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A review by onthesamepage
Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What keeps me semi-invested in the series is probably the parts that have to do with the businesses run by Lila, her friends, and her family. I do like the characters, but I was expecting a lot more romance in this third installment than what I got. Lila and Jae are in a relationship, but nothing really happens between them. The status quo is maintained but that is it.
The murder mystery itself was okay. One thing that immediately stands out is how every book so far has included direct involvement of someone Lila knows, which is the main reason why she then feels compelled to help solve the case. It's starting to feel more and more unrealistic, however, and the fourth book doesn't seem like it'll veer away from this pattern.
These books continue to be quick reads, and I like the focus on Filipino food and culture, but I don't have enough experience within the cozy mystery subgenre to say with any certainty if this is a good example of one.
What keeps me semi-invested in the series is probably the parts that have to do with the businesses run by Lila, her friends, and her family. I do like the characters, but I was expecting a lot more romance in this third installment than what I got. Lila and Jae are in a relationship, but nothing really happens between them. The status quo is maintained but that is it.
The murder mystery itself was okay. One thing that immediately stands out is how every book so far has included direct involvement of someone Lila knows, which is the main reason why she then feels compelled to help solve the case. It's starting to feel more and more unrealistic, however, and the fourth book doesn't seem like it'll veer away from this pattern.
These books continue to be quick reads, and I like the focus on Filipino food and culture, but I don't have enough experience within the cozy mystery subgenre to say with any certainty if this is a good example of one.