No spoilers here, but the way the murder of her ex is set up and then takes place, adds a creative flair. On top of the money issues, Lila’s ex-boyfriend had been publishing nasty reviews about the restaurant, driving away what little business they had.

With Lila’s Tita Rosie’s restaurant close to bankruptcy and a landlord intent on closing her down, she decides to do everything in her power to rescue the family business even when it appears hopeless. The mystery sets up quickly and the pace is spot on. And the familial interaction between Lila, her aunt, her grandmother, along with her honorary “calendar” aunties named so because of their birth names, April, May, and June. First off is the food – so many delectable dishes are mentioned and I’d advise to not read while hungry! Second is the language – there’s a glossary at the beginning but the author does an admirable job of making sure there is context provided within the story. Manansala uses her family to immerse the reader in the Filipino culture via several avenues. The supporting characters are just as well developed as the protagonist, and they each bring strengths to the story. Despite the setbacks she’s experienced, (a failed relationship and her chef’s career going nowhere which necessitated the need to flee back home and move in with her aunt), Lila still has a desire to succeed. Her humor is a bit snarky around the edges but it elevates the voice of the story and makes Lila more relatable. This cozy mystery has been highly anticipated and it delivered all it promised and more! Combining a fresh take on diversity surrounding a group of strong Filipino women and their community, the characters, particularly protagonist Lila Macapagal, makes the story come to life. Debut novel ARSENIC AND ADOBO, is the first in the new Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P.

Arsenic and adobo amazon