January 23, 2022

Series Sunday: Hot & Sour Suspects

(Noodle Shop Mystery #8) 


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is Hot & Sour Suspects, the eighth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien. Once again, murder is on the menu at the Ho-Lee Noodle House. Lana Lee and her best friend host a speed dating event at the restaurant. It is meant to be fun and sure to drum up business. What was meant to be an innocent evening turns sour.

"This is coming off worse by the minute." ~ 69%

Rina Su, one of the speed dating participants and fellow Asia Village shop owner, informs that the date she's just matched with has been murdered. Rina is under suspicion so enlists the help of Lana's amateur sleuth skills to find out what really happened that night. The Ho-Lee Noodle House manager digs into an investigation much to her detective boyfriend's dismay. There's a long line of suspects and a rush to find the killer.

Although my preference is to read series in order, I am a sucker for reading new books immediately upon release and so thankful for the opportunity to read advance copies. The Noodle Shop mystery series is a prime example. I am reading it all out of sequence but enjoying every case! 

"We were plotting and scheming." ~ 75%

The author gives just enough background where it doesn't spoil previous plots and the current book is written so solidly that it can be read as a standalone. I recognize and appreciate Chien's efforts to hook new readers in while satisfying the loyal ones.

With that said, I recommend Hot & Sour Suspects not only for its clever title but for the story itself. Whether you are already a fan of the series or a newbie like me, this mystery will keep you entertained. I also recommend enjoying a nice bowl of hot and sour soup from a local carryout joint while reading it. Make it a full experience! 

Happy Early Pub Day, Vivien Chien! Hot & Sour Suspects will be available Tuesday, January 25.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Author: Vivien Chien
Published: January 2022
Pages: 320
Edition: Galley
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤

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