A Flavorful Mystery: Death by Dumpling Delights with Five-Star Charm
Death By Dumpling by Vivien Chien
The last place Lana Lee thought she would ever end up is back at her family’s restaurant. But after a brutal breakup and a dramatic workplace walk-out, she figures that a return to the Cleveland area to help wait tables is her best option for putting her life back together. Even if that means having to put up with her mother, who is dead set on finding her a husband.
Lana’s love life soon becomes yesterday’s news once the restaurant’s property manager, Mr. Feng, turns up dead - after a delivery of shrimp dumplings from Ho-Lee. But how could this have happened when everyone on staff knew about Mr. Feng’s sever, life-threatening shellfish allergy?
Now, with the whole restaurant under suspicion for murder and the local media in a feeding frenzy - to say nothing of the gorgeous police detective who keeps turning up for take-out - it’s up to Lana to find out who is behind Feng’s killer order…before her own number is up.
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Characters: 8/10
The characters are charming, with realistic personalities, making them very relatable. Lana Lee is a witty and determined protagonist, but didn’t quite steal the show as the lead character. The supporting cast, especially her family and coworkers at the Ho-Lee Noodle House, add depth and humor to the story, making the reader feel right at home in their world.
Atmosphere: 8/10
The setting of the Asian Village shopping plaza is full of cultural richness and warmth. From the mouthwatering food descriptions to the bustling community, the atmosphere immerses readers in a cozy and unique environment perfect for a mystery. I closed the book feeling like there were some missed opportunities to build up the world a little more for readers who have never visited the Greater Cleveland Area.
Writing Style: 9/10
Vivien Chien’s writing is fresh and perfectly paced. Her narrative captures the essence of a cozy mystery while weaving in humor, cultural details, and suspense seamlessly.
Plot: 9/10
The plot is intriguing and keeps you guessing from start to finish. The mystery of who killed Mr. Feng with a dumpling unravels with clever twists, red herrings, and just the right amount of suspense. Each clue is masterfully placed, leading to an expected, but satisfying resolution.
Intrigue: 9/10
The story hooks you right away, and the mix of murder mystery and Lana’s personal struggles (and the food) keeps the intrigue alive. The balance between the mystery, cultural elements, and glimpses into Lana’s romantic life ensures there’s never a dull moment. I can’t really remember where in the story I managed to figure out whodunit, but that didn’t stop me from flipping the pages to see if I was correct.
Logic: 10/10
The mystery is well-constructed and makes perfect sense by the end. Every clue and reveal feels logical and earned, giving readers a fulfilling sense of closure.
Enjoyment 10/10
Death by Dumpling is an absolute delight from start to finish. It’s a fun, flavorful, and heartwarming cozy mystery that leaves readers hungry for more (both dumplings and sequels!). I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
Overall CAWPILE Rating: 9/10
Death by Dumpling is a delectable mystery filled with heart, humor, and suspense. It’s a cozy read that offers the perfect blend of intrigue and charm, earning every bit of its five-star rating. A must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and food lovers alike!
