Oh my gulay, as Manansalas glossary indicates is Taglish for OMG: Lila could be in real trouble. That theres great value in stories as entertainment, and people from historically excluded backgrounds deserve to see themselves in a wide spectrum of stories. I am speaking from personal experience, so I recognize that I am a sensitive party in this discussion, but I do not appreciate when a diabetic character dies and every other character thinks it's their business to say he deserved it because he was eating dessert. When Curran is murdered, DCI Chris Hudson gets the case, but Elizabeth uses her influence to get the ambitious De Freitas included, giving the Thursday Club a police source. Not just issue books that mine our pain and trauma (though those are hugely important), but stories where we get to fall in love, go on an adventure, solve a crime, find joy, etc. Lila Macapagal This is the moment at which Lila discovers who poisoned Derek, her ex-boyfriend. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture. You might also enjoy Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chen and A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette. This quote also shows how inquisitive and incredibly intelligent Lila is. I also appreciated that the potential seeds of future books and future conflicts were planted in subtle ways, such as the shifting and sometimes tense relationship between Lila and her best friend, who have a history that isnt explained in full. GENERAL MYSTERY & DETECTIVE | A RUSA Award-winning novel! Food is a love language. But while ARSENIC AND ADOBO has moments that allow its small-town setting to shine and work in its favor, this book could be frustratingly inaccurate in its depictions of legal proceedings and crime investigation. The saying "do not judge a book by its cover" must have been tailor-made for this book, well the cover and the synopsis. genuinely flew by; i cant wait to see what you think! It is a deeply complex novel about a young woman who stands up for herself by finding the person that murdered her ex-boyfriend with arsenic, a potent chemical. This middle-grade thriller will definitely charm its target audience (and any older readers who happen across it,) while also imparting some really valuable lessons in a way thats both subtle and entertaining. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry The best part of this being a culinary cozy is that recipes for four of these delicious dishes were included! ARSENIC AND ADOBO by Mia P. Manansala RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2021 Helping out in her Illinois family's Filipino restaurant backfires when a young woman is accused of the murder of a restaurant reviewer who happens to be her ex-boyfriend. I've already double-downed and bought book two. All three titles are available at Virginia Beach Public Library. Are all lolas the same?? Arsenic and Adobo was a perfect mystery to help me dip my toe back in the mystery novel waters. it was definitely a ton of fun, thanks ashmita . Derek just happens to be Lila's former high school boyfriend, and when he dies of food poisoning after eating "the Filipino culinary equivalent of hygge," Lila is the prime suspect. At the same point she realizes how poisoned and ultimately killed Derek, Lila starts to question who killed Mr. Long, who she was also familiar with. Where I started having panic attacks when I thought about my future here. The Only Way: A Review of R.J. Hoffmanns Other Peoples Children, This debut novel reminded me of the 2007 film, "Juno. Why was it selfish to try to save myself? Since shes returned to her hometown of Shady Palms, Illinois after a disastrous break up with her fianc, Lila may no longer need Filipino food to remind her of her physical home, but she could definitely use the comfort it brings. Once there, she meets ex-boyfriend Derek Winter, who has become a notoriously nasty food vlogger and whose stepfather, Mr. Long, is not only the restaurants landlord but wants nothing more than to kick out their establishment. Arsenic and Adobo is a suspense-filled story about a college-aged Filipino woman named Lila who returns to her hometown to help her family's restaurant business, only for her ex-boyfriend to die in said restaurant while interacting with her.Not an ideal situation. The landlord's son, Derek, dies in the restaurant after. This was my first time reading a cozy mystery!! The crystallized ginger was a very nice touch too. Spare by Prince Harry, with Melissa Blue, 548. Maybe we just dont know enough about the food in the story to pick up on it, but we agree that in ARSENIC AND ADOBO the food is used for the comfort and connection it creates rather than symbolically like in LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE. MYSTERY & DETECTIVE | Arson. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They feature an amateur sleuth, small town setting, crime or violence off-the-page, and oftentimes a device or gimmick, like a hobby, interest, or pet that becomes an important feature. Here is an important note for prospective readers: if it will bother you to read a mystery wherein the people who are suspected of murder allow themselves to be questioned multiple times without their attorney present, even after said attorney, who is a friend of Lilas, tells them to stop doing that, you might want to skip this one. I hope we see more in this series because there are some unresolved relationships at the end of this! Helping out in her Illinois familys Filipino restaurant backfires when a young woman is accused of the murder of a restaurant reviewer who happens to be her ex-boyfriend. Whenever disaster strikes, Lilas friends, non-blood-related cousins, and ninangs come to the rescue, a well of love and devotion constantly overflowing. Not only is he dead, but evidence suggests that hes been murdered, and Detective Park, whos been assigned the case, thinks Lila might have had something to do with it. When Lilas ex-boyfriend drops dead during his meal with his stepfather, the restaurants landlord, Lila becomes the prime suspect. Lila may be a very inconsistent and inept investigator, but she is a fun person to listen to. Penguin, May 4, 2021 - Fiction - 336 pages. The intricacies of who served what to whom and why added nuance to the portrayal of Lila and her family. This is the first review by a non-Filipino that Ive seen! DETECTIVES & PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS | Food is not just food. It features a glossary for the Filipino terms and recipes for everything from Lilas Ube Crinkles, to, fittingly enough, Tita Rosies Chicken Adobo. And no one thinks this is weird. The recipes I chose to include were ones that I thought were a good representation of those elements, but also fairly easy to make so that people new to cooking or our cuisine wouldnt be scared off. Arsenic and Adobo is the debut novel by Mia P. Manansala. Kathy Reichs. As the story progressed, it seemed as though Lila was framed and setup time and again. When we had previously learned how fit and good looking and young this character was. But the hints of other crimes Tempes identification uncovers, particularly crimes against children, spur her on to redouble her efforts despite the new M.E.s splenetic outbursts. (MINOR SPOILERS)This isnt the only area in which this book could be wildly unrealistic. Manansala is the perfect person to write this book. The perfect rainy day read . Before he died, it seems, Felix Vodyanov was linked to a passenger ferry that sank in 1994, an even earlier U.S. government project to research biological agents that could control human behavior, the hinky spiritual retreat Sparkling Waters, the dark web site DeepUnder, and the disappearances of at least four schoolchildren, two of whom have also turned up dead. This care and attention made clear that, to our protagonist, Lila Macapagal, Filipino food is more than just sustenance. Now that hes no longer around, I do want to learn more Filipino recipes, but its slow going since most recipes make such large portions and I have a small household. We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Ventham has big plans for the futureas soon as hes removed the nuns' bodies from the cemetery. Despite ARSENIC AND ADOBO being a murder-mystery, with dead bodies and vicious attacks galore, Mia P. Mansalas food writing was so evocative and immersive that the smell of a Filipino bakery never left my mind as I read. He was the cook in the house, and it was from him that I learned how food can be someones love language.. Thank you for reviewing this one, I had it on hold but Im too old to read books that require that much work. It is the very definition of a cozy crime novel with a Filipino American flavor, and its as pleasant a whodunit as can be. Lila suffering a serious dental injury while eating an expired biscotti Kevin, the manager of the coffee shop, gave her. RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020. Would it kill you to say something nice for a change? At which point, Derek face-plants into his foodand dies. Details and disbelief aside, there were some parts I thought were pretty great. She is working on the second novel in her Chicago Street Crime series while living on the far south side. Like Lila I dont speak Tagalog fluently, so to still recognize the phrases and comfort foods from my childhood in the text was extra heartwarming. Arsenic and Adobo. I know this is ridiculously petty of me, but I just couldn't take the book seriously after reading this paragraph: This was a pretty quick read but I hated the writing style and I thought it felt like both everything and nothing was happening at once. New to SBTB? Finally a cozy that I really enjoyed ! Being a cozy mystery, ARSENIC AND ADOBO is definitely not a mystery/thriller cut from the same cloth as books like SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn or AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie its not nearly as rigorous in its accuracy (in terms of legal proceedings) or in establishing scenarios that feel grounded in reality; there were multiple points where I was left thinking, In what world would this actually happen?. Adults: The Devils Hand: A Thriller by Jack Carr; Colleges Worth Your Money: A Guide to What Americas Top Schools Can Do For You by Andrew Belasco; Get Good With Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche, Teens: Off the Record by Camryn Garrett; Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli; The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer, Juvenile: Who is Dwayne The Rock Johnson? by James Buckley; Orange is an Apricot, Green is a Tree Frog: Explore the Natural World Through Color by Estellon Pascale; Malaikas Surprise by Nadia L. Hohn, Picture Books: Hudson and Tallulah Take Sides by Anna Kang; We Listen to Our Bodies by Lydia Bowers; Coqu in the City by Nomar Perez, Entertainment DVD: Robertas Fitness for Kids, News of the World, Stray, TV Series DVD: Power Book II: Ghost Season 1, Umbrella Academy Season 1, Sesame Street Cool Counting Collection, Audiobook CD: The Anthropocene by John Green, Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Ahmed Azizs Epic Year by Nina Hamza, Downloadable audiobooks: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin, Mixed Plate by Jo Koy, E-books: She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan; The Coldest Case by Martin Walker; While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory, Hoopla Music: Sleep Fruits by Sleep Fruits Music, Retro Workout Jams by Various Artists, Therapy by Anne-Marie. Available at Fully Booked, Omniana.com.ph and Amazon. The initial scenes from Lilas perspective were immediately engaging. Nenia I yeet my books back and forth Campbell. And it wouldnt be a Southeast Asian diaspora novel if loving care wasnt spent on at least some of the descriptions of food. I bring up Manansalas food writing because it was one of my favorite aspects of this book I had numerous issues with the plot and mystery itself, but the way she writes about dishes like almondigas and mamn was truly stunning, with entire lines dedicated to describing a foods appearance, scent, texture, and taste. View all 2 comments. Edwin Long, but it's revealed that his wife killed him after he caught her overhearing his plan to kill her son, Nancy Long killed her husband after he caught her overhearing his plan to kill Derek and attacked her. She went away to college in Chicago while he stayed home, but it is much more sinister than that. If you've written a review for a romance that you think might interest the community or you'd like to rant and/or squee about a book, and you haven't published it elsewhere, please email Sarah. To avoid spoilers, Ill be vague, but there weremultiplecrimes that the police outright accused Lila of committing when, in reality, they never wouldve been able to charge (or even legitimately suspect!) Let cool and enjoy with a nice cup of tea. Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified. Make sure to check out the podcast, too. *Dont have access to instant salabat mix? A RUSA Award-winning novel! Beyond their aesthetic value, these spots serve any incoming tourist a swift, yet complete. omg this one is so high on my tbr! berkley, hear my filipino american prayers. The food descriptions were the only substantial thing in the book and now I know I don't care about food descriptions. Same for mystery genre tropesI read so many crime fiction books and have been part of the crime fiction community for so long, I forget that not everyone has the same knowledge that I do about the genre. 12 likes. In one scene that particularly spoke to me, Lila is reflecting on her decision to leave her hometown after graduation, and she thinks: But it got to the point where I felt like I couldnt breathe. Arsenic and Adobo was a fun cozy mystery that I adored. I do, however, love making Filipino desserts! Born and raised in a Filipino immigrant family in Chicago, in a multigenerational home, she says, What I know of Filipino culture is based on the way my family operated and my experiences growing upI unfortunately wasnt part of a large Filipino community growing up, so everything Ive learned about our history, language, folklore, etc. Domestic violence. If you enjoy Arsenic and Adobo, youre in luck, as it is the first in a series with the second installment set to come out in early 2022. 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In Jocelyn Nicole Johnsons bold collection of fiction, the author explores the vulnerability of Black Americans and the tenacity required to live in this country. This was especially puzzling to me because the author clearly tried to make sure she had a diverse group of characters (yay representation! (MINOR SPOILERS)In Goodreads reviewer Jens words, The lack of concern from characters also extends to how seriously (or not) they take what becomes multiple felony charges. Derek Winter may have been Lila's ex, but she thought he was at most a nuisance until she learned that he was involved in a drug ring and a restaurant health-inspecting scam. Arsenic and Adobo May 4, 2021 The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishesone that might just be killer.. If that goes well, I'll preorder #3 (although it may be out already, need to check that)! She'd love to hear from you! If you have, you know that they, not Disneyland, deserve to be named The Happiest Place(s) on Earth the sweet smell of freshly-made pandesal, little towers of hopia, and bright splashes of purple in various ube desserts are almost unmatched in their ability to bring me comfort and joy. A week after the night she chases but fails to catch a mysterious trespasser outside her town house, some unknown party texts Tempe four images of a corpse that looks as if its been chewed by wild hogs, because it has been. Congrats for Goodreads Choice Awards nomination! After moving from her small Illinois hometown of Shady Palms to Chicago for school, she fell in love with a guy who not only broke her heart but left her nearly unemployable in the big city. We have a page for you! Even now, the thought of staying here forever felt like a hand squeezing me tighter and tighterthis phantom hand molding me into the shape everyone else wanted me to be.. I have quite a few cookbooks, however, after reading this article of yours, I decided to buy it! Check the banana bread about halfway through the cook time, and if its browning too fast, cover with aluminum foil. COZY MYSTERY | This book is freaking gem!. TEMPE, Greece (AP) Rescuers searched Wednesday through the burned-out wreckage of two trains that slammed into each other in northern Greece, killing at least 36 people and crumpling several carriages into twisted steel knots. Food was how she found her place in the world.". Mia P. Manansalas Arsenic and Adobo is a cozy, colorful whodunit that celebrates Pinoy culinary culture with a recipe for things to come. I want a terrific mystery with characters I enjoy spending time with and a happy ending. SUSPENSE | As outlined byCozy-mystery.com, these include: The potential strengths of a cozy mystery are made apparent in this books warmth and themes of community and family. Thanks! Get ready to put on your detective cap, 2005-2023 Smart Bitches Trashy Books, LLC, Elyse Watches The BachelorS27 E6: Were All Like WTF, 551. this was such a fun small town cozy mystery!! After a nasty breakup with her boyfriend, Lila Macapagal moves home from Chicago to help save the family business, Tita Rosies Kitchen. Do join me! RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2021. And would he keep coming back if the food were bad? Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae50ccd3b91edae78040aecf1cacc80a" );document.getElementById("b5ad4eba3d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the food were bad fun, thanks ashmita Fiction - 336 pages futureas soon as removed! Say something nice for a change Lila may be a Southeast Asian diaspora novel if loving care wasnt on. | this book and now I know I do, however, love Filipino... The banana bread about halfway through the cook in the world. & quot ; from! 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