http://ginasblogging.blogspot.com/2005/05/way-crow-flies-by-ann-marie-macdonald.html

I'm somewhat disappointed in how the Rei Shimura series develops. I loved the first books (located in Japan) and enjoyed both the mystery as well as cultural aspects in them.

This novel has neither a convincing mystery nor in depth cultural elements in it. It's just very shallow and mainly revolves around the ongoing drama between Hugh and Rei. I actually quite like them as a couple but the way both behave in this book, especially Rei, is completely ridiculous.

It's an easy read and if you like the series, you might enjoy it because by now we know a lot of characters quite well. If you're looking for a thrilling mystery or want to find out more about Japan while reading a novel, I'd suggest you search elsewhere.

This is the second Rei Shimura book that was set in DC. In addition to a good story, I really enjoyed the setting and the focus on food. In this one, we get to meet some of Rei's east coast relatives and get a visit from Auntie Norie. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series soon!

I think this was one of my favorites of the series so far even though it wasn't set in Japan but DC. Aunt Norie comes to visit and helps Rei with sleuthing. I love Aunt Norie! I also love unsolved mysteries.

Japanese-American antique dealer Rei Shimura is at loose ends in Washington, D.C. until she gets the chance to decorate a new restaurant. The job turns into a complicated journey into another woman's murky past and Rei finds herself dealing with secrets that won't stay hidden as well as great personal pain.

Another satisfying mystery from Sujata: exploring the secrets of Vietnam War, DC restaurants, and complex characters.

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I had downloaded this book in preparation for a cruise just in case I had a lot of nothing to do. As it turned out I didn't read it until I got back.

This is the 7th in the series but the first Rei Shimura book for me. I started this book without reading any of the blurbs so I didn't really know what I was getting into, except that it was a mystery... kind of.

I was actually many chapters in the book before I remembered that it was a mystery book but by that time I was engrossed in Rei's everyday life, her struggles with her work and family life. By the time the "crime" events had occurred I was already deeply vested in Rei's story. In fact, so engrossed that I hadn't cared that this was a mystery book and not a drama book. That's how much I liked the writing, the characters and the setting.

The mystery element of the book was OK. There was some mystery but never the edge of the seat type and I liked the ending even though some of it didn't make a lot of sense. In fact, I liked the book so much that I immediately downloaded another one in the series... out of series order again but I'm not sure if it matters since this book can pretty much be read on its own.

Summary: Rei does some decorating for a new Japanese restaurant but she is caught up in the danger surrounding the hostess Andrea's life. Andrea was a foster child, now she wants to look up her missing mother and that seems to lead everyone looking into it into danger. Meanwhile Rei's aunt Norie is visiting from Japan and lots of things are happening with her cousin Kendall's life and Rei's own fiance.

3.5 Stars
The book needs content warnings for fatphobia and miscarriage.
Rei is such a piece of work, I just can't stop reading these. She's in her late 20s and more resistant to google and cell phones in the 90s than my grandmother was. Go to therapy, girl!