Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Jesse Q. Sutanto
Jul 12, 2025
3.38 / 5
Plot & Structure
3.0 / 5
Character Development
4.0 / 5
Emotional Engagement
3.5 / 5
Writing Quality
3.0 / 5
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Death, Family Dysfunction, Abandonment Issues
“In her experience, it's best to nod and agree with what people say before doing exactly what you wanted from the very beginning.”
This quote perfectly captures the essence of Vera Wong, stubborn, clever, and utterly endearing. Jesse Q. Sutanto has created an interesting book that centers around a sixty year old tea shop owner who reminded me so much of my grandmother, particularly in her unwavering belief that good food is the solution to all problems of life. When Vera discovers a dead body in her tea shop, instead of calling the police, she decides to solve the mystery herself while simultaneously mothering every suspect who walks through her door.
What makes this cozy mystery special isn't just the murder plot, but Vera's compulsive need to feed people and dispense unsolicited advice. Listening to the descriptions of food was absolutely mouth watering, the author has a gift for making every meal sound like a feast, from traditional Chinese dishes to simple comfort foods that had me craving everything Vera prepared. Each suspect who becomes part of Vera's investigation also becomes part of her makeshift family, and as someone who's a sucker for the found family trope, this was a particularly good read for me.
All the characters were lovely in their own damaged ways, gradually connecting through shared meals and Vera's relentless care. The suspense was good, though the pace dragged a bit during the middle sections when the mystery wasn't always entertaining. Some reveals felt predictable, and the investigative elements sometimes took a backseat to character development.
But I loved Vera throughout it all. Her determination to solve the case while simultaneously healing everyone around her through food and fierce devotion creates a heartwarming story that prioritizes emotional connections over thrills. Despite its slower moments, this cozy mystery succeeds as a comfort reading that leaves you feeling thoroughly satisfied.