The narration is engaging and the pacing brisk, making it a quick and enjoyable read. The side characters are well-crafted and memorable. My only reservation was with Lila herself—at times, her reactions felt a little immature, and the casual attitude of all the characters toward Derek’s death struck me as unrealistic, especially given his past relationship with Lila. I’m still choosing to give it a five-star rating, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and, being Indian (Asian), I could deeply relate to all the family drama woven into the story.
Arsenic and Adobo: Mia P. Manansala | Click here For The Review
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 charm—though, as with the first book, it is best approached with tempered expectations.
Homicide and Halo-Halo: Mia P. Manansala | Click Here For The Review
I rated this book three stars. While the pacing was a bit slow and the heavy focus on food somewhat dampened the mystery for me, the author's descriptions of Filipino food and family traditions will delight readers who love culinary cosy mysteries. Blackmail and Bibingka is a light, heartwarming read filled with food, family, and festive spirit—though it may feel slow at times, it still offers plenty to enjoy.
Blackmail and Bibingka: Mia P. Manansala | Click Here For The Review