Well, Manansala didn't mince words when she said that Homicide and Halo-Halo was darker in tone, because it was compared to the first book. She also nice to provide some of trigger warnings in front of the book and I think authors should do this not too give spoiler for their book but at least to give warning in case there are sensitive topics. I can't call Homicide and Halo-Halo as cozy mystery, more like to mystery with food elements, because the topics that Manansala tackled is not easy to read. Just like the first book, Homicide and Halo-Halo also focused more onto Lila's character development, complete with dramas that surround her with murder one or two.

I read Arsenic and Adobo years ago and kind of forget who is who, but it didn't really affect me to understand what's going on. So basically, Lila just got PTSD after the event in book 1 and she had dodging Detective Park's request to meet her therapist. Lila said that Asian things to do, and while it seems like race card, I kinda amend that because mental health actually considered as weakness especially in SEA countries. The rest of the story follow the same formula, with Lila meddling aunties and cousins, although right now Lila must deal with her pasts when she once a winner of beauty pageant and the contest make her have a love and hate relationship with her deceased mother. Well, I know that Lila is annoying in this book but...she's 25. I'm sure act immaturely in my 25'ish compared to when I already in my 30'sh. Also, years of unprocessed grief and childhood traumas will do that for you. Didn't mean I approve with what Lila did, always running from her problems, but I did feel little compassion toward Lila.

The mystery was simple and straightforward and lucky for Lila (but unlucky for her cousin, Bernadette), she now is not one of person of interests but still because Bernadette was accused after having some arguments with the victims, Lila again must do some sleuthing. The ensemble cast while endearing to read, but I did find the Calender aunties (April, Mae and June) were annoying but they think that what they did was right. Sigh, boomer. Can't live with them, can't live without them. The dramas can be too hyperbole, but eh, since I'm a SEA person myself, I'm just acknowledge some of it. I like that Manansala didn't prolong the love triangle between Lila, Jae and Amir and seems like it's already final for Lila to find her boyfriend. BUT, I also liked that Manansala write for Lila to find time for herself before she engage in any romantic relationship. The description of Filipino cuisines was delish as always and I find myself craving a Halo-Halo. Yeah, we have es teler, es doger, es campur in Indonesia here, but Halo - Halo seems interesting! Just like book 1, there were recipes printed in the last pages and it's not that hard to follow. Maybe because Filipino and Indonesian cuisines were alike in ingredients and presentations.

Not as good as book 1 but still charming nonetheless. The mystery might be like afterthought because Homicide and Halo - Halo is more like Lila's journey in navigating her life, complete with meddling families. If you like your mystery simple with touch of milenial (or gen Z) dramas, completed with delicious descriptions of Filipino dishes, you can start with Arsenic and Adobo before reading this book.