The Chow Maniac: A Noodle Shop Mystery - by Vivien Chien (Paperback)

About the Book

"When Lydia brings Lana onto the case, three of the members of an elite Asian order known as the Eight Immortals have already been murdered. Each member of the order holds one item that represents their immortal counterpart, and someone is dying to get their hands on them all. Lydia's client insists he--and only he--knows who will be next and wants the murderer captured before there is another victim. Riding below the line of three cities of law enforcement and Lana's own boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, the two women must tread lightly as they infiltrate a secret organization that even the Mahjong Matrons know nothing about. And somehow protect the next victim without letting on that she's in danger. As they dig deeper into the case, Lana finds there are unexpected associations within Asia Village and potential ties to her own family that could be devastating. With the stakes raised on the toughest case she's ever worked, will Lana be able to keep her own emotions out of the investigation? And will the murderer be found before they become the ultimate "immortal"?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Asia Village is in peril when Private detective Lydia Shepard returns to enlist the help of Lana Lee to solve a rash of unsolved murders and thefts in The Chow Maniac, the latest Noodle Shop Mystery from Vivien Chien.

When Lydia brings Lana onto the case, three of the members of an elite Asian order known as the Eight Immortals have already been murdered. Each member of the order holds one item that represents their immortal counterpart, and someone is dying to get their hands on them all. Lydia's client insists he--and only he--knows who will be next and wants the murderer captured before there is another victim.

Riding below the line of three cities of law enforcement and Lana's own boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, the two women must tread lightly as they infiltrate a secret organization that even the Mahjong Matrons know nothing about. And somehow protect the next victim without letting on that she's in danger.

As they dig deeper into the case, Lana finds there are unexpected associations within Asia Village and potential ties to her own family that could be devastating. With the stakes raised on the toughest case she's ever worked, will Lana be able to keep her own emotions out of the investigation? And will the murderer be found before they become the ultimate "immortal"?

Review Quotes

Praise for the Noodle Shop series:

"A worthy sophomore outing provides plenty of twists and turns and a perky, albeit conflicted, sleuth."--Kirkus Reviews

"Cozy fans rejoice! You will long for the next course that Vivien Chien serves up."--Suspense Magazine

"A fun who-dunit that's tasty and dangerous!"--Woman's World, Book Club Pick

"Chien infuses the latest deftly crafted entry in her detectable "Noodle Shop" series with plenty of wry charm and dry wit, making this yet another tempting, too-good-to-miss treat for culinary cozy fans."--Library Journal

"The endearing Lana, the relationship between the two sisters, and the restaurant framed story will all appeal to fans of Chris Cavender's Pizza Lovers mysteries."--Booklist

About the Author

VIVIEN CHIEN (she/her) 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. When she's not writing, Vivien enjoys frequenting local Asian restaurants, frolicking in bookstores, and searching for her next donut.

She is the author of the Noodle Shop Mystery series, including Death by Dumpling, and Misfortune Cookie, which was nominated for the Lilian Jackson Braun Award.