This series continues to be great fun, and exactly what I would expect from a restaurant-themed cozy mystery. I still love the mostly-Chinese cast, and that it feels like 100% natural POC rep, and not something done as a gimmick. I also loved getting to see more of the Ho-Lee family dynamics as Aunt Grace comes to town in this book.

The mystery itself unfolded in that "believable for a cozy" way that I have come to expect from this series: nothing too outlandish, with real stakes for the characters involved, and solvable based on clues in the conversations Lana has. (Did I solve it? No way. I was just having fun reading. But I could easily see after the fact how Lana figured it out, and I didn't feel like essential things had been left out to keep me guessing. I do appreciate that about this series.)

This is another enjoyable installment from a fun series, and I'll be continuing to read this series for sure. (Even if the covers to always make me hungry.) ( )

This is one of those series for me that delivers exactly what’s expected, entertains, but doesn’t get deep or mind-blowing or otherwise wow me. My “low” rating isn’t reflective of anything except it was neither great nor terrible. I still like this series a lot, still plan to read everything in it, am still reccing it, etc.

I did like that Chien is still finding interesting and creative ways for Lana to get involved in the sleuthing, and developing her character and detective skills without for a moment dropping her penchant for making poor and impulsive decisions. (Honestly, half the reason I read cozies is to yell at the character for their life choices. Why, if you think he’s the killer, do you go to his home without telling anyone, why.)

I also appreciated that the crime took place within the wider Chinese community this time instead of the “mall family” and that Chien’s tackling some serious issues in character backstories/potential motives, albeit in a cozy sort of way. She’s matured quite a bit from her first book too, I think. The story seems a little more balanced between A and B plot, detection and day job, even if the side characters are still a little flat, and there’s an ineffable sense of stronger structure.

That said, I don’t think this is my personal favourite in the series to date. (I think it’s because I ended up skimming some of the “is he or isn’t he? what if I’m wrong?” passages, and because I couldn’t quite buy the motive of the killer.) It’s solid, it’s good, it’s fun, it’s diverse, I enjoyed seeing more of Lana and her community, all that jazz—but I didn’t personally connect with it as much as some of the others. We’re going to blame a book slump, though. Coming off the couple books before this was … kind of bumpy.

To bear in mind: Discussions of spousal abuse. Some weird, possibly fictitious mental troubles. Dysfunctional families. Like the rest of the series, may cause cravings for Chinese food.

6/10 ( )

Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien is the fourth novel in A Noodle Shop Mystery series. Each book in this series can be read on its own. I like this unique cozy mystery series that has readers enjoying Asian food and culture in Ohio. Lana Lee is rocking purple hair while busy managing the family restaurant, working at the Asian Night Market, attending mandatory family dinners and spending time with her boyfriend. With her Aunt Grace in town, her mother is tense (putting is mildly). Grace Richardson is a free spirit who writes for a travel magazine. The two sisters have conflicting opinions. I felt bad for Adam who got dragged into some of the family dinners and drama. The family eats at different Asian restaurants around town. The food descriptions had me craving my favorite Chinese dishes. I thought the story progressed at steady pace with interesting characters and revelations. The mystery touches upon the sensitive topic of domestic abuse. I did not have a hard time pinpointing the guilty party, but others might find it challenging (depends upon your amateur sleuth status). I hope Lana’s grandmother gets some help in understanding English soon (por thing). Lana needs to be cued in that there is an app for that. The Lee family has their issues, but they love each other. Wonton Terror is a lighthearted cozy mystery with nummy noodles, kin commotion, a big boom, vacation vacillation, and murder mayhem. ( )