Mia P. Manansala's Arsenic and Adobo is celebrated for its vibrant Filipino culture, delicious culinary descriptions, and engaging cozy mystery. Readers appreciate the authentic representation and humor, though some find the plot predictable. The book delivers charming characters and a heartwarming blend of food and family, despite minor storytelling flaws.

Fans of lighthearted mysteries and culinary escapades will relish Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. Readers who appreciate cozy mysteries akin to Joanne Fluke’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder combined with the cultural richness found in Vivien Chien’s Death by Dumpling will find this novel particularly enjoyable.

In Mia P. Manansala's 2021 cozy mystery novel Arsenic and Adobo, Lila Macapagal moves back to Shady Palms, Illinois, after discovering her fiancé’s infidelity. Working in her family's restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, Lila becomes the main suspect in the murder of her ex-boyfriend, food critic Derek Winter. Lila and her friends conduct their own investigation to clear her name and uncover the real culprit behind Derek's death. The novel explores the themes of economic vulnerability, family pressures, and the importance of food. The book includes references to racism, fatphobia, drug addiction, and drug overdose.

Mia P. Manansala

Adult

Novel

Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Arsenic and Adobo reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Arsenic and Adobo | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Arsenic and Adobo and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Arsenic and Adobo Summary and Study Guide

Background

Arsenic and Adobo Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Arsenic and Adobo Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

Arsenic and Adobo Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-24

Arsenic and Adobo Chapters 17-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-33

Arsenic and Adobo Chapters 25-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-41

Arsenic and Adobo Chapters 34-41 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Arsenic and Adobo Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Arsenic and Adobo Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Arsenic and Adobo Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Arsenic and Adobo Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Arsenic and Adobo Essay Topics

Arsenic and Adobo

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Arsenic and Adobo?

Reading Age

Book Details