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Death in the Cards
The young adult debut from the award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo! When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.
Danika Dizon is a natural problem-solver. Thanks to her private investigator mom and mystery author dad, she's equipped with the skills to offer guidance to anxious classmates who come to her for a tarot reading between classes. For a price, of course.
But when one of her clients vanishes shortly after they're dealt a death card, the girl’s younger sister Gaby begs Danika to figure out what went wrong. Danika takes on the case, thinking it's the perfect way to prove to her parents that she should be an official investigator in the family’s detective agency.
What starts off as a compelling challenge quickly devolves into something darker as Danika and Gaby peel back layer after layer of the secret life the missing girl has been living. A life that those involved would do anything to keep from being revealed…
Danika Dizon is a natural problem-solver. Thanks to her private investigator mom and mystery author dad, she's equipped with the skills to offer guidance to anxious classmates who come to her for a tarot reading between classes. For a price, of course.
But when one of her clients vanishes shortly after they're dealt a death card, the girl’s younger sister Gaby begs Danika to figure out what went wrong. Danika takes on the case, thinking it's the perfect way to prove to her parents that she should be an official investigator in the family’s detective agency.
What starts off as a compelling challenge quickly devolves into something darker as Danika and Gaby peel back layer after layer of the secret life the missing girl has been living. A life that those involved would do anything to keep from being revealed…
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
112 people are currently reading
8379 people want to read
About the author
Mia P. Manansala
10 books4,360 followersMia P. Manansala is a book coach and the author of ARSENIC AND ADOBO (Berkley 2021), the first in the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series.
She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck - Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy Scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2020 mentor.
A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries, and dreaming of becoming best buds with Wonder Woman and Kamala Khan.
When she’s not sassing her ever-so-patient husband, she’s cuddling her dogs Max Power and Bayley Banks (bonus points to those who get the name references) at her home just outside of Chicago.
Mia is quite the joiner, as she is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, Banyan: Asian American Writers Collective, the Chicago Writers Association, and the Chicago Nerd Social Club.
Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter
Or check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com
Represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck - Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy Scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2020 mentor.
A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries, and dreaming of becoming best buds with Wonder Woman and Kamala Khan.
When she’s not sassing her ever-so-patient husband, she’s cuddling her dogs Max Power and Bayley Banks (bonus points to those who get the name references) at her home just outside of Chicago.
Mia is quite the joiner, as she is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, Banyan: Asian American Writers Collective, the Chicago Writers Association, and the Chicago Nerd Social Club.
Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter
Or check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com
Represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
July 5, 2025
I literally squealed with delight when I got my hands on Mia P. Manansala's young adult debut! As someone who's devoured every word of her Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series, I dove into this book with sky-high expectations - and oh my goodness, did it deliver! This story grabbed my heart from page one and wouldn't let go, blending family bonds, supernatural elements, and edge-of-your-seat mystery into something absolutely magical.
Let me tell you about Danika Dizon - I wish I could be her best friend! There's something so special about watching this whip-smart teen navigate her world with tarot cards in one hand and determination in the other. When a simple card reading turns dark with the appearance of the death card, followed by her client's mysterious disappearance, I found myself holding my breath. Having detective parents definitely runs in her blood, and watching her channel their investigative spirit made me grin from ear to ear.
I stayed up way too late following every twist and turn of this mystery. Each revelation about the missing girl's secret life had me gasping, and don't even get me started on the brilliant way the tarot readings weave through the story! It's not just window dressing - these cards tell their own haunting story, adding layers of meaning that gave me chills.
Manansala has this incredible gift for bringing characters to life. I could practically hear their voices, feel their fears, and share their triumphs. The whole time I was reading, I felt like I was right there beside Danika, piecing together clues and trying to stay one step ahead of danger. This isn't just a mystery - it's an adventure that had my heart racing and my mind spinning with theories.
Trust me, whether you're already a Manansala fan or this is your first time discovering her work, you're in for such a treat! This book is like your favorite snack - totally addictive, impossible to put down, and leaves you craving more. If you love clever mysteries with heart, soul, and a dash of supernatural intrigue, do yourself a favor and grab this book immediately. Your next favorite YA detective is waiting to meet you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for sharing this YA debut' arc copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Let me tell you about Danika Dizon - I wish I could be her best friend! There's something so special about watching this whip-smart teen navigate her world with tarot cards in one hand and determination in the other. When a simple card reading turns dark with the appearance of the death card, followed by her client's mysterious disappearance, I found myself holding my breath. Having detective parents definitely runs in her blood, and watching her channel their investigative spirit made me grin from ear to ear.
I stayed up way too late following every twist and turn of this mystery. Each revelation about the missing girl's secret life had me gasping, and don't even get me started on the brilliant way the tarot readings weave through the story! It's not just window dressing - these cards tell their own haunting story, adding layers of meaning that gave me chills.
Manansala has this incredible gift for bringing characters to life. I could practically hear their voices, feel their fears, and share their triumphs. The whole time I was reading, I felt like I was right there beside Danika, piecing together clues and trying to stay one step ahead of danger. This isn't just a mystery - it's an adventure that had my heart racing and my mind spinning with theories.
Trust me, whether you're already a Manansala fan or this is your first time discovering her work, you're in for such a treat! This book is like your favorite snack - totally addictive, impossible to put down, and leaves you craving more. If you love clever mysteries with heart, soul, and a dash of supernatural intrigue, do yourself a favor and grab this book immediately. Your next favorite YA detective is waiting to meet you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for sharing this YA debut' arc copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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May 29, 2025
PLEASE BE A SERIES
June 29, 2025
3.5⭐
frtc
✨Pre-read:
I did somewhat enjoy this author's adult cozy mystery even though it wasn't a new favourite, so wanna give this YA mystery a try & see if I like it more.
plus it's got a FMC who can read tarot cards & possibly solve a missing persons case, which sounds interesting & I hope it's as good as it sounds😍🤞🏻
frtc
✨Pre-read:
I did somewhat enjoy this author's adult cozy mystery even though it wasn't a new favourite, so wanna give this YA mystery a try & see if I like it more.
plus it's got a FMC who can read tarot cards & possibly solve a missing persons case, which sounds interesting & I hope it's as good as it sounds😍🤞🏻
May 19, 2025
A strong YA cozy mystery debut that has a Filipino American teen tarot reader slash amateur detective looking into the death of one of her classmates. This gave me lots of Veronica Mars vibes, had a fun bisexual storyline and of course all the tarot reading/meanings made it extra fun for me. Good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Margot Mertz takes it down. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
November 26, 2025
This is a quick, fun, and engaging young adult mystery read. I liked that there's an added Tarot card reading. :)
August 11, 2025
"Death in the Cards" instantly caught my attention with its promising blurb — tarot, a missing girl & queer representation? Sign me up!
I dove in with high expectations & was quickly invested in the story. The mystery kept me engaged & I genuinely enjoyed this reading experience.
However, I found myself struggling with the character introductions. They weren’t detailed enough for me to get a solid grasp on who these people were, which became a bit frustrating once more characters began to appear. At times, the pacing also felt rushed & before I knew it, we were already at the ending — which left me feeling a little disappointed & wishing the story had more room to breathe.
Overall, it’s an intriguing & enjoyable read, but one that I think could have been even stronger with deeper character development & a more gradual build to the finale.
I dove in with high expectations & was quickly invested in the story. The mystery kept me engaged & I genuinely enjoyed this reading experience.
However, I found myself struggling with the character introductions. They weren’t detailed enough for me to get a solid grasp on who these people were, which became a bit frustrating once more characters began to appear. At times, the pacing also felt rushed & before I knew it, we were already at the ending — which left me feeling a little disappointed & wishing the story had more room to breathe.
Overall, it’s an intriguing & enjoyable read, but one that I think could have been even stronger with deeper character development & a more gradual build to the finale.
May 20, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This is a review of the audiobook performed by Dominique Salvacion.
I am a huge fan of the author’s adult cozy mystery series (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen). So I was very excited to see that the author was writing a YA cozy mystery/detective series.
Death In The Cards is the first book in the series. It features high school junior Danika. She is a tarot card reader and an aspiring private detective.
In this book a high school girl goes missing. Danika, her mom (who is an actual P.I.) and Gaby (the girl’s sister) try to find her.
I absolutely loved this book. Danika is awesome. I loved her family and friends. Her dad loves to cook, so we get Filipino food and lots of Filipino culture.
Dominique Salvacion was a wonderful Danika. I really enjoyed her performance. She made this such a fun book to listen to.
The mystery was really good. I also really loved Danika’s tarot card readings. This was a great start to a new series. I can’t wait for more!
This is a review of the audiobook performed by Dominique Salvacion.
I am a huge fan of the author’s adult cozy mystery series (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen). So I was very excited to see that the author was writing a YA cozy mystery/detective series.
Death In The Cards is the first book in the series. It features high school junior Danika. She is a tarot card reader and an aspiring private detective.
In this book a high school girl goes missing. Danika, her mom (who is an actual P.I.) and Gaby (the girl’s sister) try to find her.
I absolutely loved this book. Danika is awesome. I loved her family and friends. Her dad loves to cook, so we get Filipino food and lots of Filipino culture.
Dominique Salvacion was a wonderful Danika. I really enjoyed her performance. She made this such a fun book to listen to.
The mystery was really good. I also really loved Danika’s tarot card readings. This was a great start to a new series. I can’t wait for more!
March 30, 2025
For years, Danika has been trying to prove to her mother that she is capable of joining her detective agency after graduation. But her mother insists she attend college and get an education before making any big decisions, keeping her from getting too involved at the agency by sticking her in as the front desk receptionist. But when a classmate comes to Danika for help finding her missing sister, she sees it as an opportunity to prove her worth and passion for the family business.
I've read Manansala's adult cozy mysteries and really enjoyed them, but I might like this young adult mystery even more... She's set Danika up perfectly to be a qualified, yet still amateur detective, with her being a minor and in high school but with skills and resources (and defense lessons) that a true private eye needs. The mystery fascinating, with plenty of twists and turns, and a reveal that was both shocking and not totally left field (which is my favorite--I want hints, but not the answer!). Sure, Danika is still an awkward teenager who is clueless about her love life, but the mystery was just so good that it overrode any of my adult frustration over high school angst. And I'm not normally into the mystical, but I actually really loved the tarot element to this one, too. It sets up a second book (or a series??) perfectly, and I already can't wait to read it.
Thanks to Delacorte Press and Get Underlined for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
I've read Manansala's adult cozy mysteries and really enjoyed them, but I might like this young adult mystery even more... She's set Danika up perfectly to be a qualified, yet still amateur detective, with her being a minor and in high school but with skills and resources (and defense lessons) that a true private eye needs. The mystery fascinating, with plenty of twists and turns, and a reveal that was both shocking and not totally left field (which is my favorite--I want hints, but not the answer!). Sure, Danika is still an awkward teenager who is clueless about her love life, but the mystery was just so good that it overrode any of my adult frustration over high school angst. And I'm not normally into the mystical, but I actually really loved the tarot element to this one, too. It sets up a second book (or a series??) perfectly, and I already can't wait to read it.
Thanks to Delacorte Press and Get Underlined for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
March 18, 2025
Death in the Cards follows Danika Dizon, a tarot reader and wannabe private detective like her mother. When one of her clients vanishes after a reading, the client’s younger sister begs Danika to find out where her sister is. Danika jumps at the opportunity to prove to her mother she can be a real investigator. As the lines of their business relationship blur, they discover dark secrets about the missing sister that could change everything.
This was as entertaining and unique mystery. I loved the element of tarot reading and loved seeing Danika do readings. The beginning and end were super gripping, but I did find myself a bit bored in the middle as not tons happens. But the ending was satisfying, and I really enjoyed the pace of the plot in the last 30%. I also liked the twist and reveal.
Danika was a great main character. I loved how oblivious she was towards Gaby and Alex’s feelings to her. She’s so precious and fierce. Her family was so sweet, and I loved the strong relationships she had with them. All the characters in this novel were written so well and had such depth to them. I really liked her romance with Gaby.
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was as entertaining and unique mystery. I loved the element of tarot reading and loved seeing Danika do readings. The beginning and end were super gripping, but I did find myself a bit bored in the middle as not tons happens. But the ending was satisfying, and I really enjoyed the pace of the plot in the last 30%. I also liked the twist and reveal.
Danika was a great main character. I loved how oblivious she was towards Gaby and Alex’s feelings to her. She’s so precious and fierce. Her family was so sweet, and I loved the strong relationships she had with them. All the characters in this novel were written so well and had such depth to them. I really liked her romance with Gaby.
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 22, 2025
My audible gasp when I saw Mia was releasing a YA book! I absolutely adore her Tita Rosie’s Kitchen series as they’re fast paced books with enjoyable characters and amazing food descriptions, along with said foods recipe cards.
Death in the Cards is the first book…in what I suspect will be a series, an easily lovable series. It follows Danika, an introverted, caring tarot card reading part-time private detective. Aspiring private detective, as this girl hasn’t even graduated yet.
Danika discovers that a local girl goes missing and she just happened to receive a tarot card reading by yours truly, a coincidence, I think not. On her investigative journey she ends up learning more about herself and stepping out of her comfort zone. I loved loved loved seeing Danika’s perspective on tarot and the readings she conducted for her customers.
Best part of this book, the food descriptions! Mia really loves her Filipino-America heritage and takes pride in describing the food that brings her so much joy and comfort, you can get such a good visual that it makes it hard not to have your mouth water (Mia did this to us in Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, cruel woman). Thankfully, the ending gave us full clarity on everything we became invested in throughout the book. I can’t wait to read more from Mia, all of her books have been cute as heck!
4.5 stars!
Death in the Cards is the first book…in what I suspect will be a series, an easily lovable series. It follows Danika, an introverted, caring tarot card reading part-time private detective. Aspiring private detective, as this girl hasn’t even graduated yet.
Danika discovers that a local girl goes missing and she just happened to receive a tarot card reading by yours truly, a coincidence, I think not. On her investigative journey she ends up learning more about herself and stepping out of her comfort zone. I loved loved loved seeing Danika’s perspective on tarot and the readings she conducted for her customers.
Best part of this book, the food descriptions! Mia really loves her Filipino-America heritage and takes pride in describing the food that brings her so much joy and comfort, you can get such a good visual that it makes it hard not to have your mouth water (Mia did this to us in Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, cruel woman). Thankfully, the ending gave us full clarity on everything we became invested in throughout the book. I can’t wait to read more from Mia, all of her books have been cute as heck!
4.5 stars!
April 25, 2025
Danika Dizon is a high school junior and a tarot card reader. She has a good business reading the cards for her high school classmates. But when a stranger comes for a reading, Danika is concerned by what the cards foretell. And when the stranger's sister comes to see her the next day blaming her for her sister's disappearance, Danika finds herself in the middle of quite a problem.
Danika has some experience with investigations. Her mother runs a private investigations agency, and her father writes mystery novels. Danika has done research for both and intends to be a private investigator herself after she finishes school.
The mystery was engaging and the Chicago setting interesting too. Danika is a Filippino, and the story is filled with her family and the foods they eat. Danika is also a little focused on problem solving and isn't really good at interpersonal relationships. She isn't sure what to make of her client Gaby's interest in her. Nor does she know how to handle her relationship with a boy she meets during the course of the investigation.
I enjoyed this one for its very interesting main character and the mystery she has to solve.
Danika has some experience with investigations. Her mother runs a private investigations agency, and her father writes mystery novels. Danika has done research for both and intends to be a private investigator herself after she finishes school.
The mystery was engaging and the Chicago setting interesting too. Danika is a Filippino, and the story is filled with her family and the foods they eat. Danika is also a little focused on problem solving and isn't really good at interpersonal relationships. She isn't sure what to make of her client Gaby's interest in her. Nor does she know how to handle her relationship with a boy she meets during the course of the investigation.
I enjoyed this one for its very interesting main character and the mystery she has to solve.
July 25, 2025
I was genuinely excited when I spotted Death in the Cards at Barnes & Noble, especially after seeing it tagged as queer on Goodreads. Unfortunately, this book didn’t live up to my expectations. What was marketed as a mystery fell flat… the plot lacked suspense and never really felt like a true whodunit. The ending didn’t deliver any real payoff either. It got an extra star because of the tarot readings:)
Slight spoiler?
What really dragged the story down for me was the character of Gaby. I hated her LOL. She came off as rude, immature, and completely disrespectful — especially toward Danika and her family. It made it hard to root for anyone or feel invested in the relationships. Gaby’s attitude constantly pulled me out of the story, and I found myself more annoyed than intrigued.
Overall, I was just disappointed. I wanted a compelling, queer mystery and instead got something that felt juvenile and messy. Not for me:(
Slight spoiler?
What really dragged the story down for me was the character of Gaby. I hated her LOL. She came off as rude, immature, and completely disrespectful — especially toward Danika and her family. It made it hard to root for anyone or feel invested in the relationships. Gaby’s attitude constantly pulled me out of the story, and I found myself more annoyed than intrigued.
Overall, I was just disappointed. I wanted a compelling, queer mystery and instead got something that felt juvenile and messy. Not for me:(
September 7, 2025
I love the premise! Danika is a high school student and tarot reader. She is fortunate to have a Private Investigator mom and a mystery author dad; they raised her with amazing attention to detail and problem solving abilities, they kept her mind open. When a case pops up at her school, her mom allows her to play a role. It’s her first real case, and she rocks it.
This cozy mystery made me want to start reading tarot again! I was getting pretty good right before I stopped. Nothing like opening up that third eye guidance, for real. I love that her friends loved and understood her so well. I love that her family was so solid and complete. I love that she was not only queer, but that she also wasn’t forced to choose a love interest. Yes, let older teens be unready sometimes and have it be ok! I love the humor and hijinks of it all. I love that the layers of the case unfolded slowly and consistently. I love the culture that was shared. I love the personalities and character development. Even though the last 100 pages almost made me think it’d turn into a romance (I’m so glad it didn’t, but that was rough), I really enjoyed this book and I hope so strongly for a SEQUEL!
This cozy mystery made me want to start reading tarot again! I was getting pretty good right before I stopped. Nothing like opening up that third eye guidance, for real. I love that her friends loved and understood her so well. I love that her family was so solid and complete. I love that she was not only queer, but that she also wasn’t forced to choose a love interest. Yes, let older teens be unready sometimes and have it be ok! I love the humor and hijinks of it all. I love that the layers of the case unfolded slowly and consistently. I love the culture that was shared. I love the personalities and character development. Even though the last 100 pages almost made me think it’d turn into a romance (I’m so glad it didn’t, but that was rough), I really enjoyed this book and I hope so strongly for a SEQUEL!
June 12, 2025
A great start to what I hope is a new series! I loved the YA angle, particularly as it resonated so much with my upbringing. Unlike the Tita Rosie's Kitchen series, this series has a younger main character who is struggling with fitting in with her high school friends and figuring out who she is, all while dealing with the traditional teenage angst. While the mystery wasn't overly complex, the setting is what truly shines in this one. I enjoyed getting to know Danika and her extended family as well as learning more about Filipino traditional martial arts. The tarot readings were an interesting side hustle for a high school student; the readings taught me more about tarot but also helped in the investigation. Looking forward to more in this series.
July 11, 2025
This was a fun mystery that I enjoyed. The pacing is great and this was a quick read. Danika Dizon is such a likable main character that I'd love if this became a series. I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Mia P. Manansala,Random House Children's and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2025
This was so good! I honestly had no idea what to expect but it was such a cozy, feel-good YA mystery!
May 21, 2025
2 1/2 really and can't say that i loved the mystery or the writing or the people or all the detailed un-related tarot reading BUT i didn't dislike anything either. would read another of mia manasala's cozy mysteries definitely though maybe not the "young adult" ones. that said, i am old and grumpy and so if you are young (at heart) and full of energy please don't listen to this review.
May 21, 2025
Death in the Cards is a cute, fast-paced YA mystery that blends tarot intrigue with amateur sleuthing. The story follows Danika Dizon, a high school tarot reader raised by a private investigator mom and mystery author dad, who takes on a real-life case when one of her classmates goes missing shortly after pulling a troubling card. With the help of the missing girl’s younger sister, Danika dives into a web of secrets that quickly spirals into something much darker than either of them expected.
There’s a lot to love in this setup: the infusion of Filipino culture was a standout element, adding a fresh and authentic layer to the story, and the cast is delightfully diverse, which made the high school world feel inclusive and current. I also really appreciated the incorporation of tarot—any plot with a touch of the mystical is always a win for me.
That said, some elements didn’t land quite as well. The food descriptions, while rich and clearly a signature of Manansala’s writing style, felt a little overdone in this particular context. Instead of enhancing the plot, they occasionally pulled me out of the mystery and disrupted the pacing. The ending also felt rushed, with major plot threads tied up quickly in a way that lacked the emotional payoff the buildup deserved.
While I understand the goal of making this story resonate with a Gen Z audience, there were moments where the tone and references felt slightly forced—almost like the author was trying a bit too hard to sound “teen.” As a millennial reader, I’ve read plenty of YA where the generational voice felt natural and well-balanced, but in this case, it occasionally came off as inauthentic or overly curated.
Overall, Death in the Cards is a solid read with great representation and a fun premise, especially for younger readers just dipping their toes into the mystery genre. It has heart and potential, even if it didn’t quite hit all the marks for me.
There’s a lot to love in this setup: the infusion of Filipino culture was a standout element, adding a fresh and authentic layer to the story, and the cast is delightfully diverse, which made the high school world feel inclusive and current. I also really appreciated the incorporation of tarot—any plot with a touch of the mystical is always a win for me.
That said, some elements didn’t land quite as well. The food descriptions, while rich and clearly a signature of Manansala’s writing style, felt a little overdone in this particular context. Instead of enhancing the plot, they occasionally pulled me out of the mystery and disrupted the pacing. The ending also felt rushed, with major plot threads tied up quickly in a way that lacked the emotional payoff the buildup deserved.
While I understand the goal of making this story resonate with a Gen Z audience, there were moments where the tone and references felt slightly forced—almost like the author was trying a bit too hard to sound “teen.” As a millennial reader, I’ve read plenty of YA where the generational voice felt natural and well-balanced, but in this case, it occasionally came off as inauthentic or overly curated.
Overall, Death in the Cards is a solid read with great representation and a fun premise, especially for younger readers just dipping their toes into the mystery genre. It has heart and potential, even if it didn’t quite hit all the marks for me.
November 12, 2025
I read "tarots" and "missing girl" and I was hooked. My expectations were up the roof and I am so glad they were met! This is not your usual predicatable detective stories - theres uniqueness and charm to the concept of this book which I really enjoyed. The tarot readings really brought in new perspectives, and really explained a bit more in an engaging way. The mystery itself wasnt anything complex but quite intriguing, AND THE ROMANTIC SUBPLOT OH MY GOD. The characters truly made it special, especially with the main character, Danika, being a Filipino-American! I loved learning more about the dishes and the traditional martial arts etc etc. AND SHE IS ALSO SUCH A LIKEABLE CHARACTER! Besides her too, theres a variety of characters with distinct personalities, and they were developed well through the story.
My only problem? WHY WAS THE ENDING SO RUSHED? Yes, I did not expect that end, but it did answer all the questions bubbling in my head throughout the read. Everything was going so smoothly until everything was dumped right there at the last 5% of the book, which caused the fire to die :((
My only problem? WHY WAS THE ENDING SO RUSHED? Yes, I did not expect that end, but it did answer all the questions bubbling in my head throughout the read. Everything was going so smoothly until everything was dumped right there at the last 5% of the book, which caused the fire to die :((
January 7, 2025
Manansala's YA debut is every bit as exciting and fun as her Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series! Danika's dream is to work as a PI like her mom. And while she gets to help out with office work, her mom refuses to let her work a case. But when one of her classmates goes missing and that class.ate's sister asks for help, Danika finally gets to help out. But there's a lot more to this than a missing girl.
Overall, I liked this a lot. I had one question that doesn't really change my feelings about the book, but it bugged me. Eli is a senior and 17. Her sister Gaby is a junior and 16. But Eli skipped a grade. 🤷♀️
The tarot was a nice aspect of this as well. I think this was the first time I've read a book that really had a lot of different readings that explained a bit more how it all worked.
Release Date: 5/13/2025
Overall, I liked this a lot. I had one question that doesn't really change my feelings about the book, but it bugged me. Eli is a senior and 17. Her sister Gaby is a junior and 16. But Eli skipped a grade. 🤷♀️
The tarot was a nice aspect of this as well. I think this was the first time I've read a book that really had a lot of different readings that explained a bit more how it all worked.
Release Date: 5/13/2025
May 12, 2025
This YA cozy mystery was my first ARC ever 🥹 And it did not disappoint!
In this book, we’re introduced to Danika and her community as she’s tapped to investigate the disappearance of a tarot card reading client of hers. She takes the case, hoping to prove herself to join the family detective agency, but it gets darker and more complex the more she unravels.
From the get go, I loved reading the story through Danika’s voice. I wish I had this book when I was a teenager, I resonated with her character so strongly - a super overworked high schooler, determined to prove herself on all fronts. I enjoyed reading her interactions with her family and friends as well as seeing her thought process throughout the investigation. Also, super hilarious to see her so badass in her mystery solving but completely oblivious on the dating scene. New fave trope - oblivious to lovers LOL
It was also cool to see tarot reading from Danika’s point of view, how it helped center her and guide her in her case. I’ve always had dreadful, negative vibes from tarot readings but was still curious so this book really opened up the gates for me to explore more about it. And, of course, 1000% felt the vibes as a Filipino-American. The food descriptions were offensive (as in, how could you make me so hungry? I could practically smell the food off the page) and the family expectations were triggering (as in all too relatable).
The mystery itself was intriguing to read too. Ngl, I don’t think too hard about trying to solve the mystery so it was fun to read through the cast of suspects and question everyone’s intentions. Loved how everything came together in the end, and set the stage for the next book which hello sign me up!! Mia P. Manansala continues to cement herself as one of my auto-read and auto-buy authors.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for sharing this arc! So excited to pick up my copy soon
In this book, we’re introduced to Danika and her community as she’s tapped to investigate the disappearance of a tarot card reading client of hers. She takes the case, hoping to prove herself to join the family detective agency, but it gets darker and more complex the more she unravels.
From the get go, I loved reading the story through Danika’s voice. I wish I had this book when I was a teenager, I resonated with her character so strongly - a super overworked high schooler, determined to prove herself on all fronts. I enjoyed reading her interactions with her family and friends as well as seeing her thought process throughout the investigation. Also, super hilarious to see her so badass in her mystery solving but completely oblivious on the dating scene. New fave trope - oblivious to lovers LOL
It was also cool to see tarot reading from Danika’s point of view, how it helped center her and guide her in her case. I’ve always had dreadful, negative vibes from tarot readings but was still curious so this book really opened up the gates for me to explore more about it. And, of course, 1000% felt the vibes as a Filipino-American. The food descriptions were offensive (as in, how could you make me so hungry? I could practically smell the food off the page) and the family expectations were triggering (as in all too relatable).
The mystery itself was intriguing to read too. Ngl, I don’t think too hard about trying to solve the mystery so it was fun to read through the cast of suspects and question everyone’s intentions. Loved how everything came together in the end, and set the stage for the next book which hello sign me up!! Mia P. Manansala continues to cement herself as one of my auto-read and auto-buy authors.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for sharing this arc! So excited to pick up my copy soon
September 3, 2025
Took a star because I know her car's name more than most of the main characters. (it's Veronica, btw). And took another one for how often she referenced not wearing hoop earrings because they're easy to get pulled out when fighting...but then barely got in any fights lol.
The actual plot was pretty good. Teen detective (daughter of an actual detective and author, so at least reason to be snooping) that also reads tarot cards.
I am a little annoyed that she chose to date both the golden retriever boy AND the wounded girl at the end of this. And they're both perfectly fine her choosing both. Felt a bit pandering, honestly.
Read by Dominique Salvation. #booksin25
The actual plot was pretty good. Teen detective (daughter of an actual detective and author, so at least reason to be snooping) that also reads tarot cards.
I am a little annoyed that she chose to date both the golden retriever boy AND the wounded girl at the end of this. And they're both perfectly fine her choosing both. Felt a bit pandering, honestly.
Read by Dominique Salvation. #booksin25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
I loved this book. I had read Manasala's other series (the Tita Rosie's kitchen mysteries) and really liked it, but honestly, this one might have been even better. I think it was well thought out in that the main character had a compelling reason to be investigating. The characters acted in logical and consistent ways for the most part, more so than in a lot of cozy mysteries. I really felt like the author had considered her characters' motivations, and I like that in a mystery. I also felt like the plot was just complex enough, even though there were some parts that I think could've been explored in more depth.
Also, I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that I'm pleased with the resolution to the romantic plot because I feel like a lot of authors try to force a neat conclusion to what is inevitably a messy story line (a neat and easy romance would be boring to read about) but that by forcing a neat resolution, it's often left feeling inauthentic and unsatisfying. Or alternatively, it's an unsatisfying love triangle for like 6 books. I felt like this one did a good job of being authentic and reasonable and not trying to force anything that wouldn't have made sense for the characters.
Also, I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that I'm pleased with the resolution to the romantic plot because I feel like a lot of authors try to force a neat conclusion to what is inevitably a messy story line (a neat and easy romance would be boring to read about) but that by forcing a neat resolution, it's often left feeling inauthentic and unsatisfying. Or alternatively, it's an unsatisfying love triangle for like 6 books. I felt like this one did a good job of being authentic and reasonable and not trying to force anything that wouldn't have made sense for the characters.
April 13, 2025
4.75 rounded up
I had so much fun reading this, and I'm not even mad at the ending to the romantic subplot.
A queer Filipina tarot-reading high school student whose mom is a PI and dad is a mystery writer gets a case of her own when a classmate's older sister goes missing.
I really enjoyed the various aspects of Danika's life that were laid out while she worked her first real case. She's got a great family, wonderful friends, and two awesome love interests. The way this ended made me hope this is the first in a series. This is a first for me by this author, but it won't be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I had so much fun reading this, and I'm not even mad at the ending to the romantic subplot.
A queer Filipina tarot-reading high school student whose mom is a PI and dad is a mystery writer gets a case of her own when a classmate's older sister goes missing.
I really enjoyed the various aspects of Danika's life that were laid out while she worked her first real case. She's got a great family, wonderful friends, and two awesome love interests. The way this ended made me hope this is the first in a series. This is a first for me by this author, but it won't be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
July 29, 2025
This was such a fun read! I knew I hd to read it once I saw that this was Manansala’s YA debut. At first I felt it was a little simple and I wasn’t fully invested, but as the story went on, I felt like this was a great book with well-rounded characters and an interesting and smart mystery. It was a great book to have playing in the car while driving my kids to camp and my eldest always wanted me to turn it back on whenever I dared pause the novel to say something. I really enjoyed this book and inhaled it over the course of two days.
April 21, 2025
This was a fun YA mystery. I admit what drew me mostly to it was the Tarot card aspect- that the FMC Danika gives readings using them. Danika wants to be a private investigator like her mother, and so it was entertaining to see her try to solve the disappearance of a girl to which she had recently given a reading.
The plot never dulled for me, making this a pretty easy one to read or listen to in just a sitting or two. The characters had good development, and the ending wasn’t quite what I was expecting either. There wasn’t really anything groundbreaking in this book, but given its genre, I think it was a solid read.
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Young adults or true YA fans.
𝑨 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
I thought the narrator did great with this book. It made it feel a little more YA, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The plot never dulled for me, making this a pretty easy one to read or listen to in just a sitting or two. The characters had good development, and the ending wasn’t quite what I was expecting either. There wasn’t really anything groundbreaking in this book, but given its genre, I think it was a solid read.
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Young adults or true YA fans.
𝑨 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
I thought the narrator did great with this book. It made it feel a little more YA, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
July 18, 2025
So much fun and I really love a YA mystery. I giggled a lot and Danika’s friend group made the middle/high school reader in me feel very warm and fuzzy.
Mia P. Manansala was a Columbus Book Festival find for me at the Queer Mayhem panel, where she mentioned that she actually pulled tarot cards while writing for all the tarot readings in the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5 stars rounded up :)
Mia P. Manansala was a Columbus Book Festival find for me at the Queer Mayhem panel, where she mentioned that she actually pulled tarot cards while writing for all the tarot readings in the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5 stars rounded up :)
July 25, 2025
Such a fun YA mystery! I loved the narration and use of irony. It really showed us Danika’s character, priorities and social weaknesses. All the side characters were layered and colorful as well! Finally, I just really loved the use of tarot in the story. As someone who does card reading, it felt so much more realistic than other portrayals of tarot in media.
July 16, 2025
Danika is the real start here-sharp, loyal, and effortlessly cool. While Lila juggles murder, mayhem, and metaphysical messes, Danika keeps it real with her dry wit and no-nonsense vibes. A fast, funny mystery with just the right amount of chaos.
April 24, 2025
I love the Tita Rosie Kitchen mystery series and had to pick up the authors debut Ya novel.
When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.
This has the same vibe as the aforementioned series when it comes to writing style. It’s easy to listen to and even easier to binge. I loved that for once the parental characters supported the main characters with their passion for detective work. I found that so so so unique. However; with the title referring to tarot cards; I found they weren’t as prevalent in the plot as I would have hoped. Often it felt like an after thought and was hastily thrown back into the story.
Overall I did enjoy this and do recommend
When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.
This has the same vibe as the aforementioned series when it comes to writing style. It’s easy to listen to and even easier to binge. I loved that for once the parental characters supported the main characters with their passion for detective work. I found that so so so unique. However; with the title referring to tarot cards; I found they weren’t as prevalent in the plot as I would have hoped. Often it felt like an after thought and was hastily thrown back into the story.
Overall I did enjoy this and do recommend
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