husnaibrahim_'s Reviews (393)

This one? So cute! Lana had me from the first few minutes. She’s exactly the kind of cozy murder mystery heroine I root for; curious, slightly nosy, smart enough to figure things out, and just stubborn enough to get herself into trouble. And honestly, she was just trying to solve a murder and serve dumplings in peace, but people somehow kept making that difficult for her.

Now the detective? Please. That man was jealous and grumpy for no reason. I really couldn’t get behind his attitude when she went to Peter’s place. Ecahse this man didn’t even tell her he liked her so why was he annoyed with her? I mean I get that he was into her, but the whole him being annoyed because she spoke to another man thing was not giving what he thought it was. He needs to be serious.

The mystery part of the story also kept me guessing, and around the 70% mark, I already started side eyeing Peter’s mum. She was acting off, but then also, the antique store guy started acting too suspicious too. And I was right lol! And even though I was just guessing it, the reveal still felt so satisfying. I literally said “I knew it” out loud. Still though, I do wish Lana had looped people in sooner; the woman seriously needs to stop running off solo. All in all, this was such a fun, cozy, twisty little read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.

Ugh, small-town mysteries stress me out. Everyone’s either acting shady or just plain foolish. Our mc Shannon? So annoying. Just a desperate, horny kid making the worst decisions possible. Why would you agree to stay with someone like Bear?? Someone you don’t even know???? Because from the moment he appeared, the instantly bells went of, I just didn’t trust him. He very much gave creep from the start, and somehow everyone just ignored it??

Then there was the detective, Kateri, who had serious potential, but she just needed to be smarter. I mean you’re from the city, how are you not picking up on all these red flags?? I did however appreciate that she didn’t just jump to blame Shannon like everyone else (myself included). Even I didn’t think he should’ve been the main suspect, but I definitely got why people thought so.

And back to this Bear guy again. Because Oh my God!!! When he tried that nonsense with her, I was just done. I mean the audacity?! I had hoped she’d get him locked up and publicly disgraced but I guess he got what he deserved in the end.  

Honestly, the whole book had me a bit frustrated, but in a way that’s what kept me reading. Gritty, tense, and just uncomfortable in the way mysteries like this are supposed to be. It definitely got under my skin, I’ll give it that.

This book surprised me in the best way. I didn’t think I’d be this invested, but Jiara’s character was great; soft, unsure, but quietly determined. I mean she’s dealing with so much: grief, dyslexia, a new kingdom, a political marriage, and a language she can’t understand… but she handles it all with a kind of quiet strength I liked. 

I really appreciated how Jiara’s dyslexia was portrayed. It wasn’t just a side detail; it shaped how she interacted with the world and how people underestimated her. But she’s clever and observant, and once she starts putting the pieces together, she doesn’t back down. The ending was incredibly satisfying—not just because Alder’s manipulations are exposed, but because Jiara does it on her own terms.

Which is why I appreciated how cleverly everything tied together. At first, I was just sideeyeing Piar’s betrayal, sleeping with Jiara’s ex and even getting pregnant? Diabolical! And Jiara also just being okay with that? I honestly don’t get it all.  And then it all came back later, in such a funny and annoying way. Because If Piar had gone with her, Alder probably wouldn’t have gotten that close. And Alder! I really didn’t expect that twist. He seemed helpful, even sweet at first; until it hit me that he was teaching her the wrong words, manipulating everything from behind the scenes, and trying to kill Rafan. That shift genuinely caught me off guard. And Her sister’s ghost nudging her awake like that? Very clever of the author to add that part honestly.

Also, Rafan. The way he gives Jiara space, respects her learning curve, and slowly builds trust—it felt soft in a way I really appreciated. Their relationship wasn’t overly romantic or dramatic, but it felt believable and warm.