Death and Dinuguan
By: Mia P. Manansala
Published Year: 2025
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 304
Summary (Provided by Goodreads): Things are looking up for the Brew-ha Cafe, and Lila Macapagal can’t think of anything that could break the spell, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up—she can’t wait to celebrate with her boyfriend, Jae Park. Adding to the lovey-dovey atmosphere is Hana Lee, Shady Palms’s newest resident. She’s also Jae’s beloved cousin and chocolatier at Choco Noir, the latest addition to the town’s culinary offerings. Everything is coming into place for Hana, who left her old life in Minnesota behind to work at Choco Noir, owned by her best friend.
Unfortunately, beneath the sweet surface of Shady Palms runs a bitter undercurrent, as a series of attacks against women-owned businesses in the area escalates from petty theft to assault and murder when Hana is found knocked unconscious inside Choco Noir, and the chocolate shop owner is put out of business—for good.
With Hana left in a coma, a murderer hiding amongst them, and the safety of the women entrepreneurs of Shady Palms at risk, the Park brothers team up with the Brew-ha crew to put a stop to the villain before they strike again.
First Impressions
This is the 6th and final book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series. I started reading this series at book 3 and have enjoyed each one. The characters are fun without being over the top and the mysteries are cozy and sweet. I was excited to read this book and a little surprised it was the final one in the series.
What I thought
Lila gets herself involved in another investigation, though this time it involves one of her friends. There has been a series of burglaries at women owned businesses in Shady Palms. One of these burglaries results in the murder and coma of the two business owners. Lila and her friends involve themselves in the investigation, but this time it feels personal.
I don’t feel like this book feels like a final book in the series. It surprises me but I also understand not wanting to continue the series forever. One small town can only have so many murders being solved by a café owner. At the same time, I could see the story continuing since it wasn’t like they moved or made some grand speech about no longer investigating anything.
I did enjoy Lila, Adeena, Elena and Jae working together in the book. Last book, Elena expressed frustration with not being a part of the investigating and feeling like Lila didn’t trust her. Lila’s aunts were a little bit less involved in this story, but I didn’t mind that.
I can’t remember if I figured out the other mysteries as easily as I figured out this one. I feel like the others came together as slightly more of a surprise, so because of that this may not be my favorite of the series. I’m a little sad it’s coming to an end because I do find the setting and characters to be comforting.
This was a solid addition to the series, even if it wasn’t my favorite. I look forward to seeing what Manansala writes next as her characters and setting are always wonderful. If you are someone who enjoys cozy mysteries, I highly recommend checking out this series as a whole.