I've read a couple of other books by this author: Dial A for Aunties and Well, That was Unexpected. One was a murder mystery and one was a YA romance but the author always seems to like to put a dash of romance into her books. I liked both of those books well enough to give Vera Wong a try. I think the author has leveled up here!

I'm pretty close to 60 myself and I do have to say that Vera felt much older than I feel myself. The author is in her 30's and I suppose when I was that age, 60 felt pretty old to me too. But other than that, I think the author did a tremendous job of bringing Vera to life. She's a bulldozer of a Chinese mother who always thinks she knows best. When a dead body shows up in her teahouse, she thinks she knows better than the police too.

Vera decides that "since murderers always return to the scene of the crime" she will just keep a watch for who comes to her teahouse next. Since she has only had one daily customer for years, anyone new who turns up is a suspect. And people do turn up! All of them are in fact connected to the dead man and all of them have reasons to have wished him ill.

When Vera's teahouse is broken into and ransacked, she dragoons these hapless young people who are all her suspects into helping her. She moves into the dead man's widow's home. Here Vera begins to shine. She instantly wins the trust of Emma, a toddler who is very anxious. She cooks up a storm and this disarms everyone. The food descriptions are mouth-watering and I'm not sure that Vera evers repeats a dish. She cooks for Emma and Julia (Emma's mother). She makes picnics and invites her new friends out to eat and to interrogate them. She even packs up a bunch of tiffins and heads down to the police station to see if she can get the cops to spill any information.

The mystery part of this book wasn't the real draw for me. I had a couple of ideas as to whodunnit and one of them was right. The murder perpetrator did come out of left field, I thought.

The real draw was how Vera ended up being a "glue person" and comfort for her suspects. These are all people who have suffered or who are under a lot of stress and Vera eases all of them. Her suspects also become friends and supports for each other. The found family part of the book is why I kept reading. In that way, this was a very cozy read and it was comforting for me. I think that this is the author's best book and I'll read more in this series.

I absolutely loved this book! While Vera is a little unbearable sometimes, she absolutely has a heart of gold and wants the best for everyone around her. I loved how this book was set up--that she randomly meets people, sees that they are troubled, and essentially forces them to interact with her--but in the absolute best possible way. It's very clear that she is lonely, as well, so this helps her, too. This book had so much feeling and there were parts I actually laughed out loud because the banter was so darn funny! Jesse Q. Sutanto has created the cutest, funniest, most loving character--scratch that, a whole cast of characters--that I have read in a very long time and whom I instantly fell in love with. I truly hope this becomes a series because I absolutely want more of Vera and all her new friends!

If you have not read any of the Vera Wong books, you are way behind. Jesse Q Sutanto quickly became a favorite author for me. The Auntie's books should be required reading for anyone looking for a fun read. Vera Wong is not your typical Grandmother/Mother, her ability to be at the wrong place at the wrong time will provide well-needed entertainment while she solves crimes, some before they are committed. But, don't take my word for it, there are thousands of Vera fans out there who will recommend these books. 5 stars because that's all they'll let me give it!

This book was charming and intriguing. Sutanto has a great ability to write with both wit and intrigue, and their books are authentically written and compelling in terms of both plot and character. Never disappointing!

This was a fun little book that perfect for the Halloween season. I read through it so fast. Highly recommend this book to others.

Make way for a new detective in town!

Sutanto can do no wrong. Vera Wong immediately inches into your heart with her quirky, riotous (as much as a 60 year old can be) self. She truly is the gem of the story that keeps the plot moving along in this cozy mystery. It's fun, laugh-out-loud funny, and endearing. You'll love Vera Wong.

This book is a nice cozy mystery with relatable and lovely characters. I laughed out loud many, many times.

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto: A Delightful Blend of Mystery and Heart

Initially hesitant about another "older protagonist" story, I was quickly won over by Jesse Sutanto's "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers." Vera Wong, a meticulous tea shop owner, discovers a dead body in her shop and, dissatisfied with the police's lackluster investigation, decides to solve the crime herself.

Vera's character is instantly engaging. Her sharp wit, unwavering routine, and self-assuredness make her a compelling amateur sleuth. Her methods, though unconventional (think permanent marker outlines and pocket searches), are driven by her determination to uncover the truth.

The story seamlessly blends a compelling mystery with heartfelt character development. Vera's tea shop becomes a gathering place for the suspects, each with their own secrets and struggles. As Vera delves into the investigation, she forms unexpected connections, offering her "unsolicited advice" and fostering genuine friendships.

Sutanto masterfully crafts a cast of well-rounded characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Even Julia's demanding toddler, Emma, falls under Vera's charming spell, highlighting her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

The mystery itself is cleverly plotted, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The focus on character development enhances the suspense, making the reveal all the more satisfying.
"Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is more than just a cozy mystery; it's a heartwarming story about community, connection, and the power of unexpected friendships. Go into this book blind and prepare to be charmed. Highly recommended!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

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A Delightful Cozy Mystery

Jesse Q. Suttano’s Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a charming and witty addition to the cozy mystery genre. The novel introduces us to the endearingly opinionated Vera Wong, a widowed tea shop owner with an interest in solving crimes.

When a dead body turns up in her shop, Vera, armed with her sharp wit and a lifetime of wisdom, designates herself to unravel the mystery. Her unconventional methods and unwavering determination make her a refreshing and shining protagonist. Sutanto masterfully blends humor, suspense, and cultural nuances, creating a captivating world that is both familiar and exotic.

The plot is cleverly constructed, with red herrings and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the end. Vera's interactions with the colorful cast of characters, from her loyal customers to the somewhat inept police, provide plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.

Highly recommended as a unique and delightful read that will leave readers smiling and eager for more adventures with this unforgettable amateur sleuth.

This book was a pleasant surprise - cozy mysteries are not my genre, but the writing was refreshing and the characters were wonderfully humorous. The plot was fast paced and kept me guessing. I would read other books in the series in the future.

Elderly Shopkeeper Solves Murder

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers centers around Vera Wong, a 60-year-old Chinese widow who owns a quaint tea house. Her life is upended when she discovers a dead body in her tea shop one morning. Convinced that she can solve the murder better than the police, Vera takes it upon herself to investigate. Using her sharp intuition and unconventional methods, she begins her amateur sleuthing journey, putting out an obituary to draw the murderer back to the scene of the crime and compiling a suspect list.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a charming and humorous cozy mystery that offers a delightful escape. Its strengths lie in its quirky characters and the humorous narrative voice of Vera Wong. However, the book's weaknesses include a somewhat predictable plot and occasional flat character arcs. Despite these flaws, it provides a heartwarming and entertaining read, making it a worthwhile pick for fans of cozy mysteries and lighthearted detective stories.

This book was super charming and I liked it a lot! It’s a cozy mystery that’s also got a good dose of humor, found family, and enough seriousness here and there to make it have some substance. The characters were mostly great, and I enjoyed the plot and did not guess the twist. I thought it was really well balanced and just an enjoyable read all around and I’ll definitely consider picking up the second Vera Wong book when it comes out in 2025!

Short synopsis: Vera wakes up to a dead man in her tea shop, so she does what any 60 year old woman does, starts to investigate.

My thoughts: As with all this authors other books, you can expect humor, fun characters, and a bit of ridiculousness.
I love Vera! What a fun character

Read if you love:
- Cozy mysteries
- Tea
- Chinese Grandmothers
- Comedy

Thank you Gloss Book Club for providing me a copy of the book to read for July’s meeting.

Vera owns a tea shop in Chinatown and wakes up one morning to discover someone dead in her shop. She decides to call the police but, being a nosy parker and not overly confident in the police, she decides to solve the murder on her own. Her tea shop isn't overly busy, giving her the time to investigate.

I enjoyed the book and thought the story was cute and a fun cozy mystery. The backstory of several characters is revealed throughout the book.
I would recommend this book and would rate it 3.5 out of 5. However, I felt that the description of Vera's personality didn't quite reflect someone who is 60 years old; her behavior seemed more like that of someone much older, which I found a bit off-putting

Set aside the time to sit down and read this book cover-to-cover. The characters are flawed but charming, , the Chinatown location is a little bit exotic and and mystery engaging with a twist at the end.

I loved the depiction of the Chinese auntie-type protagonist who is overbearing and strict but deep down funny and loving.

Making one of the characters out to be pure evil didn't sit well with me. Would have enjoyed more nuance

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for this ecopy

**Review: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 out of 5 stars)

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s *Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers* is a wickedly entertaining and darkly comedic mystery that captivates from beginning to end. With its sharp wit, clever plotting, and unforgettable protagonist, this novel is a standout in the genre, offering readers a thrilling ride filled with twists and laughs.

The story follows Vera Wong, a snarky and irreverent advice columnist who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when her ex-boyfriend is accused of killing his new girlfriend. Determined to clear his name, Vera dives headfirst into the case, armed with her sharp intellect and biting humor. What unfolds is a rollercoaster of suspense, humor, and unexpected revelations that keeps readers guessing until the final page.

Sutanto’s writing is a delight, blending humor and suspense with effortless skill. The narrative crackles with wit and sarcasm, making Vera a truly memorable and refreshing protagonist. Her voice leaps off the page, drawing readers into her world with its blend of chaos and charm. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter ending on a tantalizing cliffhanger that propels the story forward.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its intricate plotting. Sutanto weaves a complex web of secrets and lies, expertly leading readers down unexpected paths while still delivering a satisfying resolution. The mystery unfolds with precision, with every clue and revelation adding to the suspense and intrigue.

But what truly sets *Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers* apart is its irreverent humor and biting social commentary. Sutanto deftly skewers everything from relationships to social media culture, infusing the narrative with sharp observations and laugh-out-loud moments.

In summary, *Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers* is a must-read for fans of mystery and dark comedy alike. With its unforgettable protagonist, clever plotting, and razor-sharp humor, it’s a book that will leave you eagerly awaiting Jesse Q. Sutanto’s next literary offering.

This novel earns a resounding 4.5 stars and comes highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh and engaging read that defies expectations.

I hope she writes cozy mysteries forever. These are some of her best work! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review!

This book was hilarious! I absolutely loved it and it was nothing like I have read before. Cute journey and fast paced. I miss Vera!

This book is hilarious. I loved every page. Vera is the epitome of my perfect character. Funny and brash yet kind and loving.