Aunty Lee’s Delights

Singaporean Mystery Series, Book 1

De: Ovidia Yu

Narrado por: Emily Woo Zeller

This delectable and witty mystery introduces Rosie "Aunty" Lee, feisty widow, amateur sleuth, and proprietor of Singapore's best-loved home-cooking restaurant.

After losing her husband, Rosie Lee could have become one of Singapore's "tai tai," an idle rich lady. Instead she is building a culinary empire from her restaurant, Aunty Lee's Delights, where spicy Singaporean meals are graciously served to locals and tourists alike. But when a body is found in one of Singapore's tourist havens and one of her guests fails to show at a dinner party, Aunty Lee knows that the two events are likely connected.

The murder and disappearance throws together Aunty Lee's henpecked stepson, Mark, his social-climbing wife, Selina, a gay couple whose love is still illegal in Singapore, and an elderly Australian tourist couple whose visit may mask a deeper purpose. Investigating the murder are Police Commissioner Raja and Senior Staff Sergeant Salim, who quickly discover that Aunty Lee's sharp nose for intrigue can sniff out clues that elude law enforcers.

©2013 Ovidia Yu (P)2020 Tantor

Miss Marple Meets Crazy Rich Asians

I am on Book 3 right now but returned to leave this review here in hopes of inspiring more people to enjoy this series. It's so fun and addicting to become immersed in Aunty Lee's world! I appreciated how all of the characters seemed at first to be simple and even stereotypical, but then they turned out to be layered and interestingly complicated people. The mystery was also unexpectedly complex. I was so struck by the ending that I immediately started listening again from the beginning. The author introduces us to Singapore's life and culture with humor and love and does not dumb it down or caricature anyone. The narrator is great, though there's a recurring character who is so loud and shrill (which is what she is known for) that I had to turn down the volume every time she was in the scene. I'm happy to report that the narrator takes it down a notch for the rest of the series.

Unexpected ending!

I enjoyed this cozy mystery even though there was a main storyline that could be problematic for some readers. Nonetheless, Aunty Lee's advice about judging people only on the basis of their character was well-taken as I read (or listened). Aunty Lee is a woman "of certain age and even more certain girth." She'a a very comforting character but also very shrewd. It was a good story. My only complaint is that the narrator would narrate in a soft voice but then turn up her volume as she voiced the characters (which she did very well, by the way). I had to keep adjusting the volume up and down so I could hear properly or not have my headphones blown out. All said, I would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers. I will probably read more books in the series.
Note: I googled Sentosa Beach history and indeed, It was called a very similar name to that used in the book. Other aspects of the book contained historically correct information. I don't want to spoil your experience with any more specific info.

Very, very lovable Aunty Lee!

This was such a fun listen. Aunty Lee is the most fun heroine since Precious Ramotswe. The story is wonderfully read and develops gradually across the breadth of the novel. I never felt like there were boring parts I wanted to skip. Loved the ending.

Tight storyline and fun introduction to Singapore

Loved the plot, and the references to Singaporean culture. The story was engaging and kudos to the narrator for bringing the characters to life.