Crime Rangoon: A Noodle Shop Mystery
Cozy Mystery
12th in Series
Setting – Ohio
Publisher : Minotaur Books
Publication date : December 30, 2025
Print length : 320 pages
Mass Market Paperback
ISBN-10 : 1250338808
ISBN-13 : 978-1250338808
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1250338815
ASIN : B0F3WLM32N
It’s stranger than fiction when Lana Lee investigates a murder that mimics the plot of a bestselling mystery, working together with her detective boyfriend for the first time ever.
Cindy Kwan, owner of Asia Village’s bookshop, The Modern Scroll, is privileged to host best-selling author, Charlene Chan for a signing in honor of the writer’s latest book, The Mystery of General Tso.
Lana Lee is equally excited for the appearance of her favorite author and even more so when Cindy asks her to be Charlene’s “handler” for the event. Taking her duties very seriously, Lana stays by the side of the prominent author to assist in anything that she might need.
With a line out the door and stretched through the plaza, Cindy is overjoyed at what a success this is for her shop. But, unfortunately for Cindy, her success comes with a price: the author is found dead in the mystery aisle, clutching a copy of her own book. Coincidentally the book’s plot matches the details of the murder.
Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is charged with leading the case investigation, but finds himself overwhelmed when he realizes just how much of the book series is mimicked in reality. For the first time in their relationship, Adam calls on Lana to partner up with him to help solve the case. The couple must work through the novel to outwit the murderer, stay one step ahead, and beat the die-hard fan to the last chapter.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Best-selling author Charlene Chan will be signing her latest book, The Mystery of General Tso, at The Modern Scroll, the bookshop at Asia Village. Ms. Chan happens to be Lana Lee’s favorite author. She is thrilled that bookshop owner Cindy Kwan has asked her to be the author’s “handler” for her signing.
The day of the event arrives, and it’s a huge success. Then, Charlene Chan is found dead, holding her own book, in the mystery aisle. Her death seems to mimic the plot of the book she now holds. Detective Adam Trudeau, Lana’s boyfriend, knows she could really help him with the case. Lana, Kimmy, and Megan are surprised when he asks for her help, and are totally on board to help her get the information he needs, but the killer isn’t making it easy. They all team up to throw the book at the person who cut so many chapters out of the bestselling author’s life.
I totally agree with Lana Lee in that “Bookstores are the happiest places on earth”. I was moved by the entire first paragraph of the book, and that Ms. Chien used an author’s work as the basis of her murder was brilliant, making Crime Rangoon my new favorite book in this series.
Lana’s love of reading and books truly shines in this story, as does the friendship she has formed with bookshop owner Cindy Kwan. She really goes the extra mile to help her through the traumatic event. Megan isn’t acting like herself, but we find out she has a very good reason. She still helps Lana work through the clues of the case. Kimmy is over-the-top, as usual, and determined not to be left out of anything. She inserts herself into the investigation any way she can, which upsets her boyfriend, Peter. I loved that Adam realized what an asset Lana can be and figured out ways to use her knowledge and instincts while keeping his chief in the dark. The Mahjong Matrons are always fun and ready to share any local gossip. Ms. Chien also introduces a new character who was a mystery for most of the book, but when she revealed what she was dealing with, she truly touched my heart.
This book was so well-plotted, entwining the mystery with purposeful subplots. The pacing was perfect, and the theme was fabulous. There was a crowd of suspects; the store was definitely over the fire limit. A horrible scene placed a huge target on one person, but there were other sketchy individuals present. Lana was all in trying to find connections and motives, and I was totally entertained following along. Then there was an epic twist, and Lana had her A-ha moment too late as Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ serenaded her from the radio. I was surprised, too, and a little aggravated with myself, but this was a story I was totally caught up in without turning on my inner detective.
Crime Rangoon has a treasure trove of cozy elements. Wonderful, genuine, true-to-life characters, a unique setting at the Asia Village, humor, and romance balanced flawlessly with a marvelously written mystery that flowed so well it was impossible to put down. What a fantastic way to wrap up 2025!
I have enjoyed every book in this series, and I know the author has been dealing with health issues for the past few years. I am so appreciative that she has been able to continue to churn out books. The strength she has shown has been incredible, and that she has let her readers in on what she has gone through has been so meaningful, especially to someone like me who had a similar experience, although not as rough as hers. Her latest update tells us she recently had a great six-month checkup, and she is still working through some stuff but is getting back to herself. I know it has been a hard road, but she always strives to have a positive message for her fans. She also let us know book 13 is in the works, and she has signed a contract for 3 more! Vivien, in case no one told you today, you are and look absolutely amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Vivien Chien, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
VIVIEN CHIEN was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where she grew up in a mixed-race home, making for some very interesting cultural experiences. She found her love of books and the written word at an early age while writing short stories about her classmates in elementary school. Currently, she writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier who refuses to sit anywhere else. When she’s not writing, Vivien enjoys frequenting local Asian restaurants, frolicking in the bookstore, and searching for her next donut. (From Amazon)
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
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