Want a fun murder mystery to add to your summer reading? How about TWO? This Juicy June help yourself to HOMICIDE AND HALO-HALO by Mia P. Manansala with a side of SENSE AND SECOND-DEGREE MURDER by Tirzah Price. While technically these are second books in their separate series, there’s no strong plot-related need to read the first books before diving into these delights. But after enjoying these comical capers I bet you’ll be eager to pick up their predecessors!

HOMICIDE AND HALO-HALO is the equally delicious sequel to last year’s Juicy June pick ARSENIC AND ADOBO. This time summer is heating up with the revival of the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant which the protagonist, Lila, won many years ago. When one of the judges is murdered, and Lila’s cousin and rival Bernadette is the top suspect, Lila puts her newfound sleuthing skills to the test. A light and cozy murder mystery, I still wouldn’t recommend reading this on an empty stomach because Manansala fills the pages with incredibly enticing food descriptions that will make you drool-dream.

SENSE AND SECOND-DEGREE MURDER is the newest addition to the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series (the first was PRIDE AND PREMEDITATION and a third is yet to come). Price is skilled in the art of reimagining classic stories with a mystery makeover. Dialogue and scenes that were once familiar are twisted in wonderfully witty ways, making them twice as nice to read. SENSE AND SECOND-DEGREE MURDER is just as much fun as Price’s previous work and I’ve already added Mystery Book #3 to my reading list for the future.

This summer stock up on your favorite frozen treats and serve them with a double scoop of mystery!

Buy HALO-HALO (HERE) and SENSE (HERE). Or check out your local library!