Normally, I don’t talk about the books I don’t finish. But, I wanted to mention Vivien Chien’s Death by Dumpling because I read over half the book before giving up. And, I know I’m in a minority here because several others have mentioned how much they enjoy Chien’s Noodle Shop mysteries.

Death by Dumpling is Chien’s first cozy mystery set in Fairview Park, Ohio. At twenty-seven, Lana Lee is home working again as a waitress in her parents’ noodle house in Asia Village. When the cook who normally makes luncheon deliveries has a big order, Lana delivers lunch to Mr. Feng, the owner and landlord of the village. She’s just in time to see the end of an argument. But, Lana always got along with Mr. Feng, so she has a nice conversation. She’s shocked when the gossip flows through the village that Mr. Feng is dead, possibly poisoned by dumplings from Ho-Lee Noodle House.

When, Peter, the noodle house’s cook, is taken in for questioning, Lana drifts around until her roommate, Megan, suggest the two turn detective to find the real killer. And, Lana knows she doesn’t want to let either Peter or herself be blamed for the death.

I don’t know what it is about this book that bothered me. It even has a very closed set of suspects, people connected with Asia Village. It’s possible that Lana Lee seems like a sad sack to me, still moping over an old job and old boyfriend. She’s too immature at times. I was just ready to move on to another book, and dragged my feet with this one.

Vivien Chien’s website is https://www.vivienchien.com/.

Death by Dumpling by Vivient Chien. Thorndike Press Large Print, 2019. ISBN 9781432866853 (hardcover), 390p.

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