Book Reviews

Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery)

Vivien Chien

This cozy read is an absolute delight. From learning about the Asian American community outside of Cleveland, OH, to the lovable characters, this is the warm hug you need during a dreary winter. Lana Lee finds herself back in her family’s restaurant serving tables after she dramatically walks out of her office job. But Lana will need to put all her woes aside to figure out what really happened to Mr. Feng after he died eating dumplings from her restaurant. You will enjoy visiting Lana’s culture, and the setting is so close to Michigan relating to this book is a breeze.

The Lioness

Chris Bohjalian

The Lioness starts off on a suspenseful note and never lets up. Movie star

Katie Barstow and her new husband David take off with seven friends on an African photo safari in 1964. Every chapter reveals the fascinating backgrounds of each member of the group. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned as the African politics of the time interfere with the group’s adventure. The Lioness is pulled tautly across these pages. Bohjalian has done an immense amount of research on this time period and the interlopers who make their way onto the African continent. You will be totally immersed in this storyline with this strange bevy of characters. And at the core, you will have non-stop action aplenty. The Lioness is highly recommended if you are one to step forward for a taste of adventure.

Spare

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex What little boy or girl hasn’t dreamed of becoming a prince or princess? Unsurprisingly, the Royal Family is like many families, with lots of love but also dysfunction. Prince Harry is open about his mistakes, his mental health issues, and his immense privilege. When writing about his family, it is clear he loves them, but he also holds them accountable. His greatest ire is for the British press, which he blames for his mother’s death, the intense scrutiny throughout his life, and the treatment of his wife. He begins with the image that so many remember, a twelve-year-old boy walking behind his mother’s coffin. That traumatic event shaped him forever. The book then delves into his teen years and his time in the Army, finishing with his romance and wedding to Meghan Markle and leaving the Royal Family. If you want an unflinchingly raw and revealing look at the Royal Family, this is the book for you.