Vera Wong's Vacation Hacks for Catching a Killer

⧗ 9.72 / 7

Nosy shopkeeper turned amateur detective Vera Wong can’t resist solving a murder, even while she’s on vacation, in this delightful mystery from USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Chinese mother and detective extraordinaire Vera Wong delights in meddling, which happily has led her to solve not one, but two murders. And the internet seems to agree that she has found her calling in sleuthing. It’s the ideal side hobby for when Vera isn’t running her teahouse in bustling San Francisco. So is her recent discovery of the joys of social media, where she shares updates about the teahouse—and her cases—with her millions of followers.

All that work has earned Vera a much-deserved break. A Parisian vacation, to be exact. Though it helps that this vacation is almost entirely funded by the loads of gifts that her fans keep sending as tokens of their adoration. How could she have known that accepting free accommodation at a gorgeous apartment in Paris would result in a dead man lying in the middle of her Airbnb?

Clearly, it’s a sign that this murder needs Vera’s own unique brand of sleuthing. But this case might be a challenge even for Vera, as she uncovers that the victim was tangled up with a mob boss who now seems to have his sights set on her. Good thing there’s no case a little meddling can’t solve. . . .

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Release date: April 20, 2027

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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.