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Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #2
Homicide and Halo-Halo
8 hours, 54 minutes
Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.
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 café 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.
Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.
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 café 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.
Audiobook
First published February 8, 2022
About the author
Mia P. Manansala
8 books4,003 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 2,293 reviews
August 9, 2022
For the love of my watering mouth and my extra stimulated taste buds: Food, sweets, even descriptions of drinks in this book made me famished and pushed me search local Filipino restaurants!
The first book of the series was so entertaining, smart, delicious example of cozy mysteries! I’m so happy to see Calendar Crew and lovely heroine Lila Macapagal are back for new murder mystery!
I wish this adventure was a little longer. I finished it in record time and I realized I truly needed more!
Mostly I’m not big fan of pageant contests and when I see the murder mystery centered on this organization and Lila is chosen of a judge, prying around the momazillas of the contenders, ambitious competitors and other judges who may be related with the tragic incident, I was semi intrigued but the promising start of first installment pushed me to expect more!
And I was so right to expect the great things: the author has amazing way to develop vivid and interesting characters that drawn you to the story so you don’t care where the entire events take place. You just focus on smart dialogues, embellished and detailed characters, stop thinking the rest!
Lila Macapagal is back! And at this second book, I enjoyed to see how she grew, how she learned to deal with her insecurities. She’s still having second thoughts to open her brand new cafe business because she thinks she lost her mojo for creating original sweet recipes!
And now she finds herself in the middle of Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant contest which is resurrected and modernized by town’s most respected and the wealthiest family: Thompsons who funded the entire organization.
That’s the same competition her long gone mother pushed her to win the crown when she was a little and nervous child. Most of her memories are not encouraging and Valerie Thompson emphasized too many times she’s been chosen for this position because she’s a woman of color which is truly irritating!
Did I also mention Detective Perk who tried to put her behind the bars at the first book requested her help for threat letters written to the organizers of contest? Now, I did! And detective is absolutely right because one of the judges is found death and Lila found the body!
So buckle up for another juicy, entertaining, riveting adventure!
I am honestly happy to see how Bernadette and Lila patched things up and reconnected after seeing their meaningless beef at the first book!
And Lila’s hesitancy about her two charming candidates also pissed me off before but finally at this book she made a choice: the relationship didn’t start yet but at least she showed her true colors and I know he will wait for her as he promised which gave me hope!
I was about to give four stars because mystery didn’t pick my interest so much but emotional growth of the main character and meaningful dialogues changed my mind! Im rounding up 4.5 to 5 I’m soooo hungry and I’m incapable to cook those amazing recipes added at the end of the book so I have to hire a personal cook for me stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
The first book of the series was so entertaining, smart, delicious example of cozy mysteries! I’m so happy to see Calendar Crew and lovely heroine Lila Macapagal are back for new murder mystery!
I wish this adventure was a little longer. I finished it in record time and I realized I truly needed more!
Mostly I’m not big fan of pageant contests and when I see the murder mystery centered on this organization and Lila is chosen of a judge, prying around the momazillas of the contenders, ambitious competitors and other judges who may be related with the tragic incident, I was semi intrigued but the promising start of first installment pushed me to expect more!
And I was so right to expect the great things: the author has amazing way to develop vivid and interesting characters that drawn you to the story so you don’t care where the entire events take place. You just focus on smart dialogues, embellished and detailed characters, stop thinking the rest!
Lila Macapagal is back! And at this second book, I enjoyed to see how she grew, how she learned to deal with her insecurities. She’s still having second thoughts to open her brand new cafe business because she thinks she lost her mojo for creating original sweet recipes!
And now she finds herself in the middle of Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant contest which is resurrected and modernized by town’s most respected and the wealthiest family: Thompsons who funded the entire organization.
That’s the same competition her long gone mother pushed her to win the crown when she was a little and nervous child. Most of her memories are not encouraging and Valerie Thompson emphasized too many times she’s been chosen for this position because she’s a woman of color which is truly irritating!
Did I also mention Detective Perk who tried to put her behind the bars at the first book requested her help for threat letters written to the organizers of contest? Now, I did! And detective is absolutely right because one of the judges is found death and Lila found the body!
So buckle up for another juicy, entertaining, riveting adventure!
I am honestly happy to see how Bernadette and Lila patched things up and reconnected after seeing their meaningless beef at the first book!
And Lila’s hesitancy about her two charming candidates also pissed me off before but finally at this book she made a choice: the relationship didn’t start yet but at least she showed her true colors and I know he will wait for her as he promised which gave me hope!
I was about to give four stars because mystery didn’t pick my interest so much but emotional growth of the main character and meaningful dialogues changed my mind! Im rounding up 4.5 to 5 I’m soooo hungry and I’m incapable to cook those amazing recipes added at the end of the book so I have to hire a personal cook for me stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 23, 2024
Homicide and Halo-Halo is the second installment of Mia P. Manansala's Cozy Mystery series, Tita Rosie's Kitchen.
💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍
I really enjoyed the first book, Arsenic and Adobo, so was quite excited to join back up with our feisty protagonist, Lila Macapagal, to solve another case.
Picking up a few months after the conclusion of the first book, Lila is still recovering from the horrifying events that occurred at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen.
She is continuing to work with her best friend to get their new cafe up and running, but Lila is feeling a little blocked with regards to creating new recipes. She hasn't really been talking about it to anyone, but it's starting to weigh on her.
She needs to get out of her own head for a while, so when the town officials decide to resurrect the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, it seems like just the distraction she needs.
Lila, who actually won the pageant years ago, is asked to participate this time around as a judge.
Lila has some mixed feelings on the pageant, but she knows it means so much to the girls that participate, so she agrees to help out.
As the pageant kicks into high gear, Lila is forced to work closely with the other judges, pageant contestants and their often overly-involved mothers.
When the head judge ends up dead, Lila's frenemy-slash-cousin, Bernadette, is considered the number one suspect. As much as Bernadette irritates Lila, she knows Bernie is no killer.
Therefore, Lila must dig deep into another mystery in order to clear her cousin's name before it's too late.
I had a ton of fun reading this. I was so happy to be back with these characters; Lila and her large, boisterous family, are a blast to read about.
I liked getting to know more about Lila's past in this one. Her backstory is filled in a bit in regards to her complicated relationship with her mother and I felt like that really added depth to her character. I began to understand more about her insecurities, which helped me to relate to her.
There are still two very eligible bachelors flitting about Lila's periphery, but I like how that is not a main focus of the book.
Lila has expressed that she isn't ready to start anything with anyone yet and I like how she is sticking to her guns. Instalove haters have no fear, you won't find that here.
Overall, this is a fun, fast-paced, deliciously cute Cozy Mystery that you can really sink your teeth into. I loved the pageant activities and setting; the contestant and judge drama never let up.
If you are looking for a new Cozy series to start, or maybe you are just looking to get into Cozy Mysteries as a genre, you cannot go wrong with Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries. Pure fun on the page!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
This is one of my most anticipated sequels of 2022 and I was beyond thrilled by the fact that I got to read it early. I hope this series runs for a long, long, long time!!
💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍💛💚🤍
I really enjoyed the first book, Arsenic and Adobo, so was quite excited to join back up with our feisty protagonist, Lila Macapagal, to solve another case.
Picking up a few months after the conclusion of the first book, Lila is still recovering from the horrifying events that occurred at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen.
She is continuing to work with her best friend to get their new cafe up and running, but Lila is feeling a little blocked with regards to creating new recipes. She hasn't really been talking about it to anyone, but it's starting to weigh on her.
She needs to get out of her own head for a while, so when the town officials decide to resurrect the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, it seems like just the distraction she needs.
Lila, who actually won the pageant years ago, is asked to participate this time around as a judge.
Lila has some mixed feelings on the pageant, but she knows it means so much to the girls that participate, so she agrees to help out.
As the pageant kicks into high gear, Lila is forced to work closely with the other judges, pageant contestants and their often overly-involved mothers.
When the head judge ends up dead, Lila's frenemy-slash-cousin, Bernadette, is considered the number one suspect. As much as Bernadette irritates Lila, she knows Bernie is no killer.
Therefore, Lila must dig deep into another mystery in order to clear her cousin's name before it's too late.
I had a ton of fun reading this. I was so happy to be back with these characters; Lila and her large, boisterous family, are a blast to read about.
I liked getting to know more about Lila's past in this one. Her backstory is filled in a bit in regards to her complicated relationship with her mother and I felt like that really added depth to her character. I began to understand more about her insecurities, which helped me to relate to her.
There are still two very eligible bachelors flitting about Lila's periphery, but I like how that is not a main focus of the book.
Lila has expressed that she isn't ready to start anything with anyone yet and I like how she is sticking to her guns. Instalove haters have no fear, you won't find that here.
Overall, this is a fun, fast-paced, deliciously cute Cozy Mystery that you can really sink your teeth into. I loved the pageant activities and setting; the contestant and judge drama never let up.
If you are looking for a new Cozy series to start, or maybe you are just looking to get into Cozy Mysteries as a genre, you cannot go wrong with Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries. Pure fun on the page!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
This is one of my most anticipated sequels of 2022 and I was beyond thrilled by the fact that I got to read it early. I hope this series runs for a long, long, long time!!
December 15, 2022
I have never really THOUGHT cozy mysteries were for me, but allegedly "you never know until you try" or something.
So now I have tried, and I think they still probably are not.
When I first got back into reading, I was so excited that I was 99% sure I liked everything that could legally qualify as a book, or otherwise conveyed meaning via words on a page.
But in the intervening years of me being myself (read: critical, hateful, cruel, grumpy, endowed with all of the charm and sunshiney personality of the bad guy in a children's movie), I have eliminated genres one by one.
First it was historical. Then it was all sci-fi except for biannual occasion I think I might be wrong. Then it was most YA (still haven't accepted that one). Then it was thrillers.
Now maybe it's thrillers and mysteries at large.
This was, in many ways, a fluffy and fun turn-your-brain-off read. It had delicious food descriptions, it was silly (in the good way) and silly (in the bad way, especially the ending). It was basically what I expected from baby's first cozy mystery.
Yes, there was also a love triangle for no reason, and additionally there were DOZENS of characters with 0 to 1 lines of dialogue who I could not remember or keep straight if you offered me financial compensation to do so, and overall I don't know if this genre was my cup of tea.
But it was fun to try something new!
Bottom line: Apparently that whole "you learn something new every day" thing made some points.
(thanks to netgalley / publisher for the e-arc)
So now I have tried, and I think they still probably are not.
When I first got back into reading, I was so excited that I was 99% sure I liked everything that could legally qualify as a book, or otherwise conveyed meaning via words on a page.
But in the intervening years of me being myself (read: critical, hateful, cruel, grumpy, endowed with all of the charm and sunshiney personality of the bad guy in a children's movie), I have eliminated genres one by one.
First it was historical. Then it was all sci-fi except for biannual occasion I think I might be wrong. Then it was most YA (still haven't accepted that one). Then it was thrillers.
Now maybe it's thrillers and mysteries at large.
This was, in many ways, a fluffy and fun turn-your-brain-off read. It had delicious food descriptions, it was silly (in the good way) and silly (in the bad way, especially the ending). It was basically what I expected from baby's first cozy mystery.
Yes, there was also a love triangle for no reason, and additionally there were DOZENS of characters with 0 to 1 lines of dialogue who I could not remember or keep straight if you offered me financial compensation to do so, and overall I don't know if this genre was my cup of tea.
But it was fun to try something new!
Bottom line: Apparently that whole "you learn something new every day" thing made some points.
(thanks to netgalley / publisher for the e-arc)
September 12, 2024
$4.99 audiobook sale @ Libro.fm
API Month
This series is not without its problems, but I'm here for the Southeast Asian rep. And food. If the Brew-ha Cafe existed in real life, I'd be there right now. This series is, at heart, a mystery. But because the people murdered sort of deserved to be murdered, I find I don't sympathize. In this case, a married man that preys on underage girls in a pageant he's judging.
There are some real issues at hand. Lila has body image issues. For a culture that believes in feeding you, aunties turn around real quick when you gain weight. Her beauty queen mom didn't help. I like the bit about Lila straightening her hair every day for literal years, because her mom didn't like it curly. I mean, I don't like it because it's wrong, but because even in the Philippines, western standards of beauty prevail. And they shouldn't.
Lila touches on body positivity, but there is so much more this series can do in that regard. Now, I'm all for health and wellness, but not all body types are the same, and you can be just as healthy as the next person even if you look different.
API Month
This series is not without its problems, but I'm here for the Southeast Asian rep. And food. If the Brew-ha Cafe existed in real life, I'd be there right now. This series is, at heart, a mystery. But because the people murdered sort of deserved to be murdered, I find I don't sympathize. In this case, a married man that preys on underage girls in a pageant he's judging.
There are some real issues at hand. Lila has body image issues. For a culture that believes in feeding you, aunties turn around real quick when you gain weight. Her beauty queen mom didn't help. I like the bit about Lila straightening her hair every day for literal years, because her mom didn't like it curly. I mean, I don't like it because it's wrong, but because even in the Philippines, western standards of beauty prevail. And they shouldn't.
Lila touches on body positivity, but there is so much more this series can do in that regard. Now, I'm all for health and wellness, but not all body types are the same, and you can be just as healthy as the next person even if you look different.
March 21, 2022
Isn’t this cover adorable? Homicide and Halo-Halo is the second book in the Tita Rose’s Kitchen Mystery series.
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen is a Filipino restaurant owned by Lila’s aunt. Summer is just starting (Lila’s least favorite season), and it’s hot and humid in Shady Palms. Lila used to compete in pageants and even won Miss Teen Shady Palms, beating out her rival, also cousin, Bernadette.
When the head judge of the pageant is murdered, Bernadette becomes the top suspect. Lila and Bernadette come together to find the real killer.
So much yummy food! There are recipes included in the book! 😍 The pageant added so many fun antics to this cozy. I love the relationship between Lila and Bernadette and their banter. Also, I have to mention the coffee shop fun, Brew Ha Cafe! The aunties add a witty dynamic as well.
A refreshing and easy story that kept me entertained, I am excited for book number three in this series!
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
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen is a Filipino restaurant owned by Lila’s aunt. Summer is just starting (Lila’s least favorite season), and it’s hot and humid in Shady Palms. Lila used to compete in pageants and even won Miss Teen Shady Palms, beating out her rival, also cousin, Bernadette.
When the head judge of the pageant is murdered, Bernadette becomes the top suspect. Lila and Bernadette come together to find the real killer.
So much yummy food! There are recipes included in the book! 😍 The pageant added so many fun antics to this cozy. I love the relationship between Lila and Bernadette and their banter. Also, I have to mention the coffee shop fun, Brew Ha Cafe! The aunties add a witty dynamic as well.
A refreshing and easy story that kept me entertained, I am excited for book number three in this series!
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
February 23, 2022
Like Arsenic & Adobo, this was a decent cozy mystery but not very well crafted. The plot was gentle. Not stupid but not inspired in any way either… It also had a plot hole and, as with A&A, Lila didn’t catch the killer, the killer caught her.
The author shines with her descriptions of food (albeit there’s a bit too much of that) but struggles with everything else, particularly dialogue and character development. For example, her treatment of Amir in this book seemed like she was just trying to find the quickest way to end the love triangle scenario, without offering a decent explanation for Amir’s 180.
Not complaining though, love triangles are stupid, especially one where it’s impossible to understand why two seemingly self-respecting and accomplished men would be into a character who publicly strings them along and who really doesn’t seem very capable given her age. It’s a humiliation that they just grin and bear. Lila is constantly in victim-mode, making excuses for her failures, blaming others, lacking self-awareness, hypocritical, and never taking responsibility - I actually wish Bernadette was the lead.
The other characters that shone in A&A, like Adeena and Det. Park, were shunted in this book. None of the return characters, except Bernadette, had any depth.
This is the perfect filler book - when you want to read something that’s really sweet but also still has a point. It’s just not great writing sadly. 2.5* rounded down but I will definitely read the next instalment if there is one.
The author shines with her descriptions of food (albeit there’s a bit too much of that) but struggles with everything else, particularly dialogue and character development. For example, her treatment of Amir in this book seemed like she was just trying to find the quickest way to end the love triangle scenario, without offering a decent explanation for Amir’s 180.
Not complaining though, love triangles are stupid, especially one where it’s impossible to understand why two seemingly self-respecting and accomplished men would be into a character who publicly strings them along and who really doesn’t seem very capable given her age. It’s a humiliation that they just grin and bear. Lila is constantly in victim-mode, making excuses for her failures, blaming others, lacking self-awareness, hypocritical, and never taking responsibility - I actually wish Bernadette was the lead.
The other characters that shone in A&A, like Adeena and Det. Park, were shunted in this book. None of the return characters, except Bernadette, had any depth.
This is the perfect filler book - when you want to read something that’s really sweet but also still has a point. It’s just not great writing sadly. 2.5* rounded down but I will definitely read the next instalment if there is one.
October 14, 2022
3.5 ☆
As the dog days of summer approach, Lila Macapagal lets sleeping dogs lie. After the harrowing events of Arsenic and Adobo, Lila denies her PTSD in Homicide and Halo-Halo.
Staying busy is Lila's preferred coping mechanism. She's about to open the Bru-ha Cafe with best friend Adeena and with Elena, who is Adeena's girlfriend. Her small hometown wants to resuscitate the Miss Teen Shady Palms pageant, which offers a college scholarship as its grand prize. Since Lila is a former winner, she's been invited as a last-minute replacement judge. When the pageant sweetens the invitation with free publicity for her new business venture, Lila can't refuse even though she should be focusing on developing a top-notch can't-fail-to-impress array of baked goodies for her cafe's grand opening.
The pageant revives many complicated and unresolved feelings. Lila's late mother was a pageant winner who had pushed her young daughter to compete as well.
As Lila begins the three-weeks long calendar of pageant events, she becomes slightly uneasy about one of her fellow judges. He pays too much attention to the underage contestants. But before she can voice her concerns, he's found dead underneath a local bridge. Neither Lila nor the police is pleased that Lila had found the body.
Small town politics and the prominent sponsor of the pageant push to quickly wrap up the suspicious death. The sheriff's office focuses on Lila's "cousin," who had confronted the judge for his unwanted attentions with the teenagers.
While I was not wildly enthused about a pageant - how retro, I did like this sequel more so than the debut novel. Homicide and Halo-Halo is quite introspective as the author explored mental health. It's appropriate given that the main protagonist is not in law enforcement and she had gotten in way over her head in the preceding Arsenic and Adobo. The author's ethnically diverse cast of characters offers hope for America's future. As this is a cosy mystery, don't count on investigative prowess from Lila for she really only has a desire to snoop and to clear her cousin's name. A few Filipino recipes are included.
As the dog days of summer approach, Lila Macapagal lets sleeping dogs lie. After the harrowing events of Arsenic and Adobo, Lila denies her PTSD in Homicide and Halo-Halo.
“So your family taught you to not talk about your problems and throw yourself into your work to avoid dealing with them? Does that sound healthy to you?”
I shrugged. “It’s what we do.”
Staying busy is Lila's preferred coping mechanism. She's about to open the Bru-ha Cafe with best friend Adeena and with Elena, who is Adeena's girlfriend. Her small hometown wants to resuscitate the Miss Teen Shady Palms pageant, which offers a college scholarship as its grand prize. Since Lila is a former winner, she's been invited as a last-minute replacement judge. When the pageant sweetens the invitation with free publicity for her new business venture, Lila can't refuse even though she should be focusing on developing a top-notch can't-fail-to-impress array of baked goodies for her cafe's grand opening.
I wondered at what age you stopped caring what other people thought about you and just spoke your mind.
The pageant revives many complicated and unresolved feelings. Lila's late mother was a pageant winner who had pushed her young daughter to compete as well.
"There’s no limit to what you can accomplish here. You can be so much more. And I know how to get you there."
These memories of my mother always stirred up something uncomfortable in me, both tender and resentful. ... My mother had loved in the way that she knew how. It had never felt like enough.
But maybe I needed to either let people love me in the limited way they could or learn to ask for what I needed out of a relationship. And if they couldn't provide it... maybe I needed to learn to move on.
As Lila begins the three-weeks long calendar of pageant events, she becomes slightly uneasy about one of her fellow judges. He pays too much attention to the underage contestants. But before she can voice her concerns, he's found dead underneath a local bridge. Neither Lila nor the police is pleased that Lila had found the body.
It’s like every time I thought the Shady Palms PD couldn’t get any lazier, they were like, "Hold my beer!" But in this case, they were saying it to a minor.
Small town politics and the prominent sponsor of the pageant push to quickly wrap up the suspicious death. The sheriff's office focuses on Lila's "cousin," who had confronted the judge for his unwanted attentions with the teenagers.
While I was not wildly enthused about a pageant - how retro, I did like this sequel more so than the debut novel. Homicide and Halo-Halo is quite introspective as the author explored mental health. It's appropriate given that the main protagonist is not in law enforcement and she had gotten in way over her head in the preceding Arsenic and Adobo. The author's ethnically diverse cast of characters offers hope for America's future. As this is a cosy mystery, don't count on investigative prowess from Lila for she really only has a desire to snoop and to clear her cousin's name. A few Filipino recipes are included.
August 25, 2022
the simplicity and childishness of liberalism is annoying but the cozy mystery was sweet regardless
January 17, 2023
Homicide and Halo-Halo is the second book in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries written by Mia Manansala. I read the first just last week and decided to read the second and third this month so I am caught up for the current release. Set in the outskirts of Chicago, the story revolved around a group of Filipino women (and other cultures too) where they solve murder mysteries in their hometown. Overall, I preferred the first book but this was a good one. My primary issue was that Lila, the protagonist, was heavily judgmental throughout the book... and she easily reacted to anything else someone said that she didn't like or agree with, even minor opinions and conversation. Part of it was to show the PTSD she's suffering from (for a few reasons) and to have her journey through it and come out a better person (she's already very kind, to be clear). I'm hoping we see a more balanced personality in the third book or I might not keep with the series as I'd dislike the way the character acts too frequently. Sometimes I love her, sometimes she's just rude. That said, the writing is great... the plot for the mystery had lots of merit. I had 2 possible killers in mind and was correct, tho I preferred it was the other one so we could keep reading about the one in future books. That won't happen now! LOL On to #3 next week!
May 3, 2024
Умирам си топлото време да се завърне. Но струва ли си без голяма купа с хало-хало*!? 🥺
*Хало-хало - филипински десерт, представляващ пластове настърган лед между пластове червено бобена паста, кондензирано мляко, плодове и каквото друго сладко се сетите. Замразената вода с овкусители, която се опитват да ни пробутат за сладолед, да върви по дяволите.😤😡😠
*Хало-хало - филипински десерт, представляващ пластове настърган лед между пластове червено бобена паста, кондензирано мляко, плодове и каквото друго сладко се сетите. Замразената вода с овкусители, която се опитват да ни пробутат за сладолед, да върви по дяволите.😤😡😠
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 12, 2022This is a Cozy Mystery series, and this is the second book in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series. I have to say I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, but then it got super boring. It just could not hold my attention of any amount of time, so I kept having to re-read the same parts. I ended up DNFing this book just after the 50% mark of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley Books) or author (Mia P. Manansala) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 1, 2022
ouu this aint good.
February 14, 2022
This was a very cute follow-up to Arsenic and Adobo. Just like the first installment, there were a lot of food references, but this time it felt slightly overwhelming as it was more prevalent than the intensity of the plot. Although the story was unique, I was still a little bored. It didn’t pick up for me until the end. Also, the protagonists close friendships really took a backseat this time around - they honestly could’ve been omitted and it wouldn’t have impacted the story at all. I would still read other books by the author, I just wished I had gotten more of the cozy feeling this time around. 3 stars.
June 25, 2022
3.5
I enjoyed this but a little less than the first. In the beginning the author mentions this book is a bit heavier in topics than the first due to when she wrote it. The main character is the same from the first and so dealing with mental health issues and her trauma response. I didn’t love the mystery as much in this one, I don’t know how to explain. But really enjoyed the aunties and grandma of course and all the family/ friendship relationships.
I enjoyed this but a little less than the first. In the beginning the author mentions this book is a bit heavier in topics than the first due to when she wrote it. The main character is the same from the first and so dealing with mental health issues and her trauma response. I didn’t love the mystery as much in this one, I don’t know how to explain. But really enjoyed the aunties and grandma of course and all the family/ friendship relationships.
April 23, 2022
The plot didn’t do much for me and neither did the reveal, but the food descriptions were amazing. I wanted a huge feast to just pop out of the book so I could annihilate it
February 5, 2022
Another winner. As the Author's note will tell you, this one is a bit darker than a normal cozy. (No on the page graphic violence but it deeps with some deeper issues.) But that just made me enjoy it even more because it made Lila feel even more like a real person. Definitely pick it up. (But still don't read it on an empty stomach.)
February 15, 2022
I told myself I would continue with this series if the writing got better in this book, and it did! There were a couple rather tragic instances of dialogue (see below*), but for the most part both the dialogue and inner narration/characterization for Lila got much better. I feel like I have a better handle on who she is as a person, where in the first one she was sort of a blank slate. There is still a lot of room for improvement, but I feel good about continuing the series. And book three isn’t coming in a year, it’s coming in six months! So that’s neat.
*Upon being given some lovely handmade jewelry by a contestant: “Thank you, Naoko,” I said as I put on the bracelets and switched out my hoops for the dangly earrings. “I’ll cherish them. Just like I cherish your mom’s friendship.” I mean, nobody talks like that in real life?
It’s been a few month since the events of the first book, and Lila and her two friends/business partners are getting ready to open their café, The Brew-ha Café. She’s also suffering mental health effects from being attacked and at the center of a murder investigation. In the midst of this, as the former winner, she’s invited to a judge on the Miss Teen Shady Palms pageant. It doesn’t help that participating in the pageant is bringing up feelings of her dead mother that she’s never dealt with, and neither is the dead body of a fellow judge that Lila and a new friend stumble upon floating in the river.
This time around, Lila is pulled into the investigation because her cousin Bernadette is the main suspect, and as a judge she has a high level of access to many of the suspects. I had to suspend some disbelief that Detective Park would involve all these Filipino ladies so heavily in the investigation, but at a certain point you’ve just got to go with it. The book was a fun, fast read. I read it much faster than the first one, and I actually appreciated that the author allowed Lila to experience consequences and a level of emotional realness instead of those consequences being brushed under the metaphorical rug. I do wish there had been less man-drama, though. That’s just not interesting to me. Also, also, I thought the motivation for the killer got a bit melodramatic, and wish she would have toned it down a bit.
[3.75 stars]
*Upon being given some lovely handmade jewelry by a contestant: “Thank you, Naoko,” I said as I put on the bracelets and switched out my hoops for the dangly earrings. “I’ll cherish them. Just like I cherish your mom’s friendship.” I mean, nobody talks like that in real life?
It’s been a few month since the events of the first book, and Lila and her two friends/business partners are getting ready to open their café, The Brew-ha Café. She’s also suffering mental health effects from being attacked and at the center of a murder investigation. In the midst of this, as the former winner, she’s invited to a judge on the Miss Teen Shady Palms pageant. It doesn’t help that participating in the pageant is bringing up feelings of her dead mother that she’s never dealt with, and neither is the dead body of a fellow judge that Lila and a new friend stumble upon floating in the river.
This time around, Lila is pulled into the investigation because her cousin Bernadette is the main suspect, and as a judge she has a high level of access to many of the suspects. I had to suspend some disbelief that Detective Park would involve all these Filipino ladies so heavily in the investigation, but at a certain point you’ve just got to go with it. The book was a fun, fast read. I read it much faster than the first one, and I actually appreciated that the author allowed Lila to experience consequences and a level of emotional realness instead of those consequences being brushed under the metaphorical rug. I do wish there had been less man-drama, though. That’s just not interesting to me. Also, also, I thought the motivation for the killer got a bit melodramatic, and wish she would have toned it down a bit.
[3.75 stars]
August 21, 2023
Homecide and Halo Halo is delicious book that have many colorful Filipino foods. I can practically taste the description of the food. Miss Manansala knows her food.
But then... that it is. Just good food. I do not connect with the mystery/ suspense. I do not connect with the characters.
3 stars
But then... that it is. Just good food. I do not connect with the mystery/ suspense. I do not connect with the characters.
3 stars
January 27, 2022
I had some trepidation about the series after reading the first book and wanted to give the author another chance with the follow up.
As with the first book, I really loved so many things: representation, strong female storylines, an openness to discuss mental health, education on different cultures and some laugh out loud moments with how well written these women are.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the same things in this book that I did with the first book. I have a really hard time suspending belief that the police would be so collaborative on a murder case with regular people. It really irks me. I also wanted the author to change up the formula a little bit. This read almost exactly like the first book (except with a murder taking place in a different setting). I was hoping for a little more.
Overall, there is a lot to enjoy and I encourage anyone to read it and see for yourself. I wish the author nothing but success.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo and Berkley Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 01/27/2022
Publication Date: 02/08/2022
As with the first book, I really loved so many things: representation, strong female storylines, an openness to discuss mental health, education on different cultures and some laugh out loud moments with how well written these women are.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the same things in this book that I did with the first book. I have a really hard time suspending belief that the police would be so collaborative on a murder case with regular people. It really irks me. I also wanted the author to change up the formula a little bit. This read almost exactly like the first book (except with a murder taking place in a different setting). I was hoping for a little more.
Overall, there is a lot to enjoy and I encourage anyone to read it and see for yourself. I wish the author nothing but success.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo and Berkley Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 01/27/2022
Publication Date: 02/08/2022
May 20, 2022
"Wait for me." I didn´t elaborate.
"Ok." That´s all he said. But it was enough.
This is again a one POV book with the POV of Lila.
I loved the characters I still knew from the first book, especially Adeena and Elena, they are the cutest. I really liked that this book also talked about how the events of the first book affected Lila and how that was made clear in the development of her character. I liked the newly added characters; except Beth, I somehow really dislike her. I really like Joy, her name basically says all about her personality. I liked the character developments and the forming of new relationships.
The descriptions of food in this are top notch again, they just make my mouth water and I guess I now don´t just have to try Adobo but Halo-Halo as well. I loved the vibes of their cafe and Tita´s Rosie restaurant, they felt so cozy and homey. I also loved how they all got together for dinner to discuss crime over food like some maybe would how their day went.
Although I have to say with this book the mystery part didn´t feel as strong as in the first book. It was there but not that prominent in my opinion. It felt like it shared its focus with everything personal going on in Lila´s life as well as her work and love life.
With this one I didn´t guess the killer as quickly as the first one, I didn´t figure it out before Lila. I liked how everything was connected, but you only figured it out in the end.
The hint of romance in this book was definitely stronger than in the first one, the love triangle got solved and Lila´s romances were more often present in the book.
Overall it was a really enjoyable read but I think I liked the first book a little bit better.
trigger warnings: PTSD, murder (obviously), preying on minors, dysfunctional family
"Ok." That´s all he said. But it was enough.
This is again a one POV book with the POV of Lila.
I loved the characters I still knew from the first book, especially Adeena and Elena, they are the cutest. I really liked that this book also talked about how the events of the first book affected Lila and how that was made clear in the development of her character. I liked the newly added characters; except Beth, I somehow really dislike her. I really like Joy, her name basically says all about her personality. I liked the character developments and the forming of new relationships.
The descriptions of food in this are top notch again, they just make my mouth water and I guess I now don´t just have to try Adobo but Halo-Halo as well. I loved the vibes of their cafe and Tita´s Rosie restaurant, they felt so cozy and homey. I also loved how they all got together for dinner to discuss crime over food like some maybe would how their day went.
Although I have to say with this book the mystery part didn´t feel as strong as in the first book. It was there but not that prominent in my opinion. It felt like it shared its focus with everything personal going on in Lila´s life as well as her work and love life.
With this one I didn´t guess the killer as quickly as the first one, I didn´t figure it out before Lila. I liked how everything was connected, but you only figured it out in the end.
The hint of romance in this book was definitely stronger than in the first one, the love triangle got solved and Lila´s romances were more often present in the book.
Overall it was a really enjoyable read but I think I liked the first book a little bit better.
trigger warnings: PTSD, murder (obviously), preying on minors, dysfunctional family
November 28, 2022
Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala is book 2 of the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series and follows much of the same structure as the other books in this series (there is currently 3 total, and I am anxiously waiting for the 4th). This also happens to be Manansala's sophomore novel, and it was just as solid as her debut! Again, we get those amazing descriptions of Filipino food which are nothing if not mouthwatering, and I especially loved that Lila has to team up with her cousin Bernadette to solve the mystery. There is a decent amount of animosity between the two which makes things really interesting, and I enjoyed watching the two of them try to work things out and work together. And I don't know why I haven't mentioned this yet, but there is also a completely adorable dog owned by Lila, and that little guy is my favorite.
I loved how Lila's story continued from the first book so seamlessly, and Homicide and Halo-Halo takes place just a few months after Arsenic and Adobo ended. Lila's character is dealing with some things from her past as well as the more recent occurrences in book 1, and she ends up being a very relatable character in that respect. She could be anyone dealing with these things, and I love the way Manansala can make the reader feel seen through Lila. I really enjoyed Lila's growth in Homicide and Halo-Halo and it really just makes you want to give that girl a hug. There are recipes at the end, along with a glossary of terms and the TWs at the beginning, and I love that these are things Manansala always includes. I feel like I am getting to know this family thoroughly, and the author's quick wit and personal experiences just add that much more. I was shocked by how the mystery turned out, and it left me wanting the next book right away! I highly recommend reading this series in order to get character development, but it would be fine as a standalone as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved how Lila's story continued from the first book so seamlessly, and Homicide and Halo-Halo takes place just a few months after Arsenic and Adobo ended. Lila's character is dealing with some things from her past as well as the more recent occurrences in book 1, and she ends up being a very relatable character in that respect. She could be anyone dealing with these things, and I love the way Manansala can make the reader feel seen through Lila. I really enjoyed Lila's growth in Homicide and Halo-Halo and it really just makes you want to give that girl a hug. There are recipes at the end, along with a glossary of terms and the TWs at the beginning, and I love that these are things Manansala always includes. I feel like I am getting to know this family thoroughly, and the author's quick wit and personal experiences just add that much more. I was shocked by how the mystery turned out, and it left me wanting the next book right away! I highly recommend reading this series in order to get character development, but it would be fine as a standalone as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 24, 2022
My favorite palate-cleanser.
November 18, 2022
#1) Arsenic and Adobo ★★★★☆
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Lila (mc) is Filipino; Adeena (sc) is Pakistani Muslim & a lesbian; Amir (sc) is Pakistani Muslim; Jae (li) is biracial Korean; Filipino, Japanese, Mexican, Black & sapphic scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
February 15, 2022
This kind of felt like the first book repeated but it was enjoyable. I am definitely getting into cozy mysteries and look forward to reading some more. I love the representation in this book and the description of all the food mmmm.
March 12, 2022
Book 2 of a fun cozy mystery series focused on friends, family, food & murder!
𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐨-𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐨 is the second installment of Mia P. Manansala’s 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 cozy mystery series. I’m not much of a cozy mystery reader but I enjoyed the first book, 𝘈𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘣𝘰, so I was excited to meet up with all the characters to solve another mystery. Who doesn’t love a few meddling, know-it-all aunties, strong female BFFs and even a bit of a love triangle amidst solving a murder. I sure do!
This book picks up a few months after the happenings of book 1. I really like how we get to see the progression of the opening of Lila’s cafe and the aftermath the events from the previous murder have on her. I feel like often, the negative emotional elements aren’t dealt with in books like these and I really enjoyed how that aspect is being explored in this series.
The setting of a teen beauty pageant brings up a lot of old wounds for Lila and allows us to meet many different members of the Shady Palms community. I won’t give anything away here about the actual murder but I’m thinking that the Macapagal family missed their true calling as Private Investigators because these women are all up in everybody’s business and cracking more cases wide open that the local Shady palms police department.
Overall, I enjoyed book 1 a bit more than this one but it is a solid sophomore book in a series that I will definitely continue to follow along with. I find the characters entertaining, love the family and friendship focus, find the overall vibe of the series to be one of positivity and who can resist the lush descriptions of Filipino cuisine! If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a focus on food and family, don’t miss this series! 3.5 stars
𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐨-𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐨 is the second installment of Mia P. Manansala’s 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 cozy mystery series. I’m not much of a cozy mystery reader but I enjoyed the first book, 𝘈𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘣𝘰, so I was excited to meet up with all the characters to solve another mystery. Who doesn’t love a few meddling, know-it-all aunties, strong female BFFs and even a bit of a love triangle amidst solving a murder. I sure do!
This book picks up a few months after the happenings of book 1. I really like how we get to see the progression of the opening of Lila’s cafe and the aftermath the events from the previous murder have on her. I feel like often, the negative emotional elements aren’t dealt with in books like these and I really enjoyed how that aspect is being explored in this series.
The setting of a teen beauty pageant brings up a lot of old wounds for Lila and allows us to meet many different members of the Shady Palms community. I won’t give anything away here about the actual murder but I’m thinking that the Macapagal family missed their true calling as Private Investigators because these women are all up in everybody’s business and cracking more cases wide open that the local Shady palms police department.
Overall, I enjoyed book 1 a bit more than this one but it is a solid sophomore book in a series that I will definitely continue to follow along with. I find the characters entertaining, love the family and friendship focus, find the overall vibe of the series to be one of positivity and who can resist the lush descriptions of Filipino cuisine! If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a focus on food and family, don’t miss this series! 3.5 stars
March 27, 2022
Not the most complex mystery but still a fun read. Love the representation.
May 11, 2022
A lot of the side character's seem like robots stuck in a hard reset mode. Most served no purpose and were forgettable. I think the food descriptions were overkill and distracting from the already lackluster plot and dialogue. It got to a point that the author could've just scrapped the story entirely and did a cookbook instead.
The reveal wasn't much of one and the ending was rushed. Lila, like in the previous book, didn’t actually solve the mystery but just happened to be there when the killer showed themselves.
Also, Lila being described as "smart and observant" was an insult to my intelligence. She fluctuated between being oblivious and dense.
The romantic chemistry wasn't very convincing with either love interest. Their personalities were similar to a cardboard cut-out sometimes. The reasons why they even liked Lina was the real mystery. They never say but just simply do to give a love triangle placement.
Was this better than the first book of the series? Barely.
Did the journey of reading this at times feel as if I were serving a prison sentence in solitary confinement? Yes.
The reveal wasn't much of one and the ending was rushed. Lila, like in the previous book, didn’t actually solve the mystery but just happened to be there when the killer showed themselves.
Also, Lila being described as "smart and observant" was an insult to my intelligence. She fluctuated between being oblivious and dense.
The romantic chemistry wasn't very convincing with either love interest. Their personalities were similar to a cardboard cut-out sometimes. The reasons why they even liked Lina was the real mystery. They never say but just simply do to give a love triangle placement.
Was this better than the first book of the series? Barely.
Did the journey of reading this at times feel as if I were serving a prison sentence in solitary confinement? Yes.
March 3, 2024
It was great to be back in Tita Rosie's kitchen with Lila and the gang. I love all of the food talk.
The pageant was less in the forefront than the food, and that was alright with me.
I am beginning to wonder how so much death can occur in such a small town. Makes it seem a bit over the top.
It is good to see that Lila does not compromise or diminish herself for the suitors, and that there is some progress and decision-making going on.
Adeen is great for some comic relief and gossip. I was sad that we didn't have more from the aunties, but I did enjoy getting to know more about the cousin rivalry.
Overall, it was fun and a quick read.
4 Stars
The pageant was less in the forefront than the food, and that was alright with me.
I am beginning to wonder how so much death can occur in such a small town. Makes it seem a bit over the top.
It is good to see that Lila does not compromise or diminish herself for the suitors, and that there is some progress and decision-making going on.
Adeen is great for some comic relief and gossip. I was sad that we didn't have more from the aunties, but I did enjoy getting to know more about the cousin rivalry.
Overall, it was fun and a quick read.
4 Stars
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series, although the first one was funnier. The author does warn readers in the beginning that this one covers darker topics which I appreciated. I loved the mental health rep more than anything else. This was a perfect read for May because of AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month.
September 20, 2022
ignore the rumors i HAD FUN! but one star removed because i genuinely thought i'd get jonathan and lila together but i am a clown
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