Homicide and Halo-Halo is a delightful follow-up in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. Lila Macapagal is back, navigating the complexities of returning home, dealing with past traumas, and reluctantly stepping into the role of a beauty pageant judge in her small Filipino-American town. But when the head judge is found dead, Lila must balance her own healing journey with solving yet another murder. 

 

This book shines with its blend of cozy mystery elements and deeper emotional themes. Lila’s progression on her mental health journey is particularly compelling, adding depth to her character and grounding the story in relatable struggles. The mystery itself is light and breezy yet engaging, keeping me hooked right to the end. A perfect pick for readers looking for a quick, enjoyable whodunit with heart.