As someone who read "Arsenic and Adobo" by Manansala, I was excited to see that she was diving into the YA world. This book is a great read. Love that she still talks about food in heavy details when it is brought up. The story was a good YA mystery. Not too much going on but enough to keep the plot moving and the reader engaged. Enjoyed the use of tarot cards/readings Manansala used. She had enough in the book without being too much or confusing.

I literally squealed with delight when I got my hands on Mia P. Manansala's young adult debut! As someone who's devoured every word of her Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series, I dove into this book with sky-high expectations - and oh my goodness, did it deliver! This story grabbed my heart from page one and wouldn't let go, blending family bonds, supernatural elements, and edge-of-your-seat mystery into something absolutely magical.

Let me tell you about Danika Dizon - I wish I could be her best friend! There's something so special about watching this whip-smart teen navigate her world with tarot cards in one hand and determination in the other. When a simple card reading turns dark with the appearance of the death card, followed by her client's mysterious disappearance, I found myself holding my breath. Having detective parents definitely runs in her blood, and watching her channel their investigative spirit made me grin from ear to ear.

I stayed up way too late following every twist and turn of this mystery. Each revelation about the missing girl's secret life had me gasping, and don't even get me started on the brilliant way the tarot readings weave through the story! It's not just window dressing - these cards tell their own haunting story, adding layers of meaning that gave me chills.

Manansala has this incredible gift for bringing characters to life. I could practically hear their voices, feel their fears, and share their triumphs. The whole time I was reading, I felt like I was right there beside Danika, piecing together clues and trying to stay one step ahead of danger. This isn't just a mystery - it's an adventure that had my heart racing and my mind spinning with theories.

Trust me, whether you're already a Manansala fan or this is your first time discovering her work, you're in for such a treat! This book is like your favorite snack - totally addictive, impossible to put down, and leaves you craving more. If you love clever mysteries with heart, soul, and a dash of supernatural intrigue, do yourself a favor and grab this book immediately. Your next favorite YA detective is waiting to meet you!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for sharing this YA debut' arc copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.