The minute I read the synopsis of this book, I knew it would be another win from Jesse in my book! She has quickly become a comfort author for me with her quick wit and emotional writing style.

I ate up every single chapter of this book and enjoyed reading from all the different viewpoints. The mystery itself kept me intrigued throughout the story, and left me feeling emotional by the end! The reveal of the suspect felt a little lack luster for me, but it didn’t take away too much from the rest of the story.

I can’t wait to read more from Jesse in the future!

This book is so funny. I love the humor or this author while mixing in a murder mystery. Her books never disappoint!

Amazing! Young or old you’re going to love this book! Vera and her eccentricities are your charming guides through this cozy murder mystery. I can’t wait to see Vera again.

“People always say that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life, but honestly, people should try solving murders more often.”

Jesse Q. Sutanto is a dabbler in nearly all of the genres. She has written Middle Grade, YA Thrillers and even Romance. But I am here to tell you that she is the QUEEN of the comedic cozy. If you thought the “Aunties” were fun, you simply HAVE TO meet Vera . . ..

"So scary! EXCITING! I am helpless old lady. What to do? Is my duty to find killer before killer go on rampage."

This was laugh-out-loud funny and I am head over heels for Vera. I would read so many more books featuring her if this becomes a series.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

vera wong's unsolicited advice for murderers is a charming and unexpectedly heartwarming mystery that unfolds against the backdrop of san francisco's chinatown. the story revolves around vera wong, a sharp-witted and somewhat nosy elderly woman who stumbles upon a murder in her quaint tea shop.

the narrative prowess shines through as she crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends suspense with a touch of humor and a dash of maternal instinct. the character of vera is a delightful protagonist—feisty, independent, and armed with a unique blend of tea and detective skills. the gen-z son subplot adds a modern twist to the classic amateur sleuth trope, making the story relevant and engaging for readers of all ages.

the plot takes an unexpected turn when vera, in an act of curiosity mixed with a dash of defiance, decides to take matters into her own hands by swiping a mysterious flash drive from the crime scene. this singular act propels the story into a whirlwind of intrigue, with vera juggling detective work, unexpected friendships, and the looming threat of the killer returning for the coveted flash drive.

what sets this book apart is its unique blend of mystery and heartfelt connections. vera's transformation from a solitary tea shop owner to a surrogate mother for her diverse group of customers is both endearing and believable. the author excels at weaving a tight-knit community of characters, each with their quirks and secrets, making readers genuinely care about the fate of vera's newfound "chicks."

the writing is crisp and infused with a subtle wit that keeps the narrative engaging. wong's vivid descriptions bring san francisco's chinatown to life, creating a rich and immersive backdrop for the unfolding drama. the pacing is well-executed, with each chapter adding a layer of suspense while allowing the relationships between characters to develop organically.

while the mystery itself is intriguing, it is the emotional depth and unexpected bonds formed that elevate to a 4.5-star read. vera wong's journey from a tea-sipping detective to a fiercely protective mother hen is a joy to witness, making this novel a delightful and satisfying experience for fans of cozy mysteries with a heartwarming twist.

What can I say about Jesse Q Sutanto's writing that I haven't already said? While more than two points of view are not usually my cup of tea while reading, I felt that it worked well with this book. Can't wait to read more from Sutanto!

4.5/5 -- rounded up

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reading copy!

SYNOPSIS -- Vera Wong spends each of her days the same way: getting up early, texting her son, taking a vigorous neighborhood walk, and opening up her tea shop in San Francisco's Chinatown. Her routine is suddenly upended when she comes downstairs, right on time, to find a dead man in her tea shop. After the cops prove to be "completely useless" - as Vera would say - she posts an obituary with the goal of tempting the killer to revisit the scene of the crime. Suddenly, Vera is surrounded by four potential suspects... all of whom she grows extremely fondly of. Could one of them really have been the killer? What secrets are they harboring? And what will Vera do when she finally finds out?

I ended up listening to this one on audio and I loved it from the very beginning! Eunice Wong did a fantastic job on the narration and it was super fun to hear Vera's thoughts and feelings out loud. Vera was the BEST character. She had the best intentions and reminded me so much of my Grandma -- well-meaning but going about things the wrong way. Yet, somehow, everything seemed to work out for her and it was so fun to read! The mystery itself was great, too. I was genuinely surprised at the end and loved the way each of Vera's suspects were woven together. This book warmed my heart throughout the entire thing and I loved every second of it. Highly recommend for your next cozy mystery!!

I loved Vera and her need to be in everyone's business and I also did not see the end coming. Great for mystery readers that love good character development.

This is an incredibly charming standalone from Jesse Q. Sutanto, with an array of completely lovable characters (none more so than meddlesome Vera herself) and an astonishing wrap up to the mystery. An excellent rec for those who love cozy and traditional mysteries without the commitment of a series.

So 5 stars for the best amateur sleuth ever - I was instantly hooked when I read her crazy delusional thoughts in Chapter one - who wouldn't love this character!

An entertaining and amusing mystery that toes the line of cozy. Vera and her unlikely group of friends get themselves into quite a few hijinks. A great pick for readers looking for a lighter mystery.

I read this a while back and forgot to review it! I thought this one was a really fun mystery series. I would definitely pick up more in this series. When I grow up, I want to be the little old lady solving crimes. I just think that would be a life charming in and of itself. This mystery does lean a little more cozy than some, but it isn't fully a cozy mystery. I think it bridges that gap beautifully. I had a fun time for sure.

In this book, Vera Wong discovers a dead man in her tea shop and decides to figure out who killed him herself.

I adored this book! To be more accurate, I loved it to pieces. Reading it felt like a warm hug. I found myself just constantly grinning while reading it. I simultaneously didn't want to stop read it, but also never wanted the book to end. It was the kind of reading experience that reminds you - yes, this is exactly why I read. And maybe it was just the right book at the right time. I read it during a stressful time so it felt like a balm to my soul. But at this point, I don't see how it wouldn't end up on my top reads of the year list. Vera was such a hoot. She had me laughing out loud, wishing she could take me under her wing as well. The pages of this book flew by - and I found myself not ready to say goodbye to these characters. It was just such an enjoyable read that I can't say enough good things about. I sincerely hope that we get many more stories with Vera in the future.

Readers who love a fun mystery with great characters that you will come to love - especially fans of The Thursday Murder Club, need to pick this book up! I need more Vera Wong in my life!

Have recommended and shared this book widely. Vera Wong is a delight and I hope there are more books coming. Thank you NetGalley for the advance ecopy!

VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS is my favorite novel from Jesse Q. Susanto. It's a delightful cozy murder mystery that masterfully combines humor, suspense, and heart. Vera Wong is a "lonely" elderly who becomes the heart of the murder party. She is thoughtful and resourceful. I loved all the characters in this book. The author's vibrant and relatable characters, along with an engaging plot full of twists, make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. Packed with hilarious dialogue and heartwarming moments, this book is sure to leave you thoroughly entertained and eager for more. I think Susanto did a good job connecting them all. It took me a while to predict the murderer, which is surprising since this shouldn't be a hard case. This is the best of Jesse Q. Susanto's books so far that I've ever read.

Not your normal murder mystery, but also an excellent mystery that also is really about tea and the building of community among the various people who just so happen to be drawn together by a determined sleuth and tea connoisseur.

I want more Vera Wong stories... This was such a fun read. Vera is hysterical and her uncanny way she investigates and sets up her loved ones to find love themselves.

thank you for the advanced copy.

What a charming almost-cozy mystery! Have you been reading a lot of thrillers or darker reads and you're looking to mix it up with something lighter but still want a page turning mystery? Here you go!

This is a mystery, but it's also about how one woman, Vera, brings together people she suspects of a murder in her tea shop and creates a found family. I loved the characters, and it made me want to break into my loose leaf tea.

A great book to read with afternoon tea and a cookie while the AC is working hard.

This one missed the mark for me. I really enjoyed the found family aspect, but nothing else really stood out.

Vera Wong is a little old lady that runs a tea shop in the middle of San Francisco. She loves detective work and is always searching on the internet. She finds a dead man in her shop with a flash drive and so it all begins. This was such a fun and exciting read. She feels she can do a much better job than the police.