Lana Lee has a lot on her plate. She is the manager of her family’s restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. She is dating a local police detective. And she’s helping to organize the Lunar New Year celebration for Asia Village. She’s helped to get the restaurants on board for the food and drinks, she’s set up the raffle and gotten donations for the prizes (including a generous donation from Ho-Lee Noodle House), and she’s hired the lion dancers for the entertainment.

The Chinese New Year celebration starts out a success, with everyone in Asia Village coming together to enjoy everything Lana had worked so hard to put together. There is plenty of food and drink, and then there are fireworks. But the lion dancers don’t get a chance to go on, as the woman who was supposed to be the head of the lion has been shot.

It was Lana’s friend Kimmy that introduced her to the dancers. Kimmy knew them from her second job, working as a server at the Black Garter, a gentleman’s club. Rhonda was a dancer there, trying to save up money to open her own dance studio with another woman who worked there. Rhonda has been dancing as the head of the lion for many years, working with her brother David, who ran the troupe. But his new fiancée had been wanting a chance to be the head of the lion, and he decided to give Angela a chance to do just that.

But after the fireworks, they find that someone used the noise to cover up their gunshots, and Rhonda is laying on the ground. Lana’s boyfriend Adam takes over, sending the guests away and making sure no one touches the crime scene. David is distraught, and Lana, no stranger to crime-solving, immediately finds her brain trying to put together all the pieces of the murder to make a complete picture.

David says that he and Rhonda had just had a fight, so Lana has to consider him a suspect. But since it was Angela who was originally supposed to be the head of the lion, Lana can’t be sure if she or Rhonda had been the target. Kimmy had seen a customer from the Black Garter who had seemed overly interested in Rhonda, and she’d been concerned. But she’d also seen David’s ex-girlfriend, who could have been upset that he was engaged to someone new already and aiming for Angela.

The next few days, as Lana has to clean up from the celebration, she also wants to figure out who was the target of the killer and why. And as she tries to find out who the killer is, she finds that the target is no longer on Rhonda or Angela. It’s turned in Lana’s direction, and she has to find out who is behind the murder or she might very well be next.

Peking Duck and Cover is the tenth book in Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop Mystery series. These books combine family, Chinese food, and crime-solving. There is a lot of love (and a fair amount of arguing) as Lana tries to live her best life in Cleveland. She sometimes has to fight the cold, she has to take care of her dog Kikkoman, and she has to solve the murders, but she always tries to stay true to herself and look great. And she always gets her man.

I have been a big fan of this series for many years now, and Peking Duck and Cover does not disappoint. Chien has been dealing with some serious health issues over the last few years (see her social media for more info on that if you want the details), but she has kept her readers in mind and tried her best to keep giving us Ho-Lee adventures. I think some of her personal growth has been reflected in Lana’s maturity over these last few books, and I am loving that. It keeps these books from being one-note, which is a challenge in a series like this. I think Lana’s stories are just getting better, and I am already looking forward to the next one in the series.

Egalleys for Peking Duck and Cover were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of PEKING DUCK AND COVER (Book 10 of the Noodle Shop mystery series) by Vivien Chien in exchange for an honest review. Ian Sung, the property manager for Asia Village, has organized an event for the Chinese New Year. As usual, he has involved Lana Lee in his plans; this time, she’s supposed to appear before the crowd to present awards. However, the party derails mid-event when Lana finds one of the lion dance team dead from a gunshot masked by the fireworks show. Having found the body, Lana is once again sneaking off to investigate the case while balancing her family life, sister drama, girlfriend responsibilities, and work schedule. It’s a good thing her friends, the aunties, and the Asia Village elders are all willing help!

I liked the book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book and series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring retail environments, special events, old/new world clashes, and family expectations.

#PekingDuckandCoverANoodleShopMystery #NetGalley

PEKING DUCK AND COVER was another quick and delightful addition to the Noodle Shop series. It’s always fun to catch up with Lana and her friends/family, and hear what new mystery she’s become embroiled with. This was another fun read, with a simple but compelling mystery, and continued developing depth of characters and relationships.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review PEKING DUCK AND COVER.

Each book gets better and better but this one is extra special.
I like several of the new vibes I picked up beginning with Lana no longer apologizing for her sleuthing and more confidence in herself.
I really enjoyed the deepening relationship between Adam and Lana. They’re in the same groove and not at cross purposes anymore. I swooned every time he called her doll.
I also liked Chien’s use of cultures habits and traditions.
I adore Mr. Zhang and the Mahjong Mavens.
As usual I want to devour a huge plat of lo mein after reading!

It's so wild that we're already on book ten of the Noodle Shop Mystery series. I've been following these books since the beginning, and I've loved seeing how the characters have grown and expanded. It seems fitting that this book is based in the lunar new year, a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. This book feels like a new chapter in Lana Lee's story. She's established herself not just as a restaurant manager, but also as a leader in her local community. There seem to hints as the younger generation at the Asian village are aging, that they'll be taking over as innovators for the local Ohio citizens.
Along with the series' plotline, I also loved the book's individual mystery. What begins as a classic lover's drama unfolds to involve more people and their pasts together. All in all, this book was everything I was looking for in the series addition.

Congrats to this series on reaching the big number 10! I really enjoyed this series entry, with a nice focus on all the characters that have really made this series what it is, a solid mystery that is satisfying, and still some threads in longer storylines that can still be built on. Lana is a fantastic, smart, interesting character that has carried this series well, and I always enjoy spending time with her.

Peking Duck and Cover is the newest entry in one of my favorite cozy series! Lana is back from her trip to LA and is getting ready for Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, murder once again hits Asia Village. While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I still loved being around all the characters again. I felt the development of the mystery was lacking, but Chien wrapped it up nicely. Looking forward to the next one!

Another great book in this wonderful series. Lana Lee is investigating a murder at Asia Village during the Chinese New Year celebration.

Another delightful book in this series! There will never be enough Lana Lee for me. As always, the mystery was well done and I so enjoyed my trip to Asia Village. I love all of the romantic developments in this book and I am already excited for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the tenth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien. I am a big fan of this series and Ms. Chien delivers another delicious episode.

Lana Lee has plenty on her plate but nothing she can’t handle. She manages her family’s Chinese restaurant, is helping to stage the upcoming village’s festival, and spends time with her BFF Megan, and Adam Trudeau, Fairview Park Police Detective and boyfriend.

I like how Adam isn’t crazy about Lana’s involvement in investigations but he has realized people will talk to her so he grudgingly accepts her help in order to keep her safe. They constantly share information on the cases Lana is guilted by friends to investigate.
This one is interesting when a member of the dance troop is killed during the Chinese New Year celebration. Since it happened in the village, Lana is expected to solve it.

Can’t wait to see a resolution with Henry and Anna May, as it is I’m a bit bored with it.

Netgalley provided me an advanced reader’s copy. I am not required to leave a positive review.

Dollycas's Thoughts 

It's almost Chinese New Year and Asia Village manager Ian Sung has tasked Lana Lee to help him put together a lavish event to celebrate the time of new beginnings and the good fortune the day promises. The night will be filled with music, giveaways, fireworks, and live entertainment. Lana has reviewed the plans several times to be sure the holiday affair comes together as planned.

Unfortunately, the evening ends with a bang and not from the fireworks. One member of the lion dance performance team is dead with the omen of death in their pocket, a red envelope holding four one-dollar bills.

Ian along with property owner Donna Feng demands that Lana "do her thing" and find the killer as soon as possible and bring them to justice. She eventually agrees and her BFF Megan agrees to help. Adam isn't happy but they come to an understanding - Don't interfere with him directly and that if anyone asks he didn't approve of her endeavor.

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All my favorite characters are back in this latest installment of the Noodle Shop Mysteries. Again Lana has her hands full we know she can handle it. Her relationship with Fairview Park Police Detective Adam Trudeau is moving along nicely. He knows people open up and tell her things they wouldn't tell him and that she has a great record of solving crimes so he accepts her efforts to investigate. I enjoy how they share their findings with each other, hypothetically, of course. I liked that Adam's partner Higgins was more present in this story. He is a little bit older than Adam and a really cool guy.  With the holiday we are treated to more fun with the Lee family and the Mahjong Matrons are back too. Kimmy's relationship with Peter is going well but she has a secret. Megan is a stellar best friend and has Lana's back no matter what. She may also have a new love interest. The author creates such genuine characters and she allows them to develop naturally. I find myself easily getting caught up in whatever is happening in their lives.

Right now, their lives include a shocking murder. Lana is more confident and I enjoyed following her follow the clues. The pieces of Chinese traditions and customs played well in the mystery and the story as a whole. I found them very interesting. There were several suspects but the clues lined up for me a short time before they did for Lana. Her idea to flush out the killer was a great one. One statement told her exactly what she needed to know but the showdown didn't go exactly as planned. Lana found herself in the middle of a dire situation and excitement ensued. I loved every minute of the sensational takedown. Thank goodness for the eyeball dance!

I can't forget that Lana's cute little pug Kikkoman (Kikko) is back too fresh off his adventures in Gone to Hot Pot where Kikko was at the Plaza. It's a secret, so don't tell Lana.

Peking Duck and Cover is a fun, entertaining, and at times tense cozy mystery and a magnificent addition to this wonderful series. I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers. Vivien Chien grabbed me with her first book, Death by Dumpling, and each book after has been a must-read. I am thrilled that The Chow Maniac will be released on April 1, 2025, and that is no April Fool!

This is the tenth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series featuring Lana Lee who manages her family's restaurant in Cleveland's Asia Village. Lana is in charge of planning a Chinese New Year celebration, which will be the largest party ever held at Asia Village. All her hard work pays off and the event gets off to a great start...until someone is killed. Lana is determined to find the killer to save the reputation of the Village and get justice for the victim.

The information the author shares about the customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year really elevated this book for me. I learned a lot while being entertained from the details of the public celebration as well as Lana's family dinner. There was awkwardness between Lana and her sister Anna May over a secret Anna seems to be keeping. Anna has always been my least favorite character in this series and this unresolved subplot did nothing for the story.

Overall, this series just keeps going strong with Lana becoming more and more confident as a woman as well as an amateur sleuth. The investigation kept my interest with Lana getting the assist from both her roommate Megan and her childhood friend, Kimmy. I enjoy Lana's friendships and have always liked Megan. Kimmy has really grown on me as the series has progressed and I appreciated her contributions to the story. I am liking Lana's relationship with her police detective boyfriend, Adam Trudeau, since he worries about her but also supports her investigations. I love Adam's involvement in the book's dramatic and satisfying ending. 4.5 stars

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

I'm an unabashed fan of this series-look forward to it every summer- and this latest is just as tricky and enjoyable as ever. It's Chinese New Year and there's a lot of pressure on Lana to make sure that everything goes well at the Asia Village celebration. And it does until the Lion Dance when someone is.....murdered! Lana and her BFF Megan must, of course, investigate, acknowledging that her beau Adam, a detective, has cautioned her against it. Oh the tangled webs they must deal with and while the mystery is good, it's the characters that make this sing. Fans should know that Chien has advanced them and that there's some talk about weddings. It was great to spend time with A ma, Kimmy, the Matrons, Keke the pug, and the rest. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun cozy read that will please those who have been following Lana as well as those who pick it up as a standalone.

This is book ten in one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and the series continues to impress with its great character development and engaging plotlines!

Lana Lee manages her family's restaurant in Asia Village, a vibrant retail center in Cleveland. This small, tight-knit community is filled with wonderful and quirky characters. Lana's knack for solving crimes has made her the go-to person to investigate when a suspicious death occurs during a Chinese New Year celebration.

I love sleuthing along with Lana and visiting everyone at Asia Village! These books feel warm and welcoming and are always entertaining. The characters in this series are so well fleshed out and grow with every installment. It was also nice to see the continued growth of Lana's relationships with her law enforcement boyfriend, Adam, and we see him interacting with Lana's family in this one, which is nice. Friends Kimmy and Megan also have some great scenes. The group of ladies referred to as the Majong Matrons always adds a fun twist, and this time, they had me laughing out loud more than once! I also love all the cultural elements and mouth-watering food descriptions that are woven in.

I enjoy Chien's writing style, and this mystery is solidly plotted. The culprit is not easily identifiable, and Lana has quite a bit to piece together. I got partway there but was happy to be surprised by how some of the puzzle pieces fit together in the end. This was a delightful read, and I cannot wait for the next one! Cozy mystery fans will want to add this to their tbr!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the gifted book!

*4.5 rounded up

Peking Duck and Cover is a delightfully charming cozy mystery. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I will absolutely be going back and reading the rest. I instantly fell in love with Lana Lee, her noodle shop, and her friends and family. In Peking Duck and Cover, Lana is helping Ian with preparations for Asia Village's Lunar New Year's celebration. The night is to be filled with great food, dancing, and fireworks. Unfortunately, in the midst of the celebrations, one of the dancers is found dead backstage. Lana, who has recently accepted her sleuthing skills, is determined to find the killer and ensure a happy new year.

Peking Duck and Cover is the perfect cozy mystery. It has a fantastic set of characters, a lovely setting, an intriguing mystery, and delicious food descriptions. I was craving noodles the entire time I was reading the book. By the end, I had definitely ordered a few dishes! Again, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, from Lana and her friends to the Mahjong Matrons. I cannot wait to continue reading this series!

Lana Lee is roped into helping with the Lunar New Year celebration at the Asian Village. All goes well until the lion dance, when one of the dancers is shot. Lana, Megan and Kimmy join forces to figure out what happened. Another great book in this series. Well written and keeps you guessing to the end! Love the continuing development of these characters. I'm looking forward to the next book already!

I really loved the sense of family and community in this book-- it felt like sitting down to an excellent meal at a great Chinese restaurant. Chien has a knack for creating character and setting, and the mystery was well thought-out and kept my interest.

I just adore this series. I think Chien has done a good job building a solid cast of characters that are still growing and changing after so many books. The mystery in this book was solidly done. I guessed part of it, but didn’t get the whole picture. It was definitely nice to be back in Asia Village after going afield for an adventure.

The Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien is one of my favorites and I eagerly await each one. This one is #10 and it did not disappoint. Lana Lee, Manager of her family's Ho-Lee Noodle House, finds herself back in the middle of a murder when one of dance troupe she hires to perform at the Chinese New Year Festival is killed. Lana, along with all usual fun characters, try to get to the bottom of this before Lana's sleuthing causes her to become the next victim.

I was happy to see Lana back home in Cleveland with our normal cast of characters. They are like friends we get to visit. Ms. Chien's characters are so likeable that you really care about them. They are also funny and zany which adds to the enjoyment of the story but don't worry the mystery does not suffer. It kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I also like that Adam is accepting, if not completely happy, about her sleuthing.

If you want a cozy that will keep you turning pages and leave you with a smile and warm feeling, this is the book you need to read next!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's for the opportunity to read this story.

Lana is back in Cleveland (the previous book in the series was set in California) and is helping plan an event at Asian Village to celebrate Chinese New Year. The culmination of the festival, a lion dance, ends with the murder of one of the troupe members. Lana and assorted friends, family, and boyfriend Adam, who is also a police detective, track down the murderer. This book is a window into the customs and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year, and that was an interesting element that made the book stand out. Keeping track of the suspects' web of relationships was tricky. Can be read as a standalone, but it has been fun to watch Lana's development over the course of the 10-book series. Not quite a 4-star read but I rounded up. Thanks to the publisher Minotaur and NetGalley for the ARC.