Picture a Filipino-American storyteller who serves up cozy mysteries with a side of adobo and a sprinkle of sleuthing—meet Mia P. Manansala! This Chicago-based author and book coach has taken the literary world by storm with her Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, blending humor, heart, and Filipino culture into delectable whodunits. Her debut, Arsenic and Adobo, not only won hearts but also nabbed multiple awards, cementing her as a fresh voice in cozy mysteries.
With a knack for weaving family dynamics, mouthwatering dishes, and clever twists, Manansala’s stories are like a warm hug from your favorite tita (auntie). Let’s dive into her journey, from her Chicago roots to her rise as a champion of diversity in literature!
The Making of Mia P. Manansala
Born and raised in Chicago, Mia P. Manansala grew up in a working-class, multigenerational Filipino household that doubled as a 'waystation' for relatives fresh from the Philippines. Food was the heartbeat of her family, with her father’s cooking—think lumpia and adobo—sparking her lifelong love for culinary arts. Though she studied restaurant management in college, a degree took a backseat to her passion for storytelling. A chance mystery writing workshop with author Lori Rader-Day changed everything, revealing her knack for crafting clever crime tales.
Manansala’s early career was marked by persistence. She honed her craft through Pitch Wars in 2017, mentored aspiring writers, and racked up accolades like the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. Her love for cozy mysteries, inspired by her mom, and her Filipino heritage set the stage for her breakout success.
Mia P. Manansala’s Unforgettable Stories
Manansala’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series is a love letter to Filipino culture, food, and community. Her debut, Arsenic and Adobo (2021), introduces Lila Macapagal, a Filipina sleuth who returns to Shady Palms to save her family’s restaurant, only to get tangled in a murder mystery when her ex-boyfriend drops dead. Packed with rom-com vibes, nosy aunties, and recipes, it’s a cozy mystery with a cultural twist.
The series continues with Homicide and Halo-Halo, Blackmail and Bibingka, Murder and Mamon, and Guilt and Ginataan, each blending crime, comedy, and Filipino dishes like bibingka and ginataan. Manansala’s style is light yet layered, using humor and murder to explore the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and millennial pop culture. Her vivid food descriptions—calamansi muffins, anyone?—leave readers hungry, while her diverse casts and tight-knit communities redefine the cozy genre.
Her upcoming works, like Death and Dinuguan and the young adult novel Death in the Cards, promise to expand her storytelling into new realms, all while keeping food and family at the core. Manansala’s ability to balance traditional cozy tropes with fresh, multicultural perspectives has earned her a loyal following.
Why Mia P. Manansala Matters
Mia P. Manansala is more than a mystery writer—she’s a trailblazer. Her Tita Rosie’s Kitchen series brings Filipino-American stories to the forefront, filling a gap in a genre that’s historically lacked diversity. By centering Filipina protagonists and celebrating cultural nuances, she’s opened doors for underrepresented voices. Her awards, including the 2022 Agatha Award for Best First Novel and the 2022 Anthony Award, highlight her impact.
As a book coach and member of Crime Writers of Color, Manansala uplifts aspiring authors, fostering a more inclusive literary world. Her stories resonate with readers craving representation, proving that cozy mysteries can be both comforting and groundbreaking. For Filipino-Americans especially, her work is a delicious celebration of identity and community.
About Mia P. Manansala
- Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois
- Key works: Arsenic and Adobo, Homicide and Halo-Halo, Murder and Mamon
- Awards: 2022 Agatha Award, 2022 Anthony Award, 2022 Macavity Award
- Fun fact: Her dogs are named Gumiho, Max Power, and Bayley Banks!
Snag Arsenic and Adobo and dive into Mia P. Manansala’s cozy, culinary mysteries! Trust us, you’ll be craving lumpia and Lila’s next adventure in no time.