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elizabethwebb's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
bex_702's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoy this series. I have read all of them except the one after this one in the series and I have been reading them since they originally stated coming out. They are a great cozy mysteries series. Lots of funny characters and usually a good plot. Except for this one.
The murder bored me for this one, the or bored me, and so did a lot of the usually funny situations Lana gets put on. This whole story bored me and dragged on forever. The ending also felt rushed when it finally got to a good part. What saved this book for me is Lana because I enjoy her as a character, which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of one.
Hoping the next book is much better.
The murder bored me for this one, the or bored me, and so did a lot of the usually funny situations Lana gets put on. This whole story bored me and dragged on forever. The ending also felt rushed when it finally got to a good part. What saved this book for me is Lana because I enjoy her as a character, which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of one.
Hoping the next book is much better.
readwritelib's review against another edition
3.0
Still good but not my favorite in the series. Usually Lana is more savvy and there were many unbelievable things that I didn’t expect from her or the storyline. It’s too bad since this far into the series I expected she’d have become more experienced and smarter about her sleuthing, not less. She’s still one my of favorite detectives and I love the setting so I’ll keep reading this author but I hope this was a fluke and not a sign of what’s to come in future books.
michelleann_xo's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
nick_27's review against another edition
5.0
A nice change of scenery from the Asia Village, however, is still full of a fantastic ensemble of characters.
daenknight's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
katreadsalot's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.5
jrobles76's review against another edition
4.0
I have officially caught up with the series and can't wait for the next book. What I love is how the characters grow from each book to the next. I've consumed a lot of mystery series, and this is the first I've read where reading the books in order is required. It's not just that she was roped into running the family business, it's that she gets better at running it with each book. It's not just that she's an amateur detective, it's that her skills seem to evolve as well. You get the feeling that the place is alive and exists when you're not reading it. Can't wait to see what's next!
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
FATAL FRIED RICE by Vivien Chien
The Seventh Noodle Shop Mystery
Lana Lee may manage the Ho-Lee Noodle House, but that doesn't mean she can cook Chinese food. Wanting to prove herself, Lana quietly enrolls in a Chinese cooking class hoping to impress her family and boyfriend. Bonding over similar family issues, Margo Han, the instructor, even agrees to provide Lana with extra one on one classes once the course concludes. Lana is riding high, until she returns to pick up the ingredient list she forgot. Instead of a list of supplies, she finds Margo lying on the floor, dead. The detective in charge finds her suspicious, not helpful, so once again Lana is taking out her trusty notebook and starting her own investigation.
The seventh Noodle Shop Mystery still has me laughing with and rooting for Lana Lee. I love how she tries to improve herself...even if she is primarily doing it to get back at her sister. Kimmy is a trip and I definitely have a soft spot for Lana's grandmother.
The actual mystery in FATAL FRIED RICE is unique in that it's not one Lana would usually get involved with. She just met the victim the night of the murder and if it wasn't for her innate curiosity and the fact that the detective in charge seems determined to believe she's a viable suspect, this could have been one murder she didn't investigate. I appreciate Lana's method to find a killer and got quite a kick at how she avoided shopping with her mother and grandmother. While I was suspicious of all of the new characters this complicated mystery had me surprised by the penultimate reveal.
FATAL FRIED RICE serves up a delightfully delicious mystery steeped in flavors any foodie or crime fiction lover will enjoy.
The Seventh Noodle Shop Mystery
Lana Lee may manage the Ho-Lee Noodle House, but that doesn't mean she can cook Chinese food. Wanting to prove herself, Lana quietly enrolls in a Chinese cooking class hoping to impress her family and boyfriend. Bonding over similar family issues, Margo Han, the instructor, even agrees to provide Lana with extra one on one classes once the course concludes. Lana is riding high, until she returns to pick up the ingredient list she forgot. Instead of a list of supplies, she finds Margo lying on the floor, dead. The detective in charge finds her suspicious, not helpful, so once again Lana is taking out her trusty notebook and starting her own investigation.
The seventh Noodle Shop Mystery still has me laughing with and rooting for Lana Lee. I love how she tries to improve herself...even if she is primarily doing it to get back at her sister. Kimmy is a trip and I definitely have a soft spot for Lana's grandmother.
The actual mystery in FATAL FRIED RICE is unique in that it's not one Lana would usually get involved with. She just met the victim the night of the murder and if it wasn't for her innate curiosity and the fact that the detective in charge seems determined to believe she's a viable suspect, this could have been one murder she didn't investigate. I appreciate Lana's method to find a killer and got quite a kick at how she avoided shopping with her mother and grandmother. While I was suspicious of all of the new characters this complicated mystery had me surprised by the penultimate reveal.
FATAL FRIED RICE serves up a delightfully delicious mystery steeped in flavors any foodie or crime fiction lover will enjoy.