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Arsenic and Adobo
336 pages
A deliciously sharp and cozy culinary mystery where family drama and amateur sleuthing are served with a side of humor.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a bustling, aromatic family kitchen where the warmth of community is spiked with a dash of murder. The pace is brisk and engaging, effortlessly pivoting from the familiar comforts of a romantic comedy setup into a twisty, lighthearted whodunit. The prose is sharp and humorous, balancing mouth-watering culinary details with the wry observations of a protagonist navigating a chorus of loving but judgmental aunties. It wraps the reader in a cozy, culturally rich atmosphere that feels both suspenseful and deeply comforting. This is the perfect escape for anyone who delights in women sleuths, tight-knit family dynamics, and a tasty mystery that keeps you guessing while making you hungry.
- Mood
- cozy
- appetizing
- lighthearted
- suspenseful
- Tone
- humorous
- sharp
- warm
- wry
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- family expectations · starting over · community ties · amateur sleuthing · food and culture
- The writing
- Witty and appetizing, blending sharp comedic timing with mouth-watering culinary descriptions.
- The arc
- Moves from the relatable frustration of a post-breakup slump into the energized, high-stakes thrill of clearing one's own name.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love cozy mysteries infused with rich cultural flavor, meddling but loving families, and plenty of food.
Content notes
- murder
- homicide
- toxic ex-partners
About the book
"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..."--
Description from Open Library.
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