Review: Arsenic and Adobo

Title: Arsenic and Adobo

Series: Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1

Author: Mia P. Manansala

Release Date: May 4th 2021

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Find it here: Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads: The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer....

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she's the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila's left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block…

My Review: I enjoyed this one. I loved the food descriptions and the crazy family dynamic. I thought Lila was well developed and intriguing character. The mystery was a little convoluted though. There were a lot of different ways it could go, which was interesting but honestly I got a little tired of the same plot lines with each suspect. Overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to book two.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*