Homicide and Halo-Halo

The transition from the first to the second book was seamless. I found myself engrossed in the storyline of the second book, gasping and feeling awe at various points. What resonated with me most was how the characters openly discussed mental health issues and the experience of growing up as a 1st Gen Filipino. While some people dismiss therapy and advocate for praying away worries, my personal experience has shown that therapy can be beneficial. Initially, my parents were hesitant about it, but over time, they’ve come to appreciate its positive impact. Even my dad has started attending therapy, which makes me incredibly proud. These series hit close to home, and I eagerly await the third installment.

I liked this second in the series which again features amateur sleuth Lila Macapagal, her loud and loving extended family, a murder mystery, and recipes. This cozy mystery picks up a few months after the events from book number one, "Arsenic and Adobo," which I also read and liked. I appreciated that Filipino-American Lila is a complicated character. She is dealing with unresolved grief from the loss of her mother, and is still working through the repercussions from a murder she and her cousin Bernadette solved a few months ago. So often in novels the murders come one after the other (that’s the catalyst for the plot, after all) and the protagonist doesn’t seem affected by the very real trauma of confronting death and especially show more murder.

This story begins with Lila being asked to judge the Miss Shady Palms Beauty Pageant. She had been a winner many years before, and used the scholarship prize to move away from the small town. But she’s back again to open a unique Filipino-infused café with two friends. She creates and bakes the unique pastries. As she participates in the pageant’s judging activities, we learn of the various high school-age contestants and their moms, Lila’s two love interests, and her complicated relationship with her mother, who died several years ago.

In addition to the delicious food descriptions and recipes, the author includes a helpful glossary and pronunciation guide which provides cultural insight.

While this is a typical cozy, Lila is an intelligent young woman dealing with real life issues without any of the silliness often found in this genre. An example of Lila’s authenticity is when she realizes she is a role model for some of the pageant contestants, especially 16-year-old Katie, whose parents are never around. The two women are discussing happy-ever-after relationships portrayed in the movies. Lila says “Nothing’s ever like it is in the movies. They’re not meant to reflect real life.” Katie asks, “Then what’s the point, other than entertainment?” I felt that Lila’s answer is a message for all those who are grieving: “A sense of hope, I guess. That you can move past this. That good things are waiting for you.”

Lila feels compelled to help the police to solve the murder (which occurs early in the novel) when her cousin Bernadette is considered the main suspect. The story moves between pageant activities juxtaposed with family meals around Tita Rosie’s large round table. Mix in the entertaining ingredients of three gossipy aunts, delicious food descriptions, red herrings provided to keep readers guessing as to motives and suspects, and you have a very readable and engaging mystery. show less

I liked this one better than the first. An interesting thing about the characters in this cozy mystery series is that most of them are pretty flawed. The mystery turnout was good - but sad ending I didn't see coming.

This book author note was def prove to be true. This book is a much drarker read and deals with harder topics like depression and anxiety and does deal with the afteraffectes of book 2. I also liked how this book also expanded the world. It also dealt with the messy romance dymanics in way that I have enjoyed in contrast to other cozy mysteries i have read. I also had a really hard to predicitng the mystery. It was fun quick read and I am excited for book 3!

I liked the first installment enough that I decided to go in for Round 2.

Honestly....if Hallmark can find a POC to be the female protagonist, this is a series that can very easily be adapted to their screen. Because, let's face it, there isn't much violence. It has a lot of food and family elements. AND Hallmark is getting more progressive with representation.

For some reason, I enjoy beauty pageants as a backdrop. (Probably because I never have, and never will, do one). One of the characters distinctly made me picture Candace Bergen saying "This is a scholarship program." LOL. And the small town investment in the pageant reminded me of "Dumplin'"

Filipino food is more predominant in this book. Like I want to try halo-halo (and will not show more make it on my own at first because I would NOT do it justice). Additionally, Lila is struggling with some mental health issues which make her, to me, a relatable cozy mystery heroine (as opposed to the other cozy mystery series I read). While more intense fiction is my preference, this was a good story that kept me entertained.

Although....this love triangle could stop anytime. PLEASE show less

3.5 stars

In book 2 of the series, Filipino-American Lila has joined with a couple of friends to open a cafe and they are still setting things up. Meanwhile, her own family already runs their own restaurant. Lila once won the town’s beauty pageant and she has been asked to judge this year’s contest. But there have been threatening letters made toward the pageant. And it’s not long before someone turns up dead.

I enjoyed this. I like most of the characters and their stories; however, there is more food description than is my “thing”, but I’m sure would be appealing for many readers (as well as the recipes included at the end of the book). I do plan to continue the series, though.

The second installment of Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries serves up another awesome mystery! I really enjoy the way the Manansala brings realistic emotions into her stories and has opened the door for the protagonist, Lila, to start dealing with her traumas and mental health. It's not something that is often broached in cozies, and I thoroughly enjoyed the realness. The mystery was also well done, I was still guessing who it was up to the end! Manansala's books have been super fun and refreshing, full of great food and mystery and I can't see what else she creates!