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Noodle Shop Mystery #5
Egg Drop Dead
In the fifth in Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop delectable mystery series, Egg Drop Dead, the Ho-Lee Noodle House takes its business to the next level—only to end up in hot water.
It was supposed to be a fancy, intimate dinner party by the pool. Instead, Lana Lee’s first-ever catering event turns into full-course madness when a domestic worker is found dead. Is the party’s host Donna Feng, the sweet-and-sour owner of the Asia Village shopping plaza where Ho-Lee is situated, somehow to blame? That’s what Lana—whose plate is already plenty full with running the restaurant, pleasing her often-disapproving mother, and fretting over her occasionally-serious boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau—must find out.
Before the police arrived at the crime scene, Donna had entrusted an odd piece of evidence to Lana: a thumb drive shaped like a terra-cotta soldier. Now it’s up to Lana to lead her own investigation, digitally and in real life, into a world of secrets involving Donna’s earlier life in China, whether the victim had a dark agenda, and if the killer is still out there. . .and plans to strike again.
“Endearing…will appeal to fans of Chris Cavender’s Pizza Lovers mysteries.”—Booklist
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
153 people are currently reading
4093 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Chien
24 books1,656 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 399 reviews
July 16, 2020
Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien is a 2020 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Fantastic! This series just keeps getting better!
Lana’s first catering job is for a fancy dinner party, hosted by Donna Feng. But things go horribly awry when Donna’s Nanny is found dead. Donna once again becomes a prime suspect, and is counting on Lana to solve the mystery, while somehow managing to keep her secrets from coming to light. Lana promises to help, but soon finds herself in way over her head …
If you have been following this series, you’ll remember Donna from the previous installment. She’s an intriguing character and I was happy to see her character return. I’m loving the way Lana is progressing with her sleuthing skills and how realistically she approaches this case, knowing she won’t be able to work this one all on her own.
While part of the charm of cozy mysteries is in touching base with the recurring characters, often times the mystery elements run in the background, and can be a little thin. That’s not the case with this series though. This mystery was very well plotted and almost had the tone of an old-fashioned crime drama. It was really good!
Chein creates a nice balance between the Lana’s sleuthing and her personal life, which complements the series’ fresh contemporary approach to the cozy genre.
Overall, I enjoyed this latest installment and am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Fantastic! This series just keeps getting better!
Lana’s first catering job is for a fancy dinner party, hosted by Donna Feng. But things go horribly awry when Donna’s Nanny is found dead. Donna once again becomes a prime suspect, and is counting on Lana to solve the mystery, while somehow managing to keep her secrets from coming to light. Lana promises to help, but soon finds herself in way over her head …
If you have been following this series, you’ll remember Donna from the previous installment. She’s an intriguing character and I was happy to see her character return. I’m loving the way Lana is progressing with her sleuthing skills and how realistically she approaches this case, knowing she won’t be able to work this one all on her own.
While part of the charm of cozy mysteries is in touching base with the recurring characters, often times the mystery elements run in the background, and can be a little thin. That’s not the case with this series though. This mystery was very well plotted and almost had the tone of an old-fashioned crime drama. It was really good!
Chein creates a nice balance between the Lana’s sleuthing and her personal life, which complements the series’ fresh contemporary approach to the cozy genre.
Overall, I enjoyed this latest installment and am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
February 9, 2020
Lana Lee, manager of Ho-Lee Noodle House, is catering for Donna Feng's fancy dinner party. During the party, Donna yells at the nanny for failing to properly supervise the children. When the nanny is found dead in the pool, she immediately becomes the main suspect. Donna has a few theories about the murder and wants Lana to uncover the truth.
Egg Drop Dead is the fifth book in Vivien Chien's A Noodle Shop Mystery series. This is an entertaining and engaging read, with witty dialogue, mouthwatering descriptions of Chinese food, and a realistic cast of characters. I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed reading about the Asian American culture. Lana Lee is one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. She reminds me so much of myself, and I feel like she's someone I would hang out with in real life. She's smart, sassy, loyal to friends and family and has a penchant for solving mysteries. I love the relationship between Lana and her family and found their interactions to be very relatable. Lana and her best friend Megan worked well together and made a great sleuthing team. I do hope that they include Kimmy again in future investigations because she's hilarious, and I think she would be a great addition to their team.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, with plenty of suspense, suspects, and clues to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I will definitely be reading more books in this well-written and humorous cozy mystery series.
I received an ARC from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Egg Drop Dead is the fifth book in Vivien Chien's A Noodle Shop Mystery series. This is an entertaining and engaging read, with witty dialogue, mouthwatering descriptions of Chinese food, and a realistic cast of characters. I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed reading about the Asian American culture. Lana Lee is one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. She reminds me so much of myself, and I feel like she's someone I would hang out with in real life. She's smart, sassy, loyal to friends and family and has a penchant for solving mysteries. I love the relationship between Lana and her family and found their interactions to be very relatable. Lana and her best friend Megan worked well together and made a great sleuthing team. I do hope that they include Kimmy again in future investigations because she's hilarious, and I think she would be a great addition to their team.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, with plenty of suspense, suspects, and clues to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I will definitely be reading more books in this well-written and humorous cozy mystery series.
I received an ARC from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 12, 2025
A solid 3.5*** rating for Book 5 of this series. I really enjoy the works of author Vivien Chien and by this book we have all the major players in place although some only make minor appearances. The Noodle Shop Mysteries is one of my favorite cozy's because Vivien uses a real setting (Cleveland), real neighborhoods and does not make up cutesy names for streets, businesses, etc. Our protagonist, Lana Lee works at the family noodle shop and has made a nice name for herself since she has helped solve major crime cases in the past. Here a family friend, Donna Feng, had hired the noodle shop to cater a birthday party at her home. Before the day is over Donna's nanny is found dead, and a mysterious thumb drive is discovered by Lana. For the rest of the book we follow Lana as she tries to solve this case. My biggest criticism is the sheer number of characters who are in the story, and that caused it to bog down in the middle, but once Lana began to narrow matters down then the book took off again.
Just an enjoyable cozy read between my usual readings, and a series that I enjoy coming back to. By the way, Kudos on the covers of all the books in this series!!!
Just an enjoyable cozy read between my usual readings, and a series that I enjoy coming back to. By the way, Kudos on the covers of all the books in this series!!!
February 22, 2020
Release Date: February 25, 2020
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Cozy Mystery | Culinary Romance
Vivien Chien continues to intrigue readers in the 5th installment of the Noodle House Mystery series. Based on all the culinary cozies I have read (and I’ve read a LOT), this is probably the most unique. I haven’t seen many cozies where the main characters are from a different ethnic group and I certainly haven’t found anything that revolves around Chinese cuisine. Therefore, I find it stands out from many of the other cozies out there. While I’m sure there ARE others out there that are based around different groups of people, this is the first type of book in the genre for me making it a favorite of mine.
In this installment, Lana Lee is on the case again only this time she’s helping out a friend who becomes a suspect in a second murder. Prior to the killing of her nanny (this book), Donna Feng was under suspicion when her husband was murdered. Could it be that she finally snapped? How would it be possible to become a suspect in more than one murder in such a short time frame? Readers will find out when reading Egg Drop Dead!
This is a really wonderful series as it’s not only unique, but it features a cast of smart and capable characters. There’s a touch of romance, something that has been budding between Lana and police detective Adam, but the majority of the story revolves around the murder of a nanny. Vivien Chien delivers in this installment of the series and I’m excited to see what happens with Lana and her pals next!
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Cozy Mystery | Culinary Romance
Vivien Chien continues to intrigue readers in the 5th installment of the Noodle House Mystery series. Based on all the culinary cozies I have read (and I’ve read a LOT), this is probably the most unique. I haven’t seen many cozies where the main characters are from a different ethnic group and I certainly haven’t found anything that revolves around Chinese cuisine. Therefore, I find it stands out from many of the other cozies out there. While I’m sure there ARE others out there that are based around different groups of people, this is the first type of book in the genre for me making it a favorite of mine.
In this installment, Lana Lee is on the case again only this time she’s helping out a friend who becomes a suspect in a second murder. Prior to the killing of her nanny (this book), Donna Feng was under suspicion when her husband was murdered. Could it be that she finally snapped? How would it be possible to become a suspect in more than one murder in such a short time frame? Readers will find out when reading Egg Drop Dead!
This is a really wonderful series as it’s not only unique, but it features a cast of smart and capable characters. There’s a touch of romance, something that has been budding between Lana and police detective Adam, but the majority of the story revolves around the murder of a nanny. Vivien Chien delivers in this installment of the series and I’m excited to see what happens with Lana and her pals next!
November 17, 2020
Great installment in the "A Noodle Shop Mystery". I actually liked the fact that Lana meets a female PI in this one and starts to think about what would happen if she investigated for a living. I also liked how strong her relationship with Adam is in this and for once we don't have that stupid love triangle that no one is interested in rearing its head. I also think that this case and the last one are showing that Lana's amateur investigations are getting more dangerous, so one wonders what she will do going forward.
I have to say that Chien does a great job with doing a cozy mystery with some bite to it in this one. I think the only reason why I gave this 4 stars is that every other word we have Lana talking about how exhausted she is and honestly she talks to like one person and then she's wiped out and needs to sleep. Girl needs some iron.
I have to say that Chien does a great job with doing a cozy mystery with some bite to it in this one. I think the only reason why I gave this 4 stars is that every other word we have Lana talking about how exhausted she is and honestly she talks to like one person and then she's wiped out and needs to sleep. Girl needs some iron.
February 24, 2020
Egg Drop Dead, the newest addition to Vivien Chien's cozy mystery series, "A Noodle Shop Mystery" from St. Martin's Press comes out on February 25th. A delectable story from start to finish!
Lana is a character readers can get lost reading, she is determined, oftentimes far too curious, and a good daughter. She works hard, with little time for relaxing, and when she does have time, she manages to get involved in uncovering a murder. Other characters in this cozy mystery, such as her best friend Megan and Lana's mother, are easy to like. At times these additional characters have readers laughing with their antics. The setting is distinctive and unexpected. Cleveland is a combination of new and old. It is reinventing itself as something more than the city of cement that it once was known as. It has a varied and vibrant culture that lends itself to a unique story.
The plot in this book was well written and maintained throughout. The murder suspects are varied and have distinguished personalities, some of which are not very likable and are precisely what a murder suspect should be. There are plenty of twists and turns with enough red herrings to keep readers engaged and guessing. The killer may surprise readers. Egg Drop Dead is an entertaining cozy mystery that readers will get lost in with an appetite for more.
Lana is a character readers can get lost reading, she is determined, oftentimes far too curious, and a good daughter. She works hard, with little time for relaxing, and when she does have time, she manages to get involved in uncovering a murder. Other characters in this cozy mystery, such as her best friend Megan and Lana's mother, are easy to like. At times these additional characters have readers laughing with their antics. The setting is distinctive and unexpected. Cleveland is a combination of new and old. It is reinventing itself as something more than the city of cement that it once was known as. It has a varied and vibrant culture that lends itself to a unique story.
The plot in this book was well written and maintained throughout. The murder suspects are varied and have distinguished personalities, some of which are not very likable and are precisely what a murder suspect should be. There are plenty of twists and turns with enough red herrings to keep readers engaged and guessing. The killer may surprise readers. Egg Drop Dead is an entertaining cozy mystery that readers will get lost in with an appetite for more.
February 29, 2020
Such an entertaining series! You just cannot help loving the main character, Lana Lee. I always look forward to the next book because I know our amateur sleuth won't be able to resist trying to solve another mysterious death. Of course, they are never simple, with lots of eccentric characters. Always a fun read.
February 26, 2020
I picked up this mystery series on a whim when it first came out. I had no idea what to expect but I was craving ramen noodles and when I saw the cover of the first book, I felt like I could enjoy ramen noodles without actually having to eat ramen noodles (spoiler, I still ate ramen).
What I found with this series was a refreshing colorful series with lots of fun and quirky characters. When I pick up a cozy to read, so many of them are set in small towns and are full of baking or cat owning characters. Does this series have that? Well yes—-and no. I mean Lana Lee works at a Chinese restaurant, so baking—check. And she owns a dog—so owns animal, check. And it’s set in Cleveland Ohio—not so small town, small town. Basically, this series manages to tick the cozy boxes while still being different and memorable.
I fell in love with Lana Lee and I get ridiculously excited when I see a new Noodle Shop Mystery coming out because I feel like Lana still fits the cozy mould but she also manages to stay young hip and relevant for the 30 something readers.
For me, Lana Lee is one of the coolest heroines in the cozy genre! I absolutely love her (and all her vibrant hair colors, this time it’s pink!) and I feel like she is someone who I would be friends with and eat donuts with! She’s so funny, sassy, smart, and loyal. I always enjoy picking up these books because of Lana.
Besides Lana, the characters in the Asian Village as well as her family are just a hoot. I always love seeing what everyone is up to in each book. My favorite are the Mahjong Matrons, what a great little group of old ladies. In this book though, we get to explore a little bit more about Donna Feng. She’s been a reoccurring character in the series and often she is the one who I am most suspicious of. I really enjoyed digging into this mystery and exploring her life before she came to the Asian Village.
As with the other books in the series, there are plenty of red herrings and potential suspects with motives, which kept me on my toes and guessing until the big reveal. In this one I thought the motive and killer were well developed and interesting. I didn’t see it coming until the end!
This is the 5th book in the series and while I think it would read ok as a standalone, it would make a little more sense if the reader started from the beginning, but again not necessary. The books read quick and easy and are a nice way to pass an afternoon or two, especially with a box of noodles handy!
See my full review here
What I found with this series was a refreshing colorful series with lots of fun and quirky characters. When I pick up a cozy to read, so many of them are set in small towns and are full of baking or cat owning characters. Does this series have that? Well yes—-and no. I mean Lana Lee works at a Chinese restaurant, so baking—check. And she owns a dog—so owns animal, check. And it’s set in Cleveland Ohio—not so small town, small town. Basically, this series manages to tick the cozy boxes while still being different and memorable.
I fell in love with Lana Lee and I get ridiculously excited when I see a new Noodle Shop Mystery coming out because I feel like Lana still fits the cozy mould but she also manages to stay young hip and relevant for the 30 something readers.
For me, Lana Lee is one of the coolest heroines in the cozy genre! I absolutely love her (and all her vibrant hair colors, this time it’s pink!) and I feel like she is someone who I would be friends with and eat donuts with! She’s so funny, sassy, smart, and loyal. I always enjoy picking up these books because of Lana.
Besides Lana, the characters in the Asian Village as well as her family are just a hoot. I always love seeing what everyone is up to in each book. My favorite are the Mahjong Matrons, what a great little group of old ladies. In this book though, we get to explore a little bit more about Donna Feng. She’s been a reoccurring character in the series and often she is the one who I am most suspicious of. I really enjoyed digging into this mystery and exploring her life before she came to the Asian Village.
As with the other books in the series, there are plenty of red herrings and potential suspects with motives, which kept me on my toes and guessing until the big reveal. In this one I thought the motive and killer were well developed and interesting. I didn’t see it coming until the end!
This is the 5th book in the series and while I think it would read ok as a standalone, it would make a little more sense if the reader started from the beginning, but again not necessary. The books read quick and easy and are a nice way to pass an afternoon or two, especially with a box of noodles handy!
See my full review here
January 4, 2021
I don’t know why I keep reading these books. I like all the other characters except the main character, so, that’s a unique experience. I also like all the food descriptions. They constantly leave me hungry.
Lana is irritating, all the time. As one of many examples as to why I feel this way: she showed up at someones place of work (after she’s badgered them on two separate occasions already) and then was annoyed that they asked her to wait for 5 minutes so they could speak to her. Lana, you’re at someones job...you know...where they’re expected to work...? She’s such an insufferable snot. One of her more unfortunate character traits seems to be deliberately putting herself in dangers path when she doesn’t have to. Even now when we’re at the point where people are taking her seriously, she’ll STILL lie to people who love her and are respecting her investigating (Adam, Megan), or could be helpful (the P.I.) for no reason at all except to just be like “YOLO!!”. Why? WHY LANA? Why are you like this? Ugh.
Naturally I already bought the next book so I’ll be getting through at least one more of these.
Lana is irritating, all the time. As one of many examples as to why I feel this way: she showed up at someones place of work (after she’s badgered them on two separate occasions already) and then was annoyed that they asked her to wait for 5 minutes so they could speak to her. Lana, you’re at someones job...you know...where they’re expected to work...? She’s such an insufferable snot. One of her more unfortunate character traits seems to be deliberately putting herself in dangers path when she doesn’t have to. Even now when we’re at the point where people are taking her seriously, she’ll STILL lie to people who love her and are respecting her investigating (Adam, Megan), or could be helpful (the P.I.) for no reason at all except to just be like “YOLO!!”. Why? WHY LANA? Why are you like this? Ugh.
Naturally I already bought the next book so I’ll be getting through at least one more of these.
September 23, 2021
This series is really addictive. So much so that I keep reading it despite the irritation I feel with the main character that seems to grow with each book. And in this one, her senselessness reaches a whole new level. Breathtaking, really. But will I read the next book with the hope that somehow she will triumph over bad decision-making? Sigh. Yes, yes I will.
February 2, 2020
Usually my taste in mystery novels falls nebulously somewhere between cozies and dark realistic ones. As much as I don't want violence that is too graphic or an unrelentingly dark and depressing tone, I find a lot of cozies too silly, too difficult for myself to suspend disbelief. But this year one of my reading challenges is "A book with a pun in the title". And what genre has more puns than cozy mysteries? None! My other problem with cozy mysteries is that they have tended to be unrelentingly white in culture, setting, and characters. I did not want to read any more books about small town white people who owned cats and liked to cook or bake or tend bees. I don't need recipes for Amish crumb cake or southern peach pie or Grandma's mac n cheese.
That's when I remembered coming across one of Vivien Chien's books in the library and putting it on my TBR to read eventually. I could have requested the first book in the series, but the title didn't seem sufficiently pun-ny for my purposed, and Egg Drop Dead, number 5 in the Noodle Shop mysteries, was available on NetGalley. Score!
So I requested a copy and started reading. And while I mostly enjoyed it, and found it a relaxing read, I did come to a couple of conclusions. First, I am still not a huge fan of cozy mysteries. It's still difficult for me to buy that a private citizen with no training could not only investigate mysteries as serious as murder, but also do so successfully and without getting themselves killed. But, secondly, if I was going to read a cozy mystery, I was glad I picked one of Vivien Chien's books. While I still found the plot somewhat implausible, I enjoyed the little glimpses into Chinese-American culture, Asian-American retail centers, and life in Cleveland, Ohio. References to things like the Great Lake that borders the city, with the lakeside mansions where many of the wealthy characters in the book lived, lent an air of reality to the story, and the dynamics of some of the Chinese-American families in the area, including their deepest, darkest secrets, made for enjoyable reading. I also appreciated having a heroine who works a service job as her primary employment. Middle class people need representation too!
The main character, Lana Lee, is a Chinese American woman who helps run the day-to-day work of the family Chinese restaurant, and who, apparently, solves mysteries on the side as a hobby. I don't feel like I missed out on much by not having read the previous books in the series first. Chien slips in the necessary details from previous books throughout this story in a natural, easy way. No boring info dumps or exposition. Instead, we pick right up with Lana's life, still dealing with the events of the previous book, still carrying on her relationship with her new boyfriend Adam, still living with her equally curious roommate Megan and her good-natured dog Kikko, still working at the family restaurant. And then we jump right into murder, at a party where Lana is running the catering at a party for a woman whose husband's murder was solved by Lana in an earlier book. Can't Donna catch a break? (The answer is no, and the only question is if she's the one who did the dastardly deed, to the maid in the swimming pool.)
Lana is very curious, and I can see how that might drive her to investigate situations when she doesn't have all the answers. She is also rather impulsive, with a flexible relationship with telling the truth. She adds additional danger to her part-time hobby by lying to friends, family, and even her boyfriend about what she's doing and where she's going. She came across as immature to me--well-meaning and nice, but immature and prone to poor decision making. I was frustrated with her more than once throughout the story. I especially didn't see how her boyfriend could still be involved with her, considering how much she lied to him, even after they swore to each other to tell the truth. But there we go with cozies being unrealistic again....
Overall this wasn't a bad book, as cozies go. Lana and her friends, family, and boyfriend were likable people. I honestly had no idea "who done it" until the final reveal, and I enjoyed the glimpses of life of middle class and wealthy Chinese-American families in Cleveland. The title is certainly clever, as is the attractive cover art. My own personal tastes in books means that I probably won't seek out the rest of this series, but I would certainly recommend it to friends who do enjoy reading cozy mysteries. If you also enjoy cozies, I hope you'll check out the series too.
Thank you to #NetGalley and St Martin's for sharing this advanced copy of #EggDropDead with me. This is my honest opinion.
That's when I remembered coming across one of Vivien Chien's books in the library and putting it on my TBR to read eventually. I could have requested the first book in the series, but the title didn't seem sufficiently pun-ny for my purposed, and Egg Drop Dead, number 5 in the Noodle Shop mysteries, was available on NetGalley. Score!
So I requested a copy and started reading. And while I mostly enjoyed it, and found it a relaxing read, I did come to a couple of conclusions. First, I am still not a huge fan of cozy mysteries. It's still difficult for me to buy that a private citizen with no training could not only investigate mysteries as serious as murder, but also do so successfully and without getting themselves killed. But, secondly, if I was going to read a cozy mystery, I was glad I picked one of Vivien Chien's books. While I still found the plot somewhat implausible, I enjoyed the little glimpses into Chinese-American culture, Asian-American retail centers, and life in Cleveland, Ohio. References to things like the Great Lake that borders the city, with the lakeside mansions where many of the wealthy characters in the book lived, lent an air of reality to the story, and the dynamics of some of the Chinese-American families in the area, including their deepest, darkest secrets, made for enjoyable reading. I also appreciated having a heroine who works a service job as her primary employment. Middle class people need representation too!
The main character, Lana Lee, is a Chinese American woman who helps run the day-to-day work of the family Chinese restaurant, and who, apparently, solves mysteries on the side as a hobby. I don't feel like I missed out on much by not having read the previous books in the series first. Chien slips in the necessary details from previous books throughout this story in a natural, easy way. No boring info dumps or exposition. Instead, we pick right up with Lana's life, still dealing with the events of the previous book, still carrying on her relationship with her new boyfriend Adam, still living with her equally curious roommate Megan and her good-natured dog Kikko, still working at the family restaurant. And then we jump right into murder, at a party where Lana is running the catering at a party for a woman whose husband's murder was solved by Lana in an earlier book. Can't Donna catch a break? (The answer is no, and the only question is if she's the one who did the dastardly deed, to the maid in the swimming pool.)
Lana is very curious, and I can see how that might drive her to investigate situations when she doesn't have all the answers. She is also rather impulsive, with a flexible relationship with telling the truth. She adds additional danger to her part-time hobby by lying to friends, family, and even her boyfriend about what she's doing and where she's going. She came across as immature to me--well-meaning and nice, but immature and prone to poor decision making. I was frustrated with her more than once throughout the story. I especially didn't see how her boyfriend could still be involved with her, considering how much she lied to him, even after they swore to each other to tell the truth. But there we go with cozies being unrealistic again....
Overall this wasn't a bad book, as cozies go. Lana and her friends, family, and boyfriend were likable people. I honestly had no idea "who done it" until the final reveal, and I enjoyed the glimpses of life of middle class and wealthy Chinese-American families in Cleveland. The title is certainly clever, as is the attractive cover art. My own personal tastes in books means that I probably won't seek out the rest of this series, but I would certainly recommend it to friends who do enjoy reading cozy mysteries. If you also enjoy cozies, I hope you'll check out the series too.
Thank you to #NetGalley and St Martin's for sharing this advanced copy of #EggDropDead with me. This is my honest opinion.
October 31, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Business is slow at the Ho-Lee Noodle House so Lana Lee has decided to branch out into catering. Her first client is a family friend, Donna Feng who hires Lana to cater her birthday party. The party is interrupted when the nanny fails to keep Donna’s two teenage daughters busy and out of sight. Donna loudly voices her displeasure. When the nanny is later found dead in the pool Donna becomes the prime suspect. This isn’t Donna’s first entanglement with the police. She was also on the suspect list recently when her husband was murdered (Death By Dumpling). Donna entrusts Lana with a unique thumb drive and asks her to find the real killer.
I like Lana Lee more and more as I read each story. She is smart, and her sleuthing skills are improving, but she is still a little wishy-washy at times. She needs to think a little more before she leaps into what can turn out to be dangerous situations. This time boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau is not in charge of the murder case but that doesn’t deter her determination. She is aided by friend/roommate Megan and when the killer turns up the heat, a private investigator is hired at Lana’s request. The secondary characters are all well developed too while still giving them room to grow. I love the family dynamic of the Lee family.
The mystery is full of twists. Being linked back to Donna’s life in China gave the story more depth. Donna had theories she wanted Lana to investigate and while reading I had some theories of my own. The story wrapped up surprising me and with plenty of excitement. Ms. Chien takes us on a wild ride.
Egg Drop Dead has a great cast of characters, a very intriguing mystery, with a bit of romance and humor in all the right places. This is such an entertaining series. I hope to buy, read, and review Killer Kung Pao soon so I am ready when Fatal Fried Rice releases on March 9, 2021.
Business is slow at the Ho-Lee Noodle House so Lana Lee has decided to branch out into catering. Her first client is a family friend, Donna Feng who hires Lana to cater her birthday party. The party is interrupted when the nanny fails to keep Donna’s two teenage daughters busy and out of sight. Donna loudly voices her displeasure. When the nanny is later found dead in the pool Donna becomes the prime suspect. This isn’t Donna’s first entanglement with the police. She was also on the suspect list recently when her husband was murdered (Death By Dumpling). Donna entrusts Lana with a unique thumb drive and asks her to find the real killer.
I like Lana Lee more and more as I read each story. She is smart, and her sleuthing skills are improving, but she is still a little wishy-washy at times. She needs to think a little more before she leaps into what can turn out to be dangerous situations. This time boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau is not in charge of the murder case but that doesn’t deter her determination. She is aided by friend/roommate Megan and when the killer turns up the heat, a private investigator is hired at Lana’s request. The secondary characters are all well developed too while still giving them room to grow. I love the family dynamic of the Lee family.
The mystery is full of twists. Being linked back to Donna’s life in China gave the story more depth. Donna had theories she wanted Lana to investigate and while reading I had some theories of my own. The story wrapped up surprising me and with plenty of excitement. Ms. Chien takes us on a wild ride.
Egg Drop Dead has a great cast of characters, a very intriguing mystery, with a bit of romance and humor in all the right places. This is such an entertaining series. I hope to buy, read, and review Killer Kung Pao soon so I am ready when Fatal Fried Rice releases on March 9, 2021.
August 11, 2021
So many good things about this series, but I just can’t with this girl anymore. She lies to her boyfriend and goes alone to the killer’s house instead of waiting a half hour for competent backup? Nope. I’m done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
This is book 5. Lana is the owner of her family's restaurant Ho-Lee's Duplings. She at first did not want to work in her heirs restaurant. But finally she caved in. She now was catering in the Restaurant for the first time. Her Client was a family friend Donna ( her husband was in one of the books in this series that was murdered). When the crew arrived at her Birthday Party catered event. She looked totally frazzled for some reason. She had a woman Yvette that was a Party Planner help her set up everything. ( Lana was wondering why she needed one then she thought because she is rich) a young man Brice was the D.J. and Alice was the nanny with Roselie as the maid. Well when the party started her daughters came down to the party ( where they were not suppose to be) And Jumped in the Pool Splashing everyone. Oh Donna was so mad she started screaming her lungs out. Not just to her kids but Alice the nanny too. She was so stinking drunk everyone just stared at her. After awhile Lana and her friend Jimmy and Megan were with her at the end of it. And they found out that Alice had been drowned in the pool. Well all of Donna so called friends said she was capable of killing at this point in her life after she had remained so zombiefied after her husband had died. And she just broke her sanity. There were also some other possible people that would want to hurt Alice. So Lana and Megan ( her best friend and roomate, and a Private Detective lady and her boyfriend cop Adam) were all working on angles who wanted her dead. And to top of all that Lana ex boyfriend stepped into her restaurant and said he would love to try an explain what had happened that he had another woman when he was with her. She was like Wow Are Kidding Me. These are great series Love Lana she is her own person with sometimes pink hair sometimes stilettos and sometimes like a Cool Punk Rocker Mood. Love her! And Love her oh but her mom does not appreciate her looks. But moms will be moms lol😀
February 27, 2020
EGG DROP DEAD is the fifth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien. It’s Lana Lee’s first catering gig, so she wants to make a good impression. However, when one of the domestic helpers drowns in the pool, Donna Feng, the party’s host is suspected. When Donna asks Lana to help her figure out what really happened, a slew of other suspects and clues unfold.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than some of the other books in the series. It just felt a little more complete in terms of the pace and execution, so this has quickly become my favorite of the series so far. I felt like Lana’s character has kind of matured a bit and isn’t just complaining about minial things anymore through the book. She has more drive and purpose, which makes me admire her more as an amateur sleuth.
After this engaging read, I am hoping that Chien can stick to this style in her books because I think they offer a lot more to the reader and keeps them engaged. I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 10, 2019
Lana Lee is the manager of her family's Asian restaurant. She's asked to cater a party for a wealthy woman, whose nanny is murdered at the event. Ms. Feng asks for Lana's help in proving her innocence. Is Donna Feng guilty of anything but trying to conceal her shady past? Who would want to kill poor Alice, who by all accounts was a compassionate caregiver? Lana aims to find out, relying on the gossipy Mahjong Matrons who frequent the restaurant. I was new to this series, but with a likable protagonist and a well-plotted mystery, I want to read more by this author. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for this ARC.
September 29, 2020
Lana Lee's first catering job for her parent's noodle shop ends with a murdered nanny. Anxious to help her friend, Lana runs into her ex, a female P.I. And a full slate of potential suspects. As in the others in this series, the characters are engaging and the tone is light and breezy.Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
Sigh.
I just don't know what to make of this series. Sometimes the entries are really strong and sometimes not so much.
The mystery in this one was paper thin, but beyond that it was really frustrating to follow Lana's "investigation" which mostly consisted on getting stuck on one suspect and then veering into TSTL territory by going into their home when she knew not to.
There were multiple references to how Lana had only been seeing Adam for a few months which... I know with mystery series we suspend belief about how much crime happens in one place, but you're really telling me there's been that many murders in a few months? She's giving Jessica Fletcher a run for her money.
Also, what kind of detective would advise someone to discount a suspect because "it would be too obvious to be them"?
Just lacking all around.
I just don't know what to make of this series. Sometimes the entries are really strong and sometimes not so much.
The mystery in this one was paper thin, but beyond that it was really frustrating to follow Lana's "investigation" which mostly consisted on getting stuck on one suspect and then veering into TSTL territory by going into their home when she knew not to.
There were multiple references to how Lana had only been seeing Adam for a few months which... I know with mystery series we suspend belief about how much crime happens in one place, but you're really telling me there's been that many murders in a few months? She's giving Jessica Fletcher a run for her money.
Also, what kind of detective would advise someone to discount a suspect because "it would be too obvious to be them"?
Just lacking all around.
June 15, 2021
Fun series
March 7, 2022
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
This is such a comfort series for me. I love coming back to these characters, seeing what they are up to. One thing that I find funny, but I guess is a must when it comes to cozy mysteries, but in the past 5 books, only a couple of months have passed, and Lana has now been touched by multiple murders! That's just crazy to me. If Lana was a real person, I fear she might be cursed or something. Just a thing that I thought about, but in order to have cozy mysteries, you have to have a bunch of murders.
Lana is investigating the death of Donna Feng's nanny. Donna Feng's husband was killed in the first book in the series, so murder has touched her yet again. Lana must decide if Donna is a suspect or a victim in this one.
This book takes place more outside Asia Village. I kind of missed our Asia Village people in this one, because Lana was having to go outside of the Asia Village bubble for this one.
The he-who-must-not-be-named ex-boyfriend showed up in this one, and I was very interested in hearing that story.
Lana and Adam were cute.
The mystery was intriguing, but I did have some suspicions that turned out to be right. I feel like there was a big clue at the beginning that helped me set my detective sights, but I still enjoyed seeing if I was halfway right with Lana's investigation.
We also got introduced to a P.I. in this one who works with Lana a little bit. That was fun and I really liked the author's explanation at the beginning of how it came to be.
I really like this series and can't wait to continue with it.
This is such a comfort series for me. I love coming back to these characters, seeing what they are up to. One thing that I find funny, but I guess is a must when it comes to cozy mysteries, but in the past 5 books, only a couple of months have passed, and Lana has now been touched by multiple murders! That's just crazy to me. If Lana was a real person, I fear she might be cursed or something. Just a thing that I thought about, but in order to have cozy mysteries, you have to have a bunch of murders.
Lana is investigating the death of Donna Feng's nanny. Donna Feng's husband was killed in the first book in the series, so murder has touched her yet again. Lana must decide if Donna is a suspect or a victim in this one.
This book takes place more outside Asia Village. I kind of missed our Asia Village people in this one, because Lana was having to go outside of the Asia Village bubble for this one.
The he-who-must-not-be-named ex-boyfriend showed up in this one, and I was very interested in hearing that story.
Lana and Adam were cute.
The mystery was intriguing, but I did have some suspicions that turned out to be right. I feel like there was a big clue at the beginning that helped me set my detective sights, but I still enjoyed seeing if I was halfway right with Lana's investigation.
We also got introduced to a P.I. in this one who works with Lana a little bit. That was fun and I really liked the author's explanation at the beginning of how it came to be.
I really like this series and can't wait to continue with it.
January 7, 2020
The fifth installment of the Noodle Shop Mystery series continues Ms. Chien's highly entertaining series centered around Lana Lee. I find Lana Lee to be a fun protagonist with spunk and a penchant being unable to resist a mystery. More times than not, this leads her into trouble. This time around, a family friend, who is the widow of the victim in the first book in the series, is the prime suspect in the murder of her nanny. Lana's family restaurant was selected by Mrs. Feng to caterer for her birthday party, so Lana is present when the murder occurs. Once Mrs. Feng realizes she is the prime suspect, she enlists Lana's help. Along the way, we are treated to returning secondary characters, as well as introduced to some new ones. I particularly enjoyed Lydia, the PI, and hope that we see more of her in future books. I also think the relationship between Adam and Lana is progressing nicely without overpowering the mysteries.
The mystery is well done. The victim, at first blush, appears to be above reproach, but as Ms. Chien weaves her story and lays out clues, twists, and turns, appearance can be deceiving. There were plenty of theories and suspects to keep me engaged and guessing. Once again, the killer's identity is revealed in a climactic fashion where Lana gets her self entangled in some unintended trouble. I
Overall, I think this is a very entertaining series, with well-written characters, witty dialogue, and strong mysteries. I always look forward to a new book in the series and after finishing this one I am looking forward to seeing where Ms. Chien takes her character next.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC, provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through Netgalley.
The mystery is well done. The victim, at first blush, appears to be above reproach, but as Ms. Chien weaves her story and lays out clues, twists, and turns, appearance can be deceiving. There were plenty of theories and suspects to keep me engaged and guessing. Once again, the killer's identity is revealed in a climactic fashion where Lana gets her self entangled in some unintended trouble. I
Overall, I think this is a very entertaining series, with well-written characters, witty dialogue, and strong mysteries. I always look forward to a new book in the series and after finishing this one I am looking forward to seeing where Ms. Chien takes her character next.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC, provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through Netgalley.
January 30, 2020
The gorgeous cover is what attracted me to this story. It's been months since I read a cozy mystery I liked so I was looking forward to this one. This is the fifth book in the series but I don't believe you had to read the other stories to follow along with this one. All the information you needed to be up to speed was given here without spoiling any of the other books.
In this story Lana is catering for Donna's Feng's party when the new nanny ends up dead in the pool. Lana gets involved when one of the prime suspects asks for her help. And of course she just can't stay out of trouble!
The backstory with Donna Feng was very interesting and held my attention from the start. And I thought the action was well balanced. Sometimes these stories can get so caught up with the ongoings of the town and lose track but that didn't happen here.
In this story Lana is catering for Donna's Feng's party when the new nanny ends up dead in the pool. Lana gets involved when one of the prime suspects asks for her help. And of course she just can't stay out of trouble!
The backstory with Donna Feng was very interesting and held my attention from the start. And I thought the action was well balanced. Sometimes these stories can get so caught up with the ongoings of the town and lose track but that didn't happen here.
December 27, 2024
To generate some revenue during the quiet summer months, Lana Lee adds catering to the restaurant’s offerings, and their first job is to cater Donna Feng's 50th birthday party. Donna is a wealthy, longtime family friend, and whose husband had died in a previous entry in this series. Donna is inviting people from her wealthy Chinese Americans circle of friends, so the pressure is on Lana to ensure everything is perfect.
Donna is very stressed during her party, and tears a strip off her nanny in front of all the guests. By the end of the party, the nanny is found drowned in the pool, and Donna is suspected of murder, which Lana is convinced is impossible.
Of course Lana pulls out her notebook after Donna asks for her help. Lana and Megan are soon proposing people to question after discovering Donna’s family’s secret, dangerous past in China, while trying to investigate without worrying Adam too much. He’s gradually coming round to her sleuthing.
Lana homes in on suspects, and makes a critical error that lands her in big trouble, but actually manages to partly resolve the situation through some quick kicking.
It was a bit jarring coming back to an earlier time in Lana’s exploits, as I remember significant, positive developments between Lana and Adam and Lana and her family. But, it was still fun tagging along with Lana’s attempts to clear Donna’s name.
Vivien Chien’s writing style makes for a fast-paced and fun story, and now on to book 4.
Donna is very stressed during her party, and tears a strip off her nanny in front of all the guests. By the end of the party, the nanny is found drowned in the pool, and Donna is suspected of murder, which Lana is convinced is impossible.
Of course Lana pulls out her notebook after Donna asks for her help. Lana and Megan are soon proposing people to question after discovering Donna’s family’s secret, dangerous past in China, while trying to investigate without worrying Adam too much. He’s gradually coming round to her sleuthing.
Lana homes in on suspects, and makes a critical error that lands her in big trouble, but actually manages to partly resolve the situation through some quick kicking.
It was a bit jarring coming back to an earlier time in Lana’s exploits, as I remember significant, positive developments between Lana and Adam and Lana and her family. But, it was still fun tagging along with Lana’s attempts to clear Donna’s name.
Vivien Chien’s writing style makes for a fast-paced and fun story, and now on to book 4.
February 23, 2022
My original critique stands: we need more Detective Trudeau. But as always, I can’t be completely mad because he was so, so perfect in the small scenes we had with him. I love how their relationship is progressing. I feel like he’s growing more lenient with Lana and her dangerous shenanigans.
I don’t think this mystery was my favourite, but it was interesting to see different law enforcement and the possibility of the mob. Can’t wait for the next book!
I don’t think this mystery was my favourite, but it was interesting to see different law enforcement and the possibility of the mob. Can’t wait for the next book!
January 30, 2020
First novel from V C, enjoyed the info on how Lana came into being the main character of this series. Kept me reading to see how this mystery got solved and with so many possibilities. It was a surprise I hadn’t seen coming. Added to my keep reading list!
April 14, 2024
#5 in the Noddle Shop Mystery series, Egg Drop Dead is an amusing and enjoyable cozy. I don't think this is the best book in the series but it's worth reading, especially if you are reading the series in order. On to Killer Kung Pao.
October 19, 2023
The introduction of a PI character in this was fun and I liked how real the stakes of this one were.
May 22, 2025
3.5 better than the last.
June 20, 2021
This might be my favorite one yet! I love this series.
March 16, 2020
Maybe when/where you read a book has as much to do with the rating as the objective qualities of the book? I read this as the coronavirus and the restrictions established to contain it were sweeping the country, assuming you're reading this at some distant time when the disease is only a bad memory. Lana Lee is running her parents' restaurant, and starting to cater parties. The first one is for the business' landlady Donna Feng, who has her secrets. When her nanny is found in the pool, the police think Donna is the culprit and she begs Lana (who comes with her Anglo roommate, bartender Megan, and her handsome policeman boyfriend) to investigate. A spunky private detective joins her posse, but she's bothered by her miserable ex-boyfriend, until she finds the courage to tell him off once and for all (you go, girl!). Less than the previous books had about Lana's family's nagging and support.
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