Death in the Cards - by Mia Manansala

About the Book

"When a high school tarot reader's latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she has learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own"--

Book Synopsis

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 well equipped with the skills to offer guidance to anxious classmates who come to her for tarot readings between classes. For a price, of course.

But one of her clients isn't just worried about finals. Something or someone has her terrified. And when the girl vanishes after an ominous reading, her younger sister Gaby begs for Danika's help to find her. Danika takes the case to prove to her parents that she's an ace detective--and that her deck is never wrong. It says change is coming . . .

What starts off as a compelling challenge quickly devolves into a darker mystery. Turns out the missing girl was living a secret life. A life that somebody wants to keep buried. If Danika's not careful, the Death card that started it all might no longer be symbolic--it could be fate.

Review Quotes

"Delightfully layered. The tarot readings bring a fresh and bright angle to this modern mystery. Mia P. Manansala has created an endearing voice in Danika--an intuitive, intelligent, and emotionally sharp amateur sleuth." --Elle Cosimano, New York Times bestselling author of Finlay Donovan is Killing It

"Twisty, witty, and compelling--everything I want in a YA mystery. Danika Dizon finds her footing as a young detective and leaves me wishing I could tag along to help solve her next case." --Randy Ribay, author of National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing

"Death in the Cards is filled with Mia P. Manansala's trademarks: an unforgettable voice, witty humor, mouthwatering food, and a tight-knit family the reader feels a part of. An entertaining, page-turning mystery." --Gloria Chao, author of The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club and Ex Marks the Spot

"Death in the Cards begins with a question and ends with a satisfying twist. Manansala has crafted a mystery any Veronica Mars lover will enjoy." --Jumata Emill, author of The Black Queen and Wander in the Dark

"The various cultural elements, from Filipino family dynamics and martial arts to the art of tarot, are lovingly represented....A well-paced and intriguing mystery." --Kirkus Reviews

" A gripping story full of twists and tension and starring a main character it's impossible not to root for... will keep readers guessing until the last page." --Booklist

"The writing is charming, making this an ideal choice for a light summer read or a cozy snow day escape. Refreshingly pleasant." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Mia P. Manansala is an award-winning writer and book coach from Chicago who enjoys books, baking, and badass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her obsession with pop culture. A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries and diverse romance, and cuddling her dogs, Gumiho and Max Power.