A review by hanarama
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
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
3.0
Book at a Glance:
• Small town setting
• Quirky, diverse cast
• Whodunit murder mystery
• CWs: drugs, overdose (discussed), murder, assault, death, racism, police interrogation, arrests
Lila Macapagal as returned home to Shady Palms after splitting with her fiance. She puts a hold on her dream of opening a bakery to help her Tita Rosie run her Filipino restaurant. Despite being popular with locals, the restaurant is struggling to stay afloat, not helped by their landlord trying to drive them out and a relentless food critic that seems to have it out for Lila and her family.
Then the food critic dies while eating at the restaurant. The tox screen shows poison, and Lila and her family become suspects of murder. To clear her name, Lila and her best friend begin an investigation of their own, relying on family and community to help them uncover the truth.
Arsenic and Adobo stands out due to the delicious descriptions of food. From pastries, to traditional Filipino recipes, and artisanal coffee, food is lovingly described throughout. With chefs, bakers, and baristas filling the cast, it makes sense that food dominates. Manansala includes several recipes at the end of this book, all of which sound mouthwatering.
With a diverse cast representing multiple diaspora, Manansala portrays troubles facing immigrants and their children with care. The narrative treats these issues respectfully while still keeping things lighthearted.
Beyond this, the narrative is fairly standard for a cozy mystery. There are meet-cutes and quirky side characters galore. It's tropey and fun, though it does become lowkey obvious whodunit by the mid point of the book.
Additionally, I really disliked Detective Park. Though he repeatedly said that he cared for Rosie, his underhanded methods of getting information were really upsetting. He comes across as needlessly vindictive at times, and I don't enjoy his interactions with others characters. A big example of ACAB.
• Small town setting
• Quirky, diverse cast
• Whodunit murder mystery
• CWs: drugs, overdose (discussed), murder, assault, death, racism, police interrogation, arrests
Lila Macapagal as returned home to Shady Palms after splitting with her fiance. She puts a hold on her dream of opening a bakery to help her Tita Rosie run her Filipino restaurant. Despite being popular with locals, the restaurant is struggling to stay afloat, not helped by their landlord trying to drive them out and a relentless food critic that seems to have it out for Lila and her family.
Then the food critic dies while eating at the restaurant. The tox screen shows poison, and Lila and her family become suspects of murder. To clear her name, Lila and her best friend begin an investigation of their own, relying on family and community to help them uncover the truth.
Arsenic and Adobo stands out due to the delicious descriptions of food. From pastries, to traditional Filipino recipes, and artisanal coffee, food is lovingly described throughout. With chefs, bakers, and baristas filling the cast, it makes sense that food dominates. Manansala includes several recipes at the end of this book, all of which sound mouthwatering.
With a diverse cast representing multiple diaspora, Manansala portrays troubles facing immigrants and their children with care. The narrative treats these issues respectfully while still keeping things lighthearted.
Beyond this, the narrative is fairly standard for a cozy mystery. There are meet-cutes and quirky side characters galore. It's tropey and fun, though it does become lowkey obvious whodunit by the mid point of the book.
Additionally, I really disliked Detective Park. Though he repeatedly said that he cared for Rosie, his underhanded methods of getting information were really upsetting. He comes across as needlessly vindictive at times, and I don't enjoy his interactions with others characters. A big example of ACAB.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Racism
Minor: Addiction, Police brutality, and Drug use