Homicide and Halo-Halo
Homicide and Halo-Halo was such a fun and entertaining continuation of the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, and it was an excellent book to read during my vacation!
Synopsis: Things are heating up for Lila Macapagal. Not in her love life, which she insists on keeping nonexistent despite the attention of two very eligible bachelors. Or her professional life, since she can't bring herself to open her new cafe after the unpleasantness that occurred a few months ago at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen. No, things are heating up quite literally, since summer, her least favorite season, has just started.
To add to her feelings of sticky unease, Lila's little town of Shady Palms has resurrected the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she won many years ago--a fact that serves as a wedge between Lila and her cousin slash rival, Bernadette. But when the head judge of the pageant is murdered and Bernadette becomes the main suspect, the two must put aside their differences and solve the case--because it looks like one of them might be next.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
This story was filled with Filipino culture. I just loved the traditions and family dynamics! I really love reading about families like this - the ones with strong relationships and support systems. These families always combine the good with the bad, and that made the characters and storyline real.
I also appreciated how much deeper this story was compared to the first book, Arsenic and Adobo, and should be after all Lila had been through in the first book.
How was this cozy mystery?
What a fun whodunnit - so many potential suspects and the incompetent detective is back and trying to redeem himself by asking Lila for help! Like the first book, this was not a predictable mystery and I enjoyed trying to solve the murder along with Lila.
I will say that for me the mystery took a backseat to Lila’s growth as a character and all the connections she made with both new and old characters.
How was the pace?
Steady
Do you recommend it?
If you are looking for a story full of intelligent and strong female characters, humor, multiple cultures, mystery, and real-life issues surrounding mental health, then I recommend you pick up Manansala’s latest book in this cozy mystery series!
Also, a warning…Don’t read this book on an empty stomach!
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
