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Book Review
Reviewed: 22 February 2024

Murder and Mamon

by: Mia P. Manansala

Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery - Book 4

  • Rating: full starfull starfull starstar outlinestar outline (3/5)

“A lie can run around the world before truth gets their boots on”

Lila and crew are not only fun but resourceful as they investigate murder. This story picks up not long after [book:Blackmail and Bibingka|60046855] book 3. 

In addition, to figuring out who committed the murder, there is a lot of relationship growing and other personal growth.

While the themes might be heavy, they are not presented in a preachy way nor do they feel heavy-handed. Lots of fun cultural references that had me chuckling. “She Gossip Girl’ed them?!” 

Probably best of all is that there was Philippine foods and cultural references that continued the education that began in book 1 (thank you).

Overall, a good, fun read.

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 19-September-2023
Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Food Mystery, Female-Led

Plot Summary

When murder mars the grand opening for Lila Macapagal’s aunties’ new laundromat, she will have to air out all the dirty laundry in Shady Palms to catch a killer…

Lila Macapagal's godmothers April, Mae, and June—AKA the Calendar Crew—are celebrating the opening of their latest joint business venture, a new laundromat, to much fanfare (and controversy). However, what should’ve been a joyous occasion quickly turns into a tragedy when they discover the building has been vandalized—and the body of Ninang April’s niece, recently arrived from the Philippines, next to a chilling message painted on the floor. The question is, was the message aimed at the victim or Lila's gossipy godmothers, who have not-so-squeaky-clean reputations?

With Ninang April falling apart from grief and little progress from the Shady Palms Police Department in this slippery case, it’s up to Lila and her network to find justice for the young woman.

The Calendar Crew have stuck their noses into everybody’s business for years, but now the tables are turned as Lila must pry into the Calendar Crew’s lives to figure out who has a vendetta against the (extremely opinionated yet loving) aunties and stop them before they strike again.