ARC Review: Blackmail and Bibingka

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

In Blackmail and Bibingka, the absolutely beloved characters from the previous two books are all back for the holiday season. But Lila's cousin Ronnie has also returned, after fifteen years of no contact, swearing that he has turned his life around. It isn't long before Ronnie is suspected of murder, and being up to no good with his new business, and Lila has to save the holidays by saving her cousin. 

I absolutely adore this series. I tore through all three out so far and am so excited to read that there will be at least three more books in the series. These cozy reads have it all-mystery, romance, family (both blood and chosen), culture, and food. I highly recommend starting this series, I suspect you'll be just as quickly hooked as I was!

ARC Reviews: American Demon and Jackal

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my reviews itself.

In American Demon, Stashower examines both the life and legacy of Elliot Ness, and the story of the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run, and how they eventually intertwine. Elliot Ness was best known for his role in taking down Al Capone during the prohibition era, and then became Cleveland's director of public safety, tasked with discovering who was leaving torsos, limbs, and heads scattered around Cleveland.

This is a well-written book full of information, including who the Butcher most likely was. Personally, I was less interested in the prohibition era aspect of the book, and struggled through that section a bit, but that was because I was reading the book for the true crime aspect. 

Liz has come home to Johnstown for her best friend's wedding, and only for her best friend's wedding. She's never felt entirely comfortable in the majority white town, even less so on the wedding day when her goddaughter goes missing, leaving behind only a piece of her white dress covered in blood. Now Liz is seeing a horrifying pattern, one where Black girl after Black girl disappears over the years, and no one ever listens.

This is a powerful, haunting horror book that directly tackles societal issues and prejudices. This book has stayed with me long after I finished it, and I definitely recommend reading it.