Received via NetGalley. Another fun adventure by Jesse Q. Sutanto. The aunties continue to entertain and to show family comes first. This is a quick read. The ending leaves the possibility for another book which is exciting.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Meddy Chan and her husband Nathan have been enjoying their romantic honeymoon tour across Europe but now it is time to meet her huge extended family in Jakarta to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It is quite a celebration with many traditions.

Second Aunt's head is turned when a former beau comes to the family home bearing gifts in hopes of winning her back.  But there was one special gift that was intended for a business rival and was mistakenly given to a teenager at the celebration. It was an honest mistake but getting the contents of the particular envelope isn't going to be easy. The recipient was the granddaughter of another rival and retrieving it puts the Aunties, Meddy, and Nathan right in the middle of a "decades-long war between Jakarta’s most powerful business factions". The Aunts look to Meddy to come up with a plan to get them out of the mess but that just may be impossible.

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This is the third and final installment of this series and the author pulled out all the stops.

Meddy and Nathan are happily married and were able to get away from the Aunties for the start of the honeymoon. Meddy especially enjoyed not being at their beck and call. Now it is time to meet up with her mother, Second Aunt, Fourth Aunt, and Big Aunt for a huge celebration. Chaos ensues the minute they land in Jakarta as does the laughter.

The Aunties are a force and that we get to see them with their extended family is fantastic. It's a competition, they can't "lose face". So everything they bring and everything they do must be the best while adhering to some unwritten rules. Getting caught up in some drama with Indonesia's Kuo Fa group could make them lose face if not handled delicately and the Aunties do not do delicate at all. The powerful leaders Abi (Abraham Lincoln), Julia (Child), and Kristofer Kolumbes are the top 3 conglomerates in Indonesia and have been feuding for years. Abi's gift has now brought Meddy, Nathan, and the Aunties into another dangerous situation.

No one needs family reunions like this but it made for a terrific read. All the characters are larger than life and lept off the pages. Meddy tries so hard to do what's right and keep the Aunties out of trouble but they just pull her into the craziness. Nathan has the patience of a saint when dealing with the Aunties. He tries to keep things fun and light for Meddy but she knows these women and the bedlam they can create. Ms. Sutanto has created memorable characters that will stick with her readers for a long time.

The family home in Jakarta is humungous, with several generations living under one roof, and has plenty of space for visitors. The Aunties believe that when they left for America the rest of the family was very angry or jealous. And say while they love each other but they all have their "arguments".

Their knowledge of common idioms is great, but getting them correct not so much. "the grass is greener on the other side" comes out "The grass got early worms on the other side". And words, "Why must you be so mellow dramatic?"  Meddy's mother can dole out the guilt too whenever she deems it neccessary.

Ms. Sutanto sent her characters on a wild adventure almost from the start of this story. Twists upon twists, turns upon turns, drama, chaos, kidnapping, criminal acts, stand-offs, all laced with a wide array of humor. Fourth Aunt is hilarious but the others have their moments. Meddy has grown since the first book, Dial A For Aunties. Nathan is her perfect match. He also knows exactly how to deal with the Aunties. Big Aunt grew a lot in this story too. She was not always the most powerful person in the room and she had an awakening. Meddy's mother just needs one thing and she may get it soon.

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties - The Good was very Good, The Bad was very bad, and the Aunties were fabulous. I am sorry to see this series end. The characters and their antics are so much fun. All three books have delightfully entertained me. Like Dial A for Aunties and Four Aunties and a Wedding, The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties receives my Paradise Rating. They have all moved to my "Keeper Collection" on my Kindle. They are books I will want to read again, especially when I feel the need to laugh.

Netflix has purchased the right to Dial A for Aunties, so we may see it made into a movie someday. 

*Note: The book does include explicit language.

I'm so sad to see the Aunties series end but what an ending! Plenty of family feels, family drama, romantic entanglements and one final surprise from Meddy. I've loved this series so much and I'm so happy with the ending. I'm going to miss the aunties so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another hilarious, fun read from Jesse Q. Sutanto! Each one gets better and better! If you haven’t read this series, you must! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review!

I’m so excited this series is back! In the final installment, Meddy and her new husband Nathan, fresh off their honeymoon, go to meet Meddy’s huge extended family in Jakarta for Chinese New Year. And Fourth Aunt has a surprise in store for Second Aunt – a surprise reunion with an old flame whom she hasn’t seen in decades – an old flame who also happens to be a notorious gang leader. What could possibly go wrong?

Meddy needs something for her anxiety, though I guess she’s anxious for good reason. Her Ma and aunties are just as exasperating and endearing as ever, and the series of hijinks the group gets into this time are particularly dangerous. But they get through it together - as always, the love and loyalty of the family shines through. There were a few too-convenient things that happened, and the end was a bit cheesy, but I already knew this series requires a little suspension of disbelief, and overall I still enjoyed it.

Not as good as the first one, but still pretty good. 4 stars!

Representation: Chinese-Indonesian main characters and side characters, Own Voices author

This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the third book in the Aunties series. I have read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I think that this book would be better if you had read the other two books before reading this book, but you really do not have to. I love the characters in this series, and this series always makes me laugh. This book was no different. I am sad that this is the last book in the Aunties series. This book was a fun and funny read with great character. The mystery was ok, but the characters just shine so much in this series. They get into so much trouble, but it is so much fun seeing how they are going to get out of trouble. Great fun read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley) or author (Jesse Q. Sutanto) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

REVIEW

Thank you #partners @berkleypub & for my #gifted copies 💕 #berkleyig #berkleypartner #penguinrandomhousepartner

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties
Aunties #3
Jesse Q. Sutanto

📖 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 in true Sutanto fashion, things go terribly wrong when the Chans find themselves caught up in a feud between two of Jakarta's most notorious business factions.

💭 I read this book at the perfect time, breaking up some heavier reads with the hilarious antics of Meddy and her meddling aunties. It's light, fun, cozy, and wildly entertaining! Though there were parts that seemed a bit OTT, that's par for the course with cozy mysteries! This is the third (and final) book in the series, but it also works as a standalone. Though I would recommend reading in order for the backstories.

📌 Available now!
**Posted to my IG on 4/4**

Thank you Berkley for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook!

All good things must come to an end, which brings us to the third and final installment of Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Aunties series. Meddy and Nathan are meeting up with her Ma, the aunties, and her entire extended family in Jakarta to celebrate Chinese New Year. After the holiday gift giving goes awry, they find themselves tangled up in danger and intrigue between three of Jakarta’s most powerful families.

Like the previous two books, there are plenty of fun and funny moments in this book. Of course I love all of the zany, over the top mayhem and shenanigans, but what I really love is the love and loyalty the Chan women have for each other and their determination to protect each other at all costs. I loved seeing the way they brought Nathan into their fold. Although I think the series is ending on the perfect note, I must admit that I would have loved to read about the Aunties being a part of the next chapter of Meddy’s life.

As always, narrator Risa Mei makes this audiobook a true delight! She is pure perfection at voicing Meddy and all of the aunties, giving them their own voices and personalities, which feels like a full cast recording. If you have the chance to listen to this series on audiobook, I highly recommend it. The audiobooks are wonderful and make Sutanto’s stories even more entertaining!

The Aunties and Meddie are back! Picking up right after Meddie and Nathan’s wedding, the gang is headed home to Singapore to celebrate the New Year. But when Auntie #2’s beau accidently gives away a vital business deal during the red envelop tradition, the Aunties must find a way to get it back to keep their family. safe.

If you’ve been reading this series, you’ll know that it’s a lighthearted, chaotic, and fun cozy mystery and this book is no exception. As the last book in the series,

The plot felt even more predictable than usual and the plotline itself was subpar. The character growth was again non-existent, and while I loved seeing the Aunties in their homeland, the antics were stretched even for this series. I also have a problem with how Nathan DOESN’T a single problem with the chaos have that surrounds him. Not a single thought of, ‘is this really happening or what in the world is going on’. Nothing. I would have liked to see a bit more reaction from him and less overreaction from Meddie this go around but it is what it is.

It’s cute for what it is but felt more like an afterthought for the series. If you need a cozy fun mystery series though, the aunties are perfect for you. It’s best to read this series in order, and honestly the first book was the best.


The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties is out now! Huge thank you to Berkley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books or on Tiktok @speakingof.books

✨ "Everything worth doing is worth doing the Asian way – that is, with high accuracy."

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto was like hanging out with my favorite funny bunch again. It was a delightful conclusion to a beloved series that never fails to deliver laughter and excitement.

Picture this: Meddy and her hubby Nathan, fresh off their dreamy European honeymoon, end up in Jakarta for Chinese New Year celebrations with her wacky family. But instead of peaceful festivities, they land smack dab in the middle of a gangster showdown with names like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child – talk about a wild ride!

Yeah, as a cozy mystery, this book may not offer a groundbreaking plot and is wild and kinda over-the-top, but who cares when you're laughing so hard you're crying? What sets this series apart is its perfect blend of absurdity and heart. The characters, though, they're the real stars. Meddy, with her determination and love for her family, Nathan being the sweetest guy ever, and those Aunties with their never-ending banter – they're all so relatable and lovable. The criminal aliases like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child add a hilarious twist to the story. I appreciated the focus on Meddy throughout the book as it allowed her to show her own growth amidst the Aunties.

This is my third book by Sutanto this year, and her portrayal of Jakarta in all these books adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the story, making it feel like a love letter to its setting. Her descriptions of Jakarta make it feel like another character in the story.

But saying goodbye to this crew? It's tough and bittersweet! I'm not ready to bid farewell to Meddy and her Aunties. Saying goodbye feels like parting ways with characters from your favorite sitcom. However, this conclusion left me with a sense of closure. I can't wait to see what Sutanto cooks up next.

Thank you Berkley Publishing, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Aunties are back in the third and final installment of their series! I've been a big fan
of Meddy Chan and her meddling mother and aunts since the beginning and I was both excited and sad for the final book to be released! And the Aunties did not disappoint!

In true Auntie fashion, there are many hijinks and laughs throughout. These books are perfect if you need a laugh and a serotonin boost! If the author changes her mind and decides to bring the Aunties back (especially given the exciting surprise at the end of this one) I won't be mad about it!!

I have loved all the Aunties books and I am devastated that this is the last one! They are full of humor and love, mystery and drama. This was a great ending to the series, the story was fun and fast paced, I loved the growth from Meddy and how this book really highlighted the love for her mom and aunties. The Aunties were as always, hilarious and mildly insane. I cannot recommend this series enough!

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jessie Q. Sutanto

Thank you, @berkleypub, for the free copy.

I enjoyed Dial A for Aunties and loved Four Aunties and a Wedding, and I was really looking forward to the third and final book in this series. The aunties are back, and they're up to their usual hijinks and shenigans. This time, the setting is in the aunties' homeland of Indonesia, where, along with Meddy and her new husband, Nathan, they are there to celebrate Chinese New Year with family.

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties had a strong start but then to my disappointment, petered out. With these novels, the suspension of disbelief has to be elevated because these ladies get into the most ridiculous (albeit funny) of circumstances. However, the conflict in this novel was anticlimactic, and I would have preferred more of the aunties and their hilarious interactions than the high stakes situation they find themselves in this novel. It made the plot drag on, and I found myself bored towards the end.

There is a nice surprise revealed at the novel's conclusion, and I would have loved to see how the aunties, Meddy, and Nathan navigate this new stage in their lives but unfortunately, it doesn't seem like we will get to see it.

I can’t believe the Aunties had their last book. I loved the humor and antics they got up to. I also loved that we got to go to Jakarta. I really enjoyed it and thought it ended well.

I loved this romcom but wish I realized it was a series that needed to be read first. The first two in the series would totally help so please read those first! But I did love the Aunties and their antics! Definitely a good read and would read again! I loved how crazy the family is and how easily everyone wanted to help find what was misplaced. Definitely gave more of a humorous story rather than love story though

"Everything worth doing is worth doing the Asian way – that is, with high accuracy."

The Good, the Bad and the Aunties is the 3rd and FINAL installment in the Aunties series and it's just as laugh out loud good as the rest of them. The stakes get bigger and bigger and I know they'll always be entertaining. In short, Meddy and Nathan make a pit stop on their honeymoon to return to Jakarta to visit Meddy's homeland for Chinese New Year. What could possibly happen?

SO much.

Second Aunt's childhood love Abi has come to win her back, but he accidentally gives away a very important gift meant for a local triad boss, sorry law abiding business owner. Obviously the Aunties have to get involved and suddenly I found myself on the edge of my seat as the story snowballed at a breakneck pace.

These books could make anyone smile, and I'm not immune to it. The absurdity, larger than life jokes and plots have kept me entertained on bus rides and afternoon walks. Even though this is an adult series, everyone has some level of plot armor - you know that everyone is making it out alive. It makes it easy to fit back and enjoy the ride.

It feels so bittersweet when you know a series is ending. On one hand I wanted to read this book as soon as I got my hands on it, but also I want to savor it? I've enjoyed the wild, unpredictable hijinxs of Meddy and her aunts so much, and I wish them all the best. <3

rep// asian MC, Chinese, Indonesia rep

cw// drugging, kidnapping

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was just kind of unnecessary and an unbelievable installment in the series. I enjoyed the first book but they’ve gotten progressive worse

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is the third, and reportedly final book in the Aunties series by Jesse Q. Sutanto. This is an Adult Contemporary Fiction series that leans heavily into the humor. I have enjoyed all of the books and actually feel really sad that it's over.

In this third installment, we travel along with Meddy, her husband, Nathan, her Ma and three Aunties, as they travel to Jakarta to visit their extended family for Chinese New Year. This is the second novel I have read from Sutanto this year that is set in Jakarta, and I love how she brings both the place and culture to the page. You can tell it's a place near and dear to her heart, it feels special.

Meddy was nervous about the trip, as it was Nathan's first time being there and meeting her large, high-energy family. She should've known he would take it like a champ. I loved meeting Meddy's extended family and learning about the traditions they have surrounding their Chinese New Year celebrations. It's at one of these parties that the big blunder at the heart of this story occurs.

An old beau of Second Aunt arrives, bearing a bevy of gifts. Unfortunately, one of them was actually an important document he was intending to gift to a business rival to cement a new partnership. This packet gets mixed in amongst the other gifts and accidentally gets handed out. Once the mistake is discovered, it seems simple, just track down the person who received the gift and they'll give it back. But we all know Meddy and the Aunties could never be that lucky, or simple.

It seems the packet didn't go to any one of the Chan family members. There was a teenage girl who stopped by to visit one of Meddy's younger cousins, and she's the one who ended up with it. The business rival is not happy and serious repercussions are threatened if this document isn't found and given to them. Now it's a race against the clock to clear up this mess before one, or more, of them get hurt.

I thought this was so entertaining. I love the relationships in these books. It's the family vibes. They get me. They drive each other crazy, but they love each other so much and would do anything for each other. I also have enjoyed watching Meddy and Nathan's relationship blossom. She's truly found her person. He's helped her to relax and feel comfortable being herself. He's so patient with her family as well; huge plus.

Determined to get the document back, Meddy, Nathan and the Aunties end up interacting with some of the most powerful people in Jakarta. Their scheming, plotting and overall efforts, OMG, they're so funny. Only the Chans. And I actually think it humbled Big Aunt a little bit being around some folks more powerful than herself. It made me so happy.

As I was reading this, I actually didn't know it was slated to be the last one and I was coming up with a bunch of great ideas for the fourth book: Abi and Second Aunt's wedding, Meddy and Nathan starting a family, Big Aunt rekindling her singing career, etc. Sadly, it seems like this is it. Regardless, whatever projects Sutanto is working on next, you know I will be reading them. She's definitely become one of my go-to authors over the last few years. I love it all!

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm sorry to be parting with the Chans, but they'll live on in my heart!

Meddy and husband Nathan have just finished their honeymoon in Europe. What could top off their travels, but a visit to Jakarta to celebrate Lunar New Year with the huge extended family? Meddy's aunties are a handful. All these other relatives add to the fun. Things don't go exactly as planned though.
Things go awry after a mix-up with holiday gifts. This set off a chain of events with non-stop action, crazy plans and a little humor mixed in. Poor Meddy gets roped into helping her aunties with trouble involving a long standing feud between business competitors. The aunties do seem to have friends in high places. Some of the names are hilarious. We get to learn more back story about Meddy's mom and her aunties along the arc of the plot.
Nathan has to be one of the most patient people in the universe. He did sort of know what he signed on for from the beginning of his relationship with his now wife.
This series is one you need to read in order because each novel builds on the previous. I was sad to learn this book was the third and final "Aunties" story. It did seem a good time to tie everything up anyway.
Author Jesse Q. Sutanto has written several other novels both for adults and young adult readers. If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS. If you like something with a darker tone, try I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET. Jesse Q. Sutanto is a fabulous storyteller. I look forward to future works.

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is the 3rd and final book in author Jesse Q. Sutanto’s comedy series about Meddy Chan and the meddling, hilarious Chinese-Indonesian matriarchs of her huge, interfering family.

Book #3 sees Meddy happily enjoying her honeymoon with her beloved husband Nathan, after the disastrous adventures of the previous two books (including corpses, stolen goods, and potential Mafia hitmen). After a few blissful weeks in Europe, Meddy and Nathan head to Indonesia to celebrate Chinese New Year with the family… and of course, this is when it all hits the fan.

There’s a chaotic storyline about a long-lost lover of Second Aunt’s, now a respectable businessman (and definitely not a crime lord… according to him), whose generous red envelopes go astray — ultimately entangling Meddy, Nathan, and the aunties in a convoluted scheme to get back what was inadvertently lost.

Along the way, the Chan family engages in drugging innocent bystanders, invading (possible) cartel leaders’ homes, minor kidnapping, and other nefarious deeds… but always with the best of intentions. And hey, at least this time there are no bodies hidden in coolers!

The Aunties books are silly, entertaining, and not at all to be taken seriously. The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is a satisfying wrap-up. Sure, it’s all entirely ridiculous and improbable, but readers who go along for the ride will have a great time.