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madeline 's review for:

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
4.0
challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Didn't have quite the zip I was looking for, but it raises great questions about authenticity and to whom something is authentic, the perceived value of foodways and what should be expensive, police misconduct and who should be a "good cop", the opioid crisis, and the ways goals change based on growth and experience.  I do think that Detective Parks
was set up to be involved and that was underdeveloped
.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series!