02 August 2024

Zelda’s Review

“Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” is a delightful blend of cosy mystery and heartwarming family drama that will have you hooked from the first page. Jesse Q. Sutanto crafts a compelling narrative around Vera Wong, a sixty-year-old tea shop owner with a knack for detective work and a heart full of curiosity.

The novel begins with a bang—literally—as Vera discovers a dead man in her tea shop. Instead of letting the police handle the situation, Vera’s instincts as a suspicious Chinese mother kick in, and she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. Sutanto does an excellent job of bringing Vera’s character to life. Her quirks, cultural tones and endearing meddlesomeness make her an instantly lovable protagonist. You can almost taste the Wulong tea she so lovingly brews as you follow her amateur sleuthing adventures.

What sets this book apart from other cosy mysteries is its rich cultural backdrop and the way it seamlessly integrates themes of family, tradition and identity. Vera’s interactions with her son, her matchmaking attempts and her nosy nature are portrayed with humour and tenderness, making her a character you root for, despite her unconventional methods.

The mystery itself is well-plotted, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. Sutanto’s writing is crisp and engaging and she skillfully balances the lighthearted moments with the suspenseful ones. The secondary characters, from the regulars at Vera’s tea shop to the people she suspects of murder, are well-developed and add depth to the story.

One of the highlights of the book is how it showcases Chinese culture, particularly through Vera’s love for tea and traditional values. It’s a refreshing perspective that adds authenticity and richness to the narrative. Sutanto’s attention to detail in describing the teas, the rituals, and the cultural references enriches the reading experience.

This is a charming and engrossing read that offers more than just a whodunit. It’s a story about family, community, and the lengths one quirky, determined woman will go to protect her loved ones and uncover the truth. Perfect for fans of cosy mysteries and those looking for a heartwarming, culturally immersive read, this book is a delightful addition to any bookshelf.

Alicia’s Review:

Okay, so we have been meaning to buddy-read this one for a while. Like multiple months. And boy I feel bad for making this great book wait.

This book follows Vera Wong, an old Chinese lady living by herself and runs a tea shop. She lives a very uneventful life that is until she finds a dead body in her teashop. And being the nosy person she is, she decides it is up to her to solve the murder.

 I really enjoyed reading this book, which is set in San Fransisco, and since I am currently about an hour’s drive from San Fransisco, I loved it.

I have never read a character as funny as Vera Wong. She had me giggling so much in this book. I loved how she tried to keep up to date with things and kept using the lingo wrong. She truly was a great character. Despite her pushiness and not minding her own business you can’t help but love her as she is also so kind and caring.

Two or three years ago I probably wouldn’t have liked this book. But I have noticed that my tastes are charging and as scary as that is I am enjoying exploring new types of books.

Honestly, this book was awesome, and it made me see just how much I missed chatting about books with my mom. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys comedy murders that are like the Finlay Donovan Series.