South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Suspend disbelief for ‘Other Side of Night’; savor twists, recipes in ‘Blackmail and Bibingka’
The phrase “suspension of disbelief ” allows us to believe and follow a story, even when the action seems impossible. So, tuck away your skepticism, suspend that disbelief and go along for the ride of British author Adam Hamdy’s enthralling “The Other Side of Night,” no matter what twist comes around.
Each plot turn foreshadows another twist in this thriller that encompasses betrayal, regret and abandonment.
Hamdy’s unconventional mystery eschews intense action while utilizing acute psychological tenets wrapped in what appears to be, at first, a regular police procedural while flirting with snippets of science fiction.
Police detective Harriet Kealty was fired because of allegations of manslaughter after the death of the man who attacked her partner while she was trying to arrest him. She also is devastated when, after falling for Ben Elmys, he breaks off their relationship after a few dates. Harriet is drawn into the suspicious deaths of university physicist Elizabeth Asha and her author husband, David, especially when Ben becomes the guardian of the couple’s 10-year-old son, Elliot. “The Other Side of Night” follows Harriet’s dogged investigation, with assistance from Sabih Khan, her former police partner. Harriet’s concern over Elliot fuels the plot.
Hamby employs bits of the supernatural as “The Other Side of Night” draws to its surprising denouement. Just suspend that disbelief for enjoyment.
Family & culture
In just three novels, Mia P. Manansala has set a precedent for energetic culinary mysteries that invite readers to join restaurateur Lila Macapagal and her family and friends, to learn about the Filipino culture and enjoy the dishes offered at her new Brew-ha Cafe and her aunt’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen next door.
Manansala, who has won the Agatha and the Anthony awards and has been nominated for several other awards, continues this approach in “Blackmail and Bibingka,” in which family and culture drive the brisk plot. While Lila’s sleuthing skills get a little lost as Manansala focuses on the characters and the food, this doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of “Blackmail and Bibingka.”
Lila isn’t happy to see her cousin, Ronnie Flores, return after a 15-year absence, especially since she’s preoccupied gearing up for the annual Winter Bash. But Lila also is leery of his homecoming because Ronnie is known for playing loose with the truth and money, having earned the nickname of “king of get-rich-quick schemes.” Still, she tries to keep an open mind, especially since Ronnie’s arrival makes his mother — her Tita Rosie — so happy.
Her suspicions about Ronnie aren’t calmed when she learns about his dubious stay in Florida and that he wants to buy a nearby winery, bringing his investors and partners to tour the facility. The plot kicks in when one investor drinks poisoned wine and Ronnie’s mother receives a threatening email.
Manansala’s affinity for creating believable characters elevates “Blackmail and Bibingka” as the closeknit family and friends warmly welcome strangers into their home and hearts. Lila, who is in her mid 20s, maneuvers the multigenerational characters, willing to listen to others but also not shying from voicing her opinions. Her trio of “aunts,” actually her godmothers, have tamped down their matchmaking meddling — at least somewhat — now that Lila has a boyfriend, and a doctor no less.
“Blackmail and Bibingka” spins on well-devised twists, and readers will savor myriad descriptions of Filipino dishes. Fortunately, Manansala includes plenty of recipes in her culinary mystery.