Love is in the air for the citizens of Shady Palms, but Cupid's arrow isn't the only thing striking the town--not with another killer on the loose. 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.
I am new to this author and series, but not to the more severe problems of women entrepreneurs and other problems plaguing AAPI transplants to the US. The characters are very realistic and engaging within a tight riveting plot. It was a very good read but some readers need trigger warnings for the realities that some women face. I plan to read the earlier books in series!
Triggers=stalking, misogyny, physical violence, abuse
Filipino glossary at beginning and yummy recipes at the end.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley via NetGalley. Pub Date Nov 25, 2025
#DeathandDinuguan by Mia P. Manansala @mpmthewriter #TitaRosiesKitchenMysteriesBk6
@berkleypub @penguinrandomhouse #filipina #recipes #cozymystery #illinois #contemporary #AAPI #family #chocolatier
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