"The Chow Maniac" By Vivien Chien: Review/Giveaway

Review by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

While her real job is being the manager of her family’s Ho-Lee Noodle House in the town of  Fairview Park, Ohio, Lana Lee has more than once found herself investigating a murder within Cleveland’s Asia Village shopping plaza. That is how she found herself owing a favor to private investigator Lydia Shepherd, who is now calling in that debt for a case of her own. Lydia has been hired to investigate three deaths, one of which was natural and the others which appear to be accidents. Lydia’s client isn’t so sure though, believing that they are murders connected to a secret organization known as the Eight Immortals. In 1901 eight immigrant businessmen joined forces to help other Chinese businesses succeed in a country that only saw them as outsiders, and they have passed on their responsibilities to their descendants. Keeping their identities a secret to protect themselves and avoid sabotage, they identify themselves through special objects that they pass down through generations.

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Image Source Minotaur

Lana’s boyfriend Detective Adam Trudeau would prefer that she not once again be involved in a murder investigation, especially since this latest death is one of his own cases. He’s mostly resigned to her inability to stay uninvolved though, especially when she’s prodded along by her childhood bestie Kimmy Tran. Kimmy is A LOT, and Lana knows that there’s pretty much nothing she can do to stop Kimmy from inserting herself into the investigation. Lydia soon becomes aware of this as well, eventually acknowledging that Lana is completely unable to adhere to the confidentiality contract she signed and that soon everyone will be meddling in their business. That’s not entirely a bad thing though, as the Mahjong Matrons who regularly eat in the Ho-Lee Noodle House know everything about everyone and are an invaluable resource for Asia Village gossip.  

 

This 11th in the series continues to be unique as it shines a light on aspects of Asian American life that may not be well known. The Eight Immortals are not mythical entities, as they are instead Chinese Americans with the goal of assisting other immigrants who face prejudice and persecution. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act prohibiting immigration was propelled by anti-Chinese sentiment, which is why the businessmen in the novel unite in secret to assist their fellow immigrants. Lana comes from a mixed family herself, with a strained relationship with her “perfect,” high-achieving sister. Fans of the series will enjoy revisiting the residents of Fairview Park, who include Lana’s roomie Megan along with (all too brief) visits with Lana’s entire family. That her grandmother’s boyfriend is one of the suspects and/or possible victims makes finding the truth all the more crucial, especially when evidence is stolen and another victim is found. Readers will also enjoy descriptions of some of Lana’s favorite foods, which are prepared by her family and by their restaurant’s chef. Families taking care of one another and passing on traditions to the next generations are themes that resonate throughout the novel, making it a compelling read that educates as much as it entertains.

To enter to win a copy of The Chow Maniac, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "chow maniac,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 17, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book.

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

 Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.