I enjoyed the second book in this series as much as I enjoyed the first one - that is, very much. While it was nice to see familiar characters again and get to know them better, the addition of some interesting (and some not very nice) new characters added to the plot. I especially liked learning more about the Filipino culture and reading the descriptions of unfamiliar foods. If I could, I'd be heading off to the nearest restaurant to try some! This well-written cozy mystery was extremely enjoyable, and the solution to the mystery, while not glaringly obvious, was there for a discerning reader to discover. However, it kept me guessing almost to the end. I am eagerly looking forward to another book in this series.

When Berkley Pub reached out and asked if I wanted to read the sequel to Manansala‘s debut novel Arsenic and Adobo, I of course had to say yes because I enjoyed the charming writing and yummy food discussions in the first book. In many ways, Homicide was similar to Arsenic in its writing style. The self-proclaimed ‘cozy mystery’ assured me that everything would end with a happy and hopeful ending despite any struggles that the characters are put through. I appreciated all the references to Filipino culture and loved the way that humor was blended with the specific type of comfort read that this author wrote.

In Arsenic, I wasn’t fond of the disparity between the chapters that focused on plot and the chapters that focused more on food and cooking. In a way, it felt to me like I was reading two separate stories that were roughly meshed together. I think Homicide improves on this aspect because the transition between these parts was a lot smoother and progressed more naturally. I knew what to expect this time around so I think it helped me be less critical of the plot and instead just enjoy the ride.

The characterizations were solid and Lila is still the same cool protagonist that we met in Arsenic, albeit carrying a little more baggage from her experiences in the first novel. I like that the author tackled issues of mental health and the stigma that is typically associated with this heavy subject in a realistic way. We see Lila struggle with PTSD as well, and it takes a good chunk of the story for her to recognize the gravity of her situation and learn to reach out for help. One of the things I appreciated about this book was actually in the author’s note, in which she explains that the story is slightly heavier in tone than the first, and provides content warnings for the reader to help them mentally prepare for her story.

‘Cozy mystery’ is such a great way to describe this because I knew not to expect any crazy plot twists. The story is straightforward and I would say it’s a good palate cleanser in between books that are heavier in detail like fantasy or thrillers. Just remember not to go into it on an empty stomach, because all of the wonderful dishes and desserts described will surely leave you hungry! Another sequel is already in the works and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

For fans of Arsenic and Adobo, the next installment into the lives of Lila and her fun cohort of family and friends is here. In Homicide and Halo-Halo, Lila is preparing to judge the Miss Teen Shady Palms beauty pageant, and is keeping an eye out for anything strange going on as there have been anonymous threats made against the pageant. When one of the judges is then found dead, and Lila's cousin Bernadette is the lead suspect, Lila must again go into detective mode to investigate and prove Bernadette's innocence.

This cozy mystery has more of what we loved the first time around. Lots of food talk (with recipes to be found in the back of the book), a bit of a romantic love triangle, and the investigative skills of the entire family who are sometimes a little too nosy for their own good. We also get to learn more about Lila's birth parents and some of the insecurities she has about her mother surrounding the beauty pageant, and some PTSD issues that she is still dealing with from the last book.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I feel like this book series should come with a warning: Don't read on an empty stomach!! LOL
Why?
Because the author, through the narration of Lila Macapagal, goes into great detail about various Filipino dishes and desserts. My mouth was watering throughout.

On top of that, this second book in the series puts Lila back at the center of a mystery, as Detective Park reaches out to her for assistance. Yes, it seems odd that the police would personally involve the public to help them, but this being a cozy mystery, I think you just have to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the process.

The mystery in this one begins with a threat towards the local beauty pageant, of which Lila is a judge. When a fellow judge is found dead, things get a lot more complicated. Using her connections around the town, Lila does a good job of offering what assistance she can, without putting herself in direct harm's way (for the most part).

Going into this book, the author does provide a warning that this book wouldn't be as light as the first. Given what Lila went through in that book, I could understand the state of her character who was still recovering from the trauma she suffered. And once again, Lila unluckily found herself at the center of the drama in this book.

This was a great addition to the series and I'm glad it wasn't too formulaic to be predictable. I'm looking forward to more from Lila and her superior sleuthing abilities. I'll just have to eat a great meal first. ; )

I loved this second installment to Tita Rosie's kitchen. Loved seeing some much-loved characters from the first book and the development of newer ones. This one was a quick cozy mystery through and through. literally loved every moment and can't wait for the third book!

Mia Manansala writes the tastiest cozy mysteries I've ever read. Her plots are fun, the characters are entertaining, and she does a great job of building stories with twists and turns. Homicide and Halo-Halo was even better than her first book and I can't wait for the third in the series.

Another fun book in this cozy mystery series.

I loved all the nods to the Filipino food and culture. I definitely wanted to try everything they talked about.

I enjoyed the mystery and how Lila and her family/friends fathers information to try to help solve the crime. I liked how they tried to be so sly but were pretty open about their plans.

The love triangle felt a little unnecessary in this book. And there was just barely progress in the situation. I hope the relationships come into play in a bigger way in the next book.

I felt myself a little frustrated at Lila for attempting to brush off the trauma she experienced in the last book but I also understand how that was very cultural.

The ending wrapped up a little too quick for me. I would have loved to see a little more of Lila’s life after the reveal of the murderer. But I am looking forward to seeing what happens to all of these characters in the next book.

Overall a fun, quick read. Be prepared to want all the food and treats. (3.75/5)

My thoughts: Get ready for an honest review. I enjoyed this one but it wasn’t as enjoyable as the first one. I love her character but this one spent more time describing every meal and ingredient then actually solving the mystery. I couldn’t understand why she was so invested in solving this mystery, she had no motive for solving. I found myself skimming toward the end, it was a fine mystery but nothing is great.
*

I was really excited about this book after the first, Arsenic and Adobo, but this one did not live up. The mystery sat in the background for so much of the book. Instead I felt like it was a mundane recollection of Lila's day-to-day life, preparing for the city's teen beauty pageant while trying to open her new coffeeshop. Then the murder mystery would pop back up almost as if the author forgot that it was supposed to be included in the book.

The food descriptions. My God. It was so hard to get through this book without wanting to quit; it made me hungry! I need to find a Filipino restaurant near me stat! The mystery is pretty entertaining; I didn't have a single guess. Now, whether that was down to a well-written set-up or just my general reluctance to even try to guess where a cozy is going to go, who's to say. But I at least thought it all mostly made sense.

I just don't love Lila. As MCs go, she's harmlessly standard, but her drama (all her "unspoken implications" comments and feeling possessive toward men she's not committing to, just stringing along) annoys me. Unfortunately though not unexpectedly, this series is written in first person, which means I can't get a break from Lila.

I do think that having her struggle with trauma incurred from the previous Shady Palms murder (as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms she's employed for other grief/traumas) is a point that tends to get skipped over in cozies. Taking the opportunity to include conversations about good mental health practices really gives this book more weight than you'd expect for the subgenre. I appreciate that.

I was beyond excited the moment I found out I was given the ARC for this book. I loved the first one in the series so much. I was hoping the second one would be just as great. I am happy to say I loved it just as much as the first one! Lila is such a great protagonist to follow and I enjoyed reading about her. This book opens with the Brew-Ha cafe that Lila, Adeena, and Elena are opening together. Of course Lila’s family is ALL in this book and craziness ensues, per usual. In the beginning of this book, the author does have a note warning that this book is heavier than the previous one. Lila is still reeling from the traumatic events from the first book.

This book exceeded my expectations and I loved every moment of it. I can’t wait to read the next one!

I was so damn excited when I was given the opportunity to read book 2 from this author. I remember choosing the first book for my book club and I really enjoyed the recipes, and the humor. This book did not disappoint, if anything it was BETTER than book 1. I was so happy to see that Lila, Adeena and Elena are going to finally open up their Brew-Ha Cafe, that they are still super funny and loving, and that Lila's family is still as crazy and supportive. Something is different with Lila in this book, she is going through it, and we as readers get to know her a little more, especially if you read book 1. The mystery in this book is a lot more scandalous, so many secrets, people that you least expect who did the crime, and Lila of course is in the middle of everything.

This book touches topics on mental health, harassment, a ton of other things that I was so happy to read in here, and also we finally see Lila finally making her choice, finally growing up, not being afraid anymore, not caring about being validated by her family. She finally makes her choices be known at the end of the book. Because of this author I had my first taste of Filipino food and I'm addicted, can't wait to read some more from this author.

In this cozy mystery, we see Lila Macapagal trying to balance judging a beauty contest, opening a new business, and a love triangle all at once. When someone threatens the pageant, and then one of the judges ends up dead, Lila begins investigating to protect her family from suspicion--again.

This is the second book in Manansala's new Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series, and I have similar thoughts on it as I do for the first. In terms of things it does well, it provides mouth-watering food descriptions, cultural exploration and representation, and is a fun, rompy read. I enjoyed the inclusion of the teen beauty pageant and found the diverse cast of characters to be a nice touch. Unfortunately, like I felt for the first book, I just get the sense that author is trying a bit too hard to make a textbook cozy mystery. It feels formulaic, with the way evidence is unveiled and the love triangle, like the author ran through a checklist of things she needed to make a cozy mystery. It just doesn't feel natural. I still enjoyed my time with this book, but in a world of so many cozy mysteries, it's the stellar cover and marketing making this one stand out, not its story.

Thanks to Berkley and Let's Talk Books Book Tours for my eARC and finished copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 6/10

I really enjoyed this latest edition to the Tita Rosie’s cozy mystery family! Manansala has such a way with words that completely sucks you into the story even without all of the thrill and crazy twists and turns you would find in a typical thriller or mystery.

I really loved the beauty pageant setting of this one, too. It’s like even the things that are the most beautiful on the surface can be truly ugly underneath, and mothers will stop at nothing to get what they think their children deserve.

It's time for another fantastic book in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series! This cozy mystery was just as wonderful as the first book in the series!

This book picks up just a while after the ending of the first one. Lila is still working to get into a better headspace after the recent murder. There’s a focus here on mental health, and I really liked how it was handled.

Lila has been asked to participate as a judge for a beauty pageant. She’s a bit unsure about doing this but does agree. When another judge is murdered, she’s pulled back into the world of murder investigation. This was another fun story for this series. I really enjoyed following Lila as she tries to figure out who did it. There are some recurring characters that were great to see again, but there are also some new ones that I enjoyed!

I would recommend this one for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a bit of romantic interests and FOOD!

Homicide and Halo Halo is the sequel to Arsenic and Adobo. This could be read as a standalone but it takes place almost immediately after the first and there are many pieces referenced from the first book.

Lila is back with the calendar aunts, Tita Rosie and her restaurant, her two best friends. I loved all the cultural and food references - but do not read this book if you are hungry!! There are so many food options I want to make and eat and I went on a deep dive looking up so many of the dishes and ingredients Lila was using in her desserts. This is a cozy mystery which is not my usual go to genre but loved all the fun reference and hints along the way to discover who would be the killer and what a motive could be! There was a great list of suspects to look into for this one. Shady Palms's teen pageant provided great drama for this small town while Lila worked to open her new cafe.

I appreciate the author's note at the beginning to show readers this is a bit darker than the first as Lila is still struggling with mental health issues from the book.

Thank you to @mpmthewriter and @berkleypub for a gifted copy.

This is the sequel/companion to Arsenic and Adobo. I say it’s the sequel because it takes place almost immediately after the first book, but I also say companion because it’s following a new mystery. A few of my favorite things about this series is that there are the family dynamics, food, small town vibes, and mystery! This one wasn’t as much of a page turner as I found the first book, but it was still really good. I had no idea who could have done it until it was revealed. This series also has a small romance plot line in it, which I think adds to the dimension and I wanted a little more of it. If you are looking for a sweet, easy, and cozy to read mystery look no further than this series. I can’t wait to read book 3 and the wait is going to be really difficult!

4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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This charming second novel in Mia Manasala’s standout new series is as delectable as the first. Instead of being set in the main character, Lila’s, aunt’s restaurant, it’s set in the world of a small town beauty pageant. Lila, a former winner turned business owner, is now a reluctant judge. Manansala takes several typically cozy tropes and slightly tweaks them. There’s a bit of a romantic triangle for Lila; there’s a new business she’s setting up with her two best friends, the Brew-Ha café; and then there’s the beauty pageant to provide a rich array of suspects for the eventual murder.

When the beauty pageant judges, contestants and as Lila refers to them, “momtestants,” are revealed it’s quickly obvious who will be killed. There’s an especially reprehensible judge – one who seems to hit on the contestants – whose wealthy family has a lot of clout in town. He’s so nasty that it’s hardly a surprise when Lila and her cute dachshund discover his body on their morning run. Lila’s friend Bernadette is quickly identified as a suspect, and that’s when Lila and her posse of aunts go into action.

This is all a fairly typical cozy set up but Manansala makes it special by injecting a few different ingredients into the mix. One is simply the Filipino American food that plays almost a character role in the book. I’ve never had the dessert described here, Halo-Halo, but it sounds delicious as does most of the other food, which almost jumps off the page as it’s described. It’s a very rich aspect of the books so far.

The other aspect that isn’t so typical is Lila herself. While it is typical to have a main character leave the big city and come back to her home town, as Lila did in book one, what’s not so typical is for her to be a woman of color, one whose experience as a woman of color is an integral part of the character. The other twist is that Lila is suffering from PTSD due to events in the last book; because of events in this book, discovering the body, for one – the PTSD is getting harder for her to conceal and manage, and it’s an issue for her.

None of these things hang heavy over the plot, but they are a part of Lila’s character. As she is a twenty something who has growing and learning to do – and hopefully a long character arc to be played out over many more books – it makes her growth journey an interesting and compelling one. It adds to the richness and nuance of the book as a whole.

That said this is a fun cozy plot – the beauty pageant is all you might hope for, with tears, achievement and back stage mom management - making the whole set up pretty delectable. There’s also the bitter sister of the dead man and his oh so slick wife, both of whom are involved in the pageant. Lila’s attitude toward the pageant is mixed – her mother was able to come to America on the strength of a beauty pageant in the Phillipines – and she was a winner herself, but she’s not so sure it’s a great outlet for the girls.

However, my favorite lights out moment in the book was not pageant related, but cooking related. When one of her aunts serves her what she thinks of as “mommy’s chicken” telling her the recipe isn’t quite right, it sparks something in Lila in many ways. It’s a turning point. The moment has it all – tears, joy, memories, both good and bad – as they say on many cooking shows, it’s a “perfect bite.” As is this wonderful book.

Like Arsenic and Adobo, I greatly enjoyed the family aspect and the Filipino food and culture in this one! I love how Lila’s mind works coming up with recipes and I enjoy reading about her passion for baking. It’s clear the author is very creative and I love how there are recipes in the back of the book for the reader to try! I also liked how this book handled the aftermath of the first book. Lila went through a lot of traumatic events so it made sense she was going through a harder time at the beginning of the book. I think there was much more character growth with Lila in this book and she felt like a real person with problems and feelings. There were also some new characters introduced in this one that I thought were really interesting and added to the story!

My only criticism was that I didn’t feel as invested in the mystery aspect as much as the first book. It didn’t feel as high stakes to me because Lila was able to chill in her cafe and judge a pageant after someone was just murdered. It felt like there was less investigating happening to make room for the pageant plot so I didn’t put together clues to who the murderer was.

I don't know what happened to the main character, but in the last book, Lila was very delightful and someone I could route for. Instead, I just felt sorry for everyone who had to deal with her.

Since the last book, Lila has been dealing with PSTD, and I wish this had been addressed more. Every time her friends try to help, she ignores them to hang out with her new friends.

This book does mark the end of the love triangle, but considering how little time was spent with one of the romantic partners, it wasn't a surprise who she picked. The love triangle resolution (I'm not a fan of those things) feels anti-climatic.

I still love the setting, and I loved all the characters except our main one.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.