A review by flyinglark
Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala

emotional 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? Yes

3.5

I'm always down for a family-oriented, food-based cozy mystery. As the third instalment of A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, we find Lila in a better headspace preparing for the Winter Bash. A thorn in her side, her cousin Ronnie is back in town and is bound to cause trouble. She wasn't expecting it to be blackmail and murder. 

I was interested in Ronnie and his frayed relationships with his family. Can people change and be better? How much does Ronnie need to prove to show he is not a screw-up? How can he reintegrate into the family? Her aunt and her grandma have raised Lila and she understands the pain Ronnie caused when dipped out. It's understandable why she is hostile. But does it mean she will still help him just because he is family? 

I don't remember the first book's plot, and it didn't wow me to pick up the second right away. I'm glad I did after years because the characters are growing. The mystery overall was okay, and the romance between Dr. Park and Lila was minimal. The food descriptions are mouthwatering, and the narrator embodies the aunties well.