Arsenic and Adobo

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala is the first book in A Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series as well as the author’s debut novel. Arsenic and Adobo is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a unique premise (A Filipino family and their restaurant). Lila Macapagal is a Filipino American who has come home to Shady Palms after finding out that her fiancé is cheating on her. Her family can use her assistance with their restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen. They are having financial difficulties which is in part due to local food blogger and critic, Derek Winters who happens to be Lila’s old high school boyfriend. His nasty reviews turn tourists off from dining at their Filipino restaurant. When Derek dies after eating at their restaurant and having a disagreement with Lila, she becomes the prime suspect. The author set the stage for the series with her descriptions of the main characters, the town, and the local businesses. Lila has a large family that includes three interfering “aunts”. They are eager to match Lila up with a fella and see her settle down. The “Calendar Crew” as Lila has deemed her interfering aunts are entertaining and helpful when it comes to whodunit. There is a large cast of secondary characters in this tale. It can be hard to keep track of them along with the murder suspects. The mystery was straightforward with its suspects, clues, and misdirection. Identifying the guilty party is duck soup. Two pieces of information gives it away. It takes longer, though, to find out why. I did like that there was action that helped propel the story forward. I was let down by the twist. I was surprised by Lila’s reaction to Derek’s death and some other incidents. She is very nonchalant. I did not know if the author wanted Lila to be indifferent or it was an oversight. Other characters are just as detached. I also question some of the police actions. They were not realistic (I cannot say too much, or it will be a spoiler). When I finished Arsenic and Adobo, I had more unanswered questions. I also thought some of the scenes could have been edited (less dialogue and descriptive sentences). There are many cozy moments with Lila, family, and her friends that are sweet. The food prepared and eaten is described in detail (foodies will love it). There are recipes at the end of the book. I am glad there was a dictionary at the beginning to explain the various words used in the story along with how to pronounce each one. Arsenic and Adobo is an upbeat multicultural cozy mystery with fabulous food, a mystifying murder, a determined detective, prying relatives, shifty suspects, and a devoted dog.

Lila Macapagal is a third-generation American-Filipino of the Macapagal family. She is back home to help her Aunt Rosie and Lola Flor at their restaurant to save it from bankruptcy and also escape her "rocky past." What she finds herself is right smack into a struggling restaurant, her ex-boyfriend, and a whole load of secrets that could have been the reason Shady Palms is named as such. Arsenic and Adobo is a delightful read that dives into the beautiful world of Filipino food, culture, and traditions, with a whodunit storyline to keep readers on their toes. It is Book 1 in the A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series. The writing is excellent and fun to read. The story is from Lila's POV and light enough to be "cozy," yet full of suspense and roadblocks that are more sophisticated than the typical "cozy mystery." I think it's a level up due to the longer suspects list and complex plot twists. Aunt Rosie's, Lila's Aunt's, shop was not the only target of the deceased awful restaurant reviews - there were other possible culprits. With everything, being charged put such a problematic situation for Lila and her whole family. They were all tight on cash, plus bailing her out since being charged with the murder of Derek, her ex-boyfriend/Shady Palms food critic; things were looking very bleak for Lila and her relatives. Things I love about the book:- 1) the various cultural references brought by the author with a short vocabulary refer to others who might not know. If not mentioned in the glossary, the characters discussed it more in detail in the story. I love how the story brings in Filipino beliefs and cultures without having it "right in your face." Instead, Lila's life shows us what family and relatives (even non-blood related) mean in the Filipino tradition. I related to all of them with ease, but Lila gives a good explanation for readers who are not familiar. Bottom line: family is whoever and whatever you want that definition to be AND family is everything! 2) the complex plot that twists and turns to the unsuspected. Just when I thought I know who the killer is, I am blind-sighted with another problem and have an iron-clad alibi that brings me back to square one. Many things were unfolding as Lila started investigating to help her Aunt and the restaurant. Somehow, she constantly gets caught in the middle of the crime scenes, strengthening the case against her and her family. I had to smack my head so many times due to her "unfortunate luck." 3) shocking revelations that seemed far-fetched, but once each party "confesses" to the crimes, it makes more sense. I had to revisit a few things in the book that I seemed to have missed, like Lila. Don't worry - Lila had to piece it together like us, and she was in shock with everything. 4) the steamy love interest going on in the story. Not only is there one man vying for Lila's attention and being protective of her, but there are two! Although there is some "connection" going on, these events did not detract from the book's main point - who murdered Derick Winters! In summary, Arsenic and Adobo is a promising debut literary offering of the author. It is an excellent sample of the author's potential that I am sure will go far as the series progresses. This book gives a realistic, truthful insight on the Filipino family dynamics - related or otherwise. Filipinos reading this book will keep nodding in agreement on each character's personality. The older generation will side with Tita Rosie's words while the transplanted/migrant younger Filipino generations will relate to Mia's questions and defiance to the culture's sometimes too submissive trait. This book is beyond the cozy mystery book that I have encountered since there were was suspense, drama, internal and external conflicts, plus a foodscape to various cultures, aside from Filipino dishes! I cannot wait to see what is next in Lila's "plate of adventures" as the series starts that I am sure will flourish even more!

What a fun start to a new cozy series and one I can't wait to continue. This had everything I love in a cozy .. small town mayhem & gossip, food, and of course murder 🤣 I especially love the family and friend relationships throughout. One of my favorite things about this genre are the relationships. They are always fun to read, whether combative, romantic, or just warm and fuzzy. I actually started this one and finished in the same day...it's that easy to read and enjoy. Grab this one if you're looking to foray into the cozy genre. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Find me on Instagram: @bookn.all.night