Enjoyed this cozy mystery and I’m glad to know there is another book in the series coming. ( )

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/fBYuQZa-_JM

Enjoy! ( )

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Berkley Books) for promotional purposes.

What an entertaining cozy mystery!

I just have to preface this review by saying I haven’t read the previous 3 books in the series so I cannot say how it compares to the other books. Being Filipino, I’ve had my eye on this series for a long time, so when I had the opportunity to read one of the books, I took it. I was able to read and enjoy the book as a standalone, although I was a little lost in the beginning with all the characters, but I quickly got up to speed.

The best part of the story is the use of Filipino culture. It’s so representative of it, particularly how nosy and meddling some Filipino ninangs and titas can be. I also loved that there was a glossary and pronunciation guide at the beginning, for those unfamiliar with Filipino words, phrases, and food.

I also loved the characters. Lila, her friends, her family. I adored them all! They really made this a “cozy” mystery. Also, her dachshund, Longganisa (genius name), wore clothes and just sounded like the cutest dog ever.

As for the story, the mystery was a little basic for me. I would have loved to have seen more twists and turns.

Overall, I enjoyed this Filipino murder mystery. I’m definitely going to have to read the first 3 books! ( )

Murder and Mamon
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Dates Read: 10/1/23 - 10/3/23
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Denice Cabanela

The Characters:

Lila Macapagal:
Lots of other characters

The Story:

I really enjoyed this installment of TRK. Lila’s family is always getting up to something and I really didn’t know “who done it” until the very end. I love Lila and Jay’s relationship. There was a hole in the resolution of April’s story but maybe I just wasn’t paying attention and missed it.

The Random Thoughts: ( )

Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala takes us back to Shady Palms where there is controversy surrounding the opening of the Calendar Crew’s laundromat. The highlight of the story is the characters. The characters are complex and relatable. I like that they continue to develop as the series progresses. I like Lila, her friends, and her extended family. The murder of Divina, Ninang April’s recently arrived niece from the Philippines, shocks Lila, her friends, and her relatives. When the police do not make progress on the case, Ninang April asks Lila for her help. Lila must turn the spotlight onto the Calendar Crew. She will need to ask some uncomfortable questions, but Lila knows that the tiniest detail could be important to discovering the identity of the killer. Readers can join Lila as she asks questions and gathers clues. There are a several suspects and a red herring or two. There was a detail I caught early in the story that sent me on the trail of the killer. Other clues along the way solidified my decision. I liked the action in the story that kept things lively. There is a good wrap up at the end. I enjoyed learning about the Filipino culture and their food. There are some interesting flavor combinations. The rich descriptions of the food will have your mouth watering. I do feel that there is too much detail at times as the ingredients of each drink and food item are listed. Murder and Mamon is the fourth A Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Lila and Jae’s romance is moving along at a leisurely pace which is my preference for cozy mystery romances. Tita Rosie and Jonathan are a cute couple. I think Jonathan’s post-retirement career will prove helpful. I found the pronunciation guide very useful and there are recipes for some of the dishes mentioned in the book. Murder and Mamon is a cute cozy with an imaginative niece, a defaced laundromat, delightful Filipino fare, an intimidating message, a senseless slaying, and thoughtful family and friends. ( )