I received a wonderful package in the mail today: the special hardback edition of Mia P. Manansala's Arsenic and Adobo from Book of the Month!
From left: Sujata Massey, Kellye Garrett, Gigi, Mia P. Manansala
I got to read an ARC of this terrific debut cozy mystery, and was honored to get to blurb it for BOTM. Here’s what I wrote about the novel for Book of the Month:
“I adore the cozier side of mystery fiction. I seek out that sweet spot where you can be completely swept up in a book, but also know that the story won’t take too dark a turn. I want a terrific mystery with characters I enjoy spending time with and a happy ending. When there’s a multicultural cast and good food thrown into the mix, even better. So I was thrilled to get an early look at Mia P. Manansala’s debut, Arsenic and Adobo, a stand-out cozy mystery full of heart, the importance of home, and tons of good food.” —Gigi Pandian
I met Mia when she was awarded the Malice Domestic Grant for her work in progress. That’s how I got my start as a writer as well, and I’m so pleased we’ve gotten to be friends.