Jeanne Reviews: Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien

Lana Lee is a little reluctant to host a speed dating event at the Ho-Lee Noodle House, her family’s restaurant, but it is her best friend Megan asking and business has been a little slow, so. . . . The turnout is much better than expected, with even Rina Su, a nearby business owner, turning up.  Even more amazing, Rina takes up with one of the men and leaves the restaurant with him, despite Lana expressing misgivings.  It could still turn out to be a happy ending—

Except that the guy turns up dead and Rina is the prime suspect.

Feeling guilty, Lana and Megan start to do a little sleuthing and find out pretty quickly that the guy had a reputation as a womanizer who left a trail of angry exes, not to mention some other unsavory dealings.  Their investigation is hindered by Rina’s refusal to cooperate, but the women are not discouraged. Not even their sometime friend Kimmy Lee’s over-the-top efforts to help will keep them from finding out the truth.

I started at the beginning with this series and have enjoyed each one. It’s a great treadmill book, with interesting characters, intriguing mentions of food, and decently executed plots.  I especially enjoy Lana’s family dynamics, with her over-achieving sister Anna May, her exacting mother, doting father, and the extended family of Asia Village.  The Mahjong Matrons are sure to drop by with some interesting bit of gossip, and there are the other employees who form a family as well. Not to mention Lana’s handsome boyfriend. . . .

For me, I really like the glimpses of another culture, especially as seen through the eyes of an Americanized daughter. The narration is light and breezy, and the author keeps the story moving along at a steady pace.  No cat in this one—in fact the narrator says she is a dog person through and through—but I made do with Kikkoman the pug. I’ve also enjoyed watching Lana grow in her position, unwanted though it was, and discover that sometimes what you are running from is what you should be running toward.

Books in the series:

Death by Dumpling

Dim Sum of All Fears

Murder Lo Mein

Wonton Terror

Egg Drop Dead

Killer Kung Pao

Fatal Fried Rice

Hot and Sour Suspects