A review by mbmayo
Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia P. Manansala
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This is a cozy mystery that opens with the main characters old boyfriend dying suddenly in her family's restaurant. Lila must investigate to clear her name and save the family restaurant.
I'll be honest, I considered DNFing this book about a third of the way through. I found the main character, Lila, to be very grating and combative. She was more like a sullen teenager than an adult woman. Some of the side characters saved it for me until the plot sped up enough. I liked that the mystery was more than just a murder and we could slowly uncover how
I'll be honest, I considered DNFing this book about a third of the way through. I found the main character, Lila, to be very grating and combative. She was more like a sullen teenager than an adult woman. Some of the side characters saved it for me until the plot sped up enough. I liked that the mystery was more than just a murder and we could slowly uncover how
Spoiler
the health inspector scam, the drug ring, and the murders were connected.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Addiction, Death of parent, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Blood