catalyst226's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I think I'm in love with culinary cozy mysteries! I love the descriptions of different cultural foods and recipes at the end. It's nice to read something a little more light-hearted, too. Now excuse me while I find the nearest Filipino restaurant!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Fatphobia
beccaand's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Racism, Drug abuse, and Infidelity
Minor: Fatphobia
elledinglasan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Addiction, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, and Murder
janelleg9014's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Fatphobia
puffy_'s review
3.75
It’s been a while since I was able to read something and this was able to pull me though my reading slump so that was nice. I have an appreciation for books that incorporates description of food and the process of making food. However, Lila’s logic and motives were a little hard to follow which made things confusing. There were also certain conflicts that were not satisfactorily resolved or done in what seemed to be a little haphazard. There was also a “love triangle” (?) of some sort that was introduced that did not go anywhere. I think there is a sequel, so that might be why that is the case but it I wish we either got more out of that or it was not introduced at all.
Spoiler
(particularly about Lila’s fight with Adeena)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Drug abuse
Minor: Fatphobia and Infidelity
dlrosebyh's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Lila Macapagal's life appears to be following all the cliches of rom-coms when she returns home to heal after a terrible breakup. She has to cope with a gang of matchmaking aunts who adore and criticize her while trying to save her Tita Rosie's faltering restaurant. Her life swiftly transitions from a Nora Ephron frolic to an Agatha Christie mystery when a famously harsh food reviewer (who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend) passes away shortly after a dispute with Lila.
Lila is forced to carry out her own investigation since the police are treating her like the lone suspect and the sleazy landlord wants to finally evict the Macapagal family and resell the shop. Lila tackles this delectable, twisted case with the help of her faithful Dachshund, Longanisa, her barista best friend, and the nosy auntie network, but she eventually discovers that her own neck is about to be chopped off.
This book is what you should read if you like a cozy mystery. However, avoid reading it if you are hungry. When I did it, it did not go well. The cuisine was described in great detail and made me drool. I would have adored this if the plot's execution hadn't been so drab. When it's meant to be a mystery book, it often concentrates too much on the romantic aspect. Moreover, the idea that someone died without anyone expressing condolences disturbed me since it seemed so ludicrous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction and Fatphobia
morbid_little_girl's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Fatphobia
bookhoarderbea's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Vomit
mgbelen's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Being a Filipina and from Chicago i related with the author a lot, but didn’t love the book itself.
First and foremost, the author develops characters that demonstrate representation. Any first generation immigrant can relate to Lila and her friends because it’s what we grew up with! And also THE FOOOOD!!!! Being Filipina American, This light hearted book felt like home!
About the actual story:
It was a good story but it felt very good dragged out. The characters were great, just not much overall development. The author’s writings are very light which keeps the humor alive throughout the book. Some parts I wish she didn’t have to “explain” every line, I wish the glossary in the back was enough of a reference, but I understand it because of the cultural component. I LOVE that she kept the culture alive through the book.
The Plot|
I felt like the overall ending was a little bit of a twist but also happened a little bit too fast, some of the dialogue did too much explaining in parts where the author could have let inner thoughts explain more than character’s voices.
First and foremost, the author develops characters that demonstrate representation. Any first generation immigrant can relate to Lila and her friends because it’s what we grew up with! And also THE FOOOOD!!!! Being Filipina American, This light hearted book felt like home!
About the actual story:
It was a good story but it felt very good dragged out. The characters were great, just not much overall development. The author’s writings are very light which keeps the humor alive throughout the book. Some parts I wish she didn’t have to “explain” every line, I wish the glossary in the back was enough of a reference, but I understand it because of the cultural component. I LOVE that she kept the culture alive through the book.
The Plot|
I felt like the overall ending was a little bit of a twist but also happened a little bit too fast, some of the dialogue did too much explaining in parts where the author could have let inner thoughts explain more than character’s voices.
Spoiler
Lila is a Filipino American girl who moved from a small city to the big city and back again. Back home to help save the family restaurant she becomes lead suspect in the murder of her ex-boyfriend/town suspect. As the story continues Lila happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time while she is trying to help solve the mystery. By the end we learn who the real killer is and everyone involved. And Lila and her family are saved!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality and Murder
Minor: Fatphobia
maevebm's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Cute and cozy murder mystery
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Violence, Murder, and Blood