Watch Out World: Mia P. Manansala Makes a Killing with ‘Arsenic and Adobo’
/Book Review: Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Berkley Books, May 2021
Arsenic and Adobo: A Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, by Mia P. Manansala, (Berkley Books, 2021) is the first of 3 novels from the author. (Design by Vi-An Nguyen)
“We should see ourselves in all kinds of genres,” says Mia P. Manansala, author of the bestselling novel Arsenic and Adobo which launched this spring, in answer to my question as to why she thought of writing a cozy mystery.
The book, a first in a series of Tita Rosie’s mysteries, has since been jumping off the shelves. Readers come for the mystery, but stay for the Filipino food described between the chapters.
The 336-page novel is “one of BuzzFeed’s highly anticipated mystery novels of 2021.”
“We have so little Filipino representation in the literary world, that when we see a book by Fil-Am authors, we’re so excited to finally see ourselves on a page,” Mia exclaims.
“There are very few Filipino-authored books we can choose from. There should be more,” says Mia of the publishing scene. This was Mia’s debut novel. She wanted to write fiction that was entertaining, and different. She did not want it to be another immigrant story.
The plot is fast-paced. After a bad breakup, Lila Macapagal wants to heal her heart, and goes back to her hometown in suburban Illinois, to help with her family’s Filipino restaurant. This is where the alleged crime happens. Her obnoxious ex-boyfriend, a food critic, suddenly drops dead while eating his meal.
The plot thickens as fast as the kakanins (snacks). Lila and her family are implicated. Surely none of the titas are capable of a crime like that. So, who did it? In spite of the murky alleged murder, the central themes are: home; family; a lovable pet dachshund named Longganisa; good Filipino food. Favorite recipes like Chicken Adobo, Ube Crinkles, Salabat-Flavored Banana Bread, and Coco Jam, are shared at the back of the book.
Mia P. Manansala, author and book coach. (Photo by Jamilla Yipp)
The novel is a light, easy read. It is a murder mystery served with merienda. But the story moves fast, insinuating that there will be a good ending, with delectable entrees served in between. The female characters, who happen to be expert cooks, remind you of nosy relatives one has in every family.
It is a witty page-turner and cozy mystery all at once. It is simmering and brewing with all sorts of clues, as to who the real murderer is. Yet, the reader is captivated by the servings of familiar Filipino treats.
“I felt Filipino food was interesting to marry with a mystery idea. It would be hard for me not to include our Philippine cuisine. It is the one tangible connection to my background,” Mia says.
Food and culture, food and family, food as love, these are so tightly connected, according to Mia.
“Food symbolizes love, connection, and community.”
“The Tita Rosie character was based on my late dad. He was the cook in the family. To us Filipinos, not everyone can say ‘I love you.’ It is not easily said in our culture, but they show it in different ways. My dad showed how he cared, and worked hard for us. Food was my dad’s love language.”
“My dad passed away in 2018. He was an old-school cook and didn’t’ write down recipes. I found recipes online which were similar and tried them the way dad cooked it.”
Readers are immediately drawn to the catchy title and vibrant cover design of the novel. “Adobo was an easy entry,” Mia explains. The familiarity of the dish is what draws Filipinos to it.
Mia P. Manansala definitely has made a killing with this mystery novel and its Filipino themes. A second novel in the Tita Rosie series is up next for this author.
“Don’t write for a trend. Write for yourself. You have to love what it is you’re writing,” is Mia’s advice to aspiring writers, and authors.
Having been a writer all her life, Mia, is also a book coach. She attributes her writing journey and her distinguished writing awards and recognitions to the strong support system she has: Her husband, James Stennis, and the multigenerational Filipino family she grew up in.
Arsenic and Adobo is a fun novel, which provides an escape from the mundane, and the chaos of day to day. This is the kind of novel you curl up with on the couch, and don’t put down until the mystery is solved.
Who knew so much drama could happen in a Pinoy restaurant? The next time you go to your neighborhood Filipino eatery, look around you. There might be a cozy mystery happening as you gulp down your Halo-Halo.
Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based in New Jersey, is a journalist, food writer and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She blogs about Filipino home cooking and culinary travels to the Philippines on her site AsianInAmericamag.com.
More articles from Elizabeth Ann Quirino
