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maritay918's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
This was pretty good for a cozy mystery. I was dead wrong about the murderer, so that’s always good when I haven’t figured it out by the reveal.
Lila did get on my nerves a bit but I do understand why she was like she was. Just would have liked a little more character development for her. The Aunties were insufferable but I had to chuckle because I got them too!
I will say I think some of the humor seemed forced. But otherwise, solid read.
Lila did get on my nerves a bit but I do understand why she was like she was. Just would have liked a little more character development for her. The Aunties were insufferable but I had to chuckle because I got them too!
I will say I think some of the humor seemed forced. But otherwise, solid read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use and Drug abuse
bookbelle5_17's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.75
Review of Arsenic and Adobo
By: Mia P. Manansala
Lilah moves back to her hometown to help her Tita run the family restaurant after living in Chicago for three years. Her Ex Derek Winter, a professional food critic, who has been brutally critical of her family’s place, stops with his step-dad, but drops dead, and Lilah and her family are prime suspects when it turns into a murder investigation.
I listened to this on audiobook, and I enjoyed how the author was able to perform the accent that my own Lola never truly lost. It adds an authenticity to the narration of the story and creates a sense of charm. The descriptions of food throughout the story made me hungry and the author does include descriptions of the recipes at the end of the book, but because I was listening to this on audio, I didn’t get to copy them out. There are many scenes where characters are eating creating a warmth and comfort to the story. The funniest scenes are often during meal likes when Lilah’s Aunties are encouraging her pick one of her love interests. There is also a scene where everyone is invited over, and Lilah’s two love interests are both there and its uncomfortable for her. Her Aunties are pushing her to choose one and find it adorable. It was interesting to read about Lilah trying to figure out who could have murdered Derrick. She realizes there are consequences to her choice to leave and be gone for so long. There is discussion of using and selling drugs and Lilah is accused of selling them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use
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!
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Blood and Racism
Minor: Addiction and Drug use
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).
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.
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"
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
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Death, Murder, Addiction, and Drug use
agnesjlopez's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Violence, Emotional abuse, Drug use, and Infidelity
Minor: Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
chilivanilli28's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Fatphobia, Murder, Death, and Blood