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Noodle Shop Mystery #9
Misfortune Cookie
They say fortune favors the bold, and Lana Lee is determined to prove that true.
Lana, now officially manager of her family’s restaurant, the Ho-Lee Noodle House, is headed to sunny Irvine, California to attend a restaurant convention with her sister, Anna May, along for the ride. The girls’ very Americanized Aunt Grace has asked them to stay in her posh rental, and as the trip begins, it seems to be just what they both needed. Even the restaurant convention proves to be worthwhile and entertaining, especially when Lana witnesses a dramatic cat fight between a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist.
Lana and Anna May can’t imagine things getting any better until they learn their aunt has yet another surprise in store for them—a swanky cocktail party hosted for the freelancers of Southern California. But on the night of the party, things go south when a close journalist friend of Grace’s mysteriously plunges from the roof top of the hotel. Even more suspicious is the fact that Aunt Grace’s friend is the same journalist Lana saw getting into a screaming match with the fortune cookie vendor at the convention.
The police rule the death a gruesome accident, but Aunt Grace refuses to accept that explanation and begs Lana for her help uncovering the truth. Lana, Anna May, Aunt Grace attempt to keep up appearances as they search for answers, but unwanted attention from suspicious colleagues and convention attendees starts to surface, causing Lana to wonder if they’ll find the killer in time…or if they’ll be the next ones pushed over the edge.
Lana, now officially manager of her family’s restaurant, the Ho-Lee Noodle House, is headed to sunny Irvine, California to attend a restaurant convention with her sister, Anna May, along for the ride. The girls’ very Americanized Aunt Grace has asked them to stay in her posh rental, and as the trip begins, it seems to be just what they both needed. Even the restaurant convention proves to be worthwhile and entertaining, especially when Lana witnesses a dramatic cat fight between a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist.
Lana and Anna May can’t imagine things getting any better until they learn their aunt has yet another surprise in store for them—a swanky cocktail party hosted for the freelancers of Southern California. But on the night of the party, things go south when a close journalist friend of Grace’s mysteriously plunges from the roof top of the hotel. Even more suspicious is the fact that Aunt Grace’s friend is the same journalist Lana saw getting into a screaming match with the fortune cookie vendor at the convention.
The police rule the death a gruesome accident, but Aunt Grace refuses to accept that explanation and begs Lana for her help uncovering the truth. Lana, Anna May, Aunt Grace attempt to keep up appearances as they search for answers, but unwanted attention from suspicious colleagues and convention attendees starts to surface, causing Lana to wonder if they’ll find the killer in time…or if they’ll be the next ones pushed over the edge.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
101 people are currently reading
5841 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Chien
24 books1,672 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 284 reviews
December 13, 2023
I received an uncorrected e-proof ARC of “Misfortune Cookie. A Noodle Shop Mystery” from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. However, I regrettably let my reading of this book lapse due to a severe reading slump. So, in order to fully complete this review, I purchased the Kindle book.
I was naturally apprehensive before I began reading this book because this is Vivien Chien’s ninth novel in her Noodle Shop Mystery series, and, generally speaking, it’s not wise to pick up the last book before reading the prior novels in the series. But I knew I wanted to read it after seeing all of her book covers, and the titles that Chien picked are all marvelous. Besides, I love Taiwanese and Chinese American food.
The author did a great job of introducing her MC, Lana Lee, to readers who are “new” to the Noodle Shop Mystery series. At only one place in the text did Chien reference something from her prior books without providing a short explanation: the Mahjong Matrons. Other than this, I understood each and every single character that appeared.
Chien is an excellent writer. In just 43 chapters (and an epilogue), I became so attached to Lana that after reading the final chapter, I was a little disappointed at seeing the story end. The only criticism that I could possibly level is that the murder occurred at around the 16% mark of the book. I would have liked to see the murder occur between 10% to 12% from the beginning.
This book is exactly what I want to see out of **all** cozy mysteries: the absence of politics and racism; a light, friendly, and easy read (i.e., it’s not scary); and not being overly dramatic (other than the climax, which was awesome!).
I’ve read some of the other reviews that people have written, and some of those reviews seem to be critical of Chien’s book. The feeling that I got from those reviews was that this book, somehow, was “less” than the others. I absolutely did not feel this way when reading this novel. In fact, I figured that if people were disappointed in this book, then Chien’s prior novels must be 100% AMAZING because “Misfortune Cookie” was truly an excellent book.
Chien has earned herself a new fan, and that’s saying a lot because although I have read a few cozy mysteries, it’s not really my go-to genre. Chien has changed that for me. I can’t wait to read her other books!
I was naturally apprehensive before I began reading this book because this is Vivien Chien’s ninth novel in her Noodle Shop Mystery series, and, generally speaking, it’s not wise to pick up the last book before reading the prior novels in the series. But I knew I wanted to read it after seeing all of her book covers, and the titles that Chien picked are all marvelous. Besides, I love Taiwanese and Chinese American food.
The author did a great job of introducing her MC, Lana Lee, to readers who are “new” to the Noodle Shop Mystery series. At only one place in the text did Chien reference something from her prior books without providing a short explanation: the Mahjong Matrons. Other than this, I understood each and every single character that appeared.
Chien is an excellent writer. In just 43 chapters (and an epilogue), I became so attached to Lana that after reading the final chapter, I was a little disappointed at seeing the story end. The only criticism that I could possibly level is that the murder occurred at around the 16% mark of the book. I would have liked to see the murder occur between 10% to 12% from the beginning.
This book is exactly what I want to see out of **all** cozy mysteries: the absence of politics and racism; a light, friendly, and easy read (i.e., it’s not scary); and not being overly dramatic (other than the climax, which was awesome!).
I’ve read some of the other reviews that people have written, and some of those reviews seem to be critical of Chien’s book. The feeling that I got from those reviews was that this book, somehow, was “less” than the others. I absolutely did not feel this way when reading this novel. In fact, I figured that if people were disappointed in this book, then Chien’s prior novels must be 100% AMAZING because “Misfortune Cookie” was truly an excellent book.
Chien has earned herself a new fan, and that’s saying a lot because although I have read a few cozy mysteries, it’s not really my go-to genre. Chien has changed that for me. I can’t wait to read her other books!
May 15, 2023
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Not bad just not as engaged as I was with prior books in the series. I think moving the action from Cleveland and familiar characters threw off the dynamics I was used to reading about. It didn’t help that Lana and Anna May are actually tiresome as hell the more we read about them on their California vacation that quickly switches to a cozy mystery/murder.
One wonders where Chien can go with this since the fire in this cozy seems to be going out.
Full Review:
Just a shame. I usually enjoy these books, but it just didn't hit the same. "Misfortune Cookie" follows Lana and Anna May to California. Lana is there to attend a food convention, and Anna May goes because she complained that Lana got to go. So there's the dynamic right there. Both women also can't wait to visit with their Aunt Grace who we met a few books ago. Things take a turn though when one of Aunt Grace's writer friends ends up murdered. Grace asks her to "do what she does" and find out the real killer.
Lana was just a pill through this whole book. In the last book she got harmed and her family and her boyfriend both want her to stop with investigating, or at least charge in when she can get harmed. I really wish Chien had dwelled on that more, because Lana could have died and almost did, and she seems to shrug it off way too fast in this book.
Anna May is still coming to terms with her married boyfriend, and honestly, I loathe cheating in romance books, and definitely won't put up with it in a cozy mystery. It just doesn't even read as something this character would ever do and I am tired of reading about it.
Without Adam and Megan in this one as much the book feel flat. It's just Lana kind of flailing around and needing to have coffee to the point I wondered how she even slept at night. She started to read like a poor version of herself after a while and I started to get annoyed.
Not bad just not as engaged as I was with prior books in the series. I think moving the action from Cleveland and familiar characters threw off the dynamics I was used to reading about. It didn’t help that Lana and Anna May are actually tiresome as hell the more we read about them on their California vacation that quickly switches to a cozy mystery/murder.
One wonders where Chien can go with this since the fire in this cozy seems to be going out.
Full Review:
Just a shame. I usually enjoy these books, but it just didn't hit the same. "Misfortune Cookie" follows Lana and Anna May to California. Lana is there to attend a food convention, and Anna May goes because she complained that Lana got to go. So there's the dynamic right there. Both women also can't wait to visit with their Aunt Grace who we met a few books ago. Things take a turn though when one of Aunt Grace's writer friends ends up murdered. Grace asks her to "do what she does" and find out the real killer.
Lana was just a pill through this whole book. In the last book she got harmed and her family and her boyfriend both want her to stop with investigating, or at least charge in when she can get harmed. I really wish Chien had dwelled on that more, because Lana could have died and almost did, and she seems to shrug it off way too fast in this book.
Anna May is still coming to terms with her married boyfriend, and honestly, I loathe cheating in romance books, and definitely won't put up with it in a cozy mystery. It just doesn't even read as something this character would ever do and I am tired of reading about it.
Without Adam and Megan in this one as much the book feel flat. It's just Lana kind of flailing around and needing to have coffee to the point I wondered how she even slept at night. She started to read like a poor version of herself after a while and I started to get annoyed.
July 22, 2023
This is the 9th book in the Noodle Shop Mystery and I must confess it is the first that I have read. I wonder if I had started with any of the other books that seem to take place in the protagonist’s home towns I would have gotten more sucked in. This wasn’t a bad mystery, but it didn’t ever really grab my interest and it was easy to find other distractions and took me longer than normal to read. I did like Lana and think she’s a good amateur sleuth. The mystery was ok, but I wasn’t very invested and I didn’t find it to be super twisty. Overall I think the protagonist and set up has a lot of potential so I would definitely read another one in this series to see if it clicked better.
Want to read
September 11, 2022I haven't caught up all the way yet but I'm so freaking excited to know this series isn't over yet <3
April 20, 2023
Lana, who manages her parents' noodle shop in Cleveland, is traveling to Southern California with her sister for a food show. They will also visit their Aunt Grace. When there is a sudden death, Aunt Grace asks Lana to investigate, much to the dismay of her stuffy sister, Anna May. Lana has a few suspects, but with Anna May and Grace's help, the murderer is brought to justice. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 8, 2023
pre-read: god, im so happy this series isn't over yet!
post-read: I’ve seen mixed reviews considering the change of setting from Cleveland and the restaurant, but coming from someone who lives in a (subjectively) small town, I get the desire for wanting to go somewhere else. I love Lana Lee and I love catching up with her. I wasn’t attached to the mystery, per se, but I wanted more of her with Detective Trudeau. He is a green flag.
post-read: I’ve seen mixed reviews considering the change of setting from Cleveland and the restaurant, but coming from someone who lives in a (subjectively) small town, I get the desire for wanting to go somewhere else. I love Lana Lee and I love catching up with her. I wasn’t attached to the mystery, per se, but I wanted more of her with Detective Trudeau. He is a green flag.
July 1, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lana Lee’s life is in a good place. She is managing the family business, the Ho-Lee Noodle House and her love life with Detective Adam Trudeau is moving in the right direction. Now with her job as manager, her mother insists Lana attend a restaurant convention in California, and surprisingly her sister Anna May has decided to join her. They do have family there. The girls’ very Americanized Aunt Grace could be more different from her sister. She is a prominent writer for SoCalSun Publishing who had married well but that went awry. She also has a luxe rental property and has invited her nieces to stay there.
While Lana attends the conference Anna May and Grace do some fun things around town. The conference is okay and even entertaining as a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist treat everyone to a war of words and threats. After her interesting day, Lana meets up with her sister and aunt to attend a ritzy party Grace had been invited to. The night turns ugly when one of Grace’s friends falls to her death from the roof of the hotel. Lana is shocked when she recognizes the woman as the journalist from the convention.
After the authorities rule the death a tragic accident Aunt Grace decides Lana needs to investigate because she cannot believe there was anything accidental. Anna May doesn’t think investigating on their own is a good idea but soon all three were asking questions, snooping around, and putting themselves in danger. Will they catch the killer or will Lana and Anna May’s Californian vacation end very badly?
It was fun to see Lana and Anna May out of their element and away from the restaurant. I really enjoyed meeting Aunt Grace too. She is another strong woman and a great addition to this series. I did miss the characters left back in Ohio though and the humor they bring to the story but soon I was caught up in everything Lana was doing while trying to figure out how to investigate without her usual resources. I was surprised and happy to see Lana and Anna May’s relationship grow in a new direction but will it last when they get back home? We shall see. Ms. Chien does an excellent job of character development and her characters are very true to life. The focus of these three women in this story was very pleasing.
The change in setting brought a real freshness to the series. I mean who wouldn’t want to be in California instead of Ohio in the middle of winter? Ms. Chien’s descriptive style takes her readers inside every place her characters visit with a bird’s eye view of everything going on.
The mystery was very complicated with a plethora of suspects, twists, and turns. Anna May’s objections at how Lana wanted to investigate were true to form but even she didn’t want to be left out. I loved how the story was plotted out. I was kept guessing the whole way. The big reveal was so exciting. Lana really has to think on her feet and Anna May was right there with her.
At the very end, Lana and Adam had a wonderful telephone conversation and it was the perfect ending.
Misfortune Cookie is a terrific addition to the Noodle Shop Mystery Series. Lana has grown so much since the first book, Death by Dumpling. I do recommend reading them all in order for maximum enjoyment. Fans of the series will love this story! I am already looking forward to the next book and catching up with the Mahjong Matrons and the rest of Lana’s family and friends.
Lana Lee’s life is in a good place. She is managing the family business, the Ho-Lee Noodle House and her love life with Detective Adam Trudeau is moving in the right direction. Now with her job as manager, her mother insists Lana attend a restaurant convention in California, and surprisingly her sister Anna May has decided to join her. They do have family there. The girls’ very Americanized Aunt Grace could be more different from her sister. She is a prominent writer for SoCalSun Publishing who had married well but that went awry. She also has a luxe rental property and has invited her nieces to stay there.
While Lana attends the conference Anna May and Grace do some fun things around town. The conference is okay and even entertaining as a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist treat everyone to a war of words and threats. After her interesting day, Lana meets up with her sister and aunt to attend a ritzy party Grace had been invited to. The night turns ugly when one of Grace’s friends falls to her death from the roof of the hotel. Lana is shocked when she recognizes the woman as the journalist from the convention.
After the authorities rule the death a tragic accident Aunt Grace decides Lana needs to investigate because she cannot believe there was anything accidental. Anna May doesn’t think investigating on their own is a good idea but soon all three were asking questions, snooping around, and putting themselves in danger. Will they catch the killer or will Lana and Anna May’s Californian vacation end very badly?
It was fun to see Lana and Anna May out of their element and away from the restaurant. I really enjoyed meeting Aunt Grace too. She is another strong woman and a great addition to this series. I did miss the characters left back in Ohio though and the humor they bring to the story but soon I was caught up in everything Lana was doing while trying to figure out how to investigate without her usual resources. I was surprised and happy to see Lana and Anna May’s relationship grow in a new direction but will it last when they get back home? We shall see. Ms. Chien does an excellent job of character development and her characters are very true to life. The focus of these three women in this story was very pleasing.
The change in setting brought a real freshness to the series. I mean who wouldn’t want to be in California instead of Ohio in the middle of winter? Ms. Chien’s descriptive style takes her readers inside every place her characters visit with a bird’s eye view of everything going on.
The mystery was very complicated with a plethora of suspects, twists, and turns. Anna May’s objections at how Lana wanted to investigate were true to form but even she didn’t want to be left out. I loved how the story was plotted out. I was kept guessing the whole way. The big reveal was so exciting. Lana really has to think on her feet and Anna May was right there with her.
At the very end, Lana and Adam had a wonderful telephone conversation and it was the perfect ending.
Misfortune Cookie is a terrific addition to the Noodle Shop Mystery Series. Lana has grown so much since the first book, Death by Dumpling. I do recommend reading them all in order for maximum enjoyment. Fans of the series will love this story! I am already looking forward to the next book and catching up with the Mahjong Matrons and the rest of Lana’s family and friends.
April 29, 2023
Misfortune Cookie is everything I hoped it would be and more!
Lana and her sister Anna May are visiting their Aunt Grace while attending a food expo. While visiting, they become involved in another murder investigation, which doesn't sit well with Anna.
The victim is their aunt's best friend, and Lana is determined to find the truth, especially if she thinks her aunt is in danger.
Even though Anna doesn't approve of Lana's investigations, she soon becomes a willing partner and the sisters work together to find the truth.
I think the author portrayed the relationship between the sisters in true form. She showed the tension, the arguments and the special bond they share, while also allowing them to be true to themselves.
I highly recommend this series to other people, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Lana and her sister Anna May are visiting their Aunt Grace while attending a food expo. While visiting, they become involved in another murder investigation, which doesn't sit well with Anna.
The victim is their aunt's best friend, and Lana is determined to find the truth, especially if she thinks her aunt is in danger.
Even though Anna doesn't approve of Lana's investigations, she soon becomes a willing partner and the sisters work together to find the truth.
I think the author portrayed the relationship between the sisters in true form. She showed the tension, the arguments and the special bond they share, while also allowing them to be true to themselves.
I highly recommend this series to other people, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
October 6, 2025
This is the second or third book I’ve read in this series. I’ve always enjoyed them. This one was not set in Ohio and I did not like the mystery as much. It was just so so and her sister was really annoying. I will definitely try another one.
August 4, 2023
I love this series so much and I look forward to the time every year when I can sit down with the latest edition to it. Vivien Chien has built such a wonderful community with great characters that always make you want to spend time with them and see what they're up to; I miss them when I'm not reading about them. This one, however, did not have any of the amazing characters (except Lana); there was no progression in her relationship with Adam, no sleuthing with Megan, no outrageous conversations with Kimmy, no cameos by any of the characters I want to spend time with. Lana has traveled to California with her sister, which gives a better look at their relationship but I'd be lying if I said I finally warmed to Anna May; I doubt I ever will, especially after this one. This one wasn't my favorite in the series and I struggled to get through it. The mystery really felt secondary to the focus on relationships with Lana, her aunt, and her sister, and it didn't hold my interest. Hoping to be back in Ohio for the next one.
December 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book (for the most part!) about the same that I've enjoyed the previous ones. I mean, they're all along the same lines, so I didn't really expect that to change since the books follow the same formula. I enjoyed the mystery - it wasn't anything to write home about, but it was fun, y'know. Low stakes and all that, but kept me reading.
What I missed most and was really jarring in this book was the lack of the side cast that was present in all the other books. The side cast in Lana's life really made the rest of the book shine, and that was really missing here. Of course, I get that there can't just be MORE DEATHS at the plaza where Lana works, that would start to be unrealistic, but more phone calls or somehow involving her roommate and her boyfriend more (like having them help research or throw ideas around or whatever). There were a couple mentions of different people, but that definitely isn't the same vibe as the other books. tbh, that was really my biggest complaint.
On the flip side, I loved the focus on Lana's relationship with her sister. That's something we've never really gotten to see in previous books and I loved that development. It almost made up for the lack of side characters. Almost lol. I definitely hope that development will continue in the next book and that their relationship continues to improve. I did also enjoy the change in location, since like I mentioned, it would be weird if we were in the same place with a new death. Just wish all the other characters could also have come to California. Maybe they can show their noodle shop at some sort of noodle convention, so they gotta bring a bunch of people along (and other people tag along for vacation)!
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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
What I missed most and was really jarring in this book was the lack of the side cast that was present in all the other books. The side cast in Lana's life really made the rest of the book shine, and that was really missing here. Of course, I get that there can't just be MORE DEATHS at the plaza where Lana works, that would start to be unrealistic, but more phone calls or somehow involving her roommate and her boyfriend more (like having them help research or throw ideas around or whatever). There were a couple mentions of different people, but that definitely isn't the same vibe as the other books. tbh, that was really my biggest complaint.
On the flip side, I loved the focus on Lana's relationship with her sister. That's something we've never really gotten to see in previous books and I loved that development. It almost made up for the lack of side characters. Almost lol. I definitely hope that development will continue in the next book and that their relationship continues to improve. I did also enjoy the change in location, since like I mentioned, it would be weird if we were in the same place with a new death. Just wish all the other characters could also have come to California. Maybe they can show their noodle shop at some sort of noodle convention, so they gotta bring a bunch of people along (and other people tag along for vacation)!
--------
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
July 2, 2023
Although this is the ninth book in the series, I had no problem following along.
Lana and her sister, Anna May, go to California to stay with their Aunt Gracie. Lana's visit is work-oriented since she has a restaurant convention to attend. Anna May tagged along for a vacation and to nurse her broken heart.
On the first day at the convention, Lana witnesses a heated exchange between a vendor and another woman.
Both sisters attend a cocktail party with their aunt, where a woman, Nora Blackwell, falls from the top of a building to her death, the same one involved in the altercation witnessed by Lana. Nora is also Gracie's friend. Gracie asks Lana to do what she does. Lana already has one suspect in mind, but her sleuthing uncovers more suspects and surprises. Time is running out, and she must find the missing information to nail the killer.
I enjoyed the mystery and was pleasantly surprised that my guess was correct.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy and voluntarily reviewed this book.
Lana and her sister, Anna May, go to California to stay with their Aunt Gracie. Lana's visit is work-oriented since she has a restaurant convention to attend. Anna May tagged along for a vacation and to nurse her broken heart.
On the first day at the convention, Lana witnesses a heated exchange between a vendor and another woman.
Both sisters attend a cocktail party with their aunt, where a woman, Nora Blackwell, falls from the top of a building to her death, the same one involved in the altercation witnessed by Lana. Nora is also Gracie's friend. Gracie asks Lana to do what she does. Lana already has one suspect in mind, but her sleuthing uncovers more suspects and surprises. Time is running out, and she must find the missing information to nail the killer.
I enjoyed the mystery and was pleasantly surprised that my guess was correct.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy and voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 7, 2023
(3.5 rounded up)
I am always excited for a new book in this series! And what I really liked about this one was the change of setting: rather than investigating a murder in Cleveland, this story sees Lana, her sister, and the aunt they’re visiting wrapped up in a murder investigation in California!
As much as I love seeing Lana and her BFF Megan team up to solve mysteries, I enjoyed seeing her have to work with her sister, with whom she does not have the closest relationship. Their dynamic intrigues me and I hope we get to see more of that in future books.
The thing is, I just wasn’t captivated by the mystery. And while I thought the change of scenery was a good way to keep things fresh this many books in the series, I really did miss the Noodle House, Lana’s parents, her boyfriend Adam, Megan, and her dog! I guess when it comes to this series, I prefer the comfort of the familiar.
But no matter where it’s happening, I love reading about Lana solving mysteries!
I am always excited for a new book in this series! And what I really liked about this one was the change of setting: rather than investigating a murder in Cleveland, this story sees Lana, her sister, and the aunt they’re visiting wrapped up in a murder investigation in California!
As much as I love seeing Lana and her BFF Megan team up to solve mysteries, I enjoyed seeing her have to work with her sister, with whom she does not have the closest relationship. Their dynamic intrigues me and I hope we get to see more of that in future books.
The thing is, I just wasn’t captivated by the mystery. And while I thought the change of scenery was a good way to keep things fresh this many books in the series, I really did miss the Noodle House, Lana’s parents, her boyfriend Adam, Megan, and her dog! I guess when it comes to this series, I prefer the comfort of the familiar.
But no matter where it’s happening, I love reading about Lana solving mysteries!
April 17, 2023
A great addition to the Noodle Shop Mysteries series!
August 4, 2024
Lana Lee and her older sister Anna May travel to Irvine, California. Lana is there to attend a restaurant convention, while her sister decided to come with her, probably so she would not have to deal with her romantic problems.
They two are hosted by their Aunt Grace, who puts them up in her rental property. Grace is a journalist, and is eager to spend time with them, and plans to first take them to a swanky party so they can meet her colleagues. Lana spends the day of the party at the convention, where she watches an altercation between a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist.
Imagine Lana's surprise when that same journalist, Nora, plunges to her death from a roof at the party, and that the woman is a good friend of her aunt's.
Grace refuses to believe this was an accident, and asks Lana to investigate, which puts the two sisters even more at odds, as Anna May thinks that all that Lana has done (books 1-8) has been nothing more than indulge her flightiness and nosiness, instead of what Lana knows she did, which was to achieve some justice for the victims she knew.
Lana and Grace begin asking questions of Nora's colleagues and husband, and discover that Grace was not as aware of her friend's life as she thought she was. It also gradually begins softening Anna's and Lana's feelings for each other, as both begin to see qualities they like in the other. The sisters end up confronting the killer, and gaining the respect of the detective investigating Nora's death.
Vivien Chien has a great handle on Lana, and has allowed her to grow over the series. I enjoyed how much more confident she was, and how much better she has become at investigating, even though she was clearly suffering a lot from jet lag for much of this book. I really liked her confrontation with Anna, where she finally cleared the air between the sisters.
I enjoyed this installment, and look forward to the next.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
They two are hosted by their Aunt Grace, who puts them up in her rental property. Grace is a journalist, and is eager to spend time with them, and plans to first take them to a swanky party so they can meet her colleagues. Lana spends the day of the party at the convention, where she watches an altercation between a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist.
Imagine Lana's surprise when that same journalist, Nora, plunges to her death from a roof at the party, and that the woman is a good friend of her aunt's.
Grace refuses to believe this was an accident, and asks Lana to investigate, which puts the two sisters even more at odds, as Anna May thinks that all that Lana has done (books 1-8) has been nothing more than indulge her flightiness and nosiness, instead of what Lana knows she did, which was to achieve some justice for the victims she knew.
Lana and Grace begin asking questions of Nora's colleagues and husband, and discover that Grace was not as aware of her friend's life as she thought she was. It also gradually begins softening Anna's and Lana's feelings for each other, as both begin to see qualities they like in the other. The sisters end up confronting the killer, and gaining the respect of the detective investigating Nora's death.
Vivien Chien has a great handle on Lana, and has allowed her to grow over the series. I enjoyed how much more confident she was, and how much better she has become at investigating, even though she was clearly suffering a lot from jet lag for much of this book. I really liked her confrontation with Anna, where she finally cleared the air between the sisters.
I enjoyed this installment, and look forward to the next.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 21, 2024
Whether it was the change in setting or some of the antics in this book, this didn't work for me as well as other books in the series. The way this played out wasn't as clever as other books. While we're told protagonist, Lana, is growing in experience with her investigating, the scenes in the book made this feel more amateur that other books, and I didn't see the growth at all in the character. The thing I recall most vividly is Lana constantly telling expressing that she's quick to anger often, but that's not development.
I do understand the desire to change settings. And I think the purpose behind that decision was to show us Lana and her sister in neutral territory. That was interesting, but was it interesting enough, because their interactions felt quite stilted and formulaic. I didn't feel a revelation, or shift, in their relationship. Maybe I'm looking too deeply into the story.
A return of Aunt Grace was most welcome, and much needed, in this book. The setup for the mystery was good. It packs in a lot of cosy elements to stay true to the cosy mystery theme.
Average I would say. But in a long running series, that's bound to happen at some stage.
I do understand the desire to change settings. And I think the purpose behind that decision was to show us Lana and her sister in neutral territory. That was interesting, but was it interesting enough, because their interactions felt quite stilted and formulaic. I didn't feel a revelation, or shift, in their relationship. Maybe I'm looking too deeply into the story.
A return of Aunt Grace was most welcome, and much needed, in this book. The setup for the mystery was good. It packs in a lot of cosy elements to stay true to the cosy mystery theme.
Average I would say. But in a long running series, that's bound to happen at some stage.
September 7, 2023
Eventually, every series takes their character out of their milieu. This one takes Lana Lee to Orange County, for a restaurant convention. Her sister comes with. They are staying with their glamourous Aunt, who is a writer.
Of course, there is a murder, and of course, Lana investigates. Her sister is constantly jogging to take her mind off her lovelife.
Not quite as good as some of the rest of the series. I think the setting contributes a lot to the enjoyment.
Of course, there is a murder, and of course, Lana investigates. Her sister is constantly jogging to take her mind off her lovelife.
Not quite as good as some of the rest of the series. I think the setting contributes a lot to the enjoyment.
August 27, 2024
I loved this book! Though I really miss the plaza of Asia Village, I loved seeing Lana and her sleuthing on the road. I think because it was wonderful to see her and her sister working together (or if not fully together, then not apart) for once away from all the other distractions. I was thoroughly invested in this mystery and though I guessed it before Lana I loved watching her sleuthing abilities and seeing how she could really read people. And of course it still made me very hungry.
Note: I LOVED the audiobook version!
Note: I LOVED the audiobook version!
October 15, 2023
2.5 stars
I did somewhat enjoy this, but I wasn’t really invested in the mystery. I did enjoy the slight shift in family dynamics though.
I did somewhat enjoy this, but I wasn’t really invested in the mystery. I did enjoy the slight shift in family dynamics though.
February 28, 2025
This was a good one!
July 20, 2023
I love this series so so much!
May 1, 2023
I absolutely love the foodie thriller books by best-selling authors Jesse Q. Sutanto and Mia Manansala, so I knew that Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop cozy mystery series would be perfect for me. I haven’t read the others in the series (this is #9), but in just a few opening pages I knew Lana Lee was a character worth loving. And she solves mysteries! Plus, she doesn’t allow pineapple on pizza, so I recognize her as a soulmate.
Lana is out of her Ohio Noodle Shop element in this book, but she’s in one I know well, Irvine and Balboa Island. Welcome, Lana! Aunt Grace lives in sunny California and is hosting Lana and her sister Anna May (who is escaping a married boyfriend) during a restaurant convention. Of course, someone with connections to fortune cookie manufacturing is involved (must be the cookies with the dire warnings instead of serene platitudes) and there’s an “accident” that Lana’s suspects is a murder.
I so enjoyed this book and I’ll definitely add the previous ones with all the adorable titles (“Egg Drop Dead,” “Wonton Terror,” “Death by Dumpling”) to my TBR list! 5 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Not something I was expecting in a novel about strong female Asian characters, but kudos to Lana for her mint chocolate hair color.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But Lana is consistently abusive to bouquets of stargazer lilies, lavender, and baby’s breath.
Lana is out of her Ohio Noodle Shop element in this book, but she’s in one I know well, Irvine and Balboa Island. Welcome, Lana! Aunt Grace lives in sunny California and is hosting Lana and her sister Anna May (who is escaping a married boyfriend) during a restaurant convention. Of course, someone with connections to fortune cookie manufacturing is involved (must be the cookies with the dire warnings instead of serene platitudes) and there’s an “accident” that Lana’s suspects is a murder.
I so enjoyed this book and I’ll definitely add the previous ones with all the adorable titles (“Egg Drop Dead,” “Wonton Terror,” “Death by Dumpling”) to my TBR list! 5 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Not something I was expecting in a novel about strong female Asian characters, but kudos to Lana for her mint chocolate hair color.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But Lana is consistently abusive to bouquets of stargazer lilies, lavender, and baby’s breath.
January 18, 2025
Dare I say this is my new favorite in the series!? The change of scenery, to sunny California, was most welcomed!! Lana in new stomping grounds with detectives she isn’t dating….I liked it! When Lana and Anna May head to CA for a restaraunt convention, their Aunt Grace hosts them and pretty soon, like always, someone ends up dead! Anna May needed an escape after all the drama with Henry and what better than to tag along with your younger sister?! As Lana soon finds out, California is much smaller than previously thought!
June 20, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the digital copy of an Advanced Readers Copy of Misfortune Cookie (Noodle Shop Mystery, #9) by Vivien Chien. I was happy to be approved to read this book. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
At first, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book as I had never read anything written by Vivien Chien, but I was glad that I did. The author did a fantastic job of giving the reader a recap of the backstories for the reoccurring characters in such a way that it flowed flawlessly. Because of this, the novel can be read as stand alone book. With that being said, I sometimes felt like the conversations between Lanna and Anna May could be stilted at times, especially when Anna May was speaking. It seemed too proper for a lack of a better word. I really did like all three of the main characters though, even though I think we're not supposed to like Anna May.
One thing that drove me a bit bonkers was that Lana's mother called her in California at midnight, pacific time. That would mean it's three o'clock in the morning in Cleveland, Ohio. It seems a little unrealistic to me that her mother would be up at that time, even working in the restaurant business.
As for the murderer, a lot of the suspicion was thrown on the husband, but I really didn't think it was him. My guess was that it was either the fortune cookie vendor or Ernest, the editor. You'll have to read it for yourself to see if I was right or wrong.
However, the story was entertaining enough and held my attention. Despite it being about murder, it was a lighter read because it doesn't have all the guts and gore that most mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels have. Four out of five stars is what I give Misfortune Cookie (Noodle Shop Mystery, #9) by Vivien Chien.
At first, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book as I had never read anything written by Vivien Chien, but I was glad that I did. The author did a fantastic job of giving the reader a recap of the backstories for the reoccurring characters in such a way that it flowed flawlessly. Because of this, the novel can be read as stand alone book. With that being said, I sometimes felt like the conversations between Lanna and Anna May could be stilted at times, especially when Anna May was speaking. It seemed too proper for a lack of a better word. I really did like all three of the main characters though, even though I think we're not supposed to like Anna May.
One thing that drove me a bit bonkers was that Lana's mother called her in California at midnight, pacific time. That would mean it's three o'clock in the morning in Cleveland, Ohio. It seems a little unrealistic to me that her mother would be up at that time, even working in the restaurant business.
As for the murderer, a lot of the suspicion was thrown on the husband, but I really didn't think it was him. My guess was that it was either the fortune cookie vendor or Ernest, the editor. You'll have to read it for yourself to see if I was right or wrong.
However, the story was entertaining enough and held my attention. Despite it being about murder, it was a lighter read because it doesn't have all the guts and gore that most mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels have. Four out of five stars is what I give Misfortune Cookie (Noodle Shop Mystery, #9) by Vivien Chien.
July 24, 2023
This book was laugh out loud funny with an enthralling plot (lots of clues!) and had lovable, realistic characters whose adventures in restaurants and murder kept me entertained.
I’ve only read the first noodleshop mystery, Death By Dumpling, and then this one. There were some references to the other books but the first chapter pretty much caught me up to speed, without many spoilers. This was a good book to jump in on, because Lana Lee is visiting California and that gives us a little break from the other subplots with the other main characters.
Lana Lee sleuthing in California was a fun change to the usual Ohio noodle shop setting! At first I missed the Ohio characters, but Aunt Grace was such a fun character, and we got to know Anna May better which I really liked. I liked Aunt Grace’s character she was so fun and I was excited for another strong female character to join the series. Lana Lee, Anna May, and Aunt Grace make a fun team of detectives, with a lot of witty banter. The character development between these 3 women was very entertaining to read.
The mystery itself was very twisty and complex, which I loved! I like my cozy mysteries with good characters, cozy details, and plots that keep me interested, and this one delivered on all 3.
I loved Aunt Grace and I hope she makes some more appearances in the series. And sending Lana Lee to different cities is pretty fun for the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
I’ve only read the first noodleshop mystery, Death By Dumpling, and then this one. There were some references to the other books but the first chapter pretty much caught me up to speed, without many spoilers. This was a good book to jump in on, because Lana Lee is visiting California and that gives us a little break from the other subplots with the other main characters.
Lana Lee sleuthing in California was a fun change to the usual Ohio noodle shop setting! At first I missed the Ohio characters, but Aunt Grace was such a fun character, and we got to know Anna May better which I really liked. I liked Aunt Grace’s character she was so fun and I was excited for another strong female character to join the series. Lana Lee, Anna May, and Aunt Grace make a fun team of detectives, with a lot of witty banter. The character development between these 3 women was very entertaining to read.
The mystery itself was very twisty and complex, which I loved! I like my cozy mysteries with good characters, cozy details, and plots that keep me interested, and this one delivered on all 3.
I loved Aunt Grace and I hope she makes some more appearances in the series. And sending Lana Lee to different cities is pretty fun for the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
June 27, 2023
Misfortune Cookie is the ninth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. This time Lana Lee, who manages her family's restaurant, leaves Cleveland to attend a restaurant convention in California. For that reason, I think it would work well even if you haven't read prior books in the series. Even though they don't get along, Lana's sister Anna May insists on going with her and they'll be staying with their mom's sister, Grace. Even though Lana has promised her best friend and her boyfriend that she will take a break from her amateur sleuthing, she can't help but get involved in another case when a friend of their aunt is killed.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the change in setting for this story, but I liked it. I enjoyed getting to know Aunt Grace and without the rest of the family around, Anna Lee toned down her criticisms and complaints a bit and actually worked well with Lana as she tried to get to the truth of the murder. It was interesting seeing Lana investigate the murder outside the familiar territory of her hometown and she proved that she was up for the challenge. I really liked this book, especially the dramatic ending. I'm hoping Lana and Anna Lee can continue their truce once they return to Cleveland. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the change in setting for this story, but I liked it. I enjoyed getting to know Aunt Grace and without the rest of the family around, Anna Lee toned down her criticisms and complaints a bit and actually worked well with Lana as she tried to get to the truth of the murder. It was interesting seeing Lana investigate the murder outside the familiar territory of her hometown and she proved that she was up for the challenge. I really liked this book, especially the dramatic ending. I'm hoping Lana and Anna Lee can continue their truce once they return to Cleveland. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 28, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
In the 9th book of the Noodle Shop cozy mystery series, Lana finds herself caught up in a murder investigation while away at a restaurant convention.
This was another enjoyable addition to one of my favorite cozy mystery series. In this book, Lana is out of town with her sister at a restaurant convention while also visiting her aunt. She gets caught up in a murder investigation when a friend of her aunt falls to her death and her aunt asks her to look into it. I thought that having Lana in a different place made this mystery feel fresh and different from the others in this series. It was a fun change of pace. I will say that I missed being at Ho-Lee noodle house with her though. One of my favorite things about this series is reading about restaurant life and the delicious descriptions of the food that is made. So I definitely missed those parts a bit. I appreciated that in this book we got to see more of Lana's relationship with her sister though. I also liked the mystery as well, and thought that this was a solid read overall.
Cozy mystery fans need to check this series out if you haven't already. I feel like this book would be a great place to start if you haven't yet read this series and want to give it a try. It's a fun read and definitely worth your time. I'm giving it 3.5 stars and rounding up on Goodreads.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.
In the 9th book of the Noodle Shop cozy mystery series, Lana finds herself caught up in a murder investigation while away at a restaurant convention.
This was another enjoyable addition to one of my favorite cozy mystery series. In this book, Lana is out of town with her sister at a restaurant convention while also visiting her aunt. She gets caught up in a murder investigation when a friend of her aunt falls to her death and her aunt asks her to look into it. I thought that having Lana in a different place made this mystery feel fresh and different from the others in this series. It was a fun change of pace. I will say that I missed being at Ho-Lee noodle house with her though. One of my favorite things about this series is reading about restaurant life and the delicious descriptions of the food that is made. So I definitely missed those parts a bit. I appreciated that in this book we got to see more of Lana's relationship with her sister though. I also liked the mystery as well, and thought that this was a solid read overall.
Cozy mystery fans need to check this series out if you haven't already. I feel like this book would be a great place to start if you haven't yet read this series and want to give it a try. It's a fun read and definitely worth your time. I'm giving it 3.5 stars and rounding up on Goodreads.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.
November 6, 2023
This is easily one of my favourite series....although it always leaves me feeling hungry!!
Our favourite restaurant manager Lana and her sister Anna May decide to get away for abit from the cold and visit their aunt . Whilst Lana is checking out a conference for members of the food industry she encounters and ugly argument and then later that evening, of them dies at the same venue where Lana and her family are at a function.
This time, instead of Lana's trusty best friend, she will have to rely on her sister and aunt to find out who the murderer is.
I loved that we were able to see more of Lana and Anna-May's relationship. Even though they are far from being best friends, they start to learn abit more about each other which is eye opening. Lana has alot of soul searching to do if she is hoping to have her life move in directions that she wants, rather than sitting in this holding pattern second guessing herself.
This book was nice as Lana was taken out of her comfort zone and had to put her sleuthing skills to work in a whole new way. I cant wait for the next one!
Our favourite restaurant manager Lana and her sister Anna May decide to get away for abit from the cold and visit their aunt . Whilst Lana is checking out a conference for members of the food industry she encounters and ugly argument and then later that evening, of them dies at the same venue where Lana and her family are at a function.
This time, instead of Lana's trusty best friend, she will have to rely on her sister and aunt to find out who the murderer is.
I loved that we were able to see more of Lana and Anna-May's relationship. Even though they are far from being best friends, they start to learn abit more about each other which is eye opening. Lana has alot of soul searching to do if she is hoping to have her life move in directions that she wants, rather than sitting in this holding pattern second guessing herself.
This book was nice as Lana was taken out of her comfort zone and had to put her sleuthing skills to work in a whole new way. I cant wait for the next one!
July 27, 2023
Lana and her sister Anna May are off to California in this one to visit Aunt Grace and a convention. Even though Lana is supposed to stay away from sleuthing, she winds up back in the thick of it when one of Aunt Grace's writer friends is found dead from a roof fall.
This book brought a bit of a scenery change to the series, but I did feel like it lost a bit of that Chinese resteraunt culture that has been in previous books. Hopefully back to Cleveland for the next book.
Even with the scenery change, the mystery plot and cast of suspects was written well and did a decent job at throwing the readers off trail until closer to the reveal. Figuring out the motive was a huge part in this one, since Nora's life definitely had some hidden parts to it.
This was a fun mystery, but I didn't like it quite as much as the last book! Variety is the spice of life though!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
This book brought a bit of a scenery change to the series, but I did feel like it lost a bit of that Chinese resteraunt culture that has been in previous books. Hopefully back to Cleveland for the next book.
Even with the scenery change, the mystery plot and cast of suspects was written well and did a decent job at throwing the readers off trail until closer to the reveal. Figuring out the motive was a huge part in this one, since Nora's life definitely had some hidden parts to it.
This was a fun mystery, but I didn't like it quite as much as the last book! Variety is the spice of life though!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
March 26, 2025
One of my favorite things about this series is the family drama. I sure know what it’s like to have a sister and how that relationship is so complicated. Lana and Anna May love each other but boy are they so different. These differences cause some disagreements. The sisters head to Cali to visit their Aunt Grace. When one of her friends is murdered, Lana must help find the culprit. If Lana and Anna May do not get along they will not be able to solve this crime. The twists were so good. I loved the story and cannot wait to read the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
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