Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala (Review by Shay Tibbs)

Rating: 4.25/5

I love the contemporary cozy mysteries and I was thrilled to be able to continue reading the next book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen mystery series, MURDER AND MAMON.

This bright, fun cover drew me right in, that hot pink definitely stands out, and screams grab and read me now! As a cover lover, this one brought me such joy. Manansala has sold me with each title as a must-read author, her writing style is the perfect combination of family drama, delicious cultural foods, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages wanting more. 

This time, the aunties AKA the Calendar Crew, are opening a new laundromat but soon the shenanigans they’re all known for may have been the cause of the building being vandalized. Before we know it, Lila’s being asked to look into what’s happening in another case the cops haven’t solved, and this time, it’s personal. What I love most about a series like this one is that each of the books could be read as a standalone, but for those who read each one, we learn a little bit more about the characters from book to book. 

I found so much more to like about the characters in this title, which I felt was refreshing to still feel this many books in while also hitting a certain stride that the cast does feel familiar.  I love how close this group of family and friends are, the relationships make the book for me with that hate to love them, can’t live without them vibe. With secrets, new characters, and that small-town gossip that fuels the best suspects, Murder and Mamon made itself my favorite book in the series yet. You could feel the love for Filipino culture that gave the author such a unique, strong voice for this story, I truly felt cozy and included like one of the Macapagal family members myself. 

The book has plenty of excitement happening at every opportunity, which kept it exciting as we met extended family, new community members and tried to guess the who, what, where, when and why. Not only did the plotline keep me guessing in fun ways, but it also made me want to know who the NEXT book will be about, there’s always something crazy happening in Shady Palms. 

As always, there’s a focus on delicious food with incredible Filipino recipes included in the book that I cannot wait to try myself!