ARSENIC and Adobo is the first part of the Tita Rosie Mystery series of Filipino-American writer Mia Manansala. Published by Berkley for Penguin Random House, it was touted by Buzzfeed as one of the highly anticipated novels of the year.

The buzz seems to be spot on, for this is a charming and well-written mystery. It is brisk and breezy, with a backstory that would beguile our angst-ridden teenagers. When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a terrible breakup with her high school boyfriend Derek Winter, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She is tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing Filipino restaurant. Moreover, she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with unconditional love — and sharp judgment. The aunts are named April, May and June — and they are called the Calendar Crew.