Smoldering Flames and Secrets

Raina Sun Mystery #7

by Anne R. Tan

Smoldering flames are still deadly.

Raina Sun is in San Francisco, preparing for her cousin's upcoming wedding...to her ex-boyfriend. Even though she is a reluctant bridesmaid, she understands duty to her family. When the bridegroom shows an unusual interest in her fiancé, and a dead body drops in during the rehearsal dinner, Raina is drawn into another murder investigation.

She must prove the bridegroom's innocence, or he will reveal a secret that could change her beloved fiancé's life...and not for the better. As things heat up, she learns all families have skeletons, and some are more deadly than others. Among the hundreds of guests, could she find this heartless killer before she becomes the next victim? And will this secret stay hidden?

Come join Raina in this next phase in her life--get your copy of Smoldering Flames and Secrets now!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2018

About the author

Anne R. Tan is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes the Raina Sun Mystery series, the Lucy Fong Mystery series, and the Cedar Woods Mystery series. Her humorous cozy mysteries feature Chinese-American amateur sleuths dealing with love, family, and life while solving murders. Her books feature diverse characters and relationships because everyone deserves to be an armchair detective.

A Note from Anne:

My books are my legacy to my children. Unfortunately, they would not grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area like I did. Without a cultural hub to keep the language and philosophies alive, our family would lose this part of our heritage in one generation. My children are visitors to this rich culture, just like my readers. At its core, I always felt Chinese culture is about family and community. I hope you’ll enjoy your time with Raina Sun, Lucy Fong, and their large dynamic family.

Thank you for supporting my art,

Anne R. Tan

Reviews

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Smoldering Flames and Secrets, book 7 of Anne R Tan’s outstanding series, the Raina Sun Mysteries. Raina is an amateur detective and her Grandma Po Po is her trusty sidekick. This series is super fun, except for the murder portion, of course. It’s also interesting to learn about Chinese culture. I really think the series would make a wonderful television series for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries! You will not want to put it down until the eventful ending!

[Victoria]

I love the bond between Raina and her grandma and I love how many family members were involved in this book.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raina ends up planning her cousin's wedding.

[CONNIE BALTHROP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner. The story is never boring.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina's cousin, Jung-yee is getting married to Sebastian Luc, who goes by the nickname of Blue. The wedding is scheduled for the following week. Raina, her maternal grandmother - Po Po, and Raina's fiance, Matthew, are helping with the pre-ceremony arrangements.

Po Po found the Boston Terrier, Gigi, in a park and decided to watch over the animal until its owner's return. During a pre-wedding photo shoot, Gigi suddenly runs off. When she returns, her feet are covered with blood - but not her own!

Raina, deciding to investigate the source of the blood, follows the dog's trail. What she finds is a dead body in the vineyard. From there, things start to get really strange. The body is that of a former child star turned "Angel". Angel is a title given to an individual who makes personal loans to help small business owners.

Who would want to hurt an Angel? Why leave the body there where it is easily found? Was it deliberately left there to disrupt the wedding? Can Raina and Po Po unravel the mystery in time to salvage the wedding?

Anne R. Tan puts so much into her books and the tidbits of Chinese culture really add to the story. She gives life to her fantastic characters, while keeping everything going at a steady pace. If you are not paying attention, you will likely miss an important clue. I hope she can continue with more books in the Raina Sun series for a very long time.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne has done it again. I have read all of Anne’s books and look forward to the new Raina Sun installments. The quirky murder mysteries keep you reading and wanting to see what Raina and PoPo will do next. In this installment, there is a body discovered at the vineyard where Raina’s cousin is to be married. Not only does Raina take it upon herself to try to solve the murder but she also reluctantly becomes the wedding planner. The groom is Raina’s ex and somehow involved with the victim, so she needs to tread lightly trying to prove Blue’s innocence, save the wedding and solve the mystery. The book it chock full of Chinese culture and traditions. Anne seamlessly incorporates them throughout the entire story, almost making them a character in and of itself. The unforgettable PoPo always brings the comic relief as Raina’s grandmother and crime solving sidekick. I loved how Lucy Fong, Raina’s “cousin” also shows up, tying both series together. I expected a little more between Matthew (her fiancé) and Raina in crime solving itself. With their impending wedding getting closer in each book, hopefully them working together again will follow. Overall, loved the newest addition to the Raina series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina's cousin is getting married, the Chinese way, with ALL the relatives being part of the ceremony. Chinese weddings are notoriously huge, with all the relatives, no matter how distant and no matter how out of touch they are, being included and invited. To miss anyone out would be an insult and the couple and their parents would lose face big time. So when a dead body is found during the wedding rehearsal, all hell breaks lose; the bride has a fit and fires the wedding planner, the venue becomes a crime scene and lucky Raina is left to pick up the pieces and hold things together (as requested I.e. commanded by her Mum and requested i.e. begged by her cousin)

As always, Po Po is up for investigating and finding the killer but Raina is not too sure, especially when she becomes the target for interfering. Another fun read from Anne R Tan. I really like the little insights she offers into the family and their traditions which are part of the Chinese culture. And Raina and Po Po are always great for a laugh as well as being up to dangerous and fun antics. Cannot wait for the next one! I received and ARC and this is my honest review.

[Maria-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have read every one of this series.
These stories are a delightful read. You have to smile at the antics of Grandma. Raina gave up trying to control her. Anne Tan has the ability to tell these stories which makes it easy reading even when she interweaves some more serious subjects. The burden that is part of belonging to a large traditional Chinese family with Grandma been the first generation to have settled in America. Occasionally you get small glimpses into her live in China and her marriage. Within three generations of family members you get the normal friction and rivalries but mostly the caring for each other comes through. Of course add in a bit of mystery. The murder always comes to a conclusion within each book but to get the full flavor of the characters and understanding the family relationships I highly recommend that you read them in order.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Loved the book!
It looks like no matter where Raina goes, murder just follows her.
Raina is in San Francisco for her cousin's wedding ( to her ex, Yikes ! )
She is wearing an ugly bridesmaid dress, and just minding her own business.
A body is found on the wedding venue. What are the odds ?
Is the wedding ruined ? ( Not if Jung Yee has anything to say about that )
Now, once again, Raina has to solve another murder.
With Po Po by her side, there is nothing Raina cannot do.
As always, Po Po is a hoot.
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in the Raina Sun series and it was every bit as good as all the others. Raina's cousin is getting married and suddenly finds herself without a wedding planner. Raina finds herself volunteered to do the job. During the last few days before the wedding a dead body is found at the vineyard where the wedding is being held. It is way to late to find another venue, so Raina is insinuating herself into the investigation in the hopes of everything being cleared up before the wedding. To make matters worse, the groom is not only Raina's ex-boyfriend, but also one of the murder suspects.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina is going to her ex-boyfriend's wedding to her cousin...and another murder. one of the reasons I love these stories is because of the wonderful mystery. Another reason is because of the Chinese culture throughout. I hope it gives me a little bit of insight into this mysterious culture. Anne R. Tan's characters are delightful and very well-rounded. You are gratified to note the very same characteristics and foibles in your own family, bringing back memories of your own. This is another wonderful mystery to be enjoyed, full of rich characters and background. I highly recommend this book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have another awesome adventure. Raina and Po Po are at home this time to be in her cousin's wedding. While at the rehearsal dinner a body is found in the vineyard. Of course it drops on Raina's shoulders to find out, one who done it and two, takeover the wedding planners job, since her cousin fired her. All this has to be done in a weeks time. How, well
Po Po isn't going to miss out on the fun of an investigation because she always has Raina's back.
This book wasn't as funny as past book but I still loved it. Lucy got to stop in for a brief cameo appearance.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina is stuck with an ugly bridesmaid dress for her cousin's wedding to Raina's old boyfriend. But it gets worse when a body is found in the vinyard during the Chinese wedding preliminary, the wedding planner goes looney, Raina has to pick up duties as wedding planner, and solve the murder so that the marriage isn't cursed. And then there's PoPo, her beloved eccentric grandmother!
If you haven't read about Raina and her grandmother before, it's not too late to start! Be prepared to sleuth along with them while they have you laughing hysterically!

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to the Raina Sun series. Raina is such a bright, funny, sensitive young woman. She cares deeply for her friends and family, even though they make her crazy most of the time. Her grandmother is just a hoot. She’s living the good life to the best of her ability. This book has lots of twists and turns, which keeps you reading and reading (way past your bedtime!). Lots of interesting Chinese cultural details, great relationships and a surprise ending! I was provided an advance copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an unbiased review.

[Kaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 7th book in Raina Sun's series - i really enjoyed catching up with the characters and following along on their latest case. This time they were trying to solve a murder at a winery and get a wedding back on track.

The relationship between Raina and her grandmother is very entertaining - at times humourous and at times frustrating and its been a lot of fun watching the relationship grow and change over the last 7 books and cant wait to see what happens to them next.

I really recommend the whole series and suggest reading them in order as they do build on each other

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reading about Raina & PoPo's crazy sleuthing adventures. I am enjoying how the Asian cast is playing out and learning more about the Chinese culture of expectations - as someone who loves tradition - but has grown up as 1st generation American, I totally get it. PoPo reminds me a lot of my own Oma, she too grew up marrying someone he family choose, but with me growing up - she would always encourage me (an even play along) in my crazy adventures..... Looking forward to the next adventure...

[Cindi Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7 in the Raina Sun Mystery Series. And the murder mystery solving team of Raina & PoPo are back in full swing. They are in San Francisco for a family wedding when murder strikes. The duo jumps in while Raina also steps up to be the wedding planner. The hijinks they get into just makes these books! I also love how Ms. Tan incorporates Chinese culture in all of her books. It brings the books more alive!

[Joyce927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raina once again becomes involved in a murder right before her cousin's wedding to her ex-boyfriend. She and PoPo, with the help of Raina's younger brother, investigate all of the possible suspects. She finds her family threatened before she can identify the killer and has to keep her wits about her, as well as whatever tools of defense she can assemble, in order to keep everyone safe and capture the killer. I especially enjoy learning more about their Chinese culture and family traditions.

[C.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awaited with mild impatience, read with enjoyment.

If you’re not read one of Ms. Tan’s books you will be entertained at several levels. Her mysteries are well plotted, well written and fun. They also have an element of family interactions that add spice and the constant background to her stories.

[JOHN C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Raina’s life get anymore complicated?

A Chinese wedding is stressful enough without a murder to solve! The clues pile up, the suspects are many and then Raina realized her Ex and her boyfriend have a secret! Her own wedding hopefully will not be as bad! (?)
Stay turned.......

[Carol K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always like cozies that take place at weddings and this one was no exception. It was extra interesting because of the added element of her Chinese culture. This was a good story and I love the characters.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved SMOLDERING FLAMES AND SECRETS! I think it may be my favorite of this series so far. It’s a straightforward murder mystery with delicious humor, but the solution is unclear until the end - just the way I like it. Raina and PoPo are absolutely wonderful characters.

[gowri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery, was vibing with the extra family lore but wondering when we're getting back to the other second family. Still seems like the author is sort of rushing through scenes but I'm still having fun

[Kety · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful mystery, full of twists and fun moments.
Well written and wonderful characters.
It will kept read until the end!

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. I like Rains and her Grandmother. The mystery is good, and I love how the Grandmother helps with the investigation. I like learning about Chinese American culture.

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid series - and this one got me keen to read Tan’s Lucy Wong series.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It has great characters.