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Noodle Shop Mystery #4
Wonton Terror
Amateur sleuth Lana Lee returns for another charming cozy Noodle Shop Mystery in Vivien Chien's Wonton Terror...
The Asian community is kicking off summer with the return of its popular Cleveland Night Market festivities, and Lana Lee is excited to represent the Ho-Lee Noodle House booth with her favorite chef, Peter Huang. Lana is confident that the evening marks the beginning of a great season to come. Not only is she looking forward to the warm temperatures, but her birthday is only weeks away, her handsome boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is planning a romantic get-away. Life couldn't be better.
But before she can get too accustomed to the idea of a carefree summer, an explosion involving a nearby food truck, Wonton on Wheels, kills one of the proprietors and injures several others in the nearby vicinity.
When the authorities discover that this was no accident, the family members of the dead man become the number-one suspects in a front-page murder story. Lana and her best friend, Megan Riley, fall back into detective mode. But as they uncover family secrets of abuse and angry costumers, Lana's own family drama raises its head. Will Lana be able to juggle everything the universe is throwing at her, or has she jumped from the frying pan to the fire?
The Asian community is kicking off summer with the return of its popular Cleveland Night Market festivities, and Lana Lee is excited to represent the Ho-Lee Noodle House booth with her favorite chef, Peter Huang. Lana is confident that the evening marks the beginning of a great season to come. Not only is she looking forward to the warm temperatures, but her birthday is only weeks away, her handsome boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is planning a romantic get-away. Life couldn't be better.
But before she can get too accustomed to the idea of a carefree summer, an explosion involving a nearby food truck, Wonton on Wheels, kills one of the proprietors and injures several others in the nearby vicinity.
When the authorities discover that this was no accident, the family members of the dead man become the number-one suspects in a front-page murder story. Lana and her best friend, Megan Riley, fall back into detective mode. But as they uncover family secrets of abuse and angry costumers, Lana's own family drama raises its head. Will Lana be able to juggle everything the universe is throwing at her, or has she jumped from the frying pan to the fire?
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
189 people are currently reading
2489 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Chien
24 books1,664 followersVivien Chien first started writing simple stories about adventures with her classmates when she was in elementary school. As she grew up, her love of books and the written word increased, leading to the attempt of her first novel at age 16. After many struggled beginnings and several different genres, she found her passion in the mystery world.
When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.
She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the fifth book in her Noodle Shop series, and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.
When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.
She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the fifth book in her Noodle Shop series, and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
March 12, 2020
Won Ton Terror by Vivien Chien is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Lana Lee’s most dangerous case to date-
Cleveland’s Night Market festivities gives Lana and her chef, Peter, a chance to represent Ho-Lee Noodle House. Lana is in a positive frame of mind as things in her life are finally coming together.
But, when the “Won Ton Wheels’ truck explodes, killing one of the proprietors, injuring Lana in the process, she learns that law enforcement is suspicous, as evidence suggests it was no accident.
Meanwhile, Lana’s aunt comes for a visit, stirring up old resentments with Lana’s mother. On a brighter note, Adam is planning to take Lana on trip for her birthday- that is if her sleuthing doesn’t land her in serious trouble!
It is always fun to touch base with this series. Lana is such a fun character and her family is always a hoot. I noticed that Adam was not as involved in Lana’s investigations this time around, since it wasn’t his case. I think this eased the tension between them giving Adam a chance to support Lana, instead of constantly warning her off.
There are plenty of red herrings and the mystery kept me guessing until the end- which is always a plus. The characters continue to develop, while keeping the premise and dialogue fresh and enjoyable.
I fell in love with this series right away and so far, it has never let me down. Looking forward to the next episode!! I wonder what kind of situation Lana will get herself into next!
4 stars
Lana Lee’s most dangerous case to date-
Cleveland’s Night Market festivities gives Lana and her chef, Peter, a chance to represent Ho-Lee Noodle House. Lana is in a positive frame of mind as things in her life are finally coming together.
But, when the “Won Ton Wheels’ truck explodes, killing one of the proprietors, injuring Lana in the process, she learns that law enforcement is suspicous, as evidence suggests it was no accident.
Meanwhile, Lana’s aunt comes for a visit, stirring up old resentments with Lana’s mother. On a brighter note, Adam is planning to take Lana on trip for her birthday- that is if her sleuthing doesn’t land her in serious trouble!
It is always fun to touch base with this series. Lana is such a fun character and her family is always a hoot. I noticed that Adam was not as involved in Lana’s investigations this time around, since it wasn’t his case. I think this eased the tension between them giving Adam a chance to support Lana, instead of constantly warning her off.
There are plenty of red herrings and the mystery kept me guessing until the end- which is always a plus. The characters continue to develop, while keeping the premise and dialogue fresh and enjoyable.
I fell in love with this series right away and so far, it has never let me down. Looking forward to the next episode!! I wonder what kind of situation Lana will get herself into next!
4 stars
August 12, 2020
Not too much to say except this one was a more convoluted cozy mystery than what came before. I also didn't like the why behind the murders because this definitely moved things into a more darker side of cozy mysteries I have to say. I also didn't want the guilty party caught. What was really surprising is that Lana actually got on my nerves in this one. She really didn't have a reason like she did in the other books to investigate what happened here. The subplot with her mom and aunt didn't work either. We had been hearing about this visit for 2 books now and the whole thing was a let down and very annoying to read about.
"Wonton Terror" is the 4th book in "A Noodle Shop Mystery" series. Lana Lee is now more comfortable as manager of her family's restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. She and the restaurant's cook, Peter, are working out of a food truck at the Cleveland Night Market festival. Lana is debating where to go on vacation with her boyfriend and about her aunt's upcoming visit. Things turn dark though when one of the food trucks, Wonton on Wheels blows up killing one of the owners. Lana and her roommate and best friend, Megan decide to investigate, cause reasons.
I don't know what to say really. I have enjoyed Lana and Megan in other books, but this time they annoyed me with the play detective thing. Especially when they hear about one of the men who died and his relationship with his wife. I feel like that side of things was discussed, but not really thought through enough. I can't really applaud the resolution in this one cause I went eh through most of the book. The only good thing was that at least Lana isn't hiding her investigations from her boyfriend anymore, Detective Adam Trudeau. Adam and Lana seem much more solid as a couple and I hope the love triangle or rectangle that seemed to be popping up in the previous books just dies out.
The writing was okay, just the flow of the book didn't really work after a while. I think that it would have worked better to have Lana's aunt visit in another standalone and have that visit tied up with a murder. That would have given Lana more reason to investigate, but also we would have been more focused on the family dynamics in that one. There was just too much happening in this one that felt shoehorned in.
Onto the next one!
"Wonton Terror" is the 4th book in "A Noodle Shop Mystery" series. Lana Lee is now more comfortable as manager of her family's restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. She and the restaurant's cook, Peter, are working out of a food truck at the Cleveland Night Market festival. Lana is debating where to go on vacation with her boyfriend and about her aunt's upcoming visit. Things turn dark though when one of the food trucks, Wonton on Wheels blows up killing one of the owners. Lana and her roommate and best friend, Megan decide to investigate, cause reasons.
I don't know what to say really. I have enjoyed Lana and Megan in other books, but this time they annoyed me with the play detective thing. Especially when they hear about one of the men who died and his relationship with his wife. I feel like that side of things was discussed, but not really thought through enough. I can't really applaud the resolution in this one cause I went eh through most of the book. The only good thing was that at least Lana isn't hiding her investigations from her boyfriend anymore, Detective Adam Trudeau. Adam and Lana seem much more solid as a couple and I hope the love triangle or rectangle that seemed to be popping up in the previous books just dies out.
The writing was okay, just the flow of the book didn't really work after a while. I think that it would have worked better to have Lana's aunt visit in another standalone and have that visit tied up with a murder. That would have given Lana more reason to investigate, but also we would have been more focused on the family dynamics in that one. There was just too much happening in this one that felt shoehorned in.
Onto the next one!
October 3, 2024
Lana Lee is excited for the night market this summer. It should be fun and a good chance to draw more customers for her family’s restaurant. However, the first night ends with the explosion of one of the food trucks in attendance. There is one fatality – the owner of the truck. His wife was a friend of Lana’s mother’s, although they have drifted apart. When the police look at the wife as a suspect, Lana jumps in. Can she clear the woman?
It’s been a while since I visited Lana, and it was nice to be back. I like her and her family and friends. I especially like how realistic the family dynamics feels. A subplot involving the Lee family was also well handled. The mystery started strongly, but the pacing did lag a bit in the middle. Lana was a bit stupid at the climax, but I did still enjoy how it played out, and everything made sense at the end. If you are as behind as I am, you’ll enjoy this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It’s been a while since I visited Lana, and it was nice to be back. I like her and her family and friends. I especially like how realistic the family dynamics feels. A subplot involving the Lee family was also well handled. The mystery started strongly, but the pacing did lag a bit in the middle. Lana was a bit stupid at the climax, but I did still enjoy how it played out, and everything made sense at the end. If you are as behind as I am, you’ll enjoy this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 5, 2019
GENRE: CULINARY COZY MYSTERY
Vivien Chien cooks up another scrumptious mystery in Wonton Terror! This series is one of my favorites. The heroine is a spicy little thing that defies everything her heritage stands for. Sure, she appreciates her roots but she certainly isn't the demur little thing that many may associate her character with. I love how Vivien gives Lana enough flair to make her stand out as a heroine! Not only that, she's got a lot of "balls" so to speak and isn't afraid to go looking for clues when something isn't right. I appreciate her bravery, sense, and the fact that she stops at nothing for family and friends. Characters truly make the book and Lana and the secondary characters within The Noodle Shop Mystery series make this one of my favorites in the genres!
Wonton Terror is the 4th book in the series and I suggest reading the books in order as they follow the same characters throughout. Some people say you can read cozies in any order you like as they all feature different mysteries but I tend to disagree. I disagree because the characters have a lot of growth as series progress. Whether it be in the romance department or life in general this IS the case for most series just like this one.
That being said, Wonton Terror takes readers on a quest to find a killer who blew up a friend of the families food truck. Vivien creates enough breadcrumbs throughout this story in terms of figuring out who the killer actually is. But there is also a huge twist at the end when everything is revealed- this I did NOT see coming!
Join Lana and her friends as they dig up clues to unearth the mystery of the Killer. You will NOT regret it. You may however come away from the story with a HUGE craving for wonton soup and springs rolls! All of the food mentioned had my stomach grumbling.
Vivien Chien cooks up another scrumptious mystery in Wonton Terror! This series is one of my favorites. The heroine is a spicy little thing that defies everything her heritage stands for. Sure, she appreciates her roots but she certainly isn't the demur little thing that many may associate her character with. I love how Vivien gives Lana enough flair to make her stand out as a heroine! Not only that, she's got a lot of "balls" so to speak and isn't afraid to go looking for clues when something isn't right. I appreciate her bravery, sense, and the fact that she stops at nothing for family and friends. Characters truly make the book and Lana and the secondary characters within The Noodle Shop Mystery series make this one of my favorites in the genres!
Wonton Terror is the 4th book in the series and I suggest reading the books in order as they follow the same characters throughout. Some people say you can read cozies in any order you like as they all feature different mysteries but I tend to disagree. I disagree because the characters have a lot of growth as series progress. Whether it be in the romance department or life in general this IS the case for most series just like this one.
That being said, Wonton Terror takes readers on a quest to find a killer who blew up a friend of the families food truck. Vivien creates enough breadcrumbs throughout this story in terms of figuring out who the killer actually is. But there is also a huge twist at the end when everything is revealed- this I did NOT see coming!
Join Lana and her friends as they dig up clues to unearth the mystery of the Killer. You will NOT regret it. You may however come away from the story with a HUGE craving for wonton soup and springs rolls! All of the food mentioned had my stomach grumbling.
September 17, 2019
Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien is the fourth novel in A Noodle Shop Mystery series. Each book in this series can be read on its own. I like this unique cozy mystery series that has readers enjoying Asian food and culture in Ohio. Lana Lee is rocking purple hair while busy managing the family restaurant, working at the Asian Night Market, attending mandatory family dinners and spending time with her boyfriend. With her Aunt Grace in town, her mother is tense (putting is mildly). Grace Richardson is a free spirit who writes for a travel magazine. The two sisters have conflicting opinions. I felt bad for Adam who got dragged into some of the family dinners and drama. The family eats at different Asian restaurants around town. The food descriptions had me craving my favorite Chinese dishes. I thought the story progressed at steady pace with interesting characters and revelations. The mystery touches upon the sensitive topic of domestic abuse. I did not have a hard time pinpointing the guilty party, but others might find it challenging (depends upon your amateur sleuth status). I hope Lana’s grandmother gets some help in understanding English soon (por thing). Lana needs to be cued in that there is an app for that. The Lee family has their issues, but they love each other. Wonton Terror is a lighthearted cozy mystery with nummy noodles, kin commotion, a big boom, vacation vacillation, and murder mayhem.
April 4, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It is time for the Cleveland Night Market and Lana Lee is thrilled her Ho-Lee Noodle House will be serving up its delicious Chinese food. The first night goes very well but wraps up with a huge KABOOM! A food truck belonging to some old friends of her parents explodes killing the husband Ronnie Chow and injuring the wife, Sandra.
On top of that Lana’s mother’s sister, Grace arrives in town for a visit and her boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau is planning a romantic trip for her birthday.
So there is plenty of family drama and some undercover sleuthing going on, but Lana better tread carefully or she may be the next one getting burned.
Lana continues to grow in each book and this time she really doesn’t back away from the challenge of finding who blew up that food truck. She goes back time and time again questioning suspects and anyone that may have any information. From the elderly Mahjong Matrons to reconnecting with her childhood friend, Calvin Chow, who may be her number 1 suspect, or his uncle Gene. She really came across as brave this time. She is also learning that to avoid some of the family drama is to take a pass on the family dinners once in a while, but her overbearing mother won’t let that happen often. This tight-knit family is what really sets this series apart. With all the drama you can see the love behind it all. This time grandma has some wise words for her daughters, making Lana and her sister Anna Mae have a bit of an awakening too.
Ms. Chien has served up a very twisted mystery here. It was a challenging mystery to solve, in fact, there is a huge twist at the end that turned all my theories inside out. The pace felt a lot faster this time than in the previous books, my pages were flying.
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far. Egg Drop Dead is waiting not so patiently on my Kindle and Killer Kung Pao will be released on August 25.
Wonton Terror is a wonderful addition to this series! I would encourage you to start the series from the beginning but the author does a great job at including enough background to read each story on its own.
It is time for the Cleveland Night Market and Lana Lee is thrilled her Ho-Lee Noodle House will be serving up its delicious Chinese food. The first night goes very well but wraps up with a huge KABOOM! A food truck belonging to some old friends of her parents explodes killing the husband Ronnie Chow and injuring the wife, Sandra.
On top of that Lana’s mother’s sister, Grace arrives in town for a visit and her boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau is planning a romantic trip for her birthday.
So there is plenty of family drama and some undercover sleuthing going on, but Lana better tread carefully or she may be the next one getting burned.
Lana continues to grow in each book and this time she really doesn’t back away from the challenge of finding who blew up that food truck. She goes back time and time again questioning suspects and anyone that may have any information. From the elderly Mahjong Matrons to reconnecting with her childhood friend, Calvin Chow, who may be her number 1 suspect, or his uncle Gene. She really came across as brave this time. She is also learning that to avoid some of the family drama is to take a pass on the family dinners once in a while, but her overbearing mother won’t let that happen often. This tight-knit family is what really sets this series apart. With all the drama you can see the love behind it all. This time grandma has some wise words for her daughters, making Lana and her sister Anna Mae have a bit of an awakening too.
Ms. Chien has served up a very twisted mystery here. It was a challenging mystery to solve, in fact, there is a huge twist at the end that turned all my theories inside out. The pace felt a lot faster this time than in the previous books, my pages were flying.
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far. Egg Drop Dead is waiting not so patiently on my Kindle and Killer Kung Pao will be released on August 25.
Wonton Terror is a wonderful addition to this series! I would encourage you to start the series from the beginning but the author does a great job at including enough background to read each story on its own.
September 4, 2019
WONTON TERROR is book four in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. This is a series that I have enjoyed in the past because of the premise of it. However, the more I read these books, there are things that I am discovering about this author and her writing style.
First off, let me start with what I liked about the book. I’ve always been a big fan of the Asian influence in this series. It’s definitely one of the most unique Cozy Mystery series out there and I do hope that more series come from this idea from other authors as well. It’s nice to see the Asian community represented in books.
But as I read this series I am quickly realizing that these stories tend to be very light in comparison to the other Cozy Mystery books I read. I don’t mean that they are slow in pacing or anything like that, but the conflict and writing style just tends to be more amateur in style. I just don’t think that they are as well-developed but that’s just my personal opinion. I’m looking forward to see Chien’s writing in the future to see how it develops and grows. But WONTON TERROR is definitely a quick and fun read that I found still enjoyable.
July 11, 2019
Lana Lee decides to investigate another murder, this one involving a food truck at her neighborhood's Asian Night Market. The mystery is interesting, and I'm happy to report that I guessed the wrong whodunnit. More importantly, I love the way Lana interacts with her family, especially when her aunt arrives for a visit. Lana's mother and aunt do NOT get along, and there's a lot of uncomfortable dim sum Sunday gatherings.
What didn't work for me how a very serious subject matter (domestic violence) was thrown into the story line this time around. We all know that cozy mysteries are just that - cozy and light, with a cheerful ending. But because domestic violence did become part of this story, it felt wrong to treat it in that same cozy, frivolous manner. Lana did acknowledge how lucky she was to not have abusive fathers or partners in her life, but otherwise glossing over it made me uncomfortable. Maybe an afterword about domestic abuse and IRL hotline numbers would help make this subject a bit less jarring.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
What didn't work for me how a very serious subject matter (domestic violence) was thrown into the story line this time around. We all know that cozy mysteries are just that - cozy and light, with a cheerful ending. But because domestic violence did become part of this story, it felt wrong to treat it in that same cozy, frivolous manner. Lana did acknowledge how lucky she was to not have abusive fathers or partners in her life, but otherwise glossing over it made me uncomfortable. Maybe an afterword about domestic abuse and IRL hotline numbers would help make this subject a bit less jarring.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
July 12, 2019
Lana Lee is back in another enjoyable installment in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. I love the family dynamics of the Lee family. This time around, we get to meet Lana's Aunt Grace, her mother's sister. It was fun to meet her and see the sibling relationship she has with Mama Lee. I really enjoy the relationship between Lana and her sister Anna Mae. Having a sister of my own I can relate to the somewhat competitive nature of the two. Lana's romance with Adam is also progressing nicely, even though she has a knack of trouble finding her even when she is just going about her own business.
The mystery was well done and handled in a well considering it involved domestic abuses. There are plenty of suspects to choose from and while the identity of the killer was not a surprise, it was enjoyable to read as Lana works through the clues to come to a resolution.
I really enjoy this series and always finish a book having been entertained for several hours. I will definitely continue reading this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley.
The mystery was well done and handled in a well considering it involved domestic abuses. There are plenty of suspects to choose from and while the identity of the killer was not a surprise, it was enjoyable to read as Lana works through the clues to come to a resolution.
I really enjoy this series and always finish a book having been entertained for several hours. I will definitely continue reading this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley.
Read
December 28, 2021Book 4. I have read book 1 in this series. And skipped book 2 and 3. But I will read those eventuality. This series are great. I love the character Lana the manager of HoLee Noodle House. Her family restaurant. Her parents wanted her to be manager and she excepted in another book in the series. Lana did not want to do it at first. Lana is a free spirit she has different color of hair every few days. Her mom does not approve. In book 4 The Night Market was going on in Rockwell. Asians and some not were selling foods and merchandise in booths or good trucks. Lana and one of her employees Peter went. Lana saw a couple Sandra and Ronnie there ( her parents old time friends way back when she was a little girl) Their son Calvin was there too ( Lana thought he was a bully when they used to get together. They had a a food band wagon they started up not to long ago. All varieties of Wontons. Well something went wrong and their was a Explosion at Night Market. A lot of people got hurt Nancy ( Peter mom) Sandra, Ruby ( also a friend of her parents) and one man Ronnie died. Was it an accident waiting to happen or was it some kind of bomber move. I recommend these books
October 17, 2023
The Asian Plaza is having an outdoor farmer's market sort of thing to bring more people to the stores. There are all kinds of booths and food trucks. Maybe one too many food trucks, as one explodes, killing the owner. The dead guy was friends with Lana's parents a long time ago, so she investigates.
Meanwhile, her aunt is visiting, and she does NOT get along with Lana's mother.
Pretty good. A very strong series.
Meanwhile, her aunt is visiting, and she does NOT get along with Lana's mother.
Pretty good. A very strong series.
July 22, 2019
Vivien Chien continues her series with Lana Lee and the Lee's Noodle House Restaurant. Lana's character is now the manager for the Noodle House, taking on this responsibility for her mother since Lana's grandmother has came for a visit and is staying with her parents. As in Ms. Chien's previous books we are allowed to feel the surrounding and activities found within Cleveland, OH and it's neighboring suburbs. The regular characters return with the addition of Lana's aunt, her mother's sister. We also meet new business owners. When Lana and Peter are working a Friday night event, a sudden explosion of a neighboring food truck and death of the husband of the couple who owned it, brings many questions. Was it just an accident or was it planned and if so who did it. Lana Lee once again feels the pull to seek out answers. With the help of her roommate she is determined to get this solved.
The twists and turns in the plot of this story will keep you turning page after page. Just when you think you have figured out who did it, someone else is brought out. We also see the relationship with Lana and her police detective boyfriend develop further.
The twists and turns in the plot of this story will keep you turning page after page. Just when you think you have figured out who did it, someone else is brought out. We also see the relationship with Lana and her police detective boyfriend develop further.
November 17, 2021
I feel compelled to say that Lana is truly bad at being a detective. But I can’t get enough of books that normalize being Asian American, and the food theme is very fun.
August 23, 2023
These continue to be very reliable reads for me and there's a lot of value in that for me this summer.
October 2, 2019
Lana Lee is attending the first night of Cleveland’s Asian night market. Her boyfriend is planning a trip for the two of them, but it has to be put on hold when a man who owns a food truck is killed. between some family drama and looking for who caused the death Lana Lee is busy.
September 17, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia anche se ho sospettato ben presto della persona giusta. C'è solo una cosa che mi disturba un po': perché la protagonista non riesce a confidare i suoi sospetti al proprio boyfriend, che pure è un detective che ha dimostrato più volte di sopportare il suo ficcanasare?
Bella storia anche se ho sospettato ben presto della persona giusta. C'è solo una cosa che mi disturba un po': perché la protagonista non riesce a confidare i suoi sospetti al proprio boyfriend, che pure è un detective che ha dimostrato più volte di sopportare il suo ficcanasare?
October 10, 2019
Wonton Terror (A Noodle Shop Mystery Book 4) by Vivien Chien
I LOVED book 3 in the series. I gave it - 5 stars.
I gave book 4 in the series – 2 stars.
I wonder what happen?
**SPOILERS**
REVIEW:
I’m 36% into the book and I already figured out who the killer is.
I’m already 50% into this book and nothing special is happening. Lana just goes around asking questions, jumps to conclusions and writes in her secret notebook. Her dad still calls her Goober. Peter still says Dude. And she’s still letting us know she didn’t want to run her family restaurant, but here she is.
It’s the same thing. It’s mundane. I am sadden, I haven’t laughed one bit in this book. No parts are funny.
Conclusion:
I was VERY disappointed in this book. It was not at all funny and all Lana did was go around asking questions. The book seemed more of an outline, then a true book. And who she thought was the killer was not the killer, but she was adamant she knew who the killer was.
Lana was stupid in this book. I was so ashamed of her. When she went to talk to Gene, all he did was pick up and put down a huge wrench (he was in the process of fixing a vehicle, he did own an auto repair shop) and she told Megan “I think he just threatened me.” Stupid. Or when she was talking to Calvin and said” We have to face the possibly that your uncle gene was involved in your father’s murder.” She had no proof, yet, told Calvin his uncle killed his dad. Again Stupid.
And when she finally figured out who the real killer was, it didn’t make any sense. Something about propane tanks and the safety of them. I was like “Really?!” Just that one little thing and she figured it all out, she didn’t put any thought about the slander she did on other people’s character. She didn’t even apologize or acknowledge it. At the very end she said it was good to be her. SMFH.
I will not be reading another book in this series.
The only thing I liked in the book was the briefly mentioned grandmother and Mr. Zhang dating. I wished we got more of that, but we didn’t. We got Lana blaming everyone but the killer.
2 stars.
Again I wonder what happen…
A Big Thank You goes out to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing me with an advanced digital read. The opinions expressed on this review are my own.
I LOVED book 3 in the series. I gave it - 5 stars.
I gave book 4 in the series – 2 stars.
I wonder what happen?
**SPOILERS**
REVIEW:
I’m 36% into the book and I already figured out who the killer is.
I’m already 50% into this book and nothing special is happening. Lana just goes around asking questions, jumps to conclusions and writes in her secret notebook. Her dad still calls her Goober. Peter still says Dude. And she’s still letting us know she didn’t want to run her family restaurant, but here she is.
It’s the same thing. It’s mundane. I am sadden, I haven’t laughed one bit in this book. No parts are funny.
Conclusion:
I was VERY disappointed in this book. It was not at all funny and all Lana did was go around asking questions. The book seemed more of an outline, then a true book. And who she thought was the killer was not the killer, but she was adamant she knew who the killer was.
Lana was stupid in this book. I was so ashamed of her. When she went to talk to Gene, all he did was pick up and put down a huge wrench (he was in the process of fixing a vehicle, he did own an auto repair shop) and she told Megan “I think he just threatened me.” Stupid. Or when she was talking to Calvin and said” We have to face the possibly that your uncle gene was involved in your father’s murder.” She had no proof, yet, told Calvin his uncle killed his dad. Again Stupid.
And when she finally figured out who the real killer was, it didn’t make any sense. Something about propane tanks and the safety of them. I was like “Really?!” Just that one little thing and she figured it all out, she didn’t put any thought about the slander she did on other people’s character. She didn’t even apologize or acknowledge it. At the very end she said it was good to be her. SMFH.
I will not be reading another book in this series.
The only thing I liked in the book was the briefly mentioned grandmother and Mr. Zhang dating. I wished we got more of that, but we didn’t. We got Lana blaming everyone but the killer.
2 stars.
Again I wonder what happen…
A Big Thank You goes out to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing me with an advanced digital read. The opinions expressed on this review are my own.
November 12, 2019
Restaurant manager Lana Lee has little to worry about aside from planning a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, police detective Adam Trudeau. That simplicity is soon complicated by a devastating explosion at the Asian Night Market in Ohio that leaves a family friend dead and nearly kills Lana in the process. At first the tragedy that destroyed the Wonton on Wheels food truck is believed an accident, but police soon announce the deadly blast was intentional. The tight-knit Asia Village shopping plaza is stunned by the horrific news. Who would want Ronnie Chow dead?
Still recuperating from her proximity to the blast’s concussive force, but egged on by her roommate Megan, Lana begins her own investigation into the deadly act. A number of suspects emerge from the get-go, including the dead man’s own son, Calvin; his wife, Sandra; and the mysterious Uncle Gene. While Lana’s own family is still reeling from Ronnie’s murder, they’re paid an untimely visit by Lana’s Aunt Grace. A travel writer who contrasts sharply with her more conservative sister, Grace immediately puts a strain on the family dynamic, much to Lana’s chagrin. Recurring characters, such as Ho-Lee Noodle House chef, Peter Huang, his mother, and the lovable curmudgeons, the Mahjong Matrons, all play a role in unraveling this latest affair. And, of course, Kikkoman, Lana’s black pug, returns for emotional support as Lana navigates family squabbles, death threats, and the specter of domestic violence.
Funny, warm, and terrifying at times, “Wonton Terror” adds yet another delicious dish to Vivien Chien’s growing menu of enticing, cozy mysteries.
Still recuperating from her proximity to the blast’s concussive force, but egged on by her roommate Megan, Lana begins her own investigation into the deadly act. A number of suspects emerge from the get-go, including the dead man’s own son, Calvin; his wife, Sandra; and the mysterious Uncle Gene. While Lana’s own family is still reeling from Ronnie’s murder, they’re paid an untimely visit by Lana’s Aunt Grace. A travel writer who contrasts sharply with her more conservative sister, Grace immediately puts a strain on the family dynamic, much to Lana’s chagrin. Recurring characters, such as Ho-Lee Noodle House chef, Peter Huang, his mother, and the lovable curmudgeons, the Mahjong Matrons, all play a role in unraveling this latest affair. And, of course, Kikkoman, Lana’s black pug, returns for emotional support as Lana navigates family squabbles, death threats, and the specter of domestic violence.
Funny, warm, and terrifying at times, “Wonton Terror” adds yet another delicious dish to Vivien Chien’s growing menu of enticing, cozy mysteries.
August 7, 2019
What a great series! Lana Lee is investigating a murder of a food truck owner, managing her successful family restaurant - the Ho-Lee Noodle House- refereeing between her Mom and her Aunt Grace all while trying to avoid a killer!
You can't help but love Lana Lee! She's complicated, smart, loyal to family and friends and has a curiosity that sometimes leads her to trouble but also helps bring criminals to justice. The relationships between Lana and her family were easy to relate to and who hasn't had that awkward family dinner and her friendship with her investigating buddy and roommate, Megan, made the book even more enjoyable. There is romance, but the mystery takes "center stage". The supporting characters - her law student sister Angie, her Mom and Dad, her grandmother, sophisticated Aunt Grace, Peter & his mother Nancy and of course The Mah Jongg Matrons were wonderfully written and each added their own flair to the book. I enjoy reading books where the supporting characters are developed as much as the main character and the author did a fantastic job!
The story was fast-paced and in the end, all the pieces of the puzzle naturally fell together. I can't wait to read the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
You can't help but love Lana Lee! She's complicated, smart, loyal to family and friends and has a curiosity that sometimes leads her to trouble but also helps bring criminals to justice. The relationships between Lana and her family were easy to relate to and who hasn't had that awkward family dinner and her friendship with her investigating buddy and roommate, Megan, made the book even more enjoyable. There is romance, but the mystery takes "center stage". The supporting characters - her law student sister Angie, her Mom and Dad, her grandmother, sophisticated Aunt Grace, Peter & his mother Nancy and of course The Mah Jongg Matrons were wonderfully written and each added their own flair to the book. I enjoy reading books where the supporting characters are developed as much as the main character and the author did a fantastic job!
The story was fast-paced and in the end, all the pieces of the puzzle naturally fell together. I can't wait to read the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
December 17, 2019
Lana Lee is helming her family's offering at the Night Market for the Asian community in Cleveland when the pleasant summer evening is disrupted by an explosion of one of the food trucks. One of the owners died in the explosion, and his wife, while burned, comes under suspicion for his murder. On top of running her family's noodle shop, Lana gets involved to clear her mother's friend of the charges. The mystery is well plotted but the true charm of this series lies in the family dynamics, Sibling rivalry between Lana and her sister and her mother and her aunt are vividly and amusingly depicted. A winner!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2024
This one was slightly better then the previous but our meddling protagonist still somehow hopes for a slow day at the restaurant so she can keep 'sleuthing' ......
September 3, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
WONTON TERROR is book four in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. This is a series that I have enjoyed in the past because of the premise of it. However, the more I read these books, there are things that I am discovering about this author and her writing style.
First off, let me start with what I liked about the book. I’ve always been a big fan of the Asian influence in this series. It’s definitely one of the most unique Cozy Mystery series out there and I do hope that more series come from this idea from other authors as well. It’s nice to see the Asian community represented in books.
But as I read this series I am quickly realizing that these stories tend to be very light in comparison to the other Cozy Mystery books I read. I don’t mean that they are slow in pacing or anything like that, but the conflict and writing style just tends to be more amateur in style. I just don’t think that they are as well-developed but that’s just my personal opinion. I’m looking forward to see Chien’s writing in the future to see how it develops and grows. But WONTON TERROR is definitely a quick and fun read that I found still enjoyable.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 27, 2019
I am really enjoying the Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien and, Wonton Terror was no exception. I appreciate all the puns and plays on the words throughout the storyline. Lana Lee is once more playing amateur P.I. much to her boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau chagrin. In Wonton Terror, Lee is trying to figure out who blew up the food truck, Wonton on Wheels at the Asian Night Market. In this book, I noticed that the relationship between Lana and her sister, Anna May showed a slight maturity between the two, and I am hoping that this will continue into the next book. Ms. Chien's writing is quick-witted, snappy and the plot doesn't lag which is one reason that I keep coming back to the Noodle Shop.
November 8, 2020
This is the third book in the series that I have read. i did not like this book as much as the others. In this book the main character, who in the other books seemed quite likable, seemed really annoying and a total busybody. I do not like I will bother to read any other books in this series.
April 5, 2024
I often judge a cozy series by how easily a new reader can enter at any point and have a good time- they understand the setting, bond with the characters and can easily follow the episodic mystery. Woton Terror did all these things. The setting (Cleveland, OH) is a unique place for a cozy. I enjoyed reading from a different perspective than my own; Lana is Chinese. There were enough pages spent in the family restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House, for me to get the lay of the land, meet the characters and understand the family dynamics. There was enough time spent on Lana and Adam's relationship, but not too much. The food truck aspect mixed things up as well.
As for the mystery, there were plenty of potential suspects for Lana to investigate, and secrets to uncover that ultimately led her to the killer. Lana is very clearly an amateur detective, and is still finding the right way to ask questions, and the right words. It doesn't rake too much on the nerves though, and I could learn to like Lana over time. The book ended up stalling around the 3/4 mark, and it really could have been about 50 pages shorter. On the plus side, for most of the story I was invested and having a good time. I would definitely read more of this series in the future!
As for the mystery, there were plenty of potential suspects for Lana to investigate, and secrets to uncover that ultimately led her to the killer. Lana is very clearly an amateur detective, and is still finding the right way to ask questions, and the right words. It doesn't rake too much on the nerves though, and I could learn to like Lana over time. The book ended up stalling around the 3/4 mark, and it really could have been about 50 pages shorter. On the plus side, for most of the story I was invested and having a good time. I would definitely read more of this series in the future!
February 1, 2024
It was ok. I had the killer figured out early on. It was boring in parts. I really like Lana. Her mom gets on my nerves. Lana’s sister pisses me off. I still really like the series…just this book was eh. Maybe because it took me so long to read (life caught up to me).
May 25, 2025
2.5 rounded up a bit.
September 21, 2019
I enjoyed the first three books of this series, but I didn't connect well with this one. The mystery felt pretty lack-luster, and none of the characters felt further developed. I liked seeing a little bit more of Lana and her sister together, but those few scenes were the only redeeming quality of this story. Like so many mystery series, it seems to have fallen into the hole of sameness with all the other books in the series.
October 17, 2019
keep hoping Lana will act less foolishly!!!
September 2, 2019
I stumbled upon Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop Mystery quite by accident. When I started the first book, I fell in love with Lana Lee’s charm and sass. I also loved all the various food descriptions in this series and found myself perpetually hungry for noodles.
While there are times that I have found myself wanting more romance in this series, the fun mysteries that Chien constructs are undeniable—I am hooked on her mysteries.
Each book could probably be read on their own. Chien does a great job catching new readers up to date on the most pressing back stories in the series if it pertains to the new book, but she is equally careful not to reveal too much about previous books incase readers want to go back and read them later on.
This mystery was super fun. Even though I guessed the culprit, I couldn’t figure out the why which is what kept me reading. Like many readers, I love knowing the why of a murder mystery and this one provided a complex ‘why’ that was interesting to puzzle out.
I also liked that we saw a little more of Megan in this one. She has tended to be a little bit of a flat character in the previous books but in this one we get to see a little more of her. Adam continues to be a slow burn love interest for Lana and their relationship is definitely not the focus of the books but it adds some fun and depth to her character. In some ways I wish there was more romance between them in the books, but it’s nice that the author has spread the romance out over the books rather than trying to jam it into a few books at the very beginning.
There are so many fun quirky characters in this series. The Asian plaza is full of unique characters and I love seeing many of them as staples in this series, along with many new favorites. This series is growing and evolving and the Lee family right along with it. I love the Lee sisters and of course their mom and in this book we got to meet their auntie Grace. It was a full on family reunion that was so comical and entertaining, I couldn’t get enough.
Chien writes with such authority on the culture, plaza, and Cleveland. Her books are always solid, fast reads that I am always looking forward to. I can’t get enough of this series and every time I see a new one coming out, I am eager to pick it up and start reading and getting reacquainted with some of my favorite characters in the plaza! If you love cozy mysteries with delicious food descriptions then you don’t want to miss this series, a series that can easily be read as a stand alone.
See my full review here
While there are times that I have found myself wanting more romance in this series, the fun mysteries that Chien constructs are undeniable—I am hooked on her mysteries.
Each book could probably be read on their own. Chien does a great job catching new readers up to date on the most pressing back stories in the series if it pertains to the new book, but she is equally careful not to reveal too much about previous books incase readers want to go back and read them later on.
This mystery was super fun. Even though I guessed the culprit, I couldn’t figure out the why which is what kept me reading. Like many readers, I love knowing the why of a murder mystery and this one provided a complex ‘why’ that was interesting to puzzle out.
I also liked that we saw a little more of Megan in this one. She has tended to be a little bit of a flat character in the previous books but in this one we get to see a little more of her. Adam continues to be a slow burn love interest for Lana and their relationship is definitely not the focus of the books but it adds some fun and depth to her character. In some ways I wish there was more romance between them in the books, but it’s nice that the author has spread the romance out over the books rather than trying to jam it into a few books at the very beginning.
There are so many fun quirky characters in this series. The Asian plaza is full of unique characters and I love seeing many of them as staples in this series, along with many new favorites. This series is growing and evolving and the Lee family right along with it. I love the Lee sisters and of course their mom and in this book we got to meet their auntie Grace. It was a full on family reunion that was so comical and entertaining, I couldn’t get enough.
Chien writes with such authority on the culture, plaza, and Cleveland. Her books are always solid, fast reads that I am always looking forward to. I can’t get enough of this series and every time I see a new one coming out, I am eager to pick it up and start reading and getting reacquainted with some of my favorite characters in the plaza! If you love cozy mysteries with delicious food descriptions then you don’t want to miss this series, a series that can easily be read as a stand alone.
See my full review here
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