Murder and mayhem during Filipino food feast

MIA P. Manansala releases “Murder and Mamon” (2023), a delightful sequel to the famous “Tita Rosie’s” light murder mysteries.

These novels seamlessly blend Filipino cuisine, heartfelt mystery elements, and poignant portrayals of the Filipino American family and community in the United States. He writes with humor and intelligence, captivating readers and engaging them in perplexing whodunits.

Lila Macapagal, the protagonist of “Murder and Mamon”, finds herself in another mystery in Shady Palms.

The story begins innocently enough, with Lila assisting with a lavish Filipino wedding, where delicious pastries take center stage.

But when the groom is found dead, the joy of the occasion quickly fades when one of Lila’s signature mamon desserts is found next to the body. What follows is a fast-paced investigation in which Lila must clear her name while navigating a sea of ​​wedding drama, family dynamics, and very cryptic clues.

Manansala is at his best when he gives us vivid descriptions of foods that have become a hallmark of his storytelling. From the light and airy mamon to the sumptuous presentation of traditional Filipino fiesta dishes, this novel is a feast for the senses. Look at this sentence.

“The mamon was golden in color, with a spongy texture so soft it almost melted in your mouth. A hint of lemon zest drifted across your palate, cutting the sweetness with a refreshing tang. It was a soul-soothing dessert, one that didn’t cause trouble.”

Wink, wink. The narrative is fueled by humor and heart as Lila balances her sleuthing with her developing relationships. Her interactions with her tight-knit circle (best friend Adeena, barista sidekick Jae, and the ever-supportive Tita Rosie) provide doses of light-hearted relief and emotional depth.

Manansala has a talent for creating layered characters and this is evident in this novel. You can empathize with Lila, a lovable character whose vulnerability is tempered by her resilience and courage. The theme of community that underpins this series remains strong as Loile learns the importance of relying on collaboration in solving the mystery.

In her latest film, “Guilt and Ginataan”, released this year, Lila’s legendary detective skills are put to the test once again. This time, there is a mysterious death in which a famous writer was poisoned at a literary festival held in Shady Palms.

Suspicion falls on many participants, including Lila’s friends. The risk is personal, and Lila is determined to uncover the truth even as secrets from her own past threaten to resurface.

This novel dives deeper into themes of forgiveness and self-rediscovery. Manansala weaves these themes into the plot with considerable skill, creating a story that is as introspective as it is exciting. Ginataan, a creamy coconut-based dessert, serves as both a metaphor and a comforting presence in the story.

Check it out: “Ginataan bubbled slowly, its flavor a blend of coconut and pandan. It was a dish full of warmth and history, much like the stories shared at the festival. But like all good stories, it had layers—some sweet, some bitter.”

Manansala’s masterful use of food as a narrative tool comes to the fore in this novel. Culinary elements are not only decorative but also an integral part of the story, serving as a mirror to the characters’ emotions and cultural heritage. The inclusion of Filipino recipes provides readers with a seamless education about our cuisine and traditions.

In both novels, Manansala does an excellent job of incorporating Filipino culture into her mysteries. Food, language and family dynamics are unique; Pay attention to the aunts and enrich the storytelling.

Both novels feature complex plots with enough twists and turns to keep you glued to your seat and guessing until the very end. Manansala cleverly places clues and rewards attentive readers.

Moreover, Lila Macapagal is a standout character that my students would call “relatable.” Her flaws make her feel like she’s one of us, and her development over these two novels keeps the reader intrigued and turning the pages.

It also strikes a balance between humor and heart. The tension is kept tightly under control through the use of humor, creating a light and enjoyable reading experience. These novels are not “memories of the past” that start with a madeleine and a cup of tea by Marcel Proust, but they offer enough pleasure to the reader.

And since I have been a meticulous English teacher for the last 38 years, let’s look at room for improvement. While the novels are successful in many areas, they also occasionally fall into predictable cozy mystery tropes. For readers familiar with the genre, some plot points may seem formulaic. Moreover, while the focus on food can be a source of entertainment, it can overshadow other aspects of the story for those looking for a more action-oriented mystery.

As they say when cooking rice, if a few more minutes had been used for the grains to open and soften, the feast on the table would have been better.

Mia P. Manansala’s books are available on Fully Booked and amazon.com.

Danton Remoto published “The Heart of Summer: Stories and Tales” and “Riverrun, a Novel” with Penguin SEA. Copy space is available at Fully Booked, in both physical and online stores, and at www.acrephils.com.