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A review by allisonwonderlandreads
Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking by Raquel V. Reyes
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
3.0
I love that right off the bat, Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking weaves in elements from the first book. It's not a completely new story because there's still fallout to contend with from Miriam's first foray into sleuthing. It gives the series a nice interconnected feel instead of an episodic one. The book also doesn't settle on a single dastardly deed. Rather, Miriam has the misfortune of stumbling into a web of events with several interested parties who could be murderers. Using several friendly sources and her own cleverness, Miriam feels the pressure to figure out who might be a danger in her neighborhood and keep her friends and family safe.
Miriam's a protagonist I want to be friends with even though I have no relevant skills for the impressive squad she puts together in this book. I love the feeling of community-- Miriam has strong friendships that give her people to call on in need, and she does the same for them. I also love all the Spanish and food anthropology tidbits in the book. The food descriptions made me hungry, and the provided sociocultural context made me thoughtful.
For those who were like me rooting against Miriam's mother-in-law in book one, rest assured that a satisfying standoff is coming your way in this sequel. I was less impressed with the ways her husband continues to be a pain in the butt, but he did have some solid co-parenting moments.
This cozy mystery has a lot going on-- a vibrant cast of characters, complicated crime(s), and important personal moments in Miriam's life. For those who want a socially aware, inclusive entry in the genre, this is a great read.
Miriam's a protagonist I want to be friends with even though I have no relevant skills for the impressive squad she puts together in this book. I love the feeling of community-- Miriam has strong friendships that give her people to call on in need, and she does the same for them. I also love all the Spanish and food anthropology tidbits in the book. The food descriptions made me hungry, and the provided sociocultural context made me thoughtful.
For those who were like me rooting against Miriam's mother-in-law in book one, rest assured that a satisfying standoff is coming your way in this sequel. I was less impressed with the ways her husband continues to be a pain in the butt, but he did have some solid co-parenting moments.
This cozy mystery has a lot going on-- a vibrant cast of characters, complicated crime(s), and important personal moments in Miriam's life. For those who want a socially aware, inclusive entry in the genre, this is a great read.