HOMICIDE AND HALO-HALO
๐๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ผ-๐๐ฎ๐น๐ผ
๐๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฃ. ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ
๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ธ๐น๐ฒ๐
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ: ๐๐๐
๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ: ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐๐
๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฟ๐ฒ: ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ผ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ: ๐๐๐๐
This book is the second instalment in the Tita Rosieโs Kitchen Mystery series, centred this time around a beauty pageant in Shady Palms. Lila, our main character, is reluctantly persuaded to serve as a judge, enticed by the opportunity to promote the cafรฉ she plans to open with her best friend Adeena, and by the chance to assist the local detective in uncovering the source of threatening messages aimed at halting the pageant. Events take a darker turn when one of the judges dies, and Lila once again finds herself attempting to unravel the mysteryโparticularly since her cousin Bernadette becomes the prime suspect, a possibility she knows in her heart cannot be possible.
Like Arsenic & Adobo, this instalment delivers a light and accessible cosy mystery, but it falls somewhat short in execution. The plot feels gentleโneither poorly written nor especially inspiredโand certain elements, including a notable plot hole, diminish the overall impact. As with the first book, the resolution lacks strength: rather than Lila cleverly solving the case, the culprit essentially reveals themselves, leaving the ending feeling rushed and the reveal underwhelming.
The author continues to excel in her vivid descriptions of Filipino food, which is indeed a highlight, though at times it feels slightly overdone. Where the book struggles most is in dialogue and character development. Amirโs abrupt shift in behaviour, seemingly designed to close the love triangle quickly, felt unconvincing and underexplained. The romantic dynamics in general lack depth and spark; the chemistry is not compelling, and the reasons why the suitors are attracted to Lila remain unclear.
Lilaโs character, too, comes across as increasingly frustrating. While in the first book she had moments of immaturity, here she often slips into a victim mindsetโdeflecting responsibility, blaming others, and displaying a lack of self-awareness. Unfortunately, other characters who added richness in the past, such as Adeena and Detective Park, were underutilised. Although Detective Park is described as diligent and capable, his portrayal often seems ineffective, which is inconsistent with his character. However, Bernadette does receive some well-deserved attention.
Thus, despite its shortcomings, the narrative remains fast-paced and easy to follow, making it an accessible read. Readers with an interest in Filipino cuisine and cultural nuances will find much to enjoy here. While it may not satisfy those seeking a tightly woven, high-stakes mystery, as a cosy mystery it has its charmโthough, as with the first book, it is best approached with tempered expectations.
My Rating:
3/5
NOTE: In this blog, the CONTENT and PICTURES are owned by Samayra Singh, and cannot be used or distributed without permission. Strict legal action will be taken against any infringement.