2025 Book Challenge – Death by Dumpling
So, this year, I set a goal to read 30 books, which may be a lot for some and a drop in the puddle for others, but between law school and life, it’s a doable challenge for me! I’ve decided to keep me accountable, I’m going to try my very best to post them all here! First up:
🥟 Death by Dumpling (Noodle Shop Mystery #1 ) by Vivian Chien 🥟
Who knew dumplings could be so deadly? Welcome to Ho-Lee Noodle House, where the food is just as cozy as the mysteries! I loved how relatable Lana Lee was as a protagonist and how the mystery had me on my toes with all the potential suspects. As it’s a “cozy mystery”, I think I kind of had it in the bag towards the end of it all, but still, it was so incredibly fun along the way! I listened to this audiobook in 2 days (and procrastinated on a memo for it!) and it had me hooked! Personally, I’m going to be listening to the rest of the Noodle Shop Mysteries and I’d totally recommend this book for cozy mystery fans or anyone looking for a light, engaging whodunit. A fun, flavorful mystery that’s perfect for a cozy weekend! 🍜🥟
So glad you're diving into the Noodle Shop Mysteries with 'Death by Dumpling'! I totally get why it hooked you – there's something so comforting and fun about a good cozy mystery. For anyone else looking to kick off their own 2025 reading challenge, or even just searching for their next delightful whodunit, let me share a few extra thoughts based on my own reading journey. First off, choosing a diverse range of books for a reading challenge can be super exciting. While I'm personally loving cozy mysteries like Vivian Chien's series, it's great to mix things up! If you're wondering where to find awesome thriller reading challenges hosted online or by various curators and organizers, places like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and even booktube channels are fantastic resources. They often have themed challenges – from reading a book set in every continent to tackling a specific genre. You can find challenges dedicated to 'mystery dumplings' themes (or food-themed mysteries in general!), historical fiction, or even those focusing on debut authors. Don't be afraid to create your own challenge if you have a specific niche in mind, like exploring all the noodle shop mystery books in order! Speaking of noodle shop mysteries, if you loved Lana Lee's adventures, you're in for a treat with the rest of the series. Vivian Chien has crafted such a charming world. I often find that when I get into a series, I look up the reading order immediately to make sure I don't miss any character development or plot points. It's a great way to keep your reading momentum going for challenges. And for those of you who might stumble upon this looking for something like a scary horror novel 2025 recommendation, let me clarify: 'Death by Dumpling' is definitely on the lighter, more charming side! Cozy mysteries are generally low on gore and high on amateur sleuths, quirky characters, and often, delicious food descriptions. It's the perfect palate cleanser if you've been reading a lot of intense thrillers and need something to unwind with. The stakes are usually personal, not world-ending, making them incredibly enjoyable. A practical tip I've picked up, especially from my own experience with 'Death by Dumpling' as an audiobook (just like the one narrated by Cheryl May, which is fantastic!), is to utilize audiobooks for your reading challenge. They're perfect for commuting, chores, or even just relaxing. It's amazing how quickly you can rack up books when you're listening! The cover art, often featuring those delightful 'four dumplings' or other food motifs, really makes you crave the story (and maybe some actual dumplings!). Whether you're aiming for 30 books, 50, or just a handful of really good ones, remember that reading should always be enjoyable. Happy reading, fellow bookworms!
