by Vivien Chien
Part of Noodle Shop Mystery
First published 2022
Lana Lee agrees to help her best friend Megan Riley organize a speed dating event at the Ho-Lee Noodle House. The evening exceeds their expectations until fellow Asia Village shop owner Rina Su delivers shocking news. The man Rina matched with during the event has been murdered. Police suspect Rina of the crime, prompting her to seek Lana's assistance in uncovering the truth. Lana's investigation reveals the victim possessed a troubled history filled with vengeful ex-girlfriends, hostile neighbors, and disgruntled colleagues. Each person she encounters appears to harbor sufficient reason for murder. The case grows more complex as Lana navigates through a web of bitter romantic relationships and workplace conflicts. She reflects on how swiftly an optimistic evening dedicated to finding love transformed into something sinister. Media attention intensifies pressure on the investigation. Lana races against time to identify the real killer before additional participants become targets.
Genres: mystery, crime, contemporary, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth
Vibes: community-focused, engaging, fast-paced, lighthearted-mystery, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family, multiple-suspects, race-against-time
Setting: Ho-Lee Noodle House, Asia Village
Period: 21st-century
306 pages · Mass Market Paperback · St. Martin's Paperbacks
Content warnings: murder