In the fifth in Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop delectable mystery series, Egg Drop Dead, the Ho-Lee Noodle House takes its business to the next level–only to end up in hot water. It was supposed to be a fancy, intimate dinner party by the pool. Instead, Lana Lee’s first-ever catering event turns into full-course madness when a domestic worker is found dead. Is the party’s host Donna Feng, the … host Donna Feng, the sweet-and-sour owner of the Asia Village shopping plaza where Ho-Lee is situated, somehow to blame? That’s what Lana–whose plate is already plenty full with running the restaurant, pleasing her often-disapproving mother, and fretting over her occasionally-serious boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau–must find out.
Before the police arrived at the crime scene, Donna had entrusted an odd piece of evidence to Lana: a thumb drive shaped like a terra-cotta soldier. Now it’s up to Lana to lead her own investigation, digitally and in real life, into a world of secrets involving Donna’s earlier life in China, whether the victim had a dark agenda, and if the killer is still out there. . .and plans to strike again.
“Endearing…will appeal to fans of Chris Cavender’s Pizza Lovers mysteries.”–Booklist
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The Noodle Shop Mystery series has quickly become one of my favorite new series. I get so excited when I get approved by NetGalley for the newest addition to the series. I cannot explain why but when I am reading I am smiling even when someone gets murdered. Strange, right?
I would love to be Lana for even one day especially on a Sunday when she eats dim dum with her family. I have never had dim sum but she makes it sound oh so yummy. Get your belly full of yummy deliciousness and go home curl up with your love and read the afternoon away. Sigh…sounds like a perfect Sunday.
I was shocked at who the villain was and why in Egg Drop Dead. Red herrings abound and keep you on your toes throughout the book. Every book has been excellent at this.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions epressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Lana Lee, manager of Ho-Lee Noodle House, is catering for Donna Feng’s fancy dinner party. During the party, Donna yells at the nanny for failing to properly supervise the children. When the nanny is found dead in the pool, she immediately becomes the main suspect. Donna has a few theories about the murder and wants Lana to uncover the truth.
Egg Drop Dead is the fifth book in Vivien Chien’s A Noodle Shop Mystery series. This is an entertaining and engaging read, with witty dialogue, mouthwatering descriptions of Chinese food, and a realistic cast of characters. I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed reading about the Asian American culture. Lana Lee is one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. She reminds me so much of myself, and I feel like she’s someone I would hang out with in real life. She’s smart, sassy, loyal to friends and family and has a penchant for solving mysteries. I love the relationship between Lana and her family and found their interactions to be very relatable. Lana and her best friend Megan worked well together and made a great sleuthing team. I do hope that they include Kimmy again in future investigations because she’s hilarious, and I think she would be a great addition to their team.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, with plenty of suspense, suspects, and clues to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I will definitely be reading more books in this well-written and humorous cozy mystery series.
I received an ARC from St Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The fifth installment of the Noodle Shop Mystery series continues Ms. Chien’s highly entertaining series centered around Lana Lee. I find Lana Lee to be a fun protagonist with spunk and a penchant being unable to resist a mystery. More times than not, this leads her into trouble. This time around, a family friend, who is the widow of the victim in the first book in the series, is the prime suspect in the murder of her nanny. Lana’s family restaurant was selected by Mrs. Feng to caterer for her birthday party, so Lana is present when the murder occurs. Once Mrs. Feng realizes she is the prime suspect, she enlists Lana’s help. Along the way, we are treated to returning secondary characters, as well as introduced to some new ones. I particularly enjoyed Lydia, the PI, and hope that we see more of her in future books. I also think the relationship between Adam and Lana is progressing nicely without overpowering the mysteries.
The mystery is well done. The victim, at first blush, appears to be above reproach, but as Ms. Chien weaves her story and lays out clues, twists, and turns, appearance can be deceiving. There were plenty of theories and suspects to keep me engaged and guessing. Once again, the killer’s identity is revealed in a climactic fashion where Lana gets her self entangled in some unintended trouble. I
Overall, I think this is a very entertaining series, with well-written characters, witty dialogue, and strong mysteries. I always look forward to a new book in the series and after finishing this one I am looking forward to seeing where Ms. Chien takes her character next.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC, provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, through Netgalley.
Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien is book five in this easy to read Cozy. I have read all of them and this one did not disappoint.
Lana has branched out doing catering and her first customer is a dinner party for Mrs. Feng. During the party, Lana finds the nanny floating face down in the pool and Mrs. Feng is the main suspect but Lana knows she couldn’t have done it or could she. Then when Mrs. Feng asks her to investigate on her own, Lana agrees and enlists her roommate Megan to help. The one problem for Lana is her detective boyfriend Adam isn’t on this case since it is not in his jurisdiction.
There are plenty of twist and turns that have you guessing to the end. There is humor, family, and a bit of romance.
The only problem is you are left craving noodles.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Egg Drop Dead is the 5th book in the Noodle Shop Mystery. Lana Lee is still active managing the Ho-Lee Noodle Shop, her families Chinese Restaurant. Although Lana has a full plate with managing the Ho-Lee Noodle shop and figuring out her relationship with Adam, her police detective boyfriend, she decides to open a catering business since the summer business is slow. The first catering job is for Donna Feng’s birthday party. All is going swimmingly until Donna’s twin daughter decide to make a splash by jumping in the pool so they can get a look at Bryce Blackwell, the D.J. Donna looses her cool with Alice, the nanny, in front of her guests. However little did Lana know that Alice would be found dead in the swimming pool and what a little Terra Cotta Soldier with a jumpdrive hidden within would have to do with this. When the Westlake police arrive to investigate Alice’s death, Lana finds that Donna is their key suspect. Being a good friend of Donna’s, Lana cannot believe she is a murderer and puts on her detective cap.
cozy-mystery, Cleveland, family-dynamics, friendship, Chinese-customs, humor, amateur-sleuth, private-investigators
Who held the nanny under the water in the pool until she drowned? The easy call is the inebriated employer who made a scene at the party, but Lana doesn’t believe that of her friend. Lana had only just made changes to the family noodle shop business in Cleveland by expanding into catering, which was why she was present when the body was found. Good thing that one of her friends is a private investigator and that her new boyfriend is a police detective. Let the sleuthing begin! Great read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin’s Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Yet another great Noodle Shop Mystery from Vivien Chien. This edition bring Lana and Ho-Lee Noodles into the catering business, but the first catering job for friend and Asian Village owner, Donna Feng, does not go as smoothly as it should when the nanny of Donna’s children is found drowned in the pool. It’s up to Lana to find out what happened and to clear Donna’s name and keep her important secret safe. There are twists and turns throughout to keep you guessing and enough written about wonderful food to keep your stomach growling! Lana’s roommate, Megan, boyfriend, Adam, sister, parents, grandmother, fellow Asia Village shop owners and workers, and newcomer private investigator, Lydia, are all involved in the story and the mystery. I love these books and am so happy to know that I have more to look forward to reading!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Business is slow at the Ho-Lee Noodle House so Lana Lee has decided to branch out into catering. Her first client is a family friend, Donna Feng who hires Lana to cater her birthday party. The party is interrupted when the nanny fails to keep Donna’s two teenage daughters busy and out of sight. Donna loudly voices her displeasure. When the nanny is later found dead in the pool Donna becomes the prime suspect. This isn’t Donna’s first entanglement with the police. She was also on the suspect list recently when her husband was murdered (Death By Dumpling). Donna entrusts Lana with a unique thumb drive and asks her to find the real killer.
I like Lana Lee more and more as I read each story. She is smart, and her sleuthing skills are improving, but she is still a little wishy-washy at times. She needs to think a little more before she leaps into what can turn out to be dangerous situations. This time boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau is not in charge of the murder case but that doesn’t deter her determination. She is aided by friend/roommate Megan and when the killer turns up the heat, a private investigator is hired at Lana’s request. The secondary characters are all well developed too while still giving them room to grow. I love the family dynamic of the Lee family.
The mystery is full of twists. Being linked back to Donna’s life in China gave the story more depth. Donna had theories she wanted Lana to investigate and while reading I had some theories of my own. The story wrapped up surprising me and with plenty of excitement. Ms. Chien takes us on a wild ride.
Egg Drop Dead has a great cast of characters, a very intriguing mystery, with a bit of romance and humor in all the right places. This is such an entertaining series. I hope to buy, read, and review Killer Kung Pao soon so I am ready when Fatal Fried Rice releases on March 9, 2021.
Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien shows that keeping secrets about your past isn’t a great thing to do.
Can Lana figure out who killed the nanny?
Lana Lee and friends
Lana Lee and her friends are back with another fantastic adventure for us. I love Lana in this installment, but all I have to say is that I feel bad for Adam a bit. Lana is still a strong person that has done a lot of things that have helped her out through this trying year. Her detecting skills are definitely improving since the first book, and I love that they are since it brings in more character growth for her, even if she doesn’t want to be a private investigator. Megan sadly isn’t in here very much, which is kind of unfortunate since I love her as a character. I do have to say poor Adam. One can truly see how much he cares for Lana, but she is making it hard for him when she doesn’t answer his messages.
The Mystery
At Donna Feng’s birthday party, her nanny is found dead in her pool. Well, toward the end of the party, she was found, and of course, Donna has asked Lana to look into it. Let’s just say that this whole mystery is one topsy turvy roller coaster ride for Lana to figure out. I was shocked about who killed her, but I had one part right, but I couldn’t connect the two dots. Ms. Chien has crafted another excellent cozy.
Five Stars
Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien is another excellent book from this author. I love this series, including Lana. Her new/old character in Lydia is a hoot to read about in Lana’s point of view. I do hope that Ms. Chien can do something with her at some point. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to anyone that likes a good cozy mystery series like this one. In fair warning, though, you will be craving lots of noodles while reading this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chen takes us to Fairview Park, Ohio in July. Lana Lee has added catering services to the Ho-Lee Noodle House and their first job is for the owner of Asia Village, Donna Feng. Lana and head chef, Peter Huang arrive to find the normally unflappable Donna extremely agitated and on edge. The party is in full swing when a scream comes from the patio. Lana rushes out to find the nanny dead in the pool. Donna entrusts a thumb drive with Lana that contains sensitive information. Donna wants Lana to don her sleuthing cap once again and locate the killer. Egg Drop Dead is the fifth A Noodle Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (or if you missed a book or two along the way). I like that this series features a Chinese American community outside Cleveland, Ohio. It is unique for cozy mysteries. The author provided vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. Lana Lee is managing the family restaurant and putting her own stamp on the place. When Donna asks Lana to investigate the murder of her nanny, she is happy to dive into the case. Lana gets assistance from her roommate, Megan Riley (who is equally inquisitive). After a fire at Donna’s house, Lana gets her to agree to hire a PI. Lana tags along with the private investigator. There are various suspects and well-done clues. I enjoyed Donna’s backstory which was intriguing. I was delighted with the takedown scene and appreciated the epilogue. I would like to see Lana begin to mature. She can be impulsive and make poor decisions that puts her life in jeopardy (frequently). I am surprised that Lana’s boyfriend, Adam is still with her considering how much she lies to him. The author does need to stop repeating case details (we got it the first time). In addition to investigating the murder and managing the restaurant, Lana is dealing with a bothersome ex-boyfriend. Lana will need a stiff backbone to deal with this pesky old beau. Egg Drop Dead is a cute cozy mystery that will have you craving your favorite Chinese delicacy (Pepper Steak for me). Egg Drop Dead is an upbeat story where it is night night for the nanny, a troubling terracotta thumb drive, catering chaos, little lies, and a bothersome old beau.
Another fun ride with Lana Lee! Egg Drop Dead, Vivien Chien’s 5th Noodle Shop Mystery, is fab and I loved it! 🙂
In the fifth installment of Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop mystery series, Egg Drop Dead, is another delectable winner for me. Oh how I absolutely adore Lana Lee’s character – this time a murder finds Lana in her first-ever catering event, and along with the ever so handsome boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau to find the culprit. I really enjoy Lana is a character and have enjoyed this amazing and brilliant series by Vivien Chien. I adore cozy mysteries and this series is a must read for anyone that enjoys cozies. The plot was very well written and Chien has a way to get me turning those pages with fabulous twists in the story line. I loved this installation and definitely have an appetite for more! Chien could not bring these installments fast enough.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great book !
Lana is catering to a party hosted by Donna Feng.
When the nanny turn up dead, Donna becomes the suspect.
Now it is up to Lana to solve this mystery.
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Egg Drop Dead, the newest addition to Vivien Chien’s cozy mystery series, “A Noodle Shop Mystery” from St. Martin’s Press comes out on February 25th. A delectable story from start to finish!
Lana is a character readers can get lost reading, she is determined, oftentimes far too curious, and a good daughter. She works hard, with little time for relaxing, and when she does have time, she manages to get involved in uncovering a murder. Other characters in this cozy mystery, such as her best friend Megan and Lana’s mother, are easy to like. At times these additional characters have readers laughing with their antics. The setting is distinctive and unexpected. Cleveland is a combination of new and old. It is reinventing itself as something more than the city of cement that it once was known as. It has a varied and vibrant culture that lends itself to a unique story.
The plot in this book was well written and maintained throughout. The murder suspects are varied and have distinguished personalities, some of which are not very likable and are precisely what a murder suspect should be. There are plenty of twists and turns with enough red herrings to keep readers engaged and guessing. The killer may surprise readers. Egg Drop Dead is an entertaining cozy mystery that readers will get lost in with an appetite for more.
EGG DROP DEAD by Vivien Chien
The Fifth Noodle Shop Mystery
Lana Lee’s first catering event should have been an intimate birthday party. But Donna Feng’s idea of intimate means fifty of her nearest and dearest friends. Still, Lana and the party planner have things under control..until her teenaged girls act up and Donna creates a scene railing against the nanny. The guests are shocked, but not as stunned as when the nanny’s body is found, drowned in the pool. What they don’t know is that someone left a thumb drive, with all of the details of Donna’s secret past. Is a triad catching up to her, or has she finally unraveled after the murder of her husband? The police don’t know the truth about Donna, so it’s up to Lana to discover just who killed the nanny while protecting Donna’s secrets. Will the unwanted return of someone from Lana’s past derail her investigation? Or will Lana be able to serve up justice once again?
EGG DROP DEAD is a book about secrets as well as dealing with the past. Donna may have no choice about hers, but Lana is in control of at least one part of her past and I love how she gets closure! The possibility of a triad being involved was thrilling. I also appreciated that Lana was intelligent enough to realize that she was no match for a triad and would stop her investigation if it led to one!
Basically, I love Lana Lee. She’s smart, inquisitive, and knows when she’s in over her head…for the most part. Lana is loyal, but keeps an open, objective mind as best she can. After all, she continually admits the possibility that Donna could be guilty. Lana also listens to her gut, and when a niggling suspicion won’t go away, she’ll suss it out.
In addition to well plotted mysteries, the character development in the Noodle Shop Mystery series keeps me engaged. Seeing the relationship between Lana and Adam grow is heartwarming. I love A-ma and how she was able to discern something was bothering Lana, despite not truly being able to converse. I wish I could join everyone at Sunday Dim Sum!
EGG DROP DEAD is a puzzling good mystery with captivating characters and plenty of good Chinese food. Being rich has its perks and it was interesting to branch out and see how the wealthy socialites live, but if I was back in Cleveland I’d be much happier hanging out with Lana and her friends at Asia Village and the Zodiac.