“Arsenic and Adobo” - Mia P. Manansala

🍲 This is the first novel (of any genre) that I’ve read featuring a Filipina-American in the main role. Manansala infuses the cozy mystery genre with a much-needed shot of diversity. In addition to our Filipina lead and her aunties, the cast of characters is rounded out with Pakistani Muslim, biracial, Black, and LGTBQ+ characters whose ethnicity or sexuality are not their defining traits in the novel.

🍲 “Arsenic and Adobo” is not zany like “Dial A for Aunties,” but still manages to be both heartfelt and humorous. Our girl Lila is as lovable as Meddy, and like Meddy, Lila finds herself trapped between her desire to chart her own path, and her deep sense of obligation to her family. Lila is just trying to catch a break, but of course life has other plans for her. This is a well-plotted mystery with a cast of fleshed out characters that are all easy to love.

🍲 Manansala places a glossary at the beginning, so right away, you are assailed by the salty, garlicy, vinegary goodness of Filipino cuisine before you even start the novel. She also includes recipes at the end of the novel. I repeat, there are recipes at the end of this book. I’m on the hunt for ube halaya because those cookies sound delicious!