I genuinely loved this book. Not only is the author Filipino, but the story is beautifully steeped in Filipino cuisine and culture—something I deeply appreciate as a Filipino myself. Combine that with a lighthearted mystery, and it instantly became such an enjoyable read for me. I’ll admit I’m a little biased, but this one truly hit the spot. I’m glad Ms. Mia P. Manansala chose to write this story and share a piece of our beautiful culture with the world. The way she blended comedy, family dynamics, Filipino traditions, and mystery felt warm, familiar, and incredibly entertaining. And the cover? Absolutely gorgeous.

<i>Arsenic and Adobo</i> is a delightful blend of crime and culinary delights. While the thriller aspect may not be as “thrilling” as I had expected, the book’s strength lies in its vibrant portrayal of Filipino culture and cuisine. Lila, despite her fun quirkiness, made me feel slightly frustrated at some of her immature decisions. Her sleuthing efforts were fun to follow, but I don’t think it really moved the needle in terms of solving the mystery. Plus, the cooking scenes, while mouthwatering and well-written, sometimes felt like a commercial break from the main story. The ending was also a bit underwhelming. It felt like everything was neatly tied up in a bow too quickly, and the resolution was a bit too straightforward. I was hoping for a more unexpected (or at least entertaining/fun) twist/reveal. Also, there were some character plot points that remained unaddressed. I'm personally still confused about the whole <spoiler>Lila-Adeena thing. Did they just magically make up?</spoiler> I must have missed something. Overall, <i>Arsenic and Adobo</i> was a fun and enjoyable read. It's perfect for anyone who wants a lighthearted mystery with a side of culinary adventure. While it's not the most thrilling book I've ever read, it's definitely worth a shot if you're looking for something cozy and entertaining.

My only question is: Was Detective Park the stupidest detective ever written in a story?