Read Between the Lies

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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.