ARC Review: Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
 
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“All those internal struggles are wonderful to have in a book to accentuate the main storyline, but the mystery felt buried beneath all that and never got a chance to shine. Things took too long to progress and as a result, the book really disappointed me.”
~ Under the Covers

I had some really high hopes for this book because the first one blew me away. So I was really excited to finally read the second book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. What makes this book stand out is the fact that it features an Asian cast as well as a lot of traditions and cultural activities that celebrates Asian culture.

However, what made this book unique in the first place is also its biggest weakness here. Chien still writes a fun story however I felt like the focus of the book wasn’t the mystery. It was more of Lena’s personal struggles as well as anything and everything Asian that she could fit in.

As an Asian person, I greatly appreciate this focus. But so much time had to pass before the real plot of the story began. I really like Lena and can relate to a lot of her personal issues. But she comes across as very immature in this novel. It was to the point where I actually thought I was reading a Young Adult novel instead. All those internal struggles are wonderful to have in a book to accentuate the main storyline, but the mystery felt buried beneath all that and never got a chance to shine. Things took too long to progress and as a result, the book really disappointed me.

I am hoping a tighter pace will happen for the next book or even just a greater focus on the actual mystery of the story because I can see a lot of potential. But without the right kind of attention being made in all the important parts, sadly this book won’t shine with mystery readers.

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Annie

Blogger/Reviewer at Under the Covers Book Blog

I’m an obsessive makeup junkie and a compulsive reader. I like to call Under the Covers Book Blog my stomping ground, but when I’m not talking about books with my girls, I write New Adult Dystopian and Contemporary Romance under the pen name Ana Jolene (http://www.anajolene.com). I also work as a virtual assistant for authors. You also can find me as a reviewer and columnist for FreshFiction.com.

When it comes to books I’m pretty adventurous. I read everything from Paranormal Romance to Urban Fantasy, New Adult, BDSM, LGBT fiction, Cozy Mysteries and even YA. If it’s got the littlest trace of romance in it, then I’ll probably read it. That being said, my all-time favorite authors are J.R. Ward and Karen Marie Moning.

When I’m not submerged in a good book, you can find me musing about makeup and planners or dreaming about Kpop boys and beaches. Until then, check out my reviews and let’s talk books!

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