A review by theespressoedition
Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia P. Manansala
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Mmmm while I want to eat everything in this book (yay for being married to a Filipino who has his Lolo's recipes) I don't have a desire to read it again - bummer.
Some of this may have a little bit to do with the fact that I had recently read Dial A for Aunties and found it absolutely hilarious and the perfect "murder cover-up" story. This was a murder mystery, but it lacked the humor that I really sought in a more heavy book like this one. Instead, I found it to be a little bit too intense at times and the ending was a bit of a letdown.
There weren't any total shocks, which was a disappointment, considering how much time was spent on backstory and other seemingly unnecessary details (like an entire scene where the main character has to slowly eat cookies and wait for coffee - what??)
Overall, it was a fine book, just not super exhilarating. Oh well!
Some of this may have a little bit to do with the fact that I had recently read Dial A for Aunties and found it absolutely hilarious and the perfect "murder cover-up" story. This was a murder mystery, but it lacked the humor that I really sought in a more heavy book like this one. Instead, I found it to be a little bit too intense at times and the ending was a bit of a letdown.
There weren't any total shocks, which was a disappointment, considering how much time was spent on backstory and other seemingly unnecessary details (like an entire scene where the main character has to slowly eat cookies and wait for coffee - what??)
Overall, it was a fine book, just not super exhilarating. Oh well!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Toxic relationship