Scan barcode
theknm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
LOVEDDDDDD this edition to the tita Rosie's mystery seriess!! It was a bit dark tone since Lila is adapting to what happened to her in the first book but i think it was a great to show that if anyone reading can say you know i see myself in her i know whats she going through. I think i loved it because not only does Lila have a lot of character development but also shows like its okay to not be okay. As someone who has gone through a lot its nice to see that side and why it okay to feel what you feel and why i resonated to Lila so much. Mental health is so important no matter what race or gender you are and i like how this book showed how Lila embraced it and give herself that. The mystery aspect was written really well and had my jaw to the floor, definitely cant wait for next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Grief, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
rachjy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Death of parent, and Murder
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received a copy of this book as a gift.
"Homicide and Halo-Halo" is the cozy sequel to "Arsenic and Adobo". Lila has once again found herself in the middle of a murder investigation that she had nothing to do with. Lila wants her family's restaurant to be great, but she is really struggling with her part to come up with recipes. She is also trying to rebuild her reputation after it was scrutinized by the entire town when she was unjustly framed for murder. Lila's town has decided to bring back the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, and Lila has been asked to be a judge. Unfortunately, where there is competition, there is competitiveness, and when a new body is found, Lila is thrust back into investigator mode.
Although I did not read "Arsenic and Adobo", I feel pretty confident in saying that you do not have to read these books in order. The murderer of "Arsenic and Adobo" was revealed in "Homicide and Halo-Halo", but I did not need to know the plot of the first to appreciate what was going on in the second. If you do not want any spoilers, then read them in order, but if one of the titles appeals to you more than the others, I think it is fine to read them independently.
Pageants are rife with poor sportsmanship and crazy behavior, especially when it involves minors and their overly invested pageant moms. I think this was the perfect setting for another murder because it automatically created so many suspects, and it created higher stakes.
Lila is a smart, but approachable main character. She obviously has no experience with crime, murder, and investigation procedure, and she plays that part very well. Lila does not try to be an amateur detective, and I really loved that. Sure, she investigates on her own, but she is not thrown into crazy scenarios, it felt more like a nosey neighbor than a person who watches too much Law & Order.
The ultimate reveal of who the murderer was seemed plausible, and I enjoyed guessing along the way with Lila. Overall, this was a really cozy mystery series that I would love to continue with in the future.
"Homicide and Halo-Halo" is the cozy sequel to "Arsenic and Adobo". Lila has once again found herself in the middle of a murder investigation that she had nothing to do with. Lila wants her family's restaurant to be great, but she is really struggling with her part to come up with recipes. She is also trying to rebuild her reputation after it was scrutinized by the entire town when she was unjustly framed for murder. Lila's town has decided to bring back the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, and Lila has been asked to be a judge. Unfortunately, where there is competition, there is competitiveness, and when a new body is found, Lila is thrust back into investigator mode.
Although I did not read "Arsenic and Adobo", I feel pretty confident in saying that you do not have to read these books in order. The murderer of "Arsenic and Adobo" was revealed in "Homicide and Halo-Halo", but I did not need to know the plot of the first to appreciate what was going on in the second. If you do not want any spoilers, then read them in order, but if one of the titles appeals to you more than the others, I think it is fine to read them independently.
Pageants are rife with poor sportsmanship and crazy behavior, especially when it involves minors and their overly invested pageant moms. I think this was the perfect setting for another murder because it automatically created so many suspects, and it created higher stakes.
Lila is a smart, but approachable main character. She obviously has no experience with crime, murder, and investigation procedure, and she plays that part very well. Lila does not try to be an amateur detective, and I really loved that. Sure, she investigates on her own, but she is not thrown into crazy scenarios, it felt more like a nosey neighbor than a person who watches too much Law & Order.
The ultimate reveal of who the murderer was seemed plausible, and I enjoyed guessing along the way with Lila. Overall, this was a really cozy mystery series that I would love to continue with in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Toxic relationship
lenaricharz's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Death of parent
things100's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such a good second book in the series the twists and turns wow can’t wait to read the 3rd book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Murder, Death, and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Racism
agnesjlopez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Infertility, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Adult/minor relationship
ios_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book. Definitely a dark addition to Mia’s trilogy of stories starting with “Arsenic and Adobo”. I think it helped tie in some plots from the first book, gave us a new refreshing yet dark twist, and we see Lila grow and change in her own ways! Loved it and praise the author for the disclaimer prior to the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Infidelity, Infertility, Violence, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, and Medical content
Minor: Murder, Mental illness, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
chilivanilli28's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
kevi_wan's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, and Suicide
onegalonelife27's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've discovered that if I really enjoy a book I'll be able to plow through it over three days. This would have been a three day book, if only my work wasn't so busy. It's a three day book in my heart!
Absolutely wonderful! This takes the great base from Arsenic and Adobo and creates a fantastic story and mystery. I really like how the previous book does have an impact on the characters, especially the main character and her psyche. It's often easy for cozy mysteries to downplay events of finding a body and confronting a murderer, since those are a part of the mystery genre, but this series takes it seriously. It made me want root for Lila to take care and help herself. The mystery was also great, had me questioning until the very end. The cast continues to be wonderful offering great moments both personal and for the mystery. I'm eager to read the next Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery and see what happens to Lila, her friends, and her family next!
Absolutely wonderful! This takes the great base from Arsenic and Adobo and creates a fantastic story and mystery. I really like how the previous book does have an impact on the characters, especially the main character and her psyche. It's often easy for cozy mysteries to downplay events of finding a body and confronting a murderer, since those are a part of the mystery genre, but this series takes it seriously. It made me want root for Lila to take care and help herself. The mystery was also great, had me questioning until the very end. The cast continues to be wonderful offering great moments both personal and for the mystery. I'm eager to read the next Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery and see what happens to Lila, her friends, and her family next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming and Infertility