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sirrossington's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
daredeviling's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I enjoyed this book (for the most part!) about the same that I've enjoyed the previous ones. I mean, they're all along the same lines, so I didn't really expect that to change since the books follow the same formula. I enjoyed the mystery - it wasn't anything to write home about, but it was fun, y'know. Low stakes and all that, but kept me reading.
What I missed most and was really jarring in this book was the lack of the side cast that was present in all the other books. The side cast in Lana's life really made the rest of the book shine, and that was really missing here. Of course, I get that there can't just be MORE DEATHS at the plaza where Lana works, that would start to be unrealistic, but more phone calls or somehow involving her roommate and her boyfriend more (like having them help research or throw ideas around or whatever). There were a couple mentions of different people, but that definitely isn't the same vibe as the other books. tbh, that was really my biggest complaint.
On the flip side, I loved the focus on Lana's relationship with her sister. That's something we've never really gotten to see in previous books and I loved that development. It almost made up for the lack of side characters. Almost lol. I definitely hope that development will continue in the next book and that their relationship continues to improve. I did also enjoy the change in location, since like I mentioned, it would be weird if we were in the same place with a new death. Just wish all the other characters could also have come to California. Maybe they can show their noodle shop at some sort of noodle convention, so they gotta bring a bunch of people along (and other people tag along for vacation)!
What I missed most and was really jarring in this book was the lack of the side cast that was present in all the other books. The side cast in Lana's life really made the rest of the book shine, and that was really missing here. Of course, I get that there can't just be MORE DEATHS at the plaza where Lana works, that would start to be unrealistic, but more phone calls or somehow involving her roommate and her boyfriend more (like having them help research or throw ideas around or whatever). There were a couple mentions of different people, but that definitely isn't the same vibe as the other books. tbh, that was really my biggest complaint.
On the flip side, I loved the focus on Lana's relationship with her sister. That's something we've never really gotten to see in previous books and I loved that development. It almost made up for the lack of side characters. Almost lol. I definitely hope that development will continue in the next book and that their relationship continues to improve. I did also enjoy the change in location, since like I mentioned, it would be weird if we were in the same place with a new death. Just wish all the other characters could also have come to California. Maybe they can show their noodle shop at some sort of noodle convention, so they gotta bring a bunch of people along (and other people tag along for vacation)!
constancethereader's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
jawjuhh's review
3.75
completely satisfies the itch for a cozy mystery novel. I'd never read any of the previous books in the series but found it easy to enter its world.
nerp's review
I’ve been waiting to review this series because my thoughts on it apply to basically every book, but YMMV with my complaints.
There are a few points that frustrate me to no end about this series:
1) Lana exhibits hardly any growth as a person. Part of that is genre; each cozy mystery book can be picked up on its own. But she repeats her same mistakes or variations thereof in MANY of the books. The growth she does exhibit is incidental: her snooping skills get better and so she doesn’t make quite the same mistakes (sometimes). But she also doesn’t exhibit signs of trauma that she’s gone through?? I’m begging this girl to do some self-reflection and go to therapy. This book was actually better in that regard since she was outside her comfort zone so forced to do a modicum of thinking before she acts. (An unrelated quibble, but Lana acts like she’s 50 in regards to technology rather than 28 most of the time.)
2) how is there not a single other non-East Asian (hell, non-Chinese/Taiwanese, even) person of color in this series, or a single queer person?? Everyone is either Taiwanese, Chinese, white, or mixed?? Everyone is straight?? Just a SINGLE mention would make a difference! (How are you outside of Cleveland and never see a Black person when you go into the city?? How did she not meet a single queer person in IRVINE??)
3) the neoliberal politics are hidden but very there. Lana never fears how she’ll be perceived as a mixed person to police. She’s not afraid of police, ever! Part of that is genre, especially with a cop love interest. (Which—I don’t know what Adam and Lana see in each other, and I couldn’t believe they started dating at the end of book one based on what, physical attraction only?) But especially for the books that take place in Ohio, a state notorious for a corrupt criminal justice system?? OHIO STILL HAS THE DEATH PENALTY!
4) related to above, but wow, other women are CONSTANTLY being put down in these books, especially in regards to potential promiscuity. Megan is a big culprit especially (most obviously towards Kimmy in book one but continues beyond). Can we not slut shame in 2023 and focus most of the blame on women in adulterous relationships?? (I mean, poor Anna May—she may be the worst lawyer in existence and damn, these sisters seem to hate each other in a way unhealthy for almost thirty year olds, but Henry should be scrutinized as much as she is!)
Obviously, I do enjoy these books, or else I wouldn’t have read all of them! But these have been sticking points for me that I’ve been frustrated with. I recognize that plenty of readers won’t care, which is why I’m not attaching a star rating. I’ve been spoiled by the Tita Rosie books, which are wildly inclusive, thoughtful in their politics, and play with genre tropes while allowing for growth.
There are a few points that frustrate me to no end about this series:
1) Lana exhibits hardly any growth as a person. Part of that is genre; each cozy mystery book can be picked up on its own. But she repeats her same mistakes or variations thereof in MANY of the books. The growth she does exhibit is incidental: her snooping skills get better and so she doesn’t make quite the same mistakes (sometimes). But she also doesn’t exhibit signs of trauma that she’s gone through?? I’m begging this girl to do some self-reflection and go to therapy. This book was actually better in that regard since she was outside her comfort zone so forced to do a modicum of thinking before she acts. (An unrelated quibble, but Lana acts like she’s 50 in regards to technology rather than 28 most of the time.)
2) how is there not a single other non-East Asian (hell, non-Chinese/Taiwanese, even) person of color in this series, or a single queer person?? Everyone is either Taiwanese, Chinese, white, or mixed?? Everyone is straight?? Just a SINGLE mention would make a difference! (How are you outside of Cleveland and never see a Black person when you go into the city?? How did she not meet a single queer person in IRVINE??)
3) the neoliberal politics are hidden but very there. Lana never fears how she’ll be perceived as a mixed person to police. She’s not afraid of police, ever! Part of that is genre, especially with a cop love interest. (Which—I don’t know what Adam and Lana see in each other, and I couldn’t believe they started dating at the end of book one based on what, physical attraction only?) But especially for the books that take place in Ohio, a state notorious for a corrupt criminal justice system?? OHIO STILL HAS THE DEATH PENALTY!
4) related to above, but wow, other women are CONSTANTLY being put down in these books, especially in regards to potential promiscuity. Megan is a big culprit especially (most obviously towards Kimmy in book one but continues beyond). Can we not slut shame in 2023 and focus most of the blame on women in adulterous relationships?? (I mean, poor Anna May—she may be the worst lawyer in existence and damn, these sisters seem to hate each other in a way unhealthy for almost thirty year olds, but Henry should be scrutinized as much as she is!)
Obviously, I do enjoy these books, or else I wouldn’t have read all of them! But these have been sticking points for me that I’ve been frustrated with. I recognize that plenty of readers won’t care, which is why I’m not attaching a star rating. I’ve been spoiled by the Tita Rosie books, which are wildly inclusive, thoughtful in their politics, and play with genre tropes while allowing for growth.
kelskiiz's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
character growth! finally! LOVED the points that anna may and adam both made to lana, and that she’s finally actually listening to them. i liked the setting of this one too, and that it was a family affair. aunt grace was very fun, i like her character a lot, and i loved getting more anna may! i liked the set up this one had for future instalments, regarding family things, and also lana’s actions going forward.
lesseraliterary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a new noodle shop mystery book is like coming home on a cold rainy and sitting nice and cozy with a mug of hot cocoa (with a nice bracing shot of baileys added in) 😌
crackingspines37's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0