Book Summary and Reviews of Mango, Mambo, and Murder (A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery) by Raquel V. Reyes

Book Summary

Cuban-American cooking show star Miriam Quiñones-Smith becomes a seasoned sleuth in Raquel V. Reyes's Caribbean Kitchen Mystery debut, a savory treat for fans of Joanne Fluke and Jenn McKinlay.

Food anthropologist Miriam Quiñones-Smith's move from New York to Coral Shores, Miami, puts her academic career on hold to stay at home with her young son. Adding to her funk is an opinionated mother-in-law and a husband rekindling a friendship with his ex. Gracias to her best friend, Alma, she gets a short-term job as a Caribbean cooking expert on a Spanish-language morning TV show. But when the newly minted star attends a Women's Club luncheon, a socialite sitting at her table suddenly falls face-first into the chicken salad, never to nibble again.

When a second woman dies soon after, suspicions coalesce around a controversial Cuban herbalist, Dr. Fuentes--especially after the morning show's host collapses while interviewing him. Detective Pullman is not happy to find Miriam at every turn. After he catches her breaking into the doctor's apothecary, he enlists her help as eyes and ears to the places he can't access, namely the Spanish-speaking community and the tawny Coral Shores social scene.

As the ingredients to the deadly scheme begin blending together, Miriam is on the verge of learning how and why the women died. But her snooping may turn out to be a recipe for her own murder.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. In the opening chapters, we learn that Miriam, Robert, and Manny have moved from NYC to Miami. Have you ever made a big move putting you closer to family? Further away from family? Was the transition easy? What was challenging about it?
2. The main character is a food anthropologist. She studies the cultural and historical intersection of why and how we eat certain foods. Do you have a family or cultural dish that is significant to you? Have you ever wondered why your family eats a particular meal on a special holiday or celebration?
3. Miriam mentions several times that her background and her husband's are very different. How do you think that socio-economic disparity affects their worldview?
4. There is a supporting ...