Arsenic and Adobo: A Cozy Murder Mystery with a Filipino Twist
If you're a fan of cozy murder mysteries and delicious food, "Arsenic and Adobo" by Mia P. Manansala might just be the perfect book for you. This first installment in the "A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery" series takes readers on a journey through the lives of a Filipino family and their restaurant, with plenty of romantic comedy elements sprinkled in for good measure.
The story centers around Lila, who has recently moved back to her small hometown after a tough breakup. She lives with her Tita Rosie, who owns a Filipino restaurant that is struggling to stay afloat. Lila has been tasked with helping the restaurant get back on its feet, but things take a dark turn when a food critic who has been giving the restaurant bad reviews dies after eating there. Lila finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder, and sets out to clear her family's name and save their restaurant from closure.
The writing style of "Arsenic and Adobo" is light and easy to read, making it the perfect book for a cozy night in. The characters are all well-written, and the interactions between them are often hilarious. The "Calendar Crew," a group of nosey and highly opinionated titas, provide some of the book's funniest moments. The romantic comedy elements of the story are also well done, and Lila finds herself in a flirty love triangle with two Asian men - a lawyer and a dentist.
What really sets this book apart, however, is the focus on Filipino culture and food. The descriptions of the food in the restaurant are detailed and mouth-watering, and food plays a central role in the story. Filipino titas are known for their love of cooking and feeding others, and this is depicted perfectly in the book. There are even hidden recipes at the end of the book, giving readers the chance to try their hand at making some of the delicious dishes featured in the story.
The murder mystery itself is well-written and keeps readers guessing until the very end. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking as Lila races to clear her family's name. The book does a great job of slowly building suspicion and then throwing curveballs that make readers rethink their theories about what really happened.
Overall, "Arsenic and Adobo" is a fun and enjoyable read that fans of cozy mysteries and food-focused stories are sure to love. The characters are engaging, the plot is intriguing, and the focus on Filipino culture and food adds an extra layer of richness to the story. If you're looking for a fun and delicious read, be sure to check out this book - just be prepared to feel a little hungry while you're reading it!