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A review by crin_d1nk
The Chow Maniac by Vivien Chien
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Lana Lee, the local sleuth, often solves cases with the help of her friends, in their community. In The Chow Maniac by Vivien Chan, Lana is called upon by a local private detective to investigate a secret group known as the Eight Immortals. The group, which has existed for generations, has a mission to support the success and well-being of the local Asian community. However, someone is now systematically murdering its members. Why would someone want to kill individuals who have quietly devoted themselves to helping others? Is there a power struggle brewing within the group? Lana and her friends must race to solve the mystery before another member falls victim.
Lana Lee, the local sleuth, often solves cases with the help of her friends, in their community. In The Chow Maniac by Vivien Chan, Lana is called upon by a local private detective to investigate a secret group known as the Eight Immortals. The group, which has existed for generations, has a mission to support the success and well-being of the local Asian community. However, someone is now systematically murdering its members. Why would someone want to kill individuals who have quietly devoted themselves to helping others? Is there a power struggle brewing within the group? Lana and her friends must race to solve the mystery before another member falls victim.
The Chow Maniac is the eleventh book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series, and this is the first book I've read in the series. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how accessible it was for new readers. Vivien Chan does an excellent job of weaving in references to past events without overwhelming the reader with repetitive exposition, making it easy to dive in without needing prior knowledge of the earlier books. The series features a rich supporting cast with well-developed relationships that add depth to the story. This was my favorite part of the book, and it made me eager to go back and explore the earlier entries to learn more about these characters.
The mystery itself is straightforward and logical, which I found refreshing. It's a rare talent to craft a mystery that doesn't rely on extravagant plot twists or over-the-top surprises. Chan strikes a perfect balance by keeping things grounded and engaging without resorting to unnecessary complexity.
That said, my only criticism is that, due to the large supporting cast and my entry point being late in the series, I didn’t fully experience what makes Lana such an effective detective. This book feels more like a transitional story for her character, perhaps setting the stage for more high-stakes cases in the future. As a result, it seemed like her supporting cast played a larger role in solving the case. However, it was clear that Lana had solved cases independently in the past, and this one served as a test of her confidence.
Overall, The Chow Maniac is a solid read, perfect for anyone looking for a light, engaging mystery. While it doesn’t break the mold, it offers enjoyable storytelling that will keep readers hooked.