Che-Michelle Tales

 Homicide and Halo-Halo an a Shakedown Shandy 😉

Book: Homicide and Halo-Halo

Author: Mia P. Manansala

Published:  February 2022

Drink Choice:  Shakedown Shandy ( A lemon infused Ale)

Stand Alone, Series, or Other: Series

Type of book: Novel

Genre: Murder-Mystery/ Comedy

How long did it take me to read this book:   Approximately Two Weeks

How long to listen via Audible: One Week

I just finished book two of the Tita Rosie Mysteries. Again, this was perfect for a holiday weekend ( Memorial Weekend) to kick off the summer. We are joined by the whole town, Lila and her immature ways,  Tita Rosie Loving but overly lovely nature, Lola Flor and her sassy countenance, and a host of other characters that keep the story moving. We are a few months from the previous story, which was Lila dealing with being accused of a crime and absolved of the wrongdoing. So, what are you waiting for if you have not read book one? It’s a medium read, about a week to complete, but it’s well worth a lunchtime read or in the airport waiting on a flight ( Catch Flights, not Feelings). In this book, we learn more about Lila’s family dynamics and how she holds up after previous events.

I would like to say, this story was slow to pick up, and its two main plot lines are connected with a few subplots throughout the story. One theme tht rubs me the wrong way is how everyone accuses the main character of being self-absorbed and obtuse about what is going on in her life. Some scenes and events that are lightly mentioned during the conversation occur off-screen.

I honestly feel like the author is trying to showcase how hard women are on each other. Also, none of the characters except maybe Adeena (Lila’s Best Friend) make a statement about why she is not as good of a person as she thinks.   As the story continues,  there is more evidence that  Lila is there for everyone than they want to acknowledge. Yes, Lila can have bratty moments, but she is usually there and helps others. If anything, Lila reminds me of a person who grew up in a family that doted on her and loved her; her Aunt and Grandmother never really chastised her because Lila did what she needed in the good daughter/ Ms. Perfect trope. Many people want her to see she is not perfect, but it comes off like jealousy. Lila never acts like she is excellent; I can say she can come off obtuse or aloof, but she thinks of others most of the time.

Also, I do not understand why most of the reviews on my Goodreads are about how insufferable Lila is and how she plays the victim. Lila is more immature and dealing with deep-rooted trauma than playing the victim. A few people wanted to focus on Bernedette. If this book is made into a Hallmark Murder and Mysteries series ( I am looking at your Hallmark, Hulu, HBOMAX), having a few episodes focusing on Bernedette would be great!

Overall, Lila is requested to be a backup Judge for a beauty pageant. She agrees to help drum up business with her new business venture. Hijinks ensue, and there a murder, hence the title Homicide and Halo-Halo.    I love that if there is a love story, it’s only mentioned a few times and is not aggressive. The story is focused on Lila getting her life together and trying to solve the mystery. However, she does get wrapped up being a pseudo-sleuth that causes an argument between her family and restaurant owners. The argument reminds me of personal family arguments that have occurred in all families and used to happen in my family. One family member feels like another family is getting special treatment when there is no special treatment at all. 

One section of the story made me feel a particular way about the discussion of therapy. In this book, we are introduced to Sanai. She seems offended by Lila saying she is Asian and Asians don’t do therapy. Sanai, at that moment, came off very dismissive. I would like to say, any minority in this country probably grew up in a family that looked down on therapy. Especially if the families were heavily religious or fearful of individuals who did not understand their culture. I understood why Sanai may have felt defensive, but it wasn’t necessary. It could have been a beautiful moment of sharing, “I understand, I am black, and we are very similar…”. Later In the scene, it does make it to that sentiment. I also

appreciate how the author shows that Lila is perceptive of how she treats others and is constantly trying to make amends once she realizes the wrong she has done. I also get that people won’t accept her apologies sooner or later, but is it cause she is not living up to their Ms. Perfect, or are they projecting their jealousy on Lila. Either way, I loved the book. I am returning to the cozy mysteries genre and can’t wait to book three BlackMail and Bibingka.

Sidenote: I have to wait until October 2022! What the hell! Oh, this is the year me having to complete the series. I thought it was already out!

Anyway, check out the recipes in the back of the book and have a nice porter with this book. You can thank  Dr. Jae Park for that suggestion, but I would like to suggest the Shakedown Shandy or Run for the Rose Hips if you want something a bit fruity with notes of hibiscus and rose. The Shakedown Shandy is my choice it light and refreshing, and taste like early summer. The shandy can be purchased at Pherm Brewing Company in Maryland.

Our Beers

Until Next time,

Che Michelle