was planning to sue them, a British ex-pat, adopted a puppy from their rescue society. A few days later, when she decided that she didn’t want the poor puppy any longer, she had him euthanized instead of returning him to the shelter, as she had contracted to do. When Allison Fitzgerald went into repeated tirades at the police, the animal rescue society, and anyone else within earshot, she became the quarry of a horde of internet bullies. Not just because she killed a poor, defenseless little puppy, but also because she lied about it, violated a contract, and showed zero remorse. Allison and her family were hounded out of Singapore.
Now she’s back. And she’s dead. And her sister is accusing the animal shelter people she lied to three years ago. And the dead woman’s ex-husband. And anyone else she can think of.
It’s up to Aunty Lee to sort out the truth from layers and layers of lies and deceptions. Building a case is like putting together a new recipe – all the pieces have to fit just right. Aunty Lee is perfectly willing to tinker with all the flavors until they finally — do.
Escape Rating A-: Aunty Lee’s Chilled Revenge is the best book in the series so far. The recipe for the series has come together in a way that makes this dish especially flavorful. Or especially interesting, since we are, after all, talking about murder.
The title is a play on the old saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” The case that Aunty Lee has to solve revolves around figuring out exactly who is getting revenge on whom, because at the outset there are plenty of options. And this was a case where, although I had figured out one part of the mystery, I was as lost as everyone else on who done it and why. But I couldn’t wait to find out.
Allison Fitzgerald, now calling herself Allison Love, sues the animal shelter principals, Cherril, Brian and Jacqueline, because she believes that the internet bullying they encouraged led to her divorce and estrangement from her children. She wants payback.
Allison’s sister Vallerie came to Singapore with Allison. Now that Allison is dead, Vallerie wants revenge on whoever killed her. And she’s certain that the murderers must be those same people. With the possible addition of Allison’s ex-husband.
Cherril, Brian and Jacqueline left the old case behind them long ago. Or did they? Cherril certainly has, she is now happily married and equally happily involved with Aunty Lee’s restaurant. But Brian and Jacqueline, not so much. Even after all these years, Brian is still in love with Jacqueline, and Jacqueline is still in love with…getting herself out of Singapore. She’s decided that Allison’s ex-husband is her ticket to a posh life somewhere far away.
It’s up to Aunty Lee to wade through the mess. She finds her way to a solution by learning about the people, mostly through what they eat, and especially through what they say while they are eating. And by being very, very nosy.
It works. And it works deliciously.
I was introduced to the Aunty Lee series by this book. When I decided to be part of this tour, I figured that book 3 of a series wasn’t so far in that I couldn’t manage to catch up, so I was able to sink my teeth into the first two books in this delicious series, Aunty Lee's Delights and Aunty Lee's Deadly Specials, and I’m glad I did.
Not that a newbie to the series couldn’t start with Aunty Lee’s Chilled Revenge. The author does a good job of catching readers up with the setting and cast of characters. But it does add a bit to the fun to see how everyone has changed from the beginning. Also how the writing has evolved. While I enjoyed both of the first two books, this is definitely the best one yet.
Aunty Lee is everyone’s favorite grandmother, although the reality is that she isn’t anyone’s actual grandmother. She was the late MK Lee’s second wife, and he already had two children. Aunty Lee never had any of her own, and her stepchildren have, so far, not managed to give her any grandchildren to spoil.
So Aunty Lee pretty effectively spoils the entire neighborhood, especially through her award-winning home-cooking restaurant, Aunty Lee’s Delights. Rosie Lee doesn’t need the money, but she needs the work to keep her occupied. And to help her get involved with solving murders.
With a sprained ankle keeping her on the sidelines, Aunty Lee is feeling depressed and slightly useless, until a murder walks into her restaurant.
Not exactly literally. Three old friends, including Aunty Lee’s business partner, are waiting at the restaurant to meet with the woman who is threatening to sue them. But she never arrives. Instead, the police come to say that the woman has been murdered, and the dead woman’s sister shows up a few minutes later, ranting and raving. As she generally does.
While Aunty Lee may be sorry that a woman is dead, and particularly sorry that her business partner is temporarily a suspect, she is energized by the thought of a murder she can help solve being delivered right to her doorstep.
She’s so happy, in fact, that she takes the dead woman’s sister home with her, hoping that in comfort and privacy the woman will reveal some of the secrets she is so obviously keeping. Meanwhile, Aunty Lee dives into the three-year-old incident that brought all the principals to her little cafe.
Back then, her partner Cherril was part of an animal rescue society, along with her friends Brian Wong and Jacqueline DelaVega. The woman who was planning to sue them, a British ex-pat, adopted a puppy from their rescue society. A few days later, when she decided that she didn’t want the poor puppy any longer, she had him euthanized instead of returning him to the shelter, as she had contracted to do. When Allison Fitzgerald went into repeated tirades at the police, the animal rescue society, and anyone else within earshot, she became the quarry of a horde of internet bullies. Not just because she killed a poor, defenseless little puppy, but also because she lied about it, violated a contract, and showed zero remorse. Allison and her family were hounded out of Singapore.
Now she’s back. And she’s dead. And her sister is accusing the animal shelter people she lied to three years ago. And the dead woman’s ex-husband. And anyone else she can think of.
It’s up to Aunty Lee to sort out the truth from layers and layers of lies and deceptions. Building a case is like putting together a new recipe – all the pieces have to fit just right. Aunty Lee is perfectly willing to tinker with all the flavors until they finally — do.
Escape Rating A-: Aunty Lee’s Chilled Revenge is the best book in the series so far. The recipe for the series has come together in a way that makes this dish especially flavorful. Or especially interesting, since we are, after all, talking about murder.
The title is a play on the old saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” The case that Aunty Lee has to solve revolves around figuring out exactly who is getting revenge on whom, because at the outset there are plenty of options. And this was a case where, although I had figured out one part of the mystery, I was as lost as everyone else on who done it and why. But I couldn’t wait to find out.
Allison Fitzgerald, now calling herself Allison Love, sues the animal shelter principals, Cherril, Brian and Jacqueline, because she believes that the internet bullying they encouraged led to her divorce and estrangement from her children. She wants payback.
Allison’s sister Vallerie came to Singapore with Allison. Now that Allison is dead, Vallerie wants revenge on whoever killed her. And she’s certain that the murderers must be those same people. With the possible addition of Allison’s ex-husband.
Cherril, Brian and Jacqueline left the old case behind them long ago. Or did they? Cherril certainly has, she is now happily married and equally happily involved with Aunty Lee’s restaurant. But Brian and Jacqueline, not so much. Even after all these years, Brian is still in love with Jacqueline, and Jacqueline is still in love with…getting herself out of Singapore. She’s decided that Allison’s ex-husband is her ticket to a posh life somewhere far away.
It’s up to Aunty Lee to wade through the mess. She finds her way to a solution by learning about the people, mostly through what they eat, and especially through what they say while they are eating. And by being very, very nosy.
It works. And it works deliciously.
June 3, 2019
Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge is the third book in the Singaporean mystery series. Keep in mind, while reading this review, that I haven't read the first two in the series. I'm also not generally a big reader of cozy mysteries, so this was a bit outside the box for me. That being said, I actually enjoyed this very much! Rest assured that this is an excellent standalone novel.
Aunty Lee is one of those characters who is instantly likable. She's that incorrigible family member that everyone loves, but also has a tendency to be a bit nosy. Which, of course, makes her the perfect character for a story like this. I loved Aunty Lee, and her amateur sleuthing. She was definitely my favorite part of this story. Even though this was the third book in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out on one bit of her personality, which was great.
I can't say the same for the other main characters though. This isn't the book's fault, obviously. Coming in after the initial book is always a gamble. However, that was one of the things that made me a bit wobbly with my foothold in this story. Aunty Lee is an extremely clever, and well drawn out character. So it was just a tiny bit frustrating not to feel that same way about all the characters she interacted with, especially since they were so close to her. The good news is that it makes me want to read the first two!
As for the story itself, it was a perfectly paced mystery. It kept my attention extremely well, throwing out little bread crumbs here and there to keep me following the same path as Aunty Lee. I got a good feel for the way she does things which, well, let's just say that it isn't always exactly orthodox. It was interesting to watch her interact with people, and see the little pieces of her culture thrown in with the standard sleuthing practices.
Overall, this was a pretty solid read! I can attest that this is fine as a standalone, although you'll probably end up like I did and want to go back and catch up on the first two. I enjoyed Ovidia Yu's writing, and I would absolutely come back for more.
Aunty Lee is one of those characters who is instantly likable. She's that incorrigible family member that everyone loves, but also has a tendency to be a bit nosy. Which, of course, makes her the perfect character for a story like this. I loved Aunty Lee, and her amateur sleuthing. She was definitely my favorite part of this story. Even though this was the third book in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out on one bit of her personality, which was great.
I can't say the same for the other main characters though. This isn't the book's fault, obviously. Coming in after the initial book is always a gamble. However, that was one of the things that made me a bit wobbly with my foothold in this story. Aunty Lee is an extremely clever, and well drawn out character. So it was just a tiny bit frustrating not to feel that same way about all the characters she interacted with, especially since they were so close to her. The good news is that it makes me want to read the first two!
As for the story itself, it was a perfectly paced mystery. It kept my attention extremely well, throwing out little bread crumbs here and there to keep me following the same path as Aunty Lee. I got a good feel for the way she does things which, well, let's just say that it isn't always exactly orthodox. It was interesting to watch her interact with people, and see the little pieces of her culture thrown in with the standard sleuthing practices.
Overall, this was a pretty solid read! I can attest that this is fine as a standalone, although you'll probably end up like I did and want to go back and catch up on the first two. I enjoyed Ovidia Yu's writing, and I would absolutely come back for more.
April 13, 2016
this is the 3rd Aunty Lee's book that i have read and did not disappoints. In this instalment, Aunty Lee is livelier than before eventhough she had injured her ankle.
Two sisters, Allison and Vallerie , came to Singapore. Allison wanted to sue Cherril( who is Aunty Lee's partner) and two others for cause her marriage to collapse. But before she manage to do that, a murder happened. As usual, Aunty Lee had to stick her nose into it and our lovely journey begins.
i love it. there are so many parts that made me laugh out loud . For example Silly-Nah. and also "“How serious? The man don’t want you? Don’t want baby? You tell me who I go hantam him!” Hantam was Malay-Singlish for “beat” or “hit,” and Aunty Lee’s threat carried all the ferocity of a plump chicken clucking angrily at a stationary pile driver". *LOL* hantam? plump chicken?
also i cant help laugh when Aunty Lee discovered the joy of online shopping.
again and again the author Ovidia Yu manahed to surprise me. i was quite sure by this book i could have guessed the murdered correctly. there seems to be many clues. i had to stop myself from flipping to the last few pages to find out the ending. am glad to say i managed to do so with much difficulties.
bravo again for the unexpected ending. Am looking forward to the next book. have the author started it yet? would love to see where Aunty Lee and the Commissioner heading to next. Will the birds starts singing?.
Two sisters, Allison and Vallerie , came to Singapore. Allison wanted to sue Cherril( who is Aunty Lee's partner) and two others for cause her marriage to collapse. But before she manage to do that, a murder happened. As usual, Aunty Lee had to stick her nose into it and our lovely journey begins.
i love it. there are so many parts that made me laugh out loud . For example Silly-Nah. and also "“How serious? The man don’t want you? Don’t want baby? You tell me who I go hantam him!” Hantam was Malay-Singlish for “beat” or “hit,” and Aunty Lee’s threat carried all the ferocity of a plump chicken clucking angrily at a stationary pile driver". *LOL* hantam? plump chicken?
also i cant help laugh when Aunty Lee discovered the joy of online shopping.
again and again the author Ovidia Yu manahed to surprise me. i was quite sure by this book i could have guessed the murdered correctly. there seems to be many clues. i had to stop myself from flipping to the last few pages to find out the ending. am glad to say i managed to do so with much difficulties.
bravo again for the unexpected ending. Am looking forward to the next book. have the author started it yet? would love to see where Aunty Lee and the Commissioner heading to next. Will the birds starts singing?.
August 12, 2016
Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge is the third in a cozy mystery series by Ovidia Yu. I didn't read the first two in this series but I think it does very well as a standalone. For me the best part of the book was the main character, an older Asian woman with great knowledge of food and plenty of wisdom. Aunty Lee owns a very successful restaurant and enjoys figuring out mysteries. She compares it to developing a great recipe. I love the setting. I have in-laws who used to live there and I have heard some stories about it but haven’t been able to visit Singapore yet.
The characters were all well developed and the pace was even and I really relished learning about Singapore. The only part I did not like was the ending. I had read a lot of mysteries where the true murdered was uncovered at a large gathering of all the suspects. But other than that it was a jewel of a book. I was impressed that Aunty Lee knew so much about Singaporean cuisine and was so philosophical about life. I want to read more about Aunty Lee’s mysteries.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling
The characters were all well developed and the pace was even and I really relished learning about Singapore. The only part I did not like was the ending. I had read a lot of mysteries where the true murdered was uncovered at a large gathering of all the suspects. But other than that it was a jewel of a book. I was impressed that Aunty Lee knew so much about Singaporean cuisine and was so philosophical about life. I want to read more about Aunty Lee’s mysteries.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling
February 13, 2016
I won an ARC of this book in a goodreads drawing.
A fun cozy with a difference, as the action goes down in Singapore, instead of some small town.
A woman who was the object of an internet mob's scorn returns to Singapore, and is murdered. Aunty Lee, hobbled with an ankle injury, investigates.
Not bad as these things go, but to be completely honest, I was expecting some recipes in the back. Don't let that stop you from picking this book up.
A fun cozy with a difference, as the action goes down in Singapore, instead of some small town.
A woman who was the object of an internet mob's scorn returns to Singapore, and is murdered. Aunty Lee, hobbled with an ankle injury, investigates.
Not bad as these things go, but to be completely honest, I was expecting some recipes in the back. Don't let that stop you from picking this book up.
July 11, 2023
Dopo tre anni, Allison Love Fitzgerald ritorna a Singapore per fare causa ad alcune persone della protezione animale locale, dicendo di averle distrutto il matrimonio. Tra queste persone c'è Cherril, la nuova collaboratrice nel ristorante di Aunty Lee.
Allison Fitzgerald aveva adottato un cucciolo, ma poi, non sopportandolo, lo aveva fatto sopprimere da una veterinaria, diventando così per tutti l'assassina di cuccioli, con un bel seguito di haters, che sicuramente hanno influenzato la sua vita da quel momento in poi.
Ma Allison non si presenta all'appuntamento con gli ex-operatori della protezione animale - che nel frattempo si è sciolta - perché viene trovata morta nella sua camera d'albergo.
Avendo paura di restare nella camera in cui è morta sua sorella, Vallerie Love approfitta del buon cuore di Aunty Lee e si fa ospitare a casa sua, ma dimostra di essere una donna piuttosto attaccabrighe come e forse più della sorella. Ma Aunty Lee attribuisce questo suo atteggiamento allo stress per la morte di Allison.
Forse il cozy mistery con Aunty Lee che mi è piaciuto di più finora, anche se la rabbia di alcuni personaggi è davvero insopportabile.
E mi sono molto incuriosita riguardo ai dolcetti tradizionali della festa di mezzo-autunno, i mooncakes, che poi sono anche sulla cover del libro:
Allison Fitzgerald aveva adottato un cucciolo, ma poi, non sopportandolo, lo aveva fatto sopprimere da una veterinaria, diventando così per tutti l'assassina di cuccioli, con un bel seguito di haters, che sicuramente hanno influenzato la sua vita da quel momento in poi.
Ma Allison non si presenta all'appuntamento con gli ex-operatori della protezione animale - che nel frattempo si è sciolta - perché viene trovata morta nella sua camera d'albergo.
Avendo paura di restare nella camera in cui è morta sua sorella, Vallerie Love approfitta del buon cuore di Aunty Lee e si fa ospitare a casa sua, ma dimostra di essere una donna piuttosto attaccabrighe come e forse più della sorella. Ma Aunty Lee attribuisce questo suo atteggiamento allo stress per la morte di Allison.
Forse il cozy mistery con Aunty Lee che mi è piaciuto di più finora, anche se la rabbia di alcuni personaggi è davvero insopportabile.
E mi sono molto incuriosita riguardo ai dolcetti tradizionali della festa di mezzo-autunno, i mooncakes, che poi sono anche sulla cover del libro:
February 23, 2021
My first cosy mystery read. Hilarious and predictable but I enjoyed all the local food mentioned intermittently through out the book. The characters were all really interesting. Well fleshed out. Fun, light read.
July 22, 2022
My only quibble with the Aunty Lee books is that there are no recipes. I love this series.
May 28, 2024
Little on the nose with the clues, but I love Aunty Lee! She is an ICON! I am so sad we only have one book left!
January 21, 2019
I enjoyed this somewhat bizarre and complicated cozy mystery even though I had figured out whodunit halfway through the story.
May 13, 2025
I thought I guessed it but finally this time it's not so straightforward!
May 23, 2016
**Full disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
Rosie “Aunty” Lee—feisty widow, amateur sleuth and proprietor of Singapore’s best-loved home cooking restaurant—is back in another delectable, witty mystery set in Singapore.
This is the third book in the Singaproean Mystery series and the first one that I have read and while I was aware that there were background stories and such that I was missing out on this in no way interfered with my ability to enjoy this book on it's own or in following who was who.
As a rule in cozy mysteries the mystery itself is rarely the most important part of the story, the characters and settings are and this is certainly true in this case.
Aunty Lee is a riot with a big heart, a quick mind and sees nothing wrong with being openly nosy to the nth degree and interfering in peoples lives, she always means well and at least in this book, she always seems to be right.
Of the secondary characters, Nina, her foreign domestic helper and friend was the only one I felt a strong connection to but I still enjoyed most of them and want to learn more about them.
I found the authors characterization of Westerners hilarious if a bit overly cartoony and a bit distracting.
As for the setting, I can't say that I got a strong sense of Singapore as a county but I do feel that I got at least a taste of it's culture and sense of community on a small local scale and I would love to learn more.
As I said above, you don't read cozies for a tight, intense mystery and in this case if the author took the mystery out entirely and just told stories of Aunty Lee and her restaurant I would love that and read the heck out of those books.
This book was a BLAST and I am so looking forward to reading the others in this series.
Rosie “Aunty” Lee—feisty widow, amateur sleuth and proprietor of Singapore’s best-loved home cooking restaurant—is back in another delectable, witty mystery set in Singapore.
This is the third book in the Singaproean Mystery series and the first one that I have read and while I was aware that there were background stories and such that I was missing out on this in no way interfered with my ability to enjoy this book on it's own or in following who was who.
As a rule in cozy mysteries the mystery itself is rarely the most important part of the story, the characters and settings are and this is certainly true in this case.
Aunty Lee is a riot with a big heart, a quick mind and sees nothing wrong with being openly nosy to the nth degree and interfering in peoples lives, she always means well and at least in this book, she always seems to be right.
Of the secondary characters, Nina, her foreign domestic helper and friend was the only one I felt a strong connection to but I still enjoyed most of them and want to learn more about them.
I found the authors characterization of Westerners hilarious if a bit overly cartoony and a bit distracting.
As for the setting, I can't say that I got a strong sense of Singapore as a county but I do feel that I got at least a taste of it's culture and sense of community on a small local scale and I would love to learn more.
As I said above, you don't read cozies for a tight, intense mystery and in this case if the author took the mystery out entirely and just told stories of Aunty Lee and her restaurant I would love that and read the heck out of those books.
This book was a BLAST and I am so looking forward to reading the others in this series.
May 14, 2016
What it's all about...
Aunty Lee...a very interesting lady...a restaurant owner as well as a mystery solver...finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation...yet again! A woman has been killed and Aunty Lee is taking care of her sister. The sister is loud, overbearing and annoying. So Allison...the dead sister...came back to Singapore to sue people for the break up of her marriage. I think this all might have been in the book before this one in this series. But...it's explained cleanly and I had no confusion about anything. The people she is suing are part of an animal rights group and it involves a puppy that Allison adopted...anyway...there isn't any reason for me to go into it here...it's all a part of the mystery in the book! I will add, though, that a vet involved in the puppy adoption with this lady has been killed, too...so...the mystery gets deeper and deeper? Could it be connected to Allison's overpowering and annoying sister Vallerie? Or...could it be more of the animal rights people...one of whom is Aunty Lee's own partner in her restaurant? Or could it be Allison's ex husband? There are lots of possibilities!
Why I wanted to read it...
I wanted to read this because although it's a cozy mystery...it's a different kind of cozy mystery. It's filled with Singaporian foods and customs and people. I had the most fun with Aunty Lee!
So...if you are a mystery enjoyer who does not mind a different kind of cozy...this book should be an enjoyable one. I liked it without loving it.
April 15, 2016
This was my first Aunty Lee mystery and I absolutely loved it! Initially there was a slow build, but once we got into the story deeper I really enjoyed it. The integration of good food, realistic family relationships and the build of the story wrapped together to something I really enjoyed.
Unfortunately I did guess the “big reveal” before the climax of the book, but it only partially detracted from the enjoyment. There were still a lot of questions that had to be determined. I certainly am interested in going back to read the first two books in the series as its rare I find a mystery I really enjoyed!
Warning: Contains some references to violence.
Who should read it? Folks looking for a fun mystery that won’t give you nightmares.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of TLC Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
Unfortunately I did guess the “big reveal” before the climax of the book, but it only partially detracted from the enjoyment. There were still a lot of questions that had to be determined. I certainly am interested in going back to read the first two books in the series as its rare I find a mystery I really enjoyed!
Warning: Contains some references to violence.
Who should read it? Folks looking for a fun mystery that won’t give you nightmares.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of TLC Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
February 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I hate to give this one such a bad rating. I just felt like the big “surprise” was so obvious from early on that I was frustrated just waiting for it to be revealed. In addition, I felt like so many of the aspects I enjoyed in earlier books was missing from this one. Aunty Lee, instead of being the upbeat busybody, was glum and pessimistic about life. There was a lot less of the regular supporting characters, and instead there was too much time spent on the victim’s sister. She was a horrible person, and it was beyond belief that anyone would put up with being treated that way by a house guest. I was also very bothered by the background on Alison - the woman tried to murder her own children, and that is just mentioned in passing? Clearly this woman has a mental illness, but no one really seems to do anything about it! Overall, a disappointing third instalment.
July 29, 2016
The story takes place in Singapore and has a lot of multicultural characters. Three years ago British expat Allison Fitzgerald left Singapore in disgrace after a scandal when she had her adopted dog put down by vet Samantha Kang. Now she has returned with a lawsuit involving friends of Aunty Lees. Aunty Lee runs a restaurant famous for her home cooking and being an amateur crime solver. When Allison Fitzgerald and the vet are murdered Aunty Lee's friends are suspects. Slowed down with a broken ankle Aunty Lee manages to find herself in the middle of solving the murder. There are several possible suspect and a surprise outcome to the murder. I was bothered by the reaction of everyone to the last murder ,no one seemed too upset by the loss of a person who was a good friend. I received this book through G oodreads for a review.
March 25, 2016
I won Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge by Ovidia Yu from Goodreads.
Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge by Ovidia Yu is an excellent cozy mystery full of tantalizing red herrings and fascinating characters. Readers will love protagonist Aunty Lee, the first proprietor of Aunty Lee's Delights, who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Motivated by kindness, Aunty Lee takes in the sister of the murder victim, causing readers to fret that perhaps Aunty Lee has brought danger to her own doorstep.
Readers will enjoy Aunty Lee's quirks, philosophies, and mystery-solving talents. Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge is highly recommended for readers of cozy mysteries.
Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge by Ovidia Yu is an excellent cozy mystery full of tantalizing red herrings and fascinating characters. Readers will love protagonist Aunty Lee, the first proprietor of Aunty Lee's Delights, who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Motivated by kindness, Aunty Lee takes in the sister of the murder victim, causing readers to fret that perhaps Aunty Lee has brought danger to her own doorstep.
Readers will enjoy Aunty Lee's quirks, philosophies, and mystery-solving talents. Aunty Lee's Chilled Revenge is highly recommended for readers of cozy mysteries.
April 30, 2017
I love Ovidia Yu’s Aunty Lee’s Delights series for many reasons. First and foremost is Aunty Lee herself. Aunty Lee is a complex, wise and warm hearted woman. While she might enjoy solving a good mystery…or murder…her bottom line is helping people. She opens her heart and her home. I really enjoy the way Yu has Aunty Lee using food preparation and eating to solve the various crimes. She is an astute observer of people.
Aunty Lee’s Delights series isn’t your typical mystery because of its setting and the uniqueness of the characters. That said, if you aren’t reading it, you are missing one of the best series out there.
Aunty Lee’s Delights series isn’t your typical mystery because of its setting and the uniqueness of the characters. That said, if you aren’t reading it, you are missing one of the best series out there.
July 8, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review. I struggled some with the stilted conversations, but found the intrigue of the mystery fun and enjoyable. I was a little disconcerted by the differentiation of the two sisters by the skinny pretty sister and the fat sister. In today's world of labels and discriminations, I would think that an author could find better ways of defining the characters. I didn't allow that flaw to detract from the story, but probably would have rated it higher had the author used better choices for wording.
April 10, 2017
Aunty Lee is somewhat laid up with a twisted ankle, but that doesn’t stop her from nosing around after the death of a much-hated British expat, known in Singapore as the “puppy killer.” Something is definitely amiss, and another death spurs Aunty Lee to ferret out the truth. Though filled with the flavor of Singapore, this book at times drags and seems to lack focus. The solution to some of the mystery is pretty obvious early in the tale. Still, if you like mysteries set in foreign places, this series may appeal to you.
May 30, 2016
Much as I love Aunty Lee and her assorted friends and family, this book just took way too long to get to the totally obvious revelations and resolution. It was almost unpleasant to read because there was just too much Vallerie, who was a total caricature, and the absolutely unbelievably polite responses to her be everyone. I know Singaporeans are extremely polite, but that was unrealistic and ridiculous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews