Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto was such a joy to read. It’s a cozy murder-mystery that will warm your heart and make you laugh aloud. Vera Wong owns a tea shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown and when a man ends up dead in her shop, she investigates. The tale that unfolds was, in a word, wonderful.
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
A lonely shopkeeper takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way in this captivating mystery by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.
Vera Wong is a lonely little old lady--ah, lady of a certain age--who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Francisco's Chinatown. Despite living alone, Vera is not needy, oh no. She likes nothing more than sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to.
Then one morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a curious thing--a dead man in the middle of her tea shop. In his outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera doesn't know what comes over her, but after calling the cops like any good citizen would, she sort of . . . swipes the flash drive from the body and tucks it safely into the pocket of her apron. Why? Because Vera is sure she would do a better job than the police possibly could, because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands. Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her shop and figure out which one among them is the killer.
What Vera does not expect is to form friendships with her customers and start to care for each and every one of them. As a protective mother hen, will she end up having to give one of her newfound chicks to the police?
I am still grinning about this story. It’s an elevated cozy mystery that deals with family, friendship and the most ornery, loveable old women. I want to visit Vera Wang’s Famous Tea Shop and have Vera Wong fix me the perfect tea. If I am lucky, maybe she will feed me.
The tale begins by introducing us to Vera Wong, who lives alone above her teashop. We learn about her son, her day and, of course, her shop. I loved Vera from the start and chuckled at her antics. Her talk about young people had my sides hurting, and I easily related to her situation.
Vera is lonely and when she awakens to find a dead body in her shop, she calls the police. From the crime scene to her interactions with the police, I was hooked. Lord, she was hilarious. I want to have as much confidence as she does when I grow up.
When the police rule the death accidentally, Vera investigates. She placing an ad in the paper to catch the killer, keeps a journal and oh yeah, she might have withheld some evidence from the police.
Sutanto then introduces us to, as Vera would like to say, “the suspects.” First there is the widow, next is a young man claiming to be a reporter and a young woman who does a true crime podcast and one other. I loved getting to know each of them. All of them have secrets and it’s up to Vera to uncover them. Along the way, wonderful and not so wonderful things happen.
One part murder-mystery and one part friendship and made family. Vera brings this group of loners together. Foodie lovers will appreciate all the talk of food and meals Vera whips up during the “investigation”. I want to try everything Vera made. A little girl will steal your heart, as will Vera. I am truly hoping we see more of Vera.
This was my first time reading Jesse Q. Sutanto works, but it won’t be my last. Be sure to read the back matter and her message about this book and how it came to fruition. This is a book I would recommend to everyone. You’ll laugh, cry, solve a murder and meet lots of memorable characters. It’s bookshelf worthy.
About Jesse Q. Sutanto
Jesse Q. Sutanto is a Chinese-Indonesian author. As of 2022, she has published six novels for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers. She is most famous for her novel Dial A for Aunties, which won the 2021 Comedy Women in Print Prize and has been optioned for a film by Netflix
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sophie
As I am on a cozy mystery kick, I am adding that one to my TBR!
Kimberly
I would love to hear your thoughts. This is one I plan to buy as a Christmas gift for peeps on my list.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Yes! I loved this one too. Vera had me cracking up!
Kimberly
She was such a hoot.
Katherine
I absolutely loved this book! I’m so glad to see it was a winner for you. I still find myself thinking about these characters.
Kimberly
Yes. In fact, I have her backlist on hold at the library 🙂
kara-karina
Second time I’m seeing praise for this book. Definitely adding it to my wishlist.
Kimberly
It was a hoot. I have some of her other books on hold from my library 🙂
Wendy
I have this on my TBR. Jesse Q. Sutanto is such a talented writer.
Kimberly
Ooo Wendy, you are in for such a treat!
Sophia Rose
I’m so glad you loved this one, too. Vera was off the hook, but I love that about Jesse Sutanto’s older generation characters. You must read her four aunties. 🙂
Kimberly
I fully intend to grab more from my library!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
This sounds really good! I’ve enjoyed a YA book by this author, so probably need to try others as well. Great review!
Kimberly
I am excited to try more.
Michele
This is high on my TBR!! I can’t wait to read this one. I wonder if my Indie has this one today?? I see it’s released today. I loved Dial A for Aunties! I read such a variety, so one that makes you laugh is a great break from the serious ones!
Lover of Romance
oh yay it has a found family element, that is the BEST! Definitely sounds like such a solid mystery read to enjoy!
Great review!
Kimberly
It was splendid!
Anne – Books of My Heart
Sophia is reviewing this one also. I think I would like Atticus’ tea also.
Kimberly
Yes, I would enjoy visiting the Third Eye for some tea. I am sure he would have something to soothe my RA.
Nadene
This sounds fun. I can see why you enjoyed it.
Kimberly
It was terrific!
Bookworm
This sounds fun and Vera sounds like an awesome character. Glad you enjoyed it, great review!
Kimberly
It was brilliant.
Melliane
I enjoyed a book by this author and I didn’t know about this one but it looks good!
Kimberly
I plan to read more!