Murder and Mamon

By: Mia P. Manansala

Narrated by: Danice Cabanela

When murder mars the grand opening for Lila Macapagal’s aunties’ new laundromat, she will have to air out all the dirty laundry in Shady Palms to catch a killer…

Lila Macapagal's godmothers April, Mae, and June—AKA the Calendar Crew—are celebrating the opening of their latest joint business venture, a new laundromat, to much fanfare (and controversy). However, what should’ve been a joyous occasion quickly turns into a tragedy when they discover the building has been vandalized—and the body of Ninang April’s niece, recently arrived from the Philippines, next to a chilling message painted on the floor. The question is, was the message aimed at the victim or Lila's gossipy godmothers, who have not-so-squeaky-clean reputations?

With Ninang April falling apart from grief and little progress from the Shady Palms Police Department in this slippery case, it’s up to Lila and her network to find justice for the young woman.

The Calendar Crew have stuck their noses into everybody’s business for years, but now the tables are turned as Lila must pry into the Calendar Crew’s lives to figure out who has a vendetta against the (extremely opinionated yet loving) aunties and stop them before they strike again.

Critic reviews

"Though the effervescent delights of Manansala’s opening salvo, Arsenic and Adobo, are still very much in evidence, now Lila’s world feels richer and more fully imagined. Manansala has become truly enmeshed in her characters’ lives, and it shows.”—The New York Times

“Sorry, other food cozies. You can’t hold a candle to this mouthwatering franchise.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Mia P. Manansala whips up another delicious Filipina American foodie mystery in Murder and Mamon…. Witty and well-plotted, Manansala's fourth mystery is satisfying with a few twists, just like the ninangs' juicy gossip or a batch of Lila's pandan cheesecake brownies. Lovers of cozy mysteries, clever female sleuths, and baked goods will enjoy every bite.”—Shelf Awareness

"More fun and intrigue await in Manansala’s newest mystery with our favorite Filipino baker."—The Southern Bookseller Review

Another Great Story!

The saga continues in this 3rd book in this series. Same main characters, but different mystery to solve. I appreciate the use of authentic storylines and Filipino narrators. My only possible criticism is that I’m not sure each book (outside of the first one) could stand alone. That doesn’t bother me because I love series, but someone picking up the 2nd or 3rd book without reading the first one may be a little lost.

Cozy mystery series with believeable diverse characters

I love this series. The plots are not predictable, the characters are a real reflection of a diverse American community.

My Favorite Cozy!

I love this series! Each installment has been well plotted with the perfect amount of mystery, quirkiness, and fun. Each time I read one of these I feel a sudden craving for some sweet treats and Filipino food.

Murder and Mamon doesn’t disappoint. The storyline is well thought out balancing the right amount of mystery and intrigue. The side characters that have been in each installment are consistent and add a lot of depth to the story.

As always when I finish one of these books I eaglet and super impatiently await the next installment.

Love the representation!

Mia P Manansala is one of my FAVORITE authors. I love her gender-affirming language, her inclusion of a diverse set of characters, and I greatly appreciate the content warnings at the beginning of her books. shes my favorite cozy mystery author and I'm thankful for her stories and ability to share her (our) love of Filipino culture!

5 stars

Funny and entertaining with and entertaining plot. I look forward to the next book.