Mystery Book Recommendation: Vera Wong, Private Investigator (Certified)!
Hi Readers!
If you haven’t yet read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s books, here’s the sign that you should. I have read quite a few of hers, and Vera Wong series is a must-read. If you enjoy reading about older people solving murders, go for it, and you won’t be disappointed!
~~BOOK 1: VERA WONG’S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS~~
With just one book, Vera Wong has become one of my favorite characters. She’s a 60-year-old woman who comes across as harmless, caring and adorable. But, little do we know she’s all that and more: she’s nosy, thrill-seeking, coy, and the person you would want in your life because she’s a fierce protector. This book is The Thursday Murder Club meets An Elderly Lady is up to No Good meets Anxious People; all the books that I’ve loved.
This book starts when Vera finds a dead body in her ‘Vera Wang’s World-Famous Teahouse’, and from there we see Vera in her detective mode, solving the crime, making strangers into family. It was surreal to read Vera in action, seeing how her tactics always work. All the food she makes for everyone, how she is always able to talk people into sharing their secrets and simply being her is what will make everyone read the book and come back for more! I have rated Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto at 4/5 stars!
~~BOOK 2: VERA WONG’S GUIDE TO SNOOPING (ON A DEAD MAN)~~
When it’s a mystery series with an elderly person solving crimes, you know I’ll damn well read every book in the series! So, when I knew Jesse Q. Sutanto had a new book with more of Vera Wong, that was enough for me to pick it up. Usually, with a sequel, it’s always tricky, especially when you’ve loved the first book. But, all those doubts were unfounded because I loved the second book as well, maybe even more than the first one.
In this one, we are investigating the murder of a stranger who went by different names (Xander/Thomas) and was an influencer. Vera stumbles across his friend and gets the truth out of her, and so it all begins! The basic plot remains somewhat similar. Vera looks at everyone who is close to Xander – his friend Millie, his girlfriend Aimes, his grandfather Qiang Wen, his talent manager TJ & TJ’s daughter Robin. All suspicious that they might have caused Xander’s death. And, all of them slowly and steadily adopted by Vera. I liked the actual mystery in this one. It was bigger than a next-door murder. It had more depth than the last one. And, given how much I love Vera, I, of course, want her to solve the big murders!
All the charming aspects in the first book were carried forward in this one as well. Vera hasn’t changed a bit. If anything, she has grown more caring towards her family, friends and adopted family and friends. She’s always making delicious food accompanied with tea and feeding everybody. She’s fearless, she’s cocky, she’s pretends to be harmless, but we all know her too well by now. I liked how her recklessness was still on point, but the author humanized her even more by making her vulnerable. The part where Vera tries to make viral reels was cherry on top! I have rated Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto at 4/5 stars! And, I am already looking forward to the next one in the series!
Until next time,
About The Author
Aishwarya Shenolikar
Hello! I'm Aishwarya, an Introverted bookworm & writer. I have been reviewing books since 6 years on my blog - Mindscape in Words. My favourite genres are Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers, Magical Realism, Poetry, Fantasy & Memoirs. I like the kind of books which evoke emotions on several levels leaving me wrecked, but also incredibly content. I'm dreaming for the world to paint a landscape full of words, more like Mindscape in Words. Hope you enjoy the view.
