Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

First Line: You know in the movies when someone says "You can't fire me, I quit!" ... maybe don't do that in real life.

After a break-up and a workplace walk-out, the only place left for Lana Lee to go was back home to Cleveland, Ohio and the family business, the Ho-Lee Noodle House. Waiting tables while putting her life back together has its ups and downs-- especially since her mother is determined to find Lana a husband.

But Lana's love life takes a back seat when the restaurant's property manager turns up dead after a delivery of shrimp dumplings from Ho-Lee. Everyone on staff is dumbfounded because they all knew Mr. Feng was allergic to shellfish. With the good name of the restaurant as well as her own in jeopardy, it looks as though Lana will be waiting tables and investigating a murder... although that police detective sure is good-looking...

After seeing this series recommended by several readers whose opinions I trust, I thought I'd introduce myself to Lana Lee. Going in, I knew it was going to be a dicey proposition because I am definitely not a fan of characters whose main purpose in life is browbeating their offspring into marriage. Fortunately, the matchmaking moved from center stage once the investigation into Mr. Feng's death went into full gear. As someone who prefers little-to-no romance in my mysteries, I also liked the fact that the budding attraction between Lana and the police detective was very lightly done.

Death by Dumpling is a nice, solid, even excellent, beginning to Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop series. The mystery did keep me guessing, which is always a plus. However, the characters just didn't grab me, but keep in mind that I certainly seem to be in the minority here!

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

eISBN: 9781250129161

St. Martin's Press © 2018

eBook, 331 pages

Cozy Mystery, #1 Noodle Shop mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Purchased from Amazon.