While I accidentally picked this up without reading the first two - I still enjoyed it! There were certainly callbacks and plots points I didn't fully understand and had to use context clues to figure out - the central plot of this book can still be understood without reading the other two books.

This seemed like the crime version of Crazy Rich Asians - set in very luxurious backdrops in Jakarta around Chinese New Year - but the shenanigans were a bit unrealistic. It is incredibly fast-paced novel and I did enjoy the ride - but it definitely was still unrealistic. I loved the Aunties, their personalities, and how unhinged they were. And while it is a fast-paced suspense book - it is still heartwarming and cute.

I expected nothing less than the sparkling absurdity that I got when I listened to The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties on completed audiobook. As with the previous novels, these Asian aunties keep everyone on their toes with their antics and hilarity, making this a super fast and fun listen. Meddy and Nathan are their usual adorable selves, and I actually really enjoyed the departure from the overarching conflict being caused by their immediate family. Enter - the Mafia! LOL. Seriously, I loved how this book came together in the end, and all the details in between.

this did not need a third book but I still had a good time. somehow even more over the top, it was so ridiculous I was able to just enjoy myself instead of being annoyed at Meddy the way I was in the second book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for providing me this Digital Advanced Readers Copy of the book!

As always, an uproarious tale of loving family that are relatable in their ability to both support and drive you a little up the wall. Zany familial hijinks plus a beautiful dose of heart make this one of my favorite series.

3.5⭐️ I love a cozy mystery, and this has been such an entertaining series that brings the family drama and all the laughs. Meddy Chen and her four aunties are the stars of each book, and this was the third in the Aunties series.

I paired the book with audio, and found myself smiling at each turn, as the aunties make unintentional trouble everywhere they go.

*many thanks to Berkley pub, PRH audio, PRH audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

Jesse Sutanto has become one of my favorite authors. I look forward to all of her new books! I loved this next book in the Aunties series. I always recommend her books to patrons looking for funny stories.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.

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

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto is the third installment in the Aunties series, offering a mix of humor, chaos, and family dynamics. This novel continues the adventures of Meddy Chan and her meddlesome aunties, this time set against the backdrop of a Chinese New Year celebration in Jakarta.

What I Liked:
Humor: Sutanto’s signature humor shines through, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The aunties’ antics are as over-the-top and entertaining as ever, providing a fun and lighthearted read.
Cultural Elements: The depiction of Chinese New Year traditions and the vibrant setting of Jakarta add a rich cultural layer to the story. It’s clear that Sutanto has a deep affection for these elements, which enhances the narrative.
Fast-Paced Plot: The story moves quickly, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The chaotic situations the characters find themselves in are both absurd and amusing.

What Could Be Improved:
Character Development: While the main characters are charming, there is a lack of depth in their development. The aunties, in particular, can feel one-dimensional at times, relying heavily on their quirky traits without much growth.
Repetitiveness: The plot can feel repetitive, especially if you’ve read the previous books in the series. The formula of the aunties getting into and out of trouble is fun but can become predictable.
Believability: Some of the scenarios are quite far-fetched, which might detract from the overall enjoyment for some readers. The over-the-top nature of the plot can sometimes stretch believability.

Overall, The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is a fun and entertaining read, perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted, humorous stories with a touch of cultural flair. While it may not offer much in terms of character depth or originality, it delivers on laughs and chaotic family dynamics.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #berkleypub #berkleyromance #berkleybuddyreads #ltbreaderteam #berkelywritesstrongwomen

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a delightful continuation of the “Aunty” series, blending humor and mystery in a unique way. After a romantic honeymoon, Meddy Chan and her husband Nathan find themselves entangled in a chaotic Chinese New Year celebration with family in Jakarta, where a well-meaning gift leads to unexpected trouble among business rivals. The story is filled with witty moments and vibrant characters, making it a light and entertaining read, especially after heavier thrillers. With a fantastic narrator bringing the story to life, it’s a perfect standalone addition that also rewards readers familiar with the series.

It was great to revisit lovable characters. The aunties are up to their antics again, this time in a trip to visit the entire family. When one of the aunties has a reunion with an old flame, everyone is cautiously excited for her. Until they realize what his "business" dealings are all about, and they accidentally end up in WAY over their heads. Caught in a decades long fight that isn't theirs! Secrets, lies, feuds, and family runs deep. Will they ALL be able to make it back home, or will there be dire consequences? It was a fun read, and I'm sad to say goodbye to these enjoyable characters.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This is the third book in the beloved auntie series, I love Jesse’s writing style, and this was such a fun book to read! If you like the cozy mystery vibes, this is it.

Diving into the latest Aunties novel was a little bittersweet for me. I was also sad because this is the final book in the series and I will miss all the crazy adventures of them. This cozy mystery series is full of culture, hilarious characters and has so much witty banter, it’s just plain fun!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love Jesse’s writing style and this was such a fun book to read! If you like the cozy mystery vibes this is it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

In the third and final book of the beloved Aunties series, Meddy and Nathan, on their honeymoon, visit Jakarta to celebrate the Chinese New Year with Meddy's family. But things go terribly wrong when the Chans find themselves caught up in a feud between two of Jakarta's most notorious business factions.

Diving into the latest Aunties novel was a little bittersweet for me. I couldn’t wait to see what kind of hilarious shenanigans Meddy and her Aunties would get up to this time around, but at the same time, I was also sad because this is the final book in the series. This cozy mystery series is full of culture, hilarious characters and has so much witty banter, it’s just plain fun!

This was a terrific ending to the Aunties trilogy.
The extended family members made my day!
Highly recommended for fans of the series.

I've loved all the books in this series so far! I was excited to get an opportunity to visit the aunties again and see all there crazy antics. I also liked getting to have the whole crew back in their home country. Of course things do not go as planned and lots of shenanigans and hijinks ensue. As long as Jesse Q. Sutanto keeps writing about this family, I will keep reading!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. So sad to learn this is the last book in the Aunties series! Part of me knows it's better to go out on top than to keep going to diminishing returns, but I will miss the family and their endless madcap adventures.

A stunning conclusion to one of my favourite comedic mystery series EVER. What a dynamic and entertaining book! I loved seeing the aunties in their element, the extended family, and the drama that takes South East Asia by storm. Laugh out loud hilarious yes so full of love and family.

- Definitely got a deeper look into the Aunties as individuals
- Wasn’t sure where we were going for most of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride
- Hilarious, as expected
- Love Meddy and Nathan’s relationship and how they operate as a couple in the family