Reviews tagging 'Death'

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

145 reviews

jessi_c's review against another edition

lighthearted 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? Yes

3.5

I started this book very lukewarm and some of the mystery solving did string me along to a certain point. In the end, it just felt bland. Although I did appreciate that romance did not drive the plot. Hallelujah!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder and Death

Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, and Addiction

jeo224's review against another edition

informative lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book has been on my radar since it was released; it also is on lists I trust every few months since. When it was available I jumped at the chance to read it - and it was so worth it! The author begins with trigger warnings, though this is definitely a cozy mystery. It explores the plot realistically and there are touches of darkness because of this. I loved the main character, her best friend and the way they interacted. It was well written and I am looking forward to others in the series. The narrator was excellent, as well, and I appreciated how having a good narrator added even more to this book. Great book to read or listen to!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death and Addiction

Minor: Xenophobia and Death of parent

Police and the threat of unjust confinement

shaunashares's review against another edition

lighthearted 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Death

Moderate: Blood and Racism

Minor: Addiction and Drug use

sundayfever's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved the representation but couldn't get into loving the main character. I felt like she was too naive & childish. The plot felt rushed because she just moves through without noticing or observing things. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder, Drug abuse, and Death

Minor: Blood, Death of parent, and Fatphobia

modernhobbitvibes's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

2.75

Low-balled the score because this woman WOULD NOT STOP TALKING TO THE COPS and it drove me up the wall. Know your rights, people!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Death

Moderate: Body shaming, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Racism

Minor: Death of parent, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Medical content, and Deportation

eliselerario's review

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious tense 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

3.5

Whodunnit with food!!!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Body shaming, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, and Death

redvelveting's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

Light, fun little read (especially given that it is a murder mystery) with references to Filipino culture (specifically that of a Filipino American) that I could relate to. I do have to mention, however, that the writing felt juvenile and fanfic-like. It’s a little corny, but overall was entertaining enough that I’d read the next book (not top of the to-read list, but still on there).

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gaslighting, and Murder

Minor: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, Grief, Violence, and Lesbophobia

churrocaitie's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What a cozy, wholesome story of the importance of family and community - with a zest of murder mystery! Such a great and fun read, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Most the time I prefer to read books that allow me to enjoy the characters and wonder “what happens next” and this book gave me all that and more. And I absolutely adore how much “love” that Mia Manansala writes into her stories with the use of food. Food is a way of culture and care in many cultures, and Manansala used it beautifully in this story. I loved every second of it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death

Moderate: Fatphobia, Grief, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Murder, Drug abuse, Addiction, Drug use, and Gaslighting

Minor: Bullying

garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Good whodunit book overall but kind of a predictable "who"

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Death

Moderate: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Drug abuse

Minor: Chronic illness, Lesbophobia, Colonisation, Fatphobia, Addiction, Cursing, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Body shaming

thenextbookdilemma's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Deportation and Drug abuse