Mia P. Manansala's debut novel Arsenic and Adobo was published in May 2021 and quickly gained critical acclaim. The story follows Lila Macapagal, a young woman who returns home to help save her aunt's failing Filipino restaurant after a painful breakup. As Lila tries to revive the restaurant with her cooking skills, she also has to navigate the meddling of her matchmaking aunts. When her ex-boyfriend dies after eating at the restaurant, Lila becomes a prime suspect in his murder investigation. With the help of her aunts and best friend, who works as a barista, Lila sets out to clear her name and find the real killer.
The novel has been praised for its fresh take on the cozy mystery genre, its engaging characters, and its rich depiction of Filipino cuisine and culture. Kirkus Reviews described the book as "beautifully balancing its cozy setting with a well-crafted mystery that will keep readers guessing until the end," while Bookreporter.com lauded it as "a hit" that is "full of heart, delectable dishes, and just enough danger to keep you guessing."
In addition to its critical success, Arsenic and Adobo has also won several awards, including the 2021 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery Novel and the 2021 Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year Award from the American Booksellers Association. The novel's success has also led to a sequel, Homicide and Halo-Halo, which was published in August 2022.
