You do have to wonder how many murders have to happen in your small town before you consider that it might be time to move away. But for Lila Macapagal, solving a murder is just a part of her life now, just like the Brew-Ha Café that she runs with her two closest friends, and her aunties April, Mae, and June, also known as the Calendar Crew. In this, the fourth installment of Mia P. Manansala’s cozy murder mystery series, the Calendar Crew come to the forefront. They are about to open a business together, a new laundromat, and not everyone is happy about that. Before the opening, the business is vandalized, with “MIND YOUR BUSINESS” spray-painted across the façade. With the help of family and friends they are able to clean up ahead of the opening, but then the unthinkable happens. April’s niece, Davina, who recently moved from the Philippines (possibly running from a scandal), is found murdered in the laundromat, with the same message scrawled nearby.
As the local police investigation stalls, Lila teams up with Tita Rosie’s boyfriend (and former detective) Jonathan, to figure out who killed Davina, and why. Is it someone from her past, out for revenge? Or was Davina caught in the crossfire of the town’s anger at the Calendar Crew and their gossip? As secrets are revealed and old grudges brought to light, Lila must suss out the killer before she becomes the next person on their list.
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen is a fun mystery series that highlights Filipino culture and food. Seriously, do not read any of these books if you’re feeling peckish, because the lavish descriptions of the meals, desserts, and beverages that the characters regularly make & consume will get your stomach growling. The mysteries themselves are always plausible, though having so many in such a small community does require a stretch of the imagination. Maybe just treat it like you would Murder She Wrote, ignore the implausibility, and enjoy the ride. And pro-tip: there are recipes included at the end of every book, so if the description of adobo chicken – to give one example – got you drooling, you can save that recipe and try it for yourself!