Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - Arsenic and Adobo

This was enjoyable and entertaining, which is all I really ask of a “cosy mystery”. I was really pleasantly surprised that this one went deeper by bringing in a complicated family dynamic: Lila felt a lot of tension over wanting to support her elders in thanks for their sacrifices, while also wanting to be independent and do her own thing. I also love how much food was centred in the story. It was mouthwatering to read about and themed the narrative well.

The plot itself was investigation-focussed with multiple avenues being explored at once, which was fantastic for me as it drove the story and also meant I could speculate and form different theories. The resolution ended up being well-suited.

The characterisation was excellent. This book has a large cast but each character felt distinct, including Lila the MC who was stubborn, loving, and confused about what she wanted. She was a realistic depiction of a 25 year-old, as someone who is very nearly 25. I do think that her character development could have been better realised, though, as it felt a little quick.

I have two other criticisms. The first is that the romance (in the form of a love triangle) was totally unnecessary, and there was also no chemistry whatsoever with either LI. The second is that Lila was smart enough to have figured out more of the mystery on her own, but instead we got a little villain monologue.

But overall, as I said before, I enjoyed this read. I definitely want to continue with the series!

Rep: Filipina-American MC, Filipino-American SCs, Muslim Pakistani-American LI, biracial white/Korean-American LI, lesbian Muslim Pakistani-American SC, biracial white/Korean-American SC, sapphic Mexican-American SC, Black SC, Japanese-American SC

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mbmayo's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

3.25

This is a cozy mystery that opens with the main characters old boyfriend dying suddenly in her family's restaurant. Lila must investigate to clear her name and save the family restaurant.

I'll be honest, I considered DNFing this book about a third of the way through. I found the main character, Lila, to be very grating and combative. She was more like a sullen teenager than an adult woman. Some of the side characters saved it for me until the plot sped up enough. I liked that the mystery was more than just a murder and we could slowly uncover how

the health inspector scam, the drug ring, and the murders were connected.

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mccoconut's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

This is a fun read if you have a connection to the Philippines and love food. If those two things aren’t true, you might not be as enthusiastic about the frequent, a little over the top descriptions of every food item. As far as a mystery goes clues were placed throughout, but some of the hidden secrets weren’t revealed until the end (and there was no real way to piece it together beforehand). But about 3/4 of the way through, I knew I had to finish it in that sitting and rushed through to the end, so kudos for a strong ending that kept me hooked!

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coacklebee's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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? No

3.75

This was fun! A light cozy mystery that I read in one sitting. I loved all the food descriptions and the fact that there are recipes at the end!

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emmehooks's review

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mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

I read this in one sitting! This small town family restaurant-themed murder mystery was charming and thrilling at the same time.

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caseythereader's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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

3.75

- ARSENIC AND ADOBO was my first cozy mystery, and I can't wait to read more. I love a book where you know it's gonna be okay in the end.
- I loved Lila's family - really the whole town they lived in. I'm not a small town kind of person but Shady Palms was so lovely. And the food! So many wonderful descriptions, displaying Filipino food with such love.
- This book wasn't perfect - some clunky dialogue, some rushed exposition - but that hardly mattered while we were trying to catch the murderer.
- I was also a fan of the fact that while Lila has love interests, they aren't her main priority (she hardly even notices one of them!). The book isn't terribly interested in having her paired off at the end. Also! Bonus queerness! Her best friend is a lesbian and there's mention of a few other queer people as well.

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nerdglasses08's review

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Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

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aargot1's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

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