pamshenanigans's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Despite my slight lukewarmness towards the second book Homicide and Halo-Halo, I was still pretty excited to jump into Blackmail and Bibingka. There is just something addictive about the “murder + food” type of cozy mystery that keeps me wanting seconds.
However, I was a bit disappointed by this book. I was looking for the same charm that Arsenic and Adobo had, but this has a weak plot and a too-laughable plot twist/ending to boot. Am I still going to look forward to the next book of the series? Yes.
Content warning from the author’s notes: substance abuse, gambling addiction, infidelity, emotional abuse, police corruption, family abandonment, physical violence, mentions of suicide
However, I was a bit disappointed by this book. I was looking for the same charm that Arsenic and Adobo had, but this has a weak plot and a too-laughable plot twist/ending to boot. Am I still going to look forward to the next book of the series? Yes.
Content warning from the author’s notes: substance abuse, gambling addiction, infidelity, emotional abuse, police corruption, family abandonment, physical violence, mentions of suicide
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Addiction, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: gambling addiction
Okay, I love this series, but also like why is everyone accused of murder? I mean, I know that is the point, I'm just like "PEOPLE COME ON stop being suspicious!" Blackmail and Bibingka is always mouth watering, talk about some serious food envy. But what always wraps me up in these stories is the sense of mystery. I can't believe Manansala's mind because there were some serious red herrings! I never read mysteries trying to be the detective, I always just kind of let it happen to me, but I am continuously impressed.
A theme I enjoyed in Blackmail and Bibingka is the way Manansala examines how much we know about someone. How someone could be hiding secrets that could be a disaster. We can hide secrets out of a desire to protect, out of shame, but also guilt. I love the different secrets throughout this book. Building on the previous books, Blackmail and Bibingka is grounded also in friendship and family.
TW: gambling addiction
Okay, I love this series, but also like why is everyone accused of murder? I mean, I know that is the point, I'm just like "PEOPLE COME ON stop being suspicious!" Blackmail and Bibingka is always mouth watering, talk about some serious food envy. But what always wraps me up in these stories is the sense of mystery. I can't believe Manansala's mind because there were some serious red herrings! I never read mysteries trying to be the detective, I always just kind of let it happen to me, but I am continuously impressed.
A theme I enjoyed in Blackmail and Bibingka is the way Manansala examines how much we know about someone. How someone could be hiding secrets that could be a disaster. We can hide secrets out of a desire to protect, out of shame, but also guilt. I love the different secrets throughout this book. Building on the previous books, Blackmail and Bibingka is grounded also in friendship and family.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Suicide
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