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Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #3
Blackmail and Bibingka
When her long lost cousin comes back to town just in time for the holidays, Lila Macapagal knows that big trouble can't be far behind in this new mystery by Mia P. Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo.
It's Christmastime in Shady Palms, but things are far from jolly for Lila Macapagal. Sure, her new business, The Brew-ha Cafe, is looking to turn a profit in its first year. And yes, she's taken the first step in a new romance with her good friend, Jae Park. But her cousin Ronnie is back in town after ghosting the family fifteen years ago, claiming that his recent purchase of a local winery shows that he's back on his feet and ready to give back to the Shady Palms community. Tita Rosie is thrilled with the return of her prodigal son, but Lila knows that wherever Ronnie goes, trouble follows.
She's soon proven right when Ronnie is accused of murder, and secrets and rumors surrounding her shady cousin and those involved with the winery start piling up. Now Lila has to put away years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin's innocence. He may be a jerk, but he's still family. And there's no way her flesh and blood could actually be a murderer...right?
It's Christmastime in Shady Palms, but things are far from jolly for Lila Macapagal. Sure, her new business, The Brew-ha Cafe, is looking to turn a profit in its first year. And yes, she's taken the first step in a new romance with her good friend, Jae Park. But her cousin Ronnie is back in town after ghosting the family fifteen years ago, claiming that his recent purchase of a local winery shows that he's back on his feet and ready to give back to the Shady Palms community. Tita Rosie is thrilled with the return of her prodigal son, but Lila knows that wherever Ronnie goes, trouble follows.
She's soon proven right when Ronnie is accused of murder, and secrets and rumors surrounding her shady cousin and those involved with the winery start piling up. Now Lila has to put away years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin's innocence. He may be a jerk, but he's still family. And there's no way her flesh and blood could actually be a murderer...right?
270 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2022
379 people are currently reading
18118 people want to read
About the author
Mia P. Manansala
10 books4,359 followersMia P. Manansala is a book coach and the author of ARSENIC AND ADOBO (Berkley 2021), the first in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series.
She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck - Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy Scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2020 mentor.
A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries, and dreaming of becoming best buds with Wonder Woman and Kamala Khan.
When she’s not sassing her ever-so-patient husband, she’s cuddling her dogs Max Power and Bayley Banks (bonus points to those who get the name references) at her home just outside of Chicago.
Mia is quite the joiner, as she is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, Banyan: Asian American Writers Collective, the Chicago Writers Association, and the Chicago Nerd Social Club.
Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter
Or check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com
Represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck - Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy Scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2020 mentor.
A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries, and dreaming of becoming best buds with Wonder Woman and Kamala Khan.
When she’s not sassing her ever-so-patient husband, she’s cuddling her dogs Max Power and Bayley Banks (bonus points to those who get the name references) at her home just outside of Chicago.
Mia is quite the joiner, as she is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, Banyan: Asian American Writers Collective, the Chicago Writers Association, and the Chicago Nerd Social Club.
Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter
Or check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com
Represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,546 reviews
May 22, 2023
That tight knitted, adorable Filipino family, eccentric calendar girls are back with another smart cozy murder mystery that brings back our favorite characters and lots of mouth watering food descriptions and recipes! I cannot get enough of the series! These books are addictive!
New story takes place at Christmas time: Lila’s most special holiday. But her holiday spirit is about to get damaged by her estranged cousin Ronnie’s sudden return to the town after 15 years. He’s the prodigal son of Tita Rosie who showed up on her doorstep like nothing had
happened, saying he'd bought a winery just outside of town and would be staying
in Shady Palms for the foreseeable future.
Of course Tita Rosie is overjoyed with her son’s moving back to town but unfortunately Lila doesn’t share the same feelings especially after Tita Rosie got a blackmail letter telling her son involved something shady in Key West.
Lila joins Tita Rosie for touring at the Winery and learn more what her cousin is hiding from them.
She meets with Ronnie’s partners Izzy and Pete, assistant twins Quentin and Olivia. At the same time Ronnie’s investor Denise Sutton pays a visit with her fiancé Xander Cruz. Their joyful meeting and celebrating cut abruptly when Denise starts vomiting. They think that’s a regular alcohol poisoning but as soon as they take Denise hospital, her condition gets deteriorated. She dies! And doctors think something is not quite right so they make extra tests that shows somebody poisoned Denise!
Detective Park returns back to investigate the murder mystery and Ronnie is interrogated as one of the prime suspects.
Why somebody tried to kill Denise? She was the main investor of Ronnie’s business?
Thankfully Lila is ready to sharpen her detective skills. She was already wrongly accused in the past and she is determined enough not one of her family members will share the same fate with her!
The book started a little slow but the complex mystery and the back story of the crime developed brilliantly.
I wish Lila and Jae would spend more time together. They’re adorable!
Overall: another enjoyable, smart cozy mystery I devoted in one sitting. And I’m urgently driving extra 20 miles to go to Filipino restaurant for trying its famous Bibingka after the author’s delicious descriptions. I’m extra hungry now!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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New story takes place at Christmas time: Lila’s most special holiday. But her holiday spirit is about to get damaged by her estranged cousin Ronnie’s sudden return to the town after 15 years. He’s the prodigal son of Tita Rosie who showed up on her doorstep like nothing had
happened, saying he'd bought a winery just outside of town and would be staying
in Shady Palms for the foreseeable future.
Of course Tita Rosie is overjoyed with her son’s moving back to town but unfortunately Lila doesn’t share the same feelings especially after Tita Rosie got a blackmail letter telling her son involved something shady in Key West.
Lila joins Tita Rosie for touring at the Winery and learn more what her cousin is hiding from them.
She meets with Ronnie’s partners Izzy and Pete, assistant twins Quentin and Olivia. At the same time Ronnie’s investor Denise Sutton pays a visit with her fiancé Xander Cruz. Their joyful meeting and celebrating cut abruptly when Denise starts vomiting. They think that’s a regular alcohol poisoning but as soon as they take Denise hospital, her condition gets deteriorated. She dies! And doctors think something is not quite right so they make extra tests that shows somebody poisoned Denise!
Detective Park returns back to investigate the murder mystery and Ronnie is interrogated as one of the prime suspects.
Why somebody tried to kill Denise? She was the main investor of Ronnie’s business?
Thankfully Lila is ready to sharpen her detective skills. She was already wrongly accused in the past and she is determined enough not one of her family members will share the same fate with her!
The book started a little slow but the complex mystery and the back story of the crime developed brilliantly.
I wish Lila and Jae would spend more time together. They’re adorable!
Overall: another enjoyable, smart cozy mystery I devoted in one sitting. And I’m urgently driving extra 20 miles to go to Filipino restaurant for trying its famous Bibingka after the author’s delicious descriptions. I’m extra hungry now!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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April 29, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
When her estranged cousin, Tita Rosie's son, Ronnie, returns to town, Lila anticipates that trouble won't be far behind. It's shocking how right she is in that assessment.
Ronnie has purchased the local Shady Grove Winery along with a his best friends, Izzy and Pete, and some other investors, most notable being, Denise Sutton.
It literally feels like Ronnie has been back in Shady Grove for mere moments before the first body suspiciously drops.
Then the blackmail begins, stating that they know what Ronnie did in Florida and that he's up to his old tricks again. The blackmailer threatens to bring evidence against him unless they are paid a large sum of money by Tita Rosie.
This threatening message coinciding with Ronnie now being suspected of murder does not shine a positive light on her cousin, but Lila feels like she has to do whatever she can to clear Ronnie's name.
This requires Lila putting her mistrust of Ronnie behind her, at least temporarily, in order to help him. Family is complicated after all, but Lila feels obligated to help.
As Lila digs into Ronnie's partners and investors, she discovers they've actually woven themselves quite a twisted web. The dynamics amongst them are all over the place.
Will Lila be able to figure out the who done it before it's too late? And what if it actually is her cousin? How does this play out for her family?
Blackmail and Bibingka is the third installment of the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series. I had so much fun with the first two books in this series and this one was no different.
I have loved getting to know the Macapagal family over the course of these books. I was also stoked when Manansala mentioned in her Author's Note at the conclusion of this, that we will be getting three more books in the series.
Personally, I never want them to end!
These books are full of food and family. If you aren't hungry by the time you are done one these of books, you have no soul. I'm sort of kidding, but not really.
I love Lila as a character and her friend group. She has surrounded herself with a great group of women and I love how supportive they are of one another. We love to see those types of strong female friendships in our stories.
This book is marketed as taking place during Christmas time, but honestly, if it wasn't for the food, I would have no clue this was supposed to be set during the holiday season.
It didn't bother me as such, I only mention it because I know how strongly people feel about their holiday stories and I don't want anyone to be disappointed.
Overall, I found this to be an engaging mystery. At times, I did get a little confused trying to keep track of all the bad actors Ronnie had surrounded himself with, but that totally could have been my headspace at the time of reading and not the story itself.
I think if you have enjoyed other books in this series, or if you enjoy Cozy Mysteries that incorporate a solid food element, you should definitely check this one out.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm very excited to continue on with this series!!
When her estranged cousin, Tita Rosie's son, Ronnie, returns to town, Lila anticipates that trouble won't be far behind. It's shocking how right she is in that assessment.
Ronnie has purchased the local Shady Grove Winery along with a his best friends, Izzy and Pete, and some other investors, most notable being, Denise Sutton.
It literally feels like Ronnie has been back in Shady Grove for mere moments before the first body suspiciously drops.
Then the blackmail begins, stating that they know what Ronnie did in Florida and that he's up to his old tricks again. The blackmailer threatens to bring evidence against him unless they are paid a large sum of money by Tita Rosie.
This threatening message coinciding with Ronnie now being suspected of murder does not shine a positive light on her cousin, but Lila feels like she has to do whatever she can to clear Ronnie's name.
This requires Lila putting her mistrust of Ronnie behind her, at least temporarily, in order to help him. Family is complicated after all, but Lila feels obligated to help.
As Lila digs into Ronnie's partners and investors, she discovers they've actually woven themselves quite a twisted web. The dynamics amongst them are all over the place.
Will Lila be able to figure out the who done it before it's too late? And what if it actually is her cousin? How does this play out for her family?
Blackmail and Bibingka is the third installment of the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series. I had so much fun with the first two books in this series and this one was no different.
I have loved getting to know the Macapagal family over the course of these books. I was also stoked when Manansala mentioned in her Author's Note at the conclusion of this, that we will be getting three more books in the series.
Personally, I never want them to end!
These books are full of food and family. If you aren't hungry by the time you are done one these of books, you have no soul. I'm sort of kidding, but not really.
I love Lila as a character and her friend group. She has surrounded herself with a great group of women and I love how supportive they are of one another. We love to see those types of strong female friendships in our stories.
This book is marketed as taking place during Christmas time, but honestly, if it wasn't for the food, I would have no clue this was supposed to be set during the holiday season.
It didn't bother me as such, I only mention it because I know how strongly people feel about their holiday stories and I don't want anyone to be disappointed.
Overall, I found this to be an engaging mystery. At times, I did get a little confused trying to keep track of all the bad actors Ronnie had surrounded himself with, but that totally could have been my headspace at the time of reading and not the story itself.
I think if you have enjoyed other books in this series, or if you enjoy Cozy Mysteries that incorporate a solid food element, you should definitely check this one out.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm very excited to continue on with this series!!
November 25, 2024
API Month
While for the most part this series amuses, there are some cringe moments that make me question the rep. We’ve heard about Bad Cousin Ronnie from day one. When he finally arrives, he doesn’t seem that bad. And I’m obviously not shaming mom since it’s not her fault dad left, but why are we singling out Ronnie? All of the cousins have done questionable shit.
This mystery didn’t suck me in, but I’m here for the Filipino and body positivity rep. The side characters make the story. I love Lila’s friends. What was up with Jae and Lila in this book? Or not up? I know this isn’t a romance, but it has been three books, Mia. I need a relationship confirmation. Or some action. Something.
While for the most part this series amuses, there are some cringe moments that make me question the rep. We’ve heard about Bad Cousin Ronnie from day one. When he finally arrives, he doesn’t seem that bad. And I’m obviously not shaming mom since it’s not her fault dad left, but why are we singling out Ronnie? All of the cousins have done questionable shit.
This mystery didn’t suck me in, but I’m here for the Filipino and body positivity rep. The side characters make the story. I love Lila’s friends. What was up with Jae and Lila in this book? Or not up? I know this isn’t a romance, but it has been three books, Mia. I need a relationship confirmation. Or some action. Something.
October 4, 2022
Author Mia P. Manansala has infused her latest book,
Blackmail and Bibingka
, with diverse characters, a death, an amateur sleuth, and some suspense. There’s a focus on food, family, and friends. This cozy mystery features Lila Macapagal, owner of the Brew-ha Café with her friends and business partners Adeena Awan and Elena Torres. The story is set in Shady Palms, Illinois and takes place near Christmastime. It’s the third book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series.
As the Brew-ha Café and the family restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, prepare for the town’s winter bash as well as their own holiday celebrations, Lila’s cousin and Tita Rosie’s son, Ronnie, returns to town after 15 years. He and his business partners have bought the old Shady Grove Winery and plan to operate it. However, Ronnie has always meant trouble. When a death occurs and Ronnie is one of the murder suspects, Lila goes into sleuth mode for her family’s sake and starts investigating.
This novel contains characters with a variety of ethic and cultural backgrounds as well as those of different faiths. They have their flaws just as we do. Lila’s family comes from the Philippines so there are lots of Filipino foods and terms. A handy glossary is included at the beginning of the book so be sure to bookmark it. The characterization is well done. Readers get well-developed main and reoccurring characters as well as secondary and tertiary characters. If you enjoy cute dogs that like to dress up, then Longganisa (Nisa) and Poe will steal your heart.
This book has a solid plot with some twists and turns. This novel is creative and it will keep readers guessing. Family, friendship, family dynamics, starting over, lies, secrets, jealousy, romances, helping others, and food are at the heart of this story. While it’s descriptive, it doesn’t slow down the pace. There are references to previous cases that Lila has been involved in, but there aren’t any details so there didn’t seem to be any spoilers if one reads this book first. However, I recommend reading the series in order. My one quibble was that the final chapter was somewhat rushed and was more telling than showing.
Overall, this engaging mystery has great characterization as well as some intense moments that kept me turning the pages. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with diverse characters, great food, and a subplot of budding romances will likely enjoy this book. At the end of the book are several recipes for items mentioned in the book. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Mia P. Manansala provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
My 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
As the Brew-ha Café and the family restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, prepare for the town’s winter bash as well as their own holiday celebrations, Lila’s cousin and Tita Rosie’s son, Ronnie, returns to town after 15 years. He and his business partners have bought the old Shady Grove Winery and plan to operate it. However, Ronnie has always meant trouble. When a death occurs and Ronnie is one of the murder suspects, Lila goes into sleuth mode for her family’s sake and starts investigating.
This novel contains characters with a variety of ethic and cultural backgrounds as well as those of different faiths. They have their flaws just as we do. Lila’s family comes from the Philippines so there are lots of Filipino foods and terms. A handy glossary is included at the beginning of the book so be sure to bookmark it. The characterization is well done. Readers get well-developed main and reoccurring characters as well as secondary and tertiary characters. If you enjoy cute dogs that like to dress up, then Longganisa (Nisa) and Poe will steal your heart.
This book has a solid plot with some twists and turns. This novel is creative and it will keep readers guessing. Family, friendship, family dynamics, starting over, lies, secrets, jealousy, romances, helping others, and food are at the heart of this story. While it’s descriptive, it doesn’t slow down the pace. There are references to previous cases that Lila has been involved in, but there aren’t any details so there didn’t seem to be any spoilers if one reads this book first. However, I recommend reading the series in order. My one quibble was that the final chapter was somewhat rushed and was more telling than showing.
Overall, this engaging mystery has great characterization as well as some intense moments that kept me turning the pages. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with diverse characters, great food, and a subplot of budding romances will likely enjoy this book. At the end of the book are several recipes for items mentioned in the book. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Mia P. Manansala provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
My 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 26, 2023
I’m several reviews behind and slowly playing catch-up when I feel up to it. When I asked for book recommendations for comfort, easy, lower focus, or any favorite reads, I received lots of reminders about cozy mysteries. I read this one before my dad passed away and now I’d like to read some more cozies.
Speaking of comfort: I just love this Tita Rosie’s Kitchen cozy mysteries! Enjoyable, easy-to-read, yummy Filipino food, so much to love here. I can keep going. How about the Christmas backdrop?
You can read any of these as standalones, but they are much more fun if read in order. I’ve enjoyed watching Lila grow and evolve as a character. Plus, there’s an adorable dachshund! I love the characters so much that the mystery is an added bonus. A series well-deserved of all the love it’s receiving.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Speaking of comfort: I just love this Tita Rosie’s Kitchen cozy mysteries! Enjoyable, easy-to-read, yummy Filipino food, so much to love here. I can keep going. How about the Christmas backdrop?
You can read any of these as standalones, but they are much more fun if read in order. I’ve enjoyed watching Lila grow and evolve as a character. Plus, there’s an adorable dachshund! I love the characters so much that the mystery is an added bonus. A series well-deserved of all the love it’s receiving.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 20, 2025
Blackmail and Bibingka is the third book in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries, a cozy series set in the Midwest about a Filipino family. In this installment, Lila's wayward cousin, Ronnie, returns home under a cloud of suspicion. Not only has he been virtually silent for over a decade but now his new partner is murdered in a way which points directly to Ronnie as the killer. Lila wants to protect her aunt but she is unhappy with her cousin's behavior. As she unravels the truth, a wicked alliance is discovered and causes someone's downfall. Manansala has kept up the wonderful culture and food theme in her series, resulting in mouthwatering recipes and charming settings that make you feel like part of the book. The mystery was strong - lots of suspects and a few hidden relationships that keep you guessing until the end. Just learned the fourth will release this fall... looking forward to it!
December 31, 2023
update:
read december 2023
this was just the right book for me this holiday season. gotta be honest though, i think the writing has not improved much (if at all?) and most of my issues in the first two books remain here... the plot isn't unpredictable but it's a cozy mystery after all and it does the job
***
I wish they'd picture Lila and her new hairdo in this cover!
read december 2023
this was just the right book for me this holiday season. gotta be honest though, i think the writing has not improved much (if at all?) and most of my issues in the first two books remain here... the plot isn't unpredictable but it's a cozy mystery after all and it does the job
***
I wish they'd picture Lila and her new hairdo in this cover!
December 29, 2022
All right, I'm out. The writing has not improved over three books. And neither have the characters. There isn't a single thought they have that isn't vocalized, and yet somehow they are still like paper doll people running around the plot. The best part of these books is by far the descriptions of food, and I can get that elsewhere. I am sad about it, though. Will probably be unhauling my copies of books one and two because I won't ever re-read them.
October 6, 2025
While I did struggle more with this book than the other books in this cozy mystery series, there’s still much to enjoy about this book including the holiday baking, food and drinks, learning some more about other cultures. It did remind me of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie 🎥: Notorious, which I absolutely love. I loved all the singing that took place in this book too. I do appreciate that the author always includes triggering warnings and recipes in the series as well.
Update: I’m returning to this book for a third time and hopefully it’s a charm!!! Fingers crossed 🤞!!!
Update: I am sadly DNFing this book for a second time due to this book hitting me close to home due to my very bad day today and a sentence in this book that I told my therapist after I was ambushed by them and my service facilitator at my therapy session today which was a very traumatic experience. I really enjoyed reading more of this book so much but unfortunately I can’t continue reading this book.
Update: I am going to continue reading this book because I really love this cozy mystery series!!!<3<3<3
I really love the first and second book in this cozy mystery series. I love all of the holiday cheer and being reunited with these characters again. I absolutely loved the food described in the book. But I’m unfortunately going to have to stop reading this book because it’s hitting too close to home for me.
Update: I’m returning to this book for a third time and hopefully it’s a charm!!! Fingers crossed 🤞!!!
Update: I am sadly DNFing this book for a second time due to this book hitting me close to home due to my very bad day today and a sentence in this book that I told my therapist after I was ambushed by them and my service facilitator at my therapy session today which was a very traumatic experience. I really enjoyed reading more of this book so much but unfortunately I can’t continue reading this book.
Update: I am going to continue reading this book because I really love this cozy mystery series!!!<3<3<3
I really love the first and second book in this cozy mystery series. I love all of the holiday cheer and being reunited with these characters again. I absolutely loved the food described in the book. But I’m unfortunately going to have to stop reading this book because it’s hitting too close to home for me.
October 14, 2022
Manansala’s third offering in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series is rich with Filipina food offerings, and short on mystery plot details. Manansala introduces several new characters in this ‘cozy’ offering and all seem a bit ‘dodgy’. Lila Macapagal’s Tita Rosie receives multiple blackmail demands in order that her son’s secrets during the fifteen years he has been away are not revealed. And just what are they? No one seems to know. Ronnie, the son, wants to open a winery specializing in Filipino vintages and has brought along financial partners and their assistants. One of them dies of methanol poisoning and Lila is determined to investigate. Is the murder related to the blackmail threats?
Tita and Lila make sure everyone is well-fed on the way of finding out who the murderer is. Too much sugar, and not enough plot!
Tita and Lila make sure everyone is well-fed on the way of finding out who the murderer is. Too much sugar, and not enough plot!
November 21, 2025
I have had a great time reading the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manansala, and I think Blackmail and Bibingka is now my favorite installment! This is book 3 of the series, and like the others, it contains recipes at the back and a glossary and pronunciation guide in the front. Since the book is based on a Filipino family, there are a lot of Filipino terms used, so the guide was extremely helpful to me, and I also appreciated the fact that Manansala has an author's note at the front with content warnings. All of these are read in the audiobook as well, so even if you don't have a physical copy, you will at least get all of those things in the audio. The mystery was solid, and I had no idea who it was going to be or what the motivation would be, and I loved that it is set at Christmastime!
I am a big fan of Lila's character, and I have loved watching her grow (and solve murders of course) as this series progresses. I did read them all in order and although there are potential spoilers by not going this route, I think you would be fine reading them out of order as well. Manansala's descriptions of Filipino cuisine will make you hungry, and even though I'm not entirely sure what my palette would think of it, Blackmail and Bibingka definitely made me want to go get some bibingka!
You really can't go wrong with the book OR audiobook, and I have loved that Danice Cabanela has been the narrator for all 3 books thus far. She does an amazing job bringing Lila and all of the other characters to life, but Manansala's fully formed and interesting characters certainly gave her a lot to work with! Even though this is a cozy mystery, it also touches on some triggers so I would be sure to check out the content warning in the book if you are worried. It is mostly on the lighter side though, and a whole lot of fun. I recommend Blackmail and Bibingka and the entire series to cozy readers as well as crime fiction fans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a big fan of Lila's character, and I have loved watching her grow (and solve murders of course) as this series progresses. I did read them all in order and although there are potential spoilers by not going this route, I think you would be fine reading them out of order as well. Manansala's descriptions of Filipino cuisine will make you hungry, and even though I'm not entirely sure what my palette would think of it, Blackmail and Bibingka definitely made me want to go get some bibingka!
You really can't go wrong with the book OR audiobook, and I have loved that Danice Cabanela has been the narrator for all 3 books thus far. She does an amazing job bringing Lila and all of the other characters to life, but Manansala's fully formed and interesting characters certainly gave her a lot to work with! Even though this is a cozy mystery, it also touches on some triggers so I would be sure to check out the content warning in the book if you are worried. It is mostly on the lighter side though, and a whole lot of fun. I recommend Blackmail and Bibingka and the entire series to cozy readers as well as crime fiction fans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 22, 2022
This one isn’t for me. I dislike Lyla even more than I did in the first two books. She’s judgmental and reckless.
My heart went out to Ronnie. He leaves for 15 years because his family constantly reminds him that he’s a failure. Then he comes back…and his family constantly reminds him that he’s a failure. Lyla needed to leave him alone but instead she kept knocking him down. She finds out his own secret? Yeah, she throws it in his face in front of the whole family. NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT LYLA OR HER AUNT. I wanted to smack her. And let’s not act like hitting someone across the face with a wooden spoon is normal. It isn’t. It’s assault. Ronnie is better off without all of them. He’s right to keep his secret from them as long as he did. All he needs is to see the same people who treat him like garbage treat his loved ones like they’re more special.
The book also has waaaaay too many food references. These people live on junk food, and somehow they’re all fit. I remember reading similar complains with the first two books, but I guess the author wasn’t worried about it. I also can’t stand when characters are written as full of themselves. I get it. Lyla is amazing at baking. She doesn’t need to constantly think it. Make her a bit humble.
Lastly, the “AF” and similar lingo is a huge no for me. The book also dragged on. And if a person’s cousin has a child, that child is not that person’s niece or nephew.
I think I’m going to have to stop with this author. I can’t keep putting myself through this.
My heart went out to Ronnie. He leaves for 15 years because his family constantly reminds him that he’s a failure. Then he comes back…and his family constantly reminds him that he’s a failure. Lyla needed to leave him alone but instead she kept knocking him down. She finds out his own secret? Yeah, she throws it in his face in front of the whole family. NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT LYLA OR HER AUNT. I wanted to smack her. And let’s not act like hitting someone across the face with a wooden spoon is normal. It isn’t. It’s assault. Ronnie is better off without all of them. He’s right to keep his secret from them as long as he did. All he needs is to see the same people who treat him like garbage treat his loved ones like they’re more special.
The book also has waaaaay too many food references. These people live on junk food, and somehow they’re all fit. I remember reading similar complains with the first two books, but I guess the author wasn’t worried about it. I also can’t stand when characters are written as full of themselves. I get it. Lyla is amazing at baking. She doesn’t need to constantly think it. Make her a bit humble.
Lastly, the “AF” and similar lingo is a huge no for me. The book also dragged on. And if a person’s cousin has a child, that child is not that person’s niece or nephew.
I think I’m going to have to stop with this author. I can’t keep putting myself through this.
August 28, 2023
2.5⭐️ 4/5🎧
This is the 3rd book in the cozy mystery series, Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the first two, this one was a bit of a letdown. This is the first time I did an audiobook for this series - so the narration is great and I really enjoyed hearing how things are supposed to be said versus my horrible pronunciation while reading the past two books.
I am usually a huge fan of cozy mysteries but the mystery aspect of the blackmail and possible murder just didn't capture me like the other ones did. It felt like Lila was doing nothing but complaining about her cousin the whole book and then trying to decide if Xander was good or bad.
Speaking of Ronnie .... WTF IS WRONG WITH ALL OF THEM. I felt like they treated him HORRIBLY the entire time and I felt so bad for him. Clearly he thought he was a failure and that was why he left in the first place then he comes back and everyone gangs up on him... rude. At one point Lila pushed him and actually knocked him to the ground and there were several other mentions of her wanting to hit him or actually shoving him. That felt way unnecessary and Lila is supposed to be this adult not a middle school kid.
Then I was excited for some more of the romance aspect that we had gotten in the past two books but it felt like this was an afterthought for the author and 3/4ths of the way though the book she was writing and was like "OH FUCK - JAE" and then added him into a few scenes. I guess I just expected some more character development and relationship development.
The ending was well... meh. I called it a bit and there was never really any plot twist that shocked me - other than how everyone treated Ronnie. 2.5-stars rounded up to 3. I'll try reading the next one but if that ones is a flop then this series will probs be over for me... 🤷🏼♀️
This is the 3rd book in the cozy mystery series, Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the first two, this one was a bit of a letdown. This is the first time I did an audiobook for this series - so the narration is great and I really enjoyed hearing how things are supposed to be said versus my horrible pronunciation while reading the past two books.
I am usually a huge fan of cozy mysteries but the mystery aspect of the blackmail and possible murder just didn't capture me like the other ones did. It felt like Lila was doing nothing but complaining about her cousin the whole book and then trying to decide if Xander was good or bad.
Speaking of Ronnie .... WTF IS WRONG WITH ALL OF THEM. I felt like they treated him HORRIBLY the entire time and I felt so bad for him. Clearly he thought he was a failure and that was why he left in the first place then he comes back and everyone gangs up on him... rude. At one point Lila pushed him and actually knocked him to the ground and there were several other mentions of her wanting to hit him or actually shoving him. That felt way unnecessary and Lila is supposed to be this adult not a middle school kid.
Then I was excited for some more of the romance aspect that we had gotten in the past two books but it felt like this was an afterthought for the author and 3/4ths of the way though the book she was writing and was like "OH FUCK - JAE" and then added him into a few scenes. I guess I just expected some more character development and relationship development.
The ending was well... meh. I called it a bit and there was never really any plot twist that shocked me - other than how everyone treated Ronnie. 2.5-stars rounded up to 3. I'll try reading the next one but if that ones is a flop then this series will probs be over for me... 🤷🏼♀️
June 20, 2022
Lila's cousin Ronnie, the troublemaker that hasn't been seen for 15 years, is back in Shady Palms, and he's opening a winery. He introduces his family to the investors, but when one of them dies under suspicious circumstances. Lila and her friends are determined to help find the guilty party. Could it be one of the investors or their staff? Or even Cousin Ronnie? I enjoyed reading about this likable close-knit family, and all of their friends, and about the Filipino food (recipes included) and culture. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
zzzz
November 18, 2022#1) Arsenic and Adobo ★★★★☆
#2) Homicide and Halo-Halo ★★★☆☆
the cute cover trend continues 🐶
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
December 20, 2022
The audiobooks for this series are so good; they nail the Filipino accent down really well! The humor is great in all 3 too, and the family dynamics are super accurate to my own Filipino family experiences. This one was just a silly goofy time, however, and I didn't really care for the actual plot. The second one in the series, Homicide and Halo-Halo, is still my favorite and had the most depth in my opinion, but at the same time, it IS a cozy mystery series, so I'm not surprised.
May 23, 2023
Welp.
Lila, the main character, is still the worst with a public embarrassment kink. Every other character is just as boring, stiff and emotionally stunted as they were in the previous books. Thesuper obvious guilty (and random mayor) were like cartoon villains. Once again, no one even tries to understand basic police protocol, so the family ends up self-sabotaging as usual and makes everything worse . All the romance side plots served no real purpose. There's never a sense of urgency regarding the murder. Apparently, urgency is only reserved for dinner menus and food notes. The story is mostly just recipe ideas while Lila and Lola Flor gang up on Ronnie and Lola Flor yelling "You dare to speak to your mother like that!" in his face.
At this point, just write a recipe book instead of these non-mysteries.
I ended up hybrid reading the physical along with the audiobook and I wouldn't suggest anyone to do the same. In general, Blackmail and Bibingka isn't good but the audio really solidifies the book's poor writing and it's aura of a Saturday morning cartoon special.
*adds to donation pile*
Lila, the main character, is still the worst with a public embarrassment kink. Every other character is just as boring, stiff and emotionally stunted as they were in the previous books. The
At this point, just write a recipe book instead of these non-mysteries.
I ended up hybrid reading the physical along with the audiobook and I wouldn't suggest anyone to do the same. In general, Blackmail and Bibingka isn't good but the audio really solidifies the book's poor writing and it's aura of a Saturday morning cartoon special.
*adds to donation pile*
September 20, 2022
I have to tell you, when I received the widget for Blackmail and Bibingka, I was unsure of where this book would take me. Judging by the cover, I thought I would be reading a RomCom, but as I read the synopsis, I knew I was dead wrong. I will tell you that as soon as I realized the setting was placed around Christmas, I knew regardless I would love it, so I dove on in.....
I'm that weird woman who rocks out to Christmas music all year round, I bake Christmas cookies in July and I have a dog named Rudolph. You get the picture? YES! I love all things Christmas!!! Blackmail and Bibingka has made the cut and I thoroughly believe anyone who chooses (and they should) to pick this one up will love it as much as I did.
This is the first book I have read by Mia P. Manansala. I completely fell in love with her writing style and her ability to teleport her audience into the storyline. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING felt so real, from the people to the baked goods, I saw these people in person, and I tasted the food just on description!
The narration was done with perfection and I was head over heels consumed with this book from page one! Now, I originally told you how I thought this book would be a RomCom and although there is romance, there is just so many more layers to this book! There was family drama, friendship and even murder (YIKES!)
Blackmail and Bibingka is book three in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series and although I have not read the two books prior, I will be now. I was easily able to read this book as a standalone but after falling in love with the characters I need more!
I highly recommend Black and Bibingka, and I would like to give a big thank you to Berkley Publishing and Mia P. Manansala, for trusting me to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm that weird woman who rocks out to Christmas music all year round, I bake Christmas cookies in July and I have a dog named Rudolph. You get the picture? YES! I love all things Christmas!!! Blackmail and Bibingka has made the cut and I thoroughly believe anyone who chooses (and they should) to pick this one up will love it as much as I did.
This is the first book I have read by Mia P. Manansala. I completely fell in love with her writing style and her ability to teleport her audience into the storyline. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING felt so real, from the people to the baked goods, I saw these people in person, and I tasted the food just on description!
The narration was done with perfection and I was head over heels consumed with this book from page one! Now, I originally told you how I thought this book would be a RomCom and although there is romance, there is just so many more layers to this book! There was family drama, friendship and even murder (YIKES!)
Blackmail and Bibingka is book three in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series and although I have not read the two books prior, I will be now. I was easily able to read this book as a standalone but after falling in love with the characters I need more!
I highly recommend Black and Bibingka, and I would like to give a big thank you to Berkley Publishing and Mia P. Manansala, for trusting me to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 22, 2022
I let my mom read this before me when it came out, and by the time I got around to it, it was the week of Christmas, which was very fitting! I had forgotten it takes place around that time, but as the book also points out; for Filipinos, Christmas is during any of the "ber" months ;)
As always, this made me so hungry. I had to go visit my parents and eat some champorado and pancit!
It's very casual and cozy mystery, as expected. The characters are diverse, and while there is instantly a murder to solve, I felt this book was more about family affairs, which I liked. If you liked the first two books, I'm sure you'll like this one too. My mother and I really love to read something that is so tied to our culture! She's eagerly awaiting the next one already, we're definitely excited to hear there will be three more books!
As always, this made me so hungry. I had to go visit my parents and eat some champorado and pancit!
It's very casual and cozy mystery, as expected. The characters are diverse, and while there is instantly a murder to solve, I felt this book was more about family affairs, which I liked. If you liked the first two books, I'm sure you'll like this one too. My mother and I really love to read something that is so tied to our culture! She's eagerly awaiting the next one already, we're definitely excited to hear there will be three more books!
October 11, 2022
Another winner in Mia's charming mystery series, whose stories always engage me with their clever plots, compelling characters, and amazing recipes woven into the narrative. Lila Macapagal's Brew-ha Cafe is where the fun happens. A must-read for anyone who loves mysteries with a culinary and multicultural twist!
November 28, 2022
Unlike the adobo I had as my first pinoy food after finishing the previous book in the series, this story wasn't very filling, like the previous. I don't know if I will keep reading the next (3) announced novels, because I am just not getting much out of them.
I like the idea of cozy genres, like cozy mysteries and cozy scifi and fantasy and stuff. But as far as I can tell, and I researched it this morning, cozy mystery is supposed to mean that there isn't anything overtly violent, bloody, gory or sexual in the book. Not that the characters have to be completely thin (like they are here, the whole huge cast of them), the relationships between them very schematic, and the plot barely holding together. The food *is* well written, but that's pretty much it, the rest feels just so generic to me. When it comes to characters, they never felt real or changing or challenging. I never felt like I was inside their head, not even with the first person POV.
But I realized in this book something that had been bugging me about the series: damn, you know what the only other thing that the books are concerned with outside of food? (It's not character, solving mysteries, having realistic characterisation and relationships) Its freaking focus on business deals and entrepreneurship. And that doesn't feel cozy to me at all. For something that is quite diverse in theory (there is a sort of checked off a list rep for sexual identities and ethnic identities and there are a lot!), this book is just so concerned with capitalist stuff, like marketing, business deals, social media presence, networking and such. Sure, it's all about small time business owners doing their own thing and making it, but truly at the expense of characters and plot! There are so many words used just to describe business strategies for selling coffee and cake and wine, but I don't know anything about Lila's boyfriend Jae, except that he is hot and adoring. He is almost like a stick figure. And Adeena and Elena are just perfect friends and girlfriends who are creative and good businesswomen.
There is no catharsis in the series because there isn't really any conflict beyond: oh, there's a murder connected to the family, the family is in danger, but the stakes never really feel like they even exist.
'He was down, and Tita Rosie, while not usually physically or verbally affectionate, was still the sweetest, most nurturing person in the world'. I genuinely don't know how that nurturing works. Just making food? Is that nurturing enough, without verbal of physical affection? Cause when my mom cooks me food, it never feels affectionate. This quote feels like it describes my relationship with the series. It tries to be nurturing, but I feel it cold in my bones.
There is no insight into the characters, no resonant emotional moment, in all 3 books! It just feels so strange! I still feel hungry for some sort of meatiness and delving in and having layered flavor. But the salt and pepper is missing! So now that I've done a very cheesy food pun paragraph, this might be where I part ways with the series. I really tried.
I like the idea of cozy genres, like cozy mysteries and cozy scifi and fantasy and stuff. But as far as I can tell, and I researched it this morning, cozy mystery is supposed to mean that there isn't anything overtly violent, bloody, gory or sexual in the book. Not that the characters have to be completely thin (like they are here, the whole huge cast of them), the relationships between them very schematic, and the plot barely holding together. The food *is* well written, but that's pretty much it, the rest feels just so generic to me. When it comes to characters, they never felt real or changing or challenging. I never felt like I was inside their head, not even with the first person POV.
But I realized in this book something that had been bugging me about the series: damn, you know what the only other thing that the books are concerned with outside of food? (It's not character, solving mysteries, having realistic characterisation and relationships) Its freaking focus on business deals and entrepreneurship. And that doesn't feel cozy to me at all. For something that is quite diverse in theory (there is a sort of checked off a list rep for sexual identities and ethnic identities and there are a lot!), this book is just so concerned with capitalist stuff, like marketing, business deals, social media presence, networking and such. Sure, it's all about small time business owners doing their own thing and making it, but truly at the expense of characters and plot! There are so many words used just to describe business strategies for selling coffee and cake and wine, but I don't know anything about Lila's boyfriend Jae, except that he is hot and adoring. He is almost like a stick figure. And Adeena and Elena are just perfect friends and girlfriends who are creative and good businesswomen.
There is no catharsis in the series because there isn't really any conflict beyond: oh, there's a murder connected to the family, the family is in danger, but the stakes never really feel like they even exist.
'He was down, and Tita Rosie, while not usually physically or verbally affectionate, was still the sweetest, most nurturing person in the world'. I genuinely don't know how that nurturing works. Just making food? Is that nurturing enough, without verbal of physical affection? Cause when my mom cooks me food, it never feels affectionate. This quote feels like it describes my relationship with the series. It tries to be nurturing, but I feel it cold in my bones.
There is no insight into the characters, no resonant emotional moment, in all 3 books! It just feels so strange! I still feel hungry for some sort of meatiness and delving in and having layered flavor. But the salt and pepper is missing! So now that I've done a very cheesy food pun paragraph, this might be where I part ways with the series. I really tried.
December 29, 2022
Every one of these mystery books gets worse and worse as they go on. I’m the fool for continuing to purchase these books, just because I as a Filipino wanted to support a Filipino author.
I’m sorry but Mia’s writing just doesn’t have the finesse it takes to write adult mystery. She could possibly write children’s Nancy Drew type mysteries. Especially when her villains are the type to exclaim, “Ah, here it is!”
Lila’s sleuthing is hardly helpful, the woman is going to get herself killed if she doesn’t butt out of it. Their police force is portrayed as incompetent but she has no experience in detective work to be putting herself in danger to solve these crimes.
Death had been happening around Lila left and right and woman thinks she can replace therapy with prayers and ube-fying things. WOMAN NEEDS HELP. And don’t you think I’ve forgotten about her unresolved trauma about her parents dying. Tragedy after tragedy happens and she thinks being Sherlock is the healing hand that will solve everything.
The writing is just bad period. It’s so unserious. Countless times they are in the middle of discussing something that should be serious and then Lila veers off into describing the tastes and nuances of the food they’re eating. I know food is a central part of these books but it need not be in EVERY scene. So many inconsequential details this book could have been less than 100 pages. She wouldn’t shut up about the same stupid cookies all throughout the book until the very end. She talked more about the cookies than her relationship with Jae even though he basically worships the ground she walks on. She basically treats him like an after thought and the last priority. It seems like the author just doesn’t know how to build up that relationship or relationships in general.
The mystery itself wasn’t a mystery you could see it from a million miles away. It felt like the author just gave up when it came to the goal of writing a compelling story. Like she knows she already has footing as a series so people will just buy it anyway and she doesn’t need to try. It’s disheartening and disappointing lol. I want my money back
I’m sorry but Mia’s writing just doesn’t have the finesse it takes to write adult mystery. She could possibly write children’s Nancy Drew type mysteries. Especially when her villains are the type to exclaim, “Ah, here it is!”
Lila’s sleuthing is hardly helpful, the woman is going to get herself killed if she doesn’t butt out of it. Their police force is portrayed as incompetent but she has no experience in detective work to be putting herself in danger to solve these crimes.
Death had been happening around Lila left and right and woman thinks she can replace therapy with prayers and ube-fying things. WOMAN NEEDS HELP. And don’t you think I’ve forgotten about her unresolved trauma about her parents dying. Tragedy after tragedy happens and she thinks being Sherlock is the healing hand that will solve everything.
The writing is just bad period. It’s so unserious. Countless times they are in the middle of discussing something that should be serious and then Lila veers off into describing the tastes and nuances of the food they’re eating. I know food is a central part of these books but it need not be in EVERY scene. So many inconsequential details this book could have been less than 100 pages. She wouldn’t shut up about the same stupid cookies all throughout the book until the very end. She talked more about the cookies than her relationship with Jae even though he basically worships the ground she walks on. She basically treats him like an after thought and the last priority. It seems like the author just doesn’t know how to build up that relationship or relationships in general.
The mystery itself wasn’t a mystery you could see it from a million miles away. It felt like the author just gave up when it came to the goal of writing a compelling story. Like she knows she already has footing as a series so people will just buy it anyway and she doesn’t need to try. It’s disheartening and disappointing lol. I want my money back
November 28, 2022
This was a holiday delight that left me feeling as starved for Filipino food as it did for the holiday spirit.
Lila survived the depths of Homicide and Halo-Halo to return in this lovely Christmas companion to the series that also happens to be essential to the continuation of the series and not just a "holiday book" cashing in. Ronnie and his hangers-on are such a fun cast of characters expanding the world of Shady Pines and adding to the imminent danger of living there. I loved plot line that kept me on my toes but didn't completely frustrate with too many complications--the story flowed smoothly, even if it does become a bit involved as the layers are added--not just complicated family relationships, but sketchy business partnerships and the relationships spinning out from there. It's a very wild ride I don't want to discuss and spoil for you. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the Ronnie dynamic and it's evolution in this story. Come for the Bibingka and say for the holiday cheer.
Lila survived the depths of Homicide and Halo-Halo to return in this lovely Christmas companion to the series that also happens to be essential to the continuation of the series and not just a "holiday book" cashing in. Ronnie and his hangers-on are such a fun cast of characters expanding the world of Shady Pines and adding to the imminent danger of living there. I loved plot line that kept me on my toes but didn't completely frustrate with too many complications--the story flowed smoothly, even if it does become a bit involved as the layers are added--not just complicated family relationships, but sketchy business partnerships and the relationships spinning out from there. It's a very wild ride I don't want to discuss and spoil for you. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the Ronnie dynamic and it's evolution in this story. Come for the Bibingka and say for the holiday cheer.
October 24, 2022
Seriously. Lila has never solved a crime in her life. The way she treats her friends and family is terrible. Her cousin comes back, she doesn’t talk to him but also acts like he’s the same as he was as a teen, and then scream his secrets all over the place because she thinks she’s better than he is? Her baking is boring and annoying now. Her romance is dull and essentially a side note. And I hate her stupid dog. I’m done with these books. I hate them.
December 27, 2022
Prodigal son of Tita Rosie, Ronnie, returns to Shady Palms around Christmas in the company of his fellow business owners Pete and Isabel, and their investors Alexander and Denise. The trio of Ronnie, Pete and Izzy have purchased the local winery and want to create and sell coconut wine here (something Ronnie developed a passion for while away for years).
The Macapagal family has a mix of feelings about Ronnie’s return, with Lila keeping a close on him for fear he revert to his wayward ways.
During the trio's show and tell for the winery's offerings, Denise dies very suddenly, and Ronnie eventually falls under suspicion of murder. Lila of course investigates, while developing numerous mouth watering new confections for her own business, the Brew-ha Café. Lila susses out motives for everyone concerned, building her business' profile with her co-owners' and others' ideas and wonderful tasty treats, and figuring out who the real murderer is.
Lila has gotten better at sleuthing, and is in a better place emotionally in this installment. I really liked how great Jae is with her family, and how cute the two are together.
The Macapagal family has a mix of feelings about Ronnie’s return, with Lila keeping a close on him for fear he revert to his wayward ways.
During the trio's show and tell for the winery's offerings, Denise dies very suddenly, and Ronnie eventually falls under suspicion of murder. Lila of course investigates, while developing numerous mouth watering new confections for her own business, the Brew-ha Café. Lila susses out motives for everyone concerned, building her business' profile with her co-owners' and others' ideas and wonderful tasty treats, and figuring out who the real murderer is.
Lila has gotten better at sleuthing, and is in a better place emotionally in this installment. I really liked how great Jae is with her family, and how cute the two are together.
January 21, 2023
2023 reads: 25/350
this is the third book in the tita rosie’s kitchen mystery series.
lila’s cousin ronnie is back in town after fifteen years away, and trouble returns not long after him. soon enough, ronnie is accused of murder following a death at his new winery, and rumors about him and his friends begin to bubble up. but lila, despite her negative feelings toward ronnie, is sure her cousin isn’t actually capable of murder…at least, she hopes so.
this book takes place during christmas time and that detail made this book even more fun.
it was also interesting to see how ronnie fit into the family dynamic, which is something that’s a big part of this series. i liked seeing lila’s mixed feelings toward her cousin and the interactions with ronnie we got from lila’s family.
while i love lila and am sad to see her go, i’m hoping this poor girl can finally catch a break!
this is the third book in the tita rosie’s kitchen mystery series.
lila’s cousin ronnie is back in town after fifteen years away, and trouble returns not long after him. soon enough, ronnie is accused of murder following a death at his new winery, and rumors about him and his friends begin to bubble up. but lila, despite her negative feelings toward ronnie, is sure her cousin isn’t actually capable of murder…at least, she hopes so.
this book takes place during christmas time and that detail made this book even more fun.
it was also interesting to see how ronnie fit into the family dynamic, which is something that’s a big part of this series. i liked seeing lila’s mixed feelings toward her cousin and the interactions with ronnie we got from lila’s family.
while i love lila and am sad to see her go, i’m hoping this poor girl can finally catch a break!
August 23, 2022
What I liked:
- this book went a lot more in depth with Lila’s family and their issues, since her cousin Ronnie is back in town. There were some great family blowup scenes.
- baking details, including vegan options
- lots of details about Lila’s small business
- writing felt the most natural and polished of the three books, except for my complaint below
- the Ninangs. We saw a lot of them in this book and they were fun.
- the dramatic showdown ending. The endings of all the books in this series have been fantastic.
What brought my ranking down:
- the pace was too slow. I struggled to stay interested in the middle.
- too many baking details
- too many details about Lila’s small business
- exaggerated “modern” slang and references (but maybe I’m just an old lady who doesn’t care about Taylor Swift conspiracy theories)
If you, like me, have committed yourself to these characters, then you should read this book. And if you love baking or need ideas for marketing your small business, you should read this book. This series sells well at my workplace, and I will continue to recommend it. But I will admit that I think some of this book could have been cut to pick up the pace and allow the really great scenes to shine more.
Thank you to @this_is_edelweiss and @berkleypub for an e-ARC of this book. It comes out October 4th.
- this book went a lot more in depth with Lila’s family and their issues, since her cousin Ronnie is back in town. There were some great family blowup scenes.
- baking details, including vegan options
- lots of details about Lila’s small business
- writing felt the most natural and polished of the three books, except for my complaint below
- the Ninangs. We saw a lot of them in this book and they were fun.
- the dramatic showdown ending. The endings of all the books in this series have been fantastic.
What brought my ranking down:
- the pace was too slow. I struggled to stay interested in the middle.
- too many baking details
- too many details about Lila’s small business
- exaggerated “modern” slang and references (but maybe I’m just an old lady who doesn’t care about Taylor Swift conspiracy theories)
If you, like me, have committed yourself to these characters, then you should read this book. And if you love baking or need ideas for marketing your small business, you should read this book. This series sells well at my workplace, and I will continue to recommend it. But I will admit that I think some of this book could have been cut to pick up the pace and allow the really great scenes to shine more.
Thank you to @this_is_edelweiss and @berkleypub for an e-ARC of this book. It comes out October 4th.
December 5, 2022
I only read this series to hear about the food, otherwise it’s pretty boring. Maybe cozy mysteries aren’t my thing!?!
October 4, 2022
I had no idea this was the third installment of an established cozy series. Normally, I would prefer to set myself on fire than read a series out of order, but when I was assured by several readers that this title would work as a standalone, I dove right in, and I'm so glad that I did!
I loved so much about this book...how dynamic the characters were, all of the food references, the Christmas setting, and even the name of the town, Shady Palms (which is so close to the Shady Pines retirement home that Dorothy constantly threatens Sophia with in The Golden Girls that I giggled every time I read it!)
Lila Macapagal runs the cleverly named Brew-ha Cafe and is in the throes of a new romance that I'm sure was mentioned in the two previous books. Her cousin Ronnie abruptly shows up in town after leaving and ghosting everyone, his mother included, for the last fifteen years. Lila is suspicious, and rightly so, because soon after Ronnie's arrival, there's a murder, and the timing is quite suspicious.
I was glued to the pages of this fun read, and I can't wait to get up to speed with this large family's shenanigans. The first two books are high on my priority list. Thank you so much to the publisher for inviting me on this book tour and providing me an e-copy to read. This book will publish October 4, 2022.
I loved so much about this book...how dynamic the characters were, all of the food references, the Christmas setting, and even the name of the town, Shady Palms (which is so close to the Shady Pines retirement home that Dorothy constantly threatens Sophia with in The Golden Girls that I giggled every time I read it!)
Lila Macapagal runs the cleverly named Brew-ha Cafe and is in the throes of a new romance that I'm sure was mentioned in the two previous books. Her cousin Ronnie abruptly shows up in town after leaving and ghosting everyone, his mother included, for the last fifteen years. Lila is suspicious, and rightly so, because soon after Ronnie's arrival, there's a murder, and the timing is quite suspicious.
I was glued to the pages of this fun read, and I can't wait to get up to speed with this large family's shenanigans. The first two books are high on my priority list. Thank you so much to the publisher for inviting me on this book tour and providing me an e-copy to read. This book will publish October 4, 2022.
September 22, 2022
I really, REALLY enjoyed this newest Tita Rosie's Kitchen cozy mystery!! Full of amazing Filipino food, culture and big-hearted family plus some hilarious karaoke scenes!! My mouth was watering practically the whole time I listened to this book and now I have a serious craving for bibingka!! The holiday theme of the book was a lot of fun - especially learning about all the unique traditions. Highly recommended and great on audio with some recipes included at the end. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @PRHAudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
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