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sicilyjoy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Murder
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia, Fatphobia, and Ableism
genny's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
The good thing is that the mystery here was much better than the one in the first book! Enough crumbs were sprinkled throughout the story for the reveal to make sense without being too predictable. Despite my criticisms, I genuinely had a fun time and I'm still continuing with the series, if only to support the idea of Filipino-centered mysteries.
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, Death, Infidelity, and Murder
Minor: Suicide and Car accident
cassielaj's review against another edition
- 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
The only thing that tripped me up a bit were the frequent and often niche cultural references. Memes, characters, and phrases were used that made this feel like a very 2022 book, and I worry that it might seem somewhat dated pretty quickly.
Overall, though, it’s a great book.
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Pedophilia, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Gun violence, and Acephobia/Arophobia
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
As the author notes at the outset, this book still offers a cozy mystery ambience and a satisfying resolution, but it delves into some difficult themes along the way. After Lila's last round of sleuthing, expect to see her dealing with the fallout to her mental health while resisting the idea of seeking professional help (or any help for that matter). As Lila steps up to judge the town's beauty pageant, an event where she once wore the crown, uncomfortable truths about her relationship with her deceased mother also surface.
I was sympathetic/empathetic towards Lila's mental health struggles, but not so much towards her love triangle, which intersects with another love triangle and is basically a big, complicated, jealous, petty mess. My irritation was swallowed up by a tide of hilarity when a character called it out in front of all three members of the triangle and an avid audience. That ~almost~ made the angst worth it. To be fair, it is resolved by the end of the book, and I'm relieved to know it won't drag out through the series.
This cozy mystery doesn't shrink from complex issues. I would expect nothing less given its predecessor. It has the delicious foods and fun characters that make the genre sparkle while also approaching topics surrounding race, gender, and power with grace and style.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Sexism
Minor: Suicide, Body shaming, Miscarriage, Racism, Ableism, Acephobia/Arophobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Injury/Injury detail