Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

94 reviews

heresyourletter's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.25

I enjoyed the first two thirds of the book as a good light mystery with a fun culinary flavour and relatable dynamics between the main character (a Filipino-American) and her family. However, the last third felt a bit rushed and convoluted. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, and Drug abuse

Moderate: Murder, Classism, Medical content, Infidelity, Death of parent, Racism, and Grief

Minor: Blood and Cursing

Much of the plot revolves around drug trafficking. The main character is incarcerated when drugs are planted in her locker. One character who doesn’t appear in the book is said to have ODed after trying to get clean. There is also lots of discussion of a family member who had drug problems. One character is revealed to have had an affair.

The main character’s parents passed away when she was young. No exact details are given, but she does reflect on her loss a few times throughout the novel. Mentions of segregation in the town between the (mostly white) middle-class and the (mostly POC) working-class neighbourhoods. The murders themselves aren’t super graphic, but do have some details that you wouldn’t find in an Agatha Christie, for example. The main character is given medical details about a murder. There are several scenes at a wake.

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

beth_s98's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

This was a fun, easy mystery with a few super tense moments. I loved the cast of characters!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction

Minor: Drug abuse, Bullying, and Drug use

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

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

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

fernandalaram's review against another edition

funny mysterious slow-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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Blood

Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Addiction

Minor: Infidelity

bbybelcheez's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? No

3.5

The writing is simplistic in a way that it’s easy to understand but also slightly lacking. However, the vivid descriptions of different foods and drinks definitely leave your mouth watering and wishing it could taste the dishes mentioned. 

As a Filipina away from home, this book is a great reminder to cherish your loved ones despite their own personal flaws and to stand by your family no matter what, blood or found. It’s definitely a fun read, but not something I would take too seriously. 

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Content Warnings

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