Blackmail and Bibingka

In Agatha Award winner Manansala’s cheeky third culinary cozy (after Homicide and Halo-Halo), the trouble begins with the return of restaurant owner Lila Macapagal’s prodigal cousin, Ronnie Flores, during the annual Winter Bash in Shady Palms, Ill. After a 15-year absence and a suspicious stay in Florida, the “king of get-rich-quick schemes” has heady plans to buy a nearby winery and hawk a line of traditional vintages, especially a potentially lethal lambanog. He has lined up a group of out-of-town investors, including the “expensively beautiful” Denise Sutton and her suave fiancé, Xander Cruz. Things go awry quickly when Denise imbibes too much and dies. Denise’s twin stepchildren immediately suspect Xander of money-grubbing. But when Lila’s aunt, Tita Rosie, receives an email threatening to expose what happened in Florida with the claim that “Ronnie and Co. have blood on their hands,” amateur detective Lila widens the net. The sleuthing sometimes takes a back burner to food tastings, but Manansala’s breezy style makes for another brisk entry in this flavorful series, recipes included. Readers will be hungry for more. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)