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Noodle Shop Mystery #8
Hot and Sour Suspects
Lana Lee returns for another delectable cozy set in a Chinese restaurant in Vivien Chien's Hot and Sour Suspects.
"Pair your noodles with this steaming mystery, and you have the perfect chilly night combination!”—PopSugar
At the Ho-Lee Noodle House, murder is on the menu.
When Lana Lee’s best friend, Megan Riley, asks her to help host a speed dating contest at Ho-Lee Noodle House, she doesn’t see the harm in lending a hand. The night goes better than anticipated, and both Lana and Megan are beyond thrilled with the results. But before they can break out the champagne, Rina Su, fellow Asia Village shop owner and speed dating participant, calls to inform Lana that the date she’s just matched with has been murdered. Under suspicion of foul play, Rina enlists Lana’s help in finding out what really happened that night.
Without hesitation, Lana begins to dig into the man in question. To her dismay, she quickly finds that Rina’s date has a rather unsavory past. There’s a long line of slighted women, angry neighbors, and perturbed co-workers—all of whom seem to have a motive.
As Lana continues to spiral down the treacherous path of scorned lovers and mistreated acquaintances, she can’t help but dwell on how quickly an innocent evening filled with hope and positivity could turn so sour. When the media gets in on the case, Lana must rush to find the killer before more dates turn deadly.
"Pair your noodles with this steaming mystery, and you have the perfect chilly night combination!”—PopSugar
At the Ho-Lee Noodle House, murder is on the menu.
When Lana Lee’s best friend, Megan Riley, asks her to help host a speed dating contest at Ho-Lee Noodle House, she doesn’t see the harm in lending a hand. The night goes better than anticipated, and both Lana and Megan are beyond thrilled with the results. But before they can break out the champagne, Rina Su, fellow Asia Village shop owner and speed dating participant, calls to inform Lana that the date she’s just matched with has been murdered. Under suspicion of foul play, Rina enlists Lana’s help in finding out what really happened that night.
Without hesitation, Lana begins to dig into the man in question. To her dismay, she quickly finds that Rina’s date has a rather unsavory past. There’s a long line of slighted women, angry neighbors, and perturbed co-workers—all of whom seem to have a motive.
As Lana continues to spiral down the treacherous path of scorned lovers and mistreated acquaintances, she can’t help but dwell on how quickly an innocent evening filled with hope and positivity could turn so sour. When the media gets in on the case, Lana must rush to find the killer before more dates turn deadly.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
117 people are currently reading
7650 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Chien
24 books1,670 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 338 reviews
December 14, 2021
Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien is a 2022 St. Martin’s Press publication.
While dating apps are all the rage, speed dating is still popular, and perhaps lucrative for any business that hosts a contest- which is why Lana and her best friend, Megan have decided to have a contest at Ho-Lee Noodle House.
Things so a little wonky though when Lana’s friend Rina meets a guy with a jealous former girlfriend. Before the night is over, Rina’s potential date is dead, and she’s the prime suspect. Can Lana, Megan and Adam get to the bottom of things before Rina is arrested?
This latest installment in the noodle house series is even more absorbing than usual. The plot felt a little tighter this time around, and I enjoyed the progress made between Lana and her sister, who are always bickering.
Adam and Megan were a little more involved in this story, and once more the addition of Kimmy provided some comic relief.
While some parts of the mystery were a bit transparent there was a nice twist and a surprise or two, I didn’t see coming.
Overall, this is an extra solid addition to this series. I hope we will hear from Lana Lee again soon!
While dating apps are all the rage, speed dating is still popular, and perhaps lucrative for any business that hosts a contest- which is why Lana and her best friend, Megan have decided to have a contest at Ho-Lee Noodle House.
Things so a little wonky though when Lana’s friend Rina meets a guy with a jealous former girlfriend. Before the night is over, Rina’s potential date is dead, and she’s the prime suspect. Can Lana, Megan and Adam get to the bottom of things before Rina is arrested?
This latest installment in the noodle house series is even more absorbing than usual. The plot felt a little tighter this time around, and I enjoyed the progress made between Lana and her sister, who are always bickering.
Adam and Megan were a little more involved in this story, and once more the addition of Kimmy provided some comic relief.
While some parts of the mystery were a bit transparent there was a nice twist and a surprise or two, I didn’t see coming.
Overall, this is an extra solid addition to this series. I hope we will hear from Lana Lee again soon!
August 21, 2025
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the 8th book in A Noodle Shop Mystery series. I have only one other book in this series. I really enjoy the characters in this series. I loved the beginning of this book, but I found parts of the middle to be slow moving and boring. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
February 19, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What can be hotter than a speed dating event held at the Ho-Lee Noodle House? Men and women searching for love with tempting Chinese food should mean fun and an uptick in business for Lana Lee’s family restaurant. It’s great until things go sour. First, an ex shows up to cause a scene, and later one of speed dating men is found murdered. A murder that hits close to home for Lana because the fatal date started at her event but also because her friend, Rina Su was the victim’s new date. Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau catches the case but that is not going to stop Lana, Megan, and Kimmy from doing a little sleuthing of their own. Before all is said and done Lana may find herself staring in the face of a murderer. Will she be able to get herself out of hot water and sour the killer’s day? Or will this be the last we see of the beautiful Lana Lee?
I loved the speed dating theme of this story. It was great for Lana and Megan to do something together. I am surprised Lana’s traditional mother allowed the event to take place though in her beloved restaurant but she seemed to give the whole thing her blessing except for Lana’s shoes. “You will break your neck this way, Lana.”
Ms. Chien’s strong characters all return. This time Lana’s sister Anna May get a bit of a starring role when her romantic relationship comes into question. I have had a few questions of my own I wanted to be answered so I was very happy the author put some focus there. Kimmy gets her dander up when she thinks she is being left out of the investigation but Lana and Megan quickly show her some appreciation and include her on a sleuthing night out. While they may not find a lot of evidence or answers there are always some funny moments when Kimmy is around. All these characters feel genuine and I really enjoyed tagging along to every place they went.
The mystery was complicated by the victim having a very checkered past. He had left a lot of women, friends, neighbors, and newly made enemies in his wake. There were several paths to travel but I feel the author set a nice pace as the girls worked their way through the clues. Some nicely plotted twists led up to a surprising suspenseful ending. Darn, that Lana can sure get herself in trouble.
Hot and Sour Suspects was a fantastic read. I enjoyed every minute of it!
What can be hotter than a speed dating event held at the Ho-Lee Noodle House? Men and women searching for love with tempting Chinese food should mean fun and an uptick in business for Lana Lee’s family restaurant. It’s great until things go sour. First, an ex shows up to cause a scene, and later one of speed dating men is found murdered. A murder that hits close to home for Lana because the fatal date started at her event but also because her friend, Rina Su was the victim’s new date. Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau catches the case but that is not going to stop Lana, Megan, and Kimmy from doing a little sleuthing of their own. Before all is said and done Lana may find herself staring in the face of a murderer. Will she be able to get herself out of hot water and sour the killer’s day? Or will this be the last we see of the beautiful Lana Lee?
I loved the speed dating theme of this story. It was great for Lana and Megan to do something together. I am surprised Lana’s traditional mother allowed the event to take place though in her beloved restaurant but she seemed to give the whole thing her blessing except for Lana’s shoes. “You will break your neck this way, Lana.”
Ms. Chien’s strong characters all return. This time Lana’s sister Anna May get a bit of a starring role when her romantic relationship comes into question. I have had a few questions of my own I wanted to be answered so I was very happy the author put some focus there. Kimmy gets her dander up when she thinks she is being left out of the investigation but Lana and Megan quickly show her some appreciation and include her on a sleuthing night out. While they may not find a lot of evidence or answers there are always some funny moments when Kimmy is around. All these characters feel genuine and I really enjoyed tagging along to every place they went.
The mystery was complicated by the victim having a very checkered past. He had left a lot of women, friends, neighbors, and newly made enemies in his wake. There were several paths to travel but I feel the author set a nice pace as the girls worked their way through the clues. Some nicely plotted twists led up to a surprising suspenseful ending. Darn, that Lana can sure get herself in trouble.
Hot and Sour Suspects was a fantastic read. I enjoyed every minute of it!
March 16, 2022
Lana Lee is running a speed dating event in her family's restaurant to garner some new business. One of her more glamorous friends shows up, in a revealing dress. Soon she is cozying up to some guy. Then out of the blue, a former gf of the guy shows up and creates a scene.
Soon enough, the guy is killed, and of course, the friend is the prime suspect.
Lana and the gang investigate, but the suspect doesn't seem to want their help.
This makes the book different than the others in the series, where suspects always want help.
Another well constructed mystery.
Soon enough, the guy is killed, and of course, the friend is the prime suspect.
Lana and the gang investigate, but the suspect doesn't seem to want their help.
This makes the book different than the others in the series, where suspects always want help.
Another well constructed mystery.
January 24, 2022
Lana Lee is back, and she’s got a lot on her plate. She and Megan are hosting a speed dating evening at Ho Lee Noodle. One of the unexpected participants is Rina Su, fellow Asia Village business owner, and sister of former business owners in the same mall.
Unfortunately, even though Rina appears to have found a prince, his former girlfriend shows up at the event, furious and intent on contradicting Rina’s perception of him. Hours later that night the man turns up dead, with Rina labelled suspect number “the only one”. Lana and Megan leap to detecting to prove Rina not guilty, of course, unearthing personal and professional information about the dead man.
Then, Lana’s sister causes the family worry about her relationship with a coworker. Lana runs herself ragged investigating, while trying to stop rumours about her sister, and weather the usual comments from her mother about the restaurant, and to top it all off, Rina seems determined to not accept Lana’s help.
The mystery around the identity of the murderer wasn’t hard to figure out, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. Lana’s concern for those she cares about, as well as the lengths she’ll go to to help them is by turns charming and sweet. (and a little alarming, sometimes). She may not have the training, but she and Megan together make a good team researching potential suspects and have a proven track record determining who the baddie is, while enjoying donuts.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Unfortunately, even though Rina appears to have found a prince, his former girlfriend shows up at the event, furious and intent on contradicting Rina’s perception of him. Hours later that night the man turns up dead, with Rina labelled suspect number “the only one”. Lana and Megan leap to detecting to prove Rina not guilty, of course, unearthing personal and professional information about the dead man.
Then, Lana’s sister causes the family worry about her relationship with a coworker. Lana runs herself ragged investigating, while trying to stop rumours about her sister, and weather the usual comments from her mother about the restaurant, and to top it all off, Rina seems determined to not accept Lana’s help.
The mystery around the identity of the murderer wasn’t hard to figure out, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. Lana’s concern for those she cares about, as well as the lengths she’ll go to to help them is by turns charming and sweet. (and a little alarming, sometimes). She may not have the training, but she and Megan together make a good team researching potential suspects and have a proven track record determining who the baddie is, while enjoying donuts.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 18, 2022
Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien has Lana Lee hosting a speed dating event at the Ho-Lee Noodle House with her best friend, Megan Riley. Their friend, Rina goes home with a questionable gentleman despite warnings from her friends. In the middle of the night, Lana’s beau, Detective Adam Trudeau is called to a crime scene. Rina’s speed date is dead. Rina finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Lana dives into the case along with Megan and Kimmy. They quickly discover that the victim had a seedy past. There is a lengthy list of people who had reason to kill the victim. Lana needs to figure out which suspect did the deed before Rina must put in a change of address card for the local penitentiary. Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien is the 8th A Noodle Shop Mystery. It can easily be read as a standalone as the author provides all the needed background information on our main characters as well as what has happened in past A Noodle Shop Mysteries. I found Hot and Sour Suspects easy to read with developed characters. We get to learn more about Lana’s sister, Anna May and her romantic relationship in this book. The mystery was okay. I found it drawn out. It took a while for Lana, Megan, and Kimmy to question all the suspects. There was a great deal of repetition and Lana thinking about the case. Lana would then speak to someone about the investigation which led to repeating what she knew (again). I had to skim to get through Hot and Sour Suspects. There was eating, chatting, walking the dog, time with boyfriend, more chatting and thinking, Lana and her pooch out for another walk, and you get the picture. This was not my favorite A Noodle Shop Mystery. The story seemed to drag (lack of action). There was drama and suspense at the end that wrapped up the case. After reading the note from the author, I can understand why the book seems a little more lowkey. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the area (Fairview and Cleveland). Those from that area will recognize places mentioned in the book. Hot and Sour Suspects is a baffling brainteaser with nummy noodles, a speed dating scene, a dead date, secret sleuthing, suspicious suspects, and a crazed killer.
December 28, 2021
My friend Vivien wrote this book while living with cancer (as she mentions in the author's note at the end). I think about her all the time and hope that she's doing okay. Readers are so lucky to have this latest entry in the series. The latest murder is back in Fairview Park, a west-side suburb of Cleveland, after the last few happened in other jurisdictions. Gavin Oliver, who attended Lana's speed-dating event at the Ho-Lee Noodle House, is found dead in his apartment after going home with Lana's friend, Rina Su. Rina is now the prime suspect in the case, and Lana's investigation is complicated by the fact that her boyfriend, Adam, is the primary detective. Rina is definitely hiding something, but Lana isn't sure what. And Gavin was in a Cleveland-area band, so as an angsty rocker, he was surrounded by people who couldn't stand him. Lana has to go all out to solve this one. I highly recommend that readers start with the first book, Death by Dumpling, but if you've read all the others, you'll be sure to enjoy this one as well.
January 16, 2022
When I requested this book I didn't realize that several books in the series came before it. I have never read any of them, so had no background on the relationship of the characters or what they did before this book. It seems that Lana and her roommate Megan have helped the police solve crimes and they also managed to do it in this book with the help of their friend Kimmy.. As far as the mystery itself goes, it was okay, in that I didn't figure out how it was done. I felt little in the way of suspense or the feeling that I could not put the book down. Nothing made me want to go back and start at the beginning of the series, or continue on from here.
October 29, 2021
Lana Lee manages her parents' restaurant, the Ho-Lee Noodle House in Cleveland. Her friend Megan has convinced her to run a speed dating event at the restaurant to attract new business. Lana wasn't counting on her friend Rina meeting a creepy guy, and another woman coming in and starting an argument. Then there is a suspicious death, Rina is a suspect, and Lana is determined to investigate, despite the warnings from her cop boyfriend. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with likable characters. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
May 2, 2022
A solid cozy mystery starring Lana Lee. I have to say though the biggest hurdle I have at this point is that Lana has been hurt multiple times and could have caused someone else to be shot. And then her response is like I am going to get a gun and I went ehhh. The book also had a subplot dealing with Lana's sister and her "secret" boyfriend and it didn't resolve as well as I thought it should have.
"Hot and Sour Suspects" follows Lana as she tries to help her friend Rina Su who is under investigation after a guy she goes home with from a speed dating event ends up dead. Lana, Megan, and Kimmy decide they are going to help Rina, whether she wants their help or not.
So Lana in this one drove me up the wall. She was scattered all over the place. I think the bigger issue is that the subplot with her sister didn't need to be included in this at all. I wonder if that was just added to set up a future plot point in another book. If not, it just was filler. I did like we got more Adam in this one. There doesn't seem to be any angst between them about her investigating or their relationship. He spends the night, but everything is a fade to black situation so you don't get to see/hear about any sexy times.
Megan and Kimmy were not as aggravating. The three women worked very well together and their hijinks did make me laugh.
The flow was stilted here and there though I have to say. It just felt a few times that Chien tossed some things out that didn't really fit.
The ending was good and the information we get at the conclusion about what is going on with Chien's personal life has me wishing her nothing but good health.
"Hot and Sour Suspects" follows Lana as she tries to help her friend Rina Su who is under investigation after a guy she goes home with from a speed dating event ends up dead. Lana, Megan, and Kimmy decide they are going to help Rina, whether she wants their help or not.
So Lana in this one drove me up the wall. She was scattered all over the place. I think the bigger issue is that the subplot with her sister didn't need to be included in this at all. I wonder if that was just added to set up a future plot point in another book. If not, it just was filler. I did like we got more Adam in this one. There doesn't seem to be any angst between them about her investigating or their relationship. He spends the night, but everything is a fade to black situation so you don't get to see/hear about any sexy times.
Megan and Kimmy were not as aggravating. The three women worked very well together and their hijinks did make me laugh.
The flow was stilted here and there though I have to say. It just felt a few times that Chien tossed some things out that didn't really fit.
The ending was good and the information we get at the conclusion about what is going on with Chien's personal life has me wishing her nothing but good health.
January 28, 2022
The Noodle Shop Mystery series is one of my favorites. Lana Lee is always a fun narrator. She's very real in all her snarky, doughnut-loving, mischievous glory. Her friends and family are likewise warm and likable. The only one of her cohorts I'm not overly fond of is her boyfriend, Adam Trudeau. It irritates me that he calls her "babe," "dollface," and "silly lady." For a "nice" guy, he's very condescending. In addition, I love the series' Asian infusion, although all the descriptions of the food never fails to make my stomach growl!
As with all series, some installments in this one are better than others. HOT AND SOUR SUSPECTS isn't one of my favorites since there's nothing really fresh or unique about it. Still, it's a fun, upbeat mystery that kept me turning pages. Chien got me on this one, too—I had a different killer pegged than the one who actually did it. All in all, then, I found Chien's newest to be a quick, entertaining read. If you like cozies, definitely check this series out.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
As with all series, some installments in this one are better than others. HOT AND SOUR SUSPECTS isn't one of my favorites since there's nothing really fresh or unique about it. Still, it's a fun, upbeat mystery that kept me turning pages. Chien got me on this one, too—I had a different killer pegged than the one who actually did it. All in all, then, I found Chien's newest to be a quick, entertaining read. If you like cozies, definitely check this series out.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
May 30, 2022
Miss. Lana Lee, I hope that this is not our last adventure.
Throughout the series, I think the mysteries got better the more books in, but it would vary on interesting or not. I'd either be more invested in the mystery or Lana's personal life plot. In this one, I liked the drama surrounding her sister more and how Megan and Kimmy basically became a mystery-solving trio with Lana. (Also loved Adam, as per usual).
Also, stick around for the final author’s note. It really tugged at my heartstrings.
Throughout the series, I think the mysteries got better the more books in, but it would vary on interesting or not. I'd either be more invested in the mystery or Lana's personal life plot. In this one, I liked the drama surrounding her sister more and how Megan and Kimmy basically became a mystery-solving trio with Lana. (Also loved Adam, as per usual).
Also, stick around for the final author’s note. It really tugged at my heartstrings.
February 13, 2023
This is such a well-written series! I really enjoyed the latest installment of the Noodle Shop Mysteries and spending time with Lana Lee and her best friend Megan Riley. When a friend of theirs is the prime suspect in the murder of a man she met at a speed dating event planned by Lana and Megan, the two amateur sleuths leap into action to find the real killer.
I love Lana and Megan's friendship and that we can experience how close they are instead of just being told they're good friends. I am liking Lana and her police detective boyfriend Adam Trudeau as a couple more than I did at the beginning of the series. However, since he is the detective officially assigned to the case, I wish they could have collaborated a little more instead of Lana, Megan, and another friend, Kimmy Tran, gathering clues and taking action on their own. This is the only thing I can fault in this fun, well-written book that I would rate 4.5 stars. I was suprised by the solution and pleased by the way things were wrapped up at the end. This book reminded me how much I love this series, and I'm already lookng forward to the next one!
I love Lana and Megan's friendship and that we can experience how close they are instead of just being told they're good friends. I am liking Lana and her police detective boyfriend Adam Trudeau as a couple more than I did at the beginning of the series. However, since he is the detective officially assigned to the case, I wish they could have collaborated a little more instead of Lana, Megan, and another friend, Kimmy Tran, gathering clues and taking action on their own. This is the only thing I can fault in this fun, well-written book that I would rate 4.5 stars. I was suprised by the solution and pleased by the way things were wrapped up at the end. This book reminded me how much I love this series, and I'm already lookng forward to the next one!
March 17, 2024
I am begging you, Vivien Chien, lose the doll face. Only sleazy men from the 1950’s use the off putting term.
January 14, 2022
"Life can be tough. You have to be tougher."
That line at the end of the epilogue really hit home with me after reading on and seeing the author's note to readers. She was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of the writing and I have to think her words were as much for herself as readers. That made it all the more impressive that this mystery plot was a finely tuned and peopled by intriguing characters. This was my intro to the series and although I would have wished to have had a bit more insight into the dynamics that brought the friends together and their relationships, it worked well as a stand-alone. i had the wrong suspect pegged, I must admit, so it will keep you guessing. It'll also most likely keep you muttering at Lana to be a bit wiser. I mean, buying pepper spray is a good first step although, well, practicing with it a time or two would probably be a good idea before you need to use it.
I found it interesting that although the author didn't dwell on it, the subtle differences between cultures was touched upon. Lana is half Taiwanese, half English, living between the two worlds successfully, as she manages her family's Asian restaurant. Her boyfriend, true to cozy mystery form, it seems, is a police officer. He's the one in charge of investigating a murder in which her friend is a suspect. True to police custom, he's closed lipped about sharing information which, of course, frustrates Lana, who seems desperate to help clear her friend. She and best friend Megan set out to help and....well, that's all I'm saying.
There are countless red herrings and suspects, any and all of which seem plausible at times, even Lana's friend, much to her dismay. I hope to read more of Lana's adventures and get to know her friends and family better. Definitely an intriguing read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC. I enjoyed my visit with Lana and her friends and family. As the author says via Lana, "...you have to take the moments you get and savor them for what they are."
That line at the end of the epilogue really hit home with me after reading on and seeing the author's note to readers. She was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of the writing and I have to think her words were as much for herself as readers. That made it all the more impressive that this mystery plot was a finely tuned and peopled by intriguing characters. This was my intro to the series and although I would have wished to have had a bit more insight into the dynamics that brought the friends together and their relationships, it worked well as a stand-alone. i had the wrong suspect pegged, I must admit, so it will keep you guessing. It'll also most likely keep you muttering at Lana to be a bit wiser. I mean, buying pepper spray is a good first step although, well, practicing with it a time or two would probably be a good idea before you need to use it.
I found it interesting that although the author didn't dwell on it, the subtle differences between cultures was touched upon. Lana is half Taiwanese, half English, living between the two worlds successfully, as she manages her family's Asian restaurant. Her boyfriend, true to cozy mystery form, it seems, is a police officer. He's the one in charge of investigating a murder in which her friend is a suspect. True to police custom, he's closed lipped about sharing information which, of course, frustrates Lana, who seems desperate to help clear her friend. She and best friend Megan set out to help and....well, that's all I'm saying.
There are countless red herrings and suspects, any and all of which seem plausible at times, even Lana's friend, much to her dismay. I hope to read more of Lana's adventures and get to know her friends and family better. Definitely an intriguing read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC. I enjoyed my visit with Lana and her friends and family. As the author says via Lana, "...you have to take the moments you get and savor them for what they are."
February 15, 2022
Do you love cozy mysteries? Because I sure do. If you haven’t dipped your toe into the world of cozies, I highly recommend starting in Cleveland at the Ho-Lee Noodle House. A Noodle Shop Mystery is my favorite cozy mystery series, and its book, Hot and Sour Suspects, does not disappoint.
Lana and her best friend Megan just finished hosting a successful speed dating event at Ho-Lee Noodle House. But before they can begin celebrating their success, Lana discovers the man her friend Rina Su met at the event has been murdered. Lana and Megan immediately don their detective hats and jump in feet first. Will Lana and Megan find the killer and exonerate their friend, or will more dates turn deadly?
Hot and Sour Suspects hits all the marks: A sleuth we can all stand behind A trail of clues and red herrings so we can play the whodunit guessing game too Quarky and loveable supporting characters Lots of fun to read
Chien wrote this book shortly after finishing chemotherapy. Knowing the struggles of chemo brain firsthand, think pregnancy brain times ten; this is an incredible achievement. So I would like to take a moment and say what an absolute badass Vivien Chien is. Not only does she continue to kick cancer's ass, but she wrote an awesome book too (one of my favorites in the series) during her journey.
If you are looking for a light-hearted murder mystery, I promise you will love this book and come to see Lana, Megan, Kimmy, and Adam as friends.
The only thing I’d really like to see added to the series are recipes. As a seasoned cozy mystery fan, I feel like I really miss this addition. I’d love to see a page from Peter’s cookbook at the end of each book… Maybe a recipe for the dish on the cover?
I received a free eARC in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Lana and her best friend Megan just finished hosting a successful speed dating event at Ho-Lee Noodle House. But before they can begin celebrating their success, Lana discovers the man her friend Rina Su met at the event has been murdered. Lana and Megan immediately don their detective hats and jump in feet first. Will Lana and Megan find the killer and exonerate their friend, or will more dates turn deadly?
Hot and Sour Suspects hits all the marks: A sleuth we can all stand behind A trail of clues and red herrings so we can play the whodunit guessing game too Quarky and loveable supporting characters Lots of fun to read
Chien wrote this book shortly after finishing chemotherapy. Knowing the struggles of chemo brain firsthand, think pregnancy brain times ten; this is an incredible achievement. So I would like to take a moment and say what an absolute badass Vivien Chien is. Not only does she continue to kick cancer's ass, but she wrote an awesome book too (one of my favorites in the series) during her journey.
If you are looking for a light-hearted murder mystery, I promise you will love this book and come to see Lana, Megan, Kimmy, and Adam as friends.
The only thing I’d really like to see added to the series are recipes. As a seasoned cozy mystery fan, I feel like I really miss this addition. I’d love to see a page from Peter’s cookbook at the end of each book… Maybe a recipe for the dish on the cover?
I received a free eARC in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2022
Hot and Sour Suspects of the Noodle Shop Mystery series has to be hands down my favourite! I've read most of the books in this series, and I enjoyed being reacquainted with the characters from the previous books. Lana Lee just won't give up being an amateur detective even though her boyfriend is a real detective, and would rather that she not get herself into situations that really aren't good for her safety.
December 31, 2025
3.75 stars!
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I mean, I often enjoy the mystery in the other ones as well, but a lot of the recent mysteries have been like /eh it's fine/ whereas this one I was more actively into. I also enjoyed the conflict between Lana and Adam where he was actively working on the case and couldn't help her with her own investigation, since we haven't had that issue come up for a while now. And he gets all mad and protective at the end which is always my jam. c:
There are things about Lana that definitely frustrate me, especially when she acts impulsively. It felt like she was more impulsive in this book than in previous books. Still, while she doesn't get a ton of character development, I loved getting a deeper glimpse into Lana's sister. We don't know a ton about her from the previous books, but in this one, we get to explore a situation that she gets caught up in and see a different part of her/develop her relationship with Lana. There's also some characters I really want to come back from previous books who were mentioned in this book, especially the PI she worked with a couple books ago. Since they still mention her, I'm holding out hope that she's going to make an appearance at some point in the future.
Also, I pointed this out to Rachel, but after all the hostage taking, almost shootings, and other traumatic situations that Lana has been in, it feels weird that she doesn't have any psychological effects. I mean, I know this is a cozy mystery, so they're not going to go into detail about PTSD symptoms or any of that, but Lana is just going through life like nothing happened at all which feels weird to me (as a psychologist lol).
I can't believe I have to wait till the summer for the next book in the series to come out! :(
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See my Noodle Shop Mystery series reviews:
Death by Dumpling (#1) | here
Dim Sum of All Fears (#2) | here
Murder Lo Mein (#3) | here
Wonton Terror (#4) | here
Egg Drop Dead (#5) | here
Killer Kung Pao (#6) | here
Fatal Fried Rice (#7) | here
Hot and Sour Suspects (#8) | here
Misfortune Cookie (#9) | here
Peking Duck and Cover (#10) | here
The Chow Maniac (#11) | here
Crime Rangoon (#12) | coming soon
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I mean, I often enjoy the mystery in the other ones as well, but a lot of the recent mysteries have been like /eh it's fine/ whereas this one I was more actively into. I also enjoyed the conflict between Lana and Adam where he was actively working on the case and couldn't help her with her own investigation, since we haven't had that issue come up for a while now. And he gets all mad and protective at the end which is always my jam. c:
There are things about Lana that definitely frustrate me, especially when she acts impulsively. It felt like she was more impulsive in this book than in previous books. Still, while she doesn't get a ton of character development, I loved getting a deeper glimpse into Lana's sister. We don't know a ton about her from the previous books, but in this one, we get to explore a situation that she gets caught up in and see a different part of her/develop her relationship with Lana. There's also some characters I really want to come back from previous books who were mentioned in this book, especially the PI she worked with a couple books ago. Since they still mention her, I'm holding out hope that she's going to make an appearance at some point in the future.
Also, I pointed this out to Rachel, but after all the hostage taking, almost shootings, and other traumatic situations that Lana has been in, it feels weird that she doesn't have any psychological effects. I mean, I know this is a cozy mystery, so they're not going to go into detail about PTSD symptoms or any of that, but Lana is just going through life like nothing happened at all which feels weird to me (as a psychologist lol).
I can't believe I have to wait till the summer for the next book in the series to come out! :(
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See my Noodle Shop Mystery series reviews:
Death by Dumpling (#1) | here
Dim Sum of All Fears (#2) | here
Murder Lo Mein (#3) | here
Wonton Terror (#4) | here
Egg Drop Dead (#5) | here
Killer Kung Pao (#6) | here
Fatal Fried Rice (#7) | here
Hot and Sour Suspects (#8) | here
Misfortune Cookie (#9) | here
Peking Duck and Cover (#10) | here
The Chow Maniac (#11) | here
Crime Rangoon (#12) | coming soon
January 15, 2022
I cannot gush enough or laud about this series. I was afraid I wasn’t going to get approved, but then the email arrived. Lana and the gang are back with another murder mystery. Lana hopes to clear her friend, Rinna, of a murder charge after a speed dating event, but things are rapidly not adding up. I love Lana and Megan’s snoop sessions; Kimmy’s audacity, and the gossipy Mahjong Matrons. I do worry that Lana’s continued scrapes will add more strife with hunky boyfriend Adam.
I know the author has been dealing with cancer the last 2 years and I could discern it in certain things Lana thinks and says, which only enhances the narrative.
Seize the moment and grab a copy of this book and the rest in the series. It will bring much satisfaction into your reading life.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the early read.
I know the author has been dealing with cancer the last 2 years and I could discern it in certain things Lana thinks and says, which only enhances the narrative.
Seize the moment and grab a copy of this book and the rest in the series. It will bring much satisfaction into your reading life.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the early read.
January 17, 2022
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
This is the eighth book in the series, but I slipped into the world with ease and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery romp. Lana is the manager of her family’s Chinese restaurant near Cleveland. When a promotional speed dating event ends up with a guy dead and one of Lana’s friends the suspect in his death, she sets out to investigate. This is a wee bit awkward since her boyfriend is the investigating detective on the case, too.
I found this book to be an easy, breezy read with lots of drama, potential suspects, and twists. The end managed to deliver some nice surprises. I’d gladly read more books in this series.
This is the eighth book in the series, but I slipped into the world with ease and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery romp. Lana is the manager of her family’s Chinese restaurant near Cleveland. When a promotional speed dating event ends up with a guy dead and one of Lana’s friends the suspect in his death, she sets out to investigate. This is a wee bit awkward since her boyfriend is the investigating detective on the case, too.
I found this book to be an easy, breezy read with lots of drama, potential suspects, and twists. The end managed to deliver some nice surprises. I’d gladly read more books in this series.
January 17, 2022
Nothing like having TTS read a very good Cleveland cozy mystery to me while I watch a Cleveland grandson on my laptop as he and the team are at a hockey tournament out of town while Cleveland gets a pile of snow dumped on it!
I really like the sisters, their friends, and even The Matrons. Lana still has her police detective boyfriend, but she talks the family into hosting a speed dating night at the restaurant to bolster the slumping receipts. Who knew that her good friend would go home with a guy and end up Chief Suspect in his murder? Said friend is acting strange and making the Friend Sleuthing more than a little difficult. Then things get dangerous.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley. Thank you!
I really like the sisters, their friends, and even The Matrons. Lana still has her police detective boyfriend, but she talks the family into hosting a speed dating night at the restaurant to bolster the slumping receipts. Who knew that her good friend would go home with a guy and end up Chief Suspect in his murder? Said friend is acting strange and making the Friend Sleuthing more than a little difficult. Then things get dangerous.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley. Thank you!
February 2, 2022
I'm relatively new to this series, but I absolutely loved Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien.
Lana Lee is an adorable character and the Mahjongg Matrons added some spice to this terrific book.
Kimmy had me laughing out loud with her loud opinions, and Megan, Lana's roommate is another great character.
The mystery itself was quite interesting and it all started out with a speed dating experience at Lana's family restaurant.
I'm definitely going to be reading this series from the first book, since I felt an immediate connection with all the main players in this book
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HotandSourSuspects #NetGalley
Lana Lee is an adorable character and the Mahjongg Matrons added some spice to this terrific book.
Kimmy had me laughing out loud with her loud opinions, and Megan, Lana's roommate is another great character.
The mystery itself was quite interesting and it all started out with a speed dating experience at Lana's family restaurant.
I'm definitely going to be reading this series from the first book, since I felt an immediate connection with all the main players in this book
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HotandSourSuspects #NetGalley
May 27, 2022
Lana Lee sponsors a speed-dating evening at her parents' Asian restaurant, where she is the manager, to get some new customers through the door. Little does she expect that a good friend will join the romance-eager throng, or that the friend will pair with a man due to be murdered that very night. Although her boyfriend Adam is the lead detective on the murder, Lana (and her besties Meghan and Kimmie) are determined to clear their friend's name, even if she was acting a little out of character all night. As though she wasn't busy enough as a restaurant manager and part-time sleuth, Lana also finds herself trying to disentangle big sister Anna May's romantic life.
February 7, 2022
Lana is helping host a speed dating with her friend. It goes well until one of the friends tells them the date she found has been murdered and she is being blamed. Lana goes undercover looking at the victim and finds he has a bad past. Things don’t look good for her friend and Lana puts herself in a bad situation.
May 29, 2024
I love this series so it's no surprise how much I enjoyed this book. I feel like poor Lana is just looking for a break and is feeling a little burnt out from all the detecting and I LOVED that because it just seems so genuine for an 8th mystery to solve for her. She is the most down to Earth, relatable sleuth that I have been reading recently and I didn't want to put this book down. They way she puts it all on the line for friends (and even acquaintances), will do anything for family and is somehow still able to be truthful with her detective boyfriend even when it puts her in a bad spot. And the mystery had me seriously stumped and shocked. She is the best and I cannot wait to read more!
May 18, 2025
Vivien wrote this while battling cancer and I find that incredibly admirable. This wasn't my favorite Lana adventure, I feel it was a little slow to start with very little clues and the sleuthing being pretty base here. I also hate how Kimmy was shoe-horned into the adventure. But given the circumstances while this one was being written, it's given a pass for sure. It wasn't bad just didn't stack up to the previous books.
May 8, 2024
This was a fast read, lots of good potential suspects and lots of delicious sounding food.
January 8, 2023
This is my first Noodle Shop Mystery. I found the first third charming. As a peek into the lives of millennials in Cleveland Ohio it is a success and I often felt like I was listening to conversations my kids would have. Although the family's Chinese restaurant plays a part in the book it isn't really a culinary cozy. For the most part the food is take out. The plot is thin and the characters are limited to twenty-somethings. Mom and Dad are mentioned, as are the Mahjong Aunties, but their presence is minimal. I was delighted to get this as a Christmas gift from one of my children and although I enjoyed it, I probably won't go on with the series.
February 25, 2025
I love this cozy series dearly.
The author’s note had me in tears. It touched me deeply, as I understood. I so understand.
The author’s note had me in tears. It touched me deeply, as I understood. I so understand.
November 25, 2025
I got into this mystery immediately. It was pretty basic, but easy to read and I enjoyed the characters.
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