Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Series Name: Tita Rosie’s Kitchen #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: May 4, 2021
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The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer. . .

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She’s tasked with saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she’s the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block. . .

Dru’s Short Musing:
What a fun-loving adventure with the likes of Lila, her grandma, her aunt and the Calendar Crew, in a page-turner whodunit that I could not put down. A well-written, fast-paced, and comfortable tone drama, this mystery had elements that sustained me throughout from the introduction of the protagonist, the murder victim, the suspects, and the sprinkles of clues that kept me immersed in all facets in the telling of this tale. The author did a great job in pulling this in all together with visually descriptive narrative that made this story appear like an Oscar-winning movie, with its engaging dialogue, the comedic antics, humor, and the culinary delights that appealed to the mystery reader in me. I thought I knew who the killer was, but the author changed the direction and wow, I was impressed when their identity was revealed. I love the familial atmosphere with this great cast of diversified characters. I can’t wait to see what awaits this group of friends in the next book in this engagingly entertaining series.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.