Scan barcode
A review by mackenzierm
Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala
4.0
It may be Christmas time in Shady Palms, but things are far from jolly for Lila. Her new business, the Brew-Ha café, looks like it will turn a profit in its first year and she has taken the first step in a romance with her good friend Jae. But Lila’s cousin Ronnie is back in town after ghosting her family for fifteen years, claiming that his recent purchase of a local winery indicates he’s back on his feet and ready to contribute to the Shady Palms community. While her Tita Rosie is delighted to have Ronnie back, Lila is wary knowing that trouble always follows Ronnie on his heels. And she’s proven correct when Ronnie is accused of murder leaving Lila to shove aside her years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin’s innocence.
BLACKMAIL AND BIBINGKA is the third book in a series but can be easily read as a standalone, at least I didn’t have any issues jumping into the series at this stage. This novel is told in the POV of Lila and is set at Christmas time, making it the perfect book to pick up during the holidays if you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with light holiday vibes!
I adored the Filipino cultural influences that are infused within this story. I thought it was great that the author shared a glossary of common Filipino words and their meaning at the beginning of the book – this was very helpful for those unfamiliar with specific terms! I’d advise against reading on an empty stomach as there are ample descriptions of new recipes based on classic Filipino dishes for the café. The author also includes some recipes at the end – another really cool touch!
Lila, her family, and her friends are all such interesting and well-developed characters. Their relationships are filled with kindness, caring, and support. I really enjoyed the cozy mystery that ensues as Lila seeks to exonerate her cousin Ronnie from the accusations against him. It’s complex and compelling with some slights of hand that I didn’t see coming! I had some suspicions but wasn’t entirely correct in the end.
BLACKMAIL AND BIBINGKA is the third book in a series but can be easily read as a standalone, at least I didn’t have any issues jumping into the series at this stage. This novel is told in the POV of Lila and is set at Christmas time, making it the perfect book to pick up during the holidays if you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with light holiday vibes!
I adored the Filipino cultural influences that are infused within this story. I thought it was great that the author shared a glossary of common Filipino words and their meaning at the beginning of the book – this was very helpful for those unfamiliar with specific terms! I’d advise against reading on an empty stomach as there are ample descriptions of new recipes based on classic Filipino dishes for the café. The author also includes some recipes at the end – another really cool touch!
Lila, her family, and her friends are all such interesting and well-developed characters. Their relationships are filled with kindness, caring, and support. I really enjoyed the cozy mystery that ensues as Lila seeks to exonerate her cousin Ronnie from the accusations against him. It’s complex and compelling with some slights of hand that I didn’t see coming! I had some suspicions but wasn’t entirely correct in the end.