The Chow Maniac by Vivien Chien Series: Noodle Shop Mystery #11
Published by Minotaur Books on April 1, 2025
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
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Asia Village is in peril when Private detective Lydia Shephard returns to enlist the help of Lana Lee to solve a rash of unsolved murders and thefts.
When Lydia brings Lana onto the case, three of the members of an elite Asian order known as the Eight Immortals have already been murdered. Each member of the order holds one item that represents their immortal counterpart, and someone is dying to get their hands on them all. Lydia's client insists he—and only he—knows who will be next and wants the murderer captured before there is another victim.
Riding below the line of three cities of law enforcement and Lana’s own boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, the two women must tread lightly as they infiltrate a secret organization that even the Mahjong Matrons know nothing about. And somehow protect the next victim without letting on that she’s in danger.
As they dig deeper into the case, Lana finds there are unexpected associations within Asia Village and potential ties to her own family that could be devastating. With the stakes raised on the toughest case she’s ever worked, will Lana be able to keep her own emotions out of the investigation? And will the murderer be found before they become the ultimate “immortal”?
The Chow Maniac is the 11th in the Noodle Shop series, but I think it could be read as a stand alone. There is no over-arching plotline to the series and although we have lots of returning characters, I think they’re introduced well.
This time around, Lana, our amateur sleuth, is approached by Lydia, a private detective we’ve met previously, with a case that involves the Asian community. Lydia has been hired to look into a century-old Asian organization known as the Eight Immortals. Three members have already died under seemingly natural circumstances, but the client believes they were actually murdered and that he may be next.
Lana is a great character. She manages her family’s restaurant, but has solved enough murders for people to notice her. She’s funny and sassy and does not know how to keep a secret. Per usual cozy rules, she has an adorable dog and is dating a police detective, although neither play a huge part in this one. She’s often helped in her investigations by her best friend/ roommate/ bar tender Megan. She also has Kimmy around, who always finagles her way into the investigations. I really wish Lana and she got along a little better. She’s a fun character.
The plot moves along at a good pace. We have several clues and suspects. It turns out there are a few secrets in Asia Village that Lana has not uncovered yet. As usual, she makes a couple questionable decisions, but it always works out for her in the end.
I should really start matching my dinners to my reading choices. This one made me want Chinese take-out.
About Vivien Chien
Vivien 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 her next book in the Noodle Shop series.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges: