A review by utopiastateofmind
Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala
- 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