REVIEW: Murder Lo Mein

 Murder Lo Mein
Author: Vivien Chien

The Ho-Lee Noodle House is competing in Cleveland's Best Noodle Contest. Lana Lee has just been made manager of the family business, so she's nervous about the competition. She knows their noodles are the best in town and she wants to win. But just as the competition starts to heat up, a judge drops dead after receiving a threatening fortune cookie. Once again, Lana is forced to do some amateur sleuthing to save the reputation of Asia Village and Ho-Lee Noodle House. 

Murder Lo Mein is book 3 in this series. This is my favorite book so far. The characters are already introduced and their relationships in place. The setting and general back theme is established. So, in this book there was not only some interesting character development and the addition of Lana's grandmother into the story, but also a really good mystery. The story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing and twists to keep it interesting. I had my suspicions about the killer....but I wasn't sure until the reveal. Very enjoyable read! 

As usual, the cover art is just perfect! 

I'm moving on to the next book in this series -- Wonton Terror! 

REVIEW: Snow Way Out

 Snow Way Out
Author: Christine Husom

I love snow globes. Ever since I was a child, shaking that tiny little world inside the globe and watching the pretty snowflakes fall is just mesmerizing for me. The minute I found out there was a short cozy series about a snow globe shop, I had to read it! 

This first book starts out with the main character, Camryn Brooks, and her friends hosting a crafting class at her curio shop. Guess what they are making?? Snow globes!! 

This immediately made me happy with the background theme of this series.  If Camryn's shop was real, I would be in there handing over real cash. And, you'd better bet I'd be signing up for the class to make my own snow globe.

 Only one downside.......after class, Camryn discovers a snow globe on her store shelves that she doesn't recognize. It depicts a murder scene.  Then while walking home....she discovers that scene played out for real. Dead body with a knife in its back and all. 

That part of class I would not sign up for. :) 

I liked the snow globe theme of this first book, the characters, and the basic plot. The mystery kept my attention from start to finish. There were plenty of suspects, just the right amount of amateur sleuthing, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. 

 Definitely reading the other books in this series! I already have the second book pulled off my shelves and in my currently reading pile on my desk! :)