A review by dlrosebyh
Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia P. Manansala

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.
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