Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)

Vera Wong is back and as meddling as ever in this follow-up to the hit Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.…

Ever since a man was found dead in Vera's teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly's girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn't be ungrateful, even if one is slightly...bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena's, Vera finds a treasure trove: Selena's briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it all: a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander's murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her future daughter-in-law.

Also known as Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Book 2.

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Mystery

Release date: April 1, 2025

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Jesse Q. Sutanto

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s books are an irresistible blend of humor, family chaos, and unexpected twists. Growing up in the vibrant mix of cultures in Indonesia and Singapore, Sutanto’s writing is infused with the warmth of familial bonds, the messiness of love, and the kind of humor that feels like it could only come from someone who’s lived it. With a background that spans across continents, cultures, and a deep love for storytelling, Sutanto's work is a fresh, exciting voice in contemporary fiction.

Her breakout novel, Dial A for Aunties, is an uproarious crime-comedy that puts her family’s hilarious—and often wild—antics on full display. The story follows Meddy Chan, a photographer who accidentally kills her blind date, only to find herself entangled in a series of misadventures with her overbearing mother and four meddling aunties. It’s a book that’s as much about family loyalty as it is about embracing life’s unexpected chaos. Dial A for Aunties became a beloved hit, landing on multiple bestseller lists and even earning a Netflix deal. But Sutanto didn’t stop there. The sequel, Four Aunties and a Wedding, continues the family’s chaotic journey, proving her knack for balancing absurdity with heart.

Sutanto’s writing is more than just comedy—it’s a vivid exploration of identity, culture, and the intersections between them. Her characters are deeply relatable, often grappling with family expectations while trying to carve out their own paths. Whether it’s a grandmother-turned-sleuth in Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers or a young woman caught in a murder mystery involving her eccentric relatives, Sutanto’s stories offer a blend of lightheartedness and emotional depth that leaves readers thinking long after the final page.

With a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford and a love for crafting stories that bridge cultures and genres, Sutanto’s work has earned critical acclaim and widespread recognition. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers even snagged the 2024 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original, cementing Sutanto as a standout voice in contemporary fiction.

From her childhood in Indonesia to becoming a bestselling author, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling to bring people together—whether through laughter, intrigue, or heartfelt moments. Her books continue to captivate readers, offering an immersive experience that’s as colorful and dynamic as her own life.

Vera Wong

The Vera Wong series by Jesse Q. Sutanto isn’t just about solving mysteries; it’s about the messy, beautiful, and often hilarious ways our lives get intertwined. The series kicks off with Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, where Vera, a spunky and sharp-witted grandmother who runs a San Francisco tea shop, discovers a dead body in her store. With the police taking their time and a gut feeling that something isn’t right, Vera takes it upon herself to investigate, blending her quirky intuition with her bold, no-nonsense attitude.