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Josie Tucker Mysteries #2

Dim Sum, Dead Some

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Ivan Sorokin is missing. Who wants him out of the picture—his wife, his business partner, or the stripper who holds his heart?

Josie Tucker stands on Beach Street with her back to the San Francisco wharf. Above her, the Ghirardelli sign winks in the dusky twilight, seducing her. The ice cream parlor lights beckon like a lactose lothario, a casein casanova, trying hard to woo her. But her heart longs for dumplings, for dim sum.

Dim sum means “heart’s delight.” Imagine nibbling at a savory golden pouch stuffed with delicately seasoned meat. If a lover offers the morsel on the tips of exquisitely lacquered chopsticks late in the morning while reclining on silken cushions…that’s food for the heart.

Chinatown. Dim sum. Murder. Josie’s perfect ingredients for adventure.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2015

46 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

E.M. Kaplan

24 books384 followers
Award-winning mystery and fantasy author, EM Kaplan, was an 80s kid, spoonfed on six channels of a VHF dial TV. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and Edgar Rice Burroughs in rural Arizona where there were no sidewalks but plenty of tumbleweeds. A former wannabe spy, trombonist, toilet-cleaner, beginner ninja, and subversive marketeer, she currently lives in the frozen north with her husband, author JD Kaplan, kids, and dog.

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5 stars
60 (41%)
4 stars
53 (36%)
3 stars
24 (16%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Mike Billington.
Author 5 books41 followers
January 19, 2015
Josie Tucker, EM Kaplan's diminutive (and delightful) food-critic-with-a-bad-stomach heroine, is in San Francisco trying to find out if Bostonian Greta Williams is investing wisely now that she's pouring money into a start-up, high-tech company.
That's more than a little challenging for Josie, who knows next to nothing about computers and even has a hard time understanding all the functions her cell phone is capable of, but she's agreed to do a little discreet snooping for two reasons.
First: Greta, a blue-blooded if apparently cold-hearted woman, is footing the bill and they have an "arrangement."
Second: Josie's BFF Susan is also going to the City by the Bay to meet with her online boyfriend, James Yu.
Things go wrong almost from the time the two women land in San Francisco. They discover, for example, that James lives in a tiny apartment accessible by a none-too-safe, seemingly makeshift and very wobbly fire escape that gives Josie the willies every time she uses it. On top of that he turns out to be a self-involved nerd with no taste whatsoever when it comes to interior decoration and, lastly, his business partner who is supposed to meet them for breakfast has gone AWOL.
Oh, and while out wandering around Josie and her not-so-stable stomach somehow find themselves face-to-face with the famous Ghirardelli ice-cream-and-chocolate shop, which is not a good place to be for someone with weak impulse control and what is probably lactose intolerance.
Kaplan's second installment in the Josie Tucker mystery series is every bit as much fun as her first book and is, I think, even stronger in terms of its plot and characters. That is especially true when she's writing about Josie, who is naturally cranky, deeply in love with her longtime friend Drew, devoted to Susan and someone who clearly knows a helluva lot about food. Kaplan has imbued her heroine with just enough snarkiness to make the stew that is Josie Tucker palatable without making her annoying and she takes the time to round out the secondary characters in 'Dim Sum, Dead Some' with skill.
She also gives the attention they deserve to the places Josie finds herself in: From an industrial strength dim sum restaurant to a burlesque club's surprisingly well-run kitchen.
'Dim Sum, Dead Some' also gives readers a deeper look into Josie's past, develops her relationship with Drew more fully and contains some neat plot twists that add a little extra spice to the narrative.
Kaplan is a clever writer with a nicely balanced sense of humor and a good feel for the pace of a novel. 'Dim Sum, Dead Some' moves along quickly, but not too quickly: Reading her novel is akin to enjoying a good meal at a nice restaurant rather than being rushed into and out of a fast-food joint. She gives you time to enjoy the narrative - including her descriptions of San Francisco and the surrounding countryside - without sending you into a foot-tapping or leg-jiggling frenzy while you're impatiently waiting for the next course,
'Dim Sum, Dead Some' is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with an engaging heroine and it is a book that I enjoyed immensely.
I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Terri Crossley.
138 reviews
October 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Filled with mystery, humor, and tasty food descriptions this book has it all! When Josie Tucker is sent to Northern California to look into some shady investment for her best friend boyfriend things get deadly! With her less then perfect attitude and remarks she is a pistol when it comes to tracking down the suspects. With the help of the police, some strippers, her boyfriend, and the mysterious Greta these friends are definitely the backup I would want with me! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,196 reviews44 followers
June 19, 2018
An enjoyable cozy mystery, enhanced by the Food Blogs at the beginning of each part.

Josie Tucker is a food blogger who also works as a (sorta) PI for her benefactor, Greta. When Greta asks Josie to check on a start-up company that she has invested in, Josie is happy to do so. Especially since one of the partners in the company is her best friend's new boyfriend. Emphasis on the "boy"!.

Wonderful writing, great characters and enough twists in the story to keep the reader guessing. The story moves at a fast pace and has plenty of funny scenes along the way. If you enjoy the cozy mystery genre, you can't go wrong with this one.

The narrator, Sunny Lu, adds a lot to this book. Her voice is perfect for the book and makes the listening very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
April 13, 2018
By happenstance I have encountered the Josie Tucker tales in random order so read book 3 or 4 first and now book 2. The good news is they all stand well on their own. The better news is I now understand about the good Father. Largely written somewhat tongue in cheek, our hapless heroine finds herself in physical danger as often as Sam Spade--and truly hasn't the physique! The action is fast paced; clues are provided, but the twisted plot surprises caught me off guard with "Oh, yeah, that totally makes sense" aha moments. Narrator Sunny Lu does an excellent job voicing not only the main character but the entire cast [AUDIO], contributing additional immediacy to a delightful story.
Profile Image for Artist_carrie .
704 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2020
Chinatown mishaps

I love this series. It's awesome and always makes me hungry lol.

We find Josie agreeing to yet another favor for the woman who's boys in the last book almost killed her oh no! I don't care who's involved there is no way I would. I say the company she invested in sounds like a bunch of bologna, so James's partner has been missing for awhile and when Josie calls the detective she finds out he was found dead. Side note if I was Josie's friend I would tell James to take a hike.
Profile Image for Troy Neenan.
Author 13 books11 followers
March 14, 2020
This is the second book of EM Kaplan’s Josie Tucker book series and I have to say that is the stronger of the two novels.
Unlike the first book this seems to be a better structured mystery novel with actual clues and better planning.
My only real issue with the book was during the big reveal but I could see where the author was going with the ending.
This is only my second mystery novel so I am unsure if the pacing and tone is correct, but I found it mostly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Angela Mortimer.
Author 20 books129 followers
May 14, 2017
A foodie gets out of her depth, investigating for a wealthy woman. She gets into all kinds of strife mainly because she is impulsive. This impulsiveness has got her in hot water previously and is now affecting her current love interest, but she just can't stop jumping in and then agonizing over it. Great read, fast paced with constant twists.
59 reviews
June 26, 2017
Josie's back for an encore. Working for Greta again on a supposedly easy assignment checking out best friend Susan's new boyfriends startup technology company. Before you know it that easy job goes sideways with wicked results!
Profile Image for Ken Robson.
327 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2017
Yet another great mystery from EM Kaplan, Josie is in San Francisco to check out a startup project for her "boss". We have food, comedy and a great who dunnit all mixed into one.

Keep up the good work!
Profile Image for Bee.
Author 1 book30 followers
May 13, 2017
Now that was one of the most entertaining reads I ever had
Profile Image for Michelle.
34 reviews17 followers
July 14, 2018
Good read!

Good, fleshed out characters in a well written story. Lots of laughs,, snark, mystery and food. Loved the twists near the end of the book.
167 reviews
May 5, 2020
Another fine mystery

I really enjoyed this story. Josie is quickly becoming a favorite. Now off to find the next in the series
329 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2021
For various reasons I'm reading light right now. This was just what I needed. Nice characters and a decent explanation of why the amateur detective is there. I enjoy the series and will keep on with it.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
792 reviews26 followers
February 26, 2017
Josue Tucker, food critic turned pseudo PI, finds herself in California investigating the disappearance of a software entrepreneur. Working with a couple of cops, she continues her work for the elusive and tough Greta Williams and gets to sample some amazing dim sum along the way. Funny, good plot, and some fun characters.
Profile Image for Michael DeStefano.
Author 2 books87 followers
February 11, 2015
Actually the second book in her Josie Tucker series, Kaplan’s sequel can be read without spoiling the first outing of her “snarky” but likeable character in, “The Bride Wore Dead” (which this reviewer fully intends to read).

Designed by Kaplan herself, the attractive cover could easily find a home on the front of any theater district Playbill in New York.

Sounding more like a delectable culinary play set in five Acts (The Recipe, The Ingredients, The Proof, The Heat, and The Plate), the online food-critic-turned-amateur-sleuth, Josie Tucker, opens each Act (part) with a snippet from her online column, “Will Blog for Food.” But what makes them crucial is the subtle meaning infused within Josie’s “blog” that directly correlates with the theme of each Act and its constituent scenes (chapters).

The comedic, original use of pop-culture analogies and inventive, metaphor-filled prose adds dimension to Josie’s serious investigation into the disappearance of Ivan Sorokin. Kaplan’s disarmingly playful approach is almost like an aside to the audience—injecting supplemental commentary that perfectly dovetails into the story. Kaplan’s sense of humor shines brilliantly; so much so, the reader will actually catch themselves laughing out loud (I certainly did).

The author’s deft use of plot devices, colorful characters from all walks of life, and detailed locales that cover the San Francisco Bay area, Boston, and western Massachusetts, creates a plausible sense of reality.

One Godfather-styled character in particular, Greta Williams, seems to have her hands in more pies than Josie Tucker’s ability to review in her food blog. While her appearance is occasional, she is a pivotal character with questionable influence that apparently spans the country from Beacon Hill to the San Francisco Police Department.

Kaplan’s quirky title and spirited writing strikes just the right balance of mystery, suspense, and humor and belies the marked dedication of a truly gifted and seasoned author at the apex of her craft.
Profile Image for Michael Prelee.
Author 5 books30 followers
April 23, 2016
I liked the first book in the Josie Tucker series, The Bride Wore Dead, so I thought I would give the sequel a try (although it's not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this one). I'm a sucker for crime and mystery stories and EM Kaplan has created a sleuth who is fun to follow. As a food blogger who has a taste for adventure, Josie Tucker is a competent investigator. She has good instincts and she's just acerbic enough to get under the skin of the people she's investigating. These kind of series can be tough to write because they demand a familiarity for readers of the series, something new and fresh with every outing and the opportunity for new readers to join up. Dim Sum, Dead Some hits all the right notes.

We follow Josie out west, to San Francisco, where she is investigating an investment for Greta Williams (who is awesome in her own granite way). From there we're introduced to the city and region, a well formed cast of characters and a murder. The premise is well established and the polished dialogue kicks along. I enjoy these books as much as Craig Johnson's Longmire series.
528 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second Josie Tucker mystery. I read the first book before I read this one as I like to read a series in order for continuity and to see the development of the characters.

In this story Josie is sent to San Francisco to investigate a tech start up for her benefactor. Her best friend Susan is going to San Francisco to see her long distance love interest as well. It turns out that he is one of the partners in the tech start up Josie is investigating and his partner is missing. As the story spreads out from San Francisco to San Jose and Santa Cruz, Josie accompanies two police officers on the search for missing partner. When he turns up dead, stabbed repeatedly, in his Chinatown apartment, the case takes a sinister turn.

I really enjoy this series. I love Josie. She is real. I love her relationship with her best friends and her growing love affair with Drew. I am anxious to read her next adventure.
Profile Image for Theresa.
Author 6 books90 followers
January 16, 2017
EM Kaplan has done it again! The second book in the Josie Tucker mysteries was crisp and refreshing to read. I actually enjoyed the buildup to the murder mystery, although I know that some mystery fans might find it annoying.

The characters are very likable and three-dimensional. Josie is as quirky as ever, with a knack for getting herself into trouble. I really connected to Josie on a personal level, as a girl who is more tomboy than girly-girl.

I figured out the culprit a chapter or two before our heroine, but that doesn't bother me or ruin the book in the slightest. For me, that is the fun of reading the few mysteries I do - to see if I can put together the clues before the main character. (And no, I won't name the culprit and ruin it for anyone else.)

I look forward to reading #3 and beyond.
Profile Image for Melissa.
66 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2015
I received this book as a beta and was asked to review it by Ms. Kaplan. Dim Sum, Dead Some is a definite mystery story you get caught up in. Ms. Kaplan captures your attention from the beginning of page 1. The good and bad characters were believable.

At the beginning you learn about Josie, a food blogger with stomach issues. Having never read the first book of Josie Tucker, I’m not sure if she draws trouble or she falls into it. In Dim Sum, Dead Some Josie continually finds herself in troubling situations. As you follow her antics you’ll laugh out loud. The ending will surprise you.

All and all a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for mystery book with humor mixed in.
Profile Image for Virginia Gray.
Author 6 books192 followers
March 20, 2016
Dim Sum Delicious!
EM Kaplan does it again by crafting another wonderful mystery! When prickly Josie Tucker is sent to Northern California to investigate a business investment involving her BFF’s boyfriend, the enterprise turns deadly. Enlisting the help of everyone from police detectives to strippers, Josie relentlessly hammers away at the convoluted evidence until the murder mystery is solved. Josie’s snarky comments are as entertaining as in “The Bride Wore Dead”, and the food descriptions made my mouth water. I especially loved Josie’s culinary blog excerpts. The mysterious Greta stretches out her long arm of influence in Josie’s darkest hour, and Drew has become a boyfriend you can’t help but love. I look forward to Tucker’s next sleuthing adventure!
Profile Image for Vincent Wood.
489 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2016
This is the second Josie Tucker book and I am finding the adventures of this quirky character to be quite enjoyable. This is certainly not a book to read when you are hungry though, unless you are about to eat anyway of course. The main character happens to be a food critic when she is not solving mysteries and thus food gets mentioned a lot. I think I saw more food references in this book than I have seen in a typical George R. R. Martin Song of Ice and Fire book.

If you enjoy a mystery, I most definitely recommend this book and this series, at least as far as I've read it. As of this review I have not yet read the third book so cannot recommend it yet.
Profile Image for Emme.
408 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Took me a while to get into this book. A first the main character seemed a bit whiney in the beginning, but then it started getting better. The main charector, Josie, is a food blogger who ends up with food allergies. Once I was able to get passed the first 60 or so pages the book was better. Unfortunately I was able to figure out who was the bad guy but there were a few surprising twists. Not sure I would read other books in this series.
52 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2016
Dim sum delightful!

This book held my interest all the way through. So I gave it 5 stars because that is so unusual. I am a very picky reader because I read so much. I was given this book free for an honest review. I honestly liked it. Josey Tucker is an interesting young lady with a quirky, somewhat Simi-flawed, but real personality. The story is not just a fluffy easy to read cozy mystery, but not too hard edged either.
Profile Image for Dee .
16 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2016
China town in San Francisco- what fun and what a great title. My favorite scene was the meeting in a family owned Chinese restaurant. I could smell and hear the chaos of the kitchen. Then we got an inside view of a strip club and its kitchen. This was an unusual tour of San Francisco with an amusing heroine who had good insight on food, but too much curiosity for her own good.
33 reviews
January 22, 2016
Dim Sum, Bad Sum

EM Kaplan has been writing fiction since the fifth grade, according to the author's bio. Well, this book reads like she's still in the fifth grade. Grammatical errors and bad editing . Childish observations and, for a supposed food critic, not much information outside of dim sum.
Profile Image for K. Stanley.
Author 13 books103 followers
December 18, 2015
Very clever. Hilarious and suspenseful. This is the first EM Kaplan book I've read and I'm hooked. Josie Tucker is a likeable character who is fun to cheer for. She gets herself into all kinds of trouble and keeps you guessing about what she'll do next.
Profile Image for Jenndian.
212 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2015
Wonderful follow up to The Bride Wore Dead! Suspenseful, funny and great twist at the end!! Great writing and great characters! I love Josie Tucker!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Penney.
Author 96 books518 followers
December 15, 2015
This is a great, funny, fast-paced read. I love the MC and her obsession with food while solving murders in kick-ass style!
84 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2016
Josie likes Chinese.

Josie just wants to help her friend. So she flies to San Francisco to size up a new boyfriend of her friend. Then it gets crazy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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