Vera Wong is back with a blast, it was so good to read through Vera’s eyes again. The book had the same if not more witty charm from this lovable character. I enjoyed hearing about Vera’s family, where they are since the first book and of course Vera adopting new members to her family. Vera is an incredibly sweet character who brings out the best in those she’s around, that’s the magic of this book. It was such an enjoyable read, so addictive I loved it.

This is the second book in the series with elderly Chinese teashop owner Vera Wong looking out for a mystery to solve. Although some of the characters are from the first book, enough context is provided to allow this to be read as a standalone, however I will want to search out Vera Wong's unsolicited advice for murderers.
After the excitement of the investigation into a murder in her tea shop Vera wants a little extra spice to her life in the form of a mystery or murder to solve. Whilst visiting the police precinct Vera observes a nervous young woman and on instinct hustles her to the teashop to see if she can help.
Millie, it turns out, is in need of help but not sure if the police is the right place to seek this and Vera very willingly steps into the gap.
Millie's friend Thomas has gone missing and Vera promises to help. Now that her son Tilly is living with Selena, police officer with the San Francisco Police Department, she hopes something will fall in her lap, which it kind of does with the help of a cat called Chichi and a hairgrip!
It turns out that one of the cases Selena is working on is the apparent suicide of a John Doe who turns out to be Thomas. Thomas is also not what he seems, with a large social media following under the name Xander Lin, something Millie knew nothing about and does not fit her recollections of him.
Vera's investigation lead her to other people in Xander/Thomas's orbit including TJ the agent, Aimes, the girlfriend and influencer and Qiang Wen, dumpling shop owner. The search for truth leads Vera into the social media spotlight, finding new friends and most importantly justice for Xander/Thomas.
This was a fun read and the characterisation of a Chinese mother was spot on, as they are tenacious, want to feed everyone and show their love by this act. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

This book is hilariously funny and also very heart warming, I couldn’t put it down and loved seeing how it was going to unfold, I hope there will be another book to come in this series!

Vera Wong definitely needed a sequel and this was a good one. Vera is such a great character, I can imagine she’d be annoying in person but the way she brings people together with her food and tea is THE BEST. I love getting absorbed in these books (I felt the same with the Aunties series too) – you feel like you’re a tiny part of their world every time you pick up the book. The mystery Vera solved in this book took a dark turn I wasn’t expecting and it’s so good to have issues like this brought to people’s attention. The storyline isn’t even the main feature of the book though, it’s allllll Vera. And that’s how we like it!

I loved this book! Having not read the first in the series I didn’t really know what to expect, but this was a funny and thought provoking murder mystery to unite the generations. Alongside being an entertaining murder mystery, this book handles the topic of human trafficking with sensitivity and empathy.

After finding a man dead in her tea-shop in the last novel, a bored Vera is hoping for another mystery to keep her busy. Her hopes come true in an unexpected way when she gets scammed over the phone, which leads to her investigating the death of a mysterious young man who nobody seems to know.

I love Vera Wong! She is absolutely hilarious as a character. No-nonsense, unapologetic and the ultimate tiger mum/aunt/grandmother. It was lovely to see her maintaining the relationships she built in the first novel and is no longer lonely. It was also great that she took what she learnt from the previous book and reached out to other people that she felt were in need, despite the fact that she was sussing them out as potential suspects in the latest death.

The ending was a good one, especially as the truth was always hiding under the surface the whole time.

Definitely worth a read, hoping that we get to read Vera's next adventure soon!

Another fun book with Vera Wong. Vera is a Chinese 60 year old living in San Francisco. She rules the roost in the nicest way and treats all friends as family. There is an amusing passage in the book when Vera's 'grand-daughter' is threatened with exclusion from school for not wearing a bra. Vera goes to see the headmaster with hilarious results. This is a breath of fresh air for murder mysteries. Can't wait for the next one in the series.

Loved this cosy crime book. Vera as a character is hilarious and I could just see her `as a TV character if they ever made into a programe. The multiple POV chapters tell the story well and the twists and turns keep you guessing. I really enjoyed it and now have to order the first book in the series. I couldn’t believe how entrepid Vera is a detective and how well she handles cases (just shows age is just a number). I also loved how Vera just managed to collect nearly envy character in the book and turn them into her family. Great book and would definitely recommend.

A welcome return to Vera and her self-made family that grows even further! Though she’ll need to invest in a bigger shop if she keeps accruing new family members at the same rate…

Following a trip to the police station, Vera meets Millie and learns of her missing neighbour Xander. Yearning for the thrill of another mystery to solve, she throws herself into figuring out what happened to him. Along the way she meets new friends, becomes a TikTok influencer, and has her shop vandalised - which obviously makes her more determined. The answer to the mystery is rather bleak and based loosely on true events.

Vera is a very strong character and suffers no fools so it was nice to see her become more vulnerable at times and for us to learn more about her woes and what makes her carry on. Her strength comes from those around her and being able to care for them, and them her.

Once again, I have totally fallen in love with Vera Wong! There is something so wholesome about her character and the way she brings everyone together, those that are feeling lost, those that are lonely and those who are in trouble and need help. PLUS her sass and attitude are hilarious!!

The book turned unexpectedly dark towards the end which exceeded my expectations. I was a little worried as the book focussed on leading up to this quite a bit I thought. Super interesting, well thought out and completely immersed me.

Vera Wong’s Guide To Snooping ( on a dead man) by Jesse Sutanto
I give this book 4.5 stars.

What else is Vera Wong (tea shop owner) to do when a distressed woman called Millie asks for her help?
Maybe the case file for Millie’s missing friend Thomas didn’t exactly fall into her lap but nothing can stop Vera from catching the scent of this mystery, however dangerous it is …..


This book is inspired by actual events.
Shes back!!!!!!
She’s nosy, she nurtures, she meddles,she’s funny and she’s the core to the book . . . . Meet Vera Wong! And guess what, she’s become a Tik Tok sensation.
Let’s dive along with Vera into the world of social media influencers, who is the mysterious Millie that she befriends, was Xander’s death a suicide, murder or something else?
This book is hugely entertaining, it’s engaging, it’s chock full of wit and Vera’s one liners that literally make me chuckle out loud. But beware this crime has a darker side to. We are introduced to new characters and some familiar faces this is found family at its best. Unique, authentic and filled with heart, tea and food this is so so much more than a murder mystery.
Vera has a special place in my heart ❤️ and it’s always a pleasure to spend time with her.
The perfect escape from reality! To those of us whose ambition is to turn into a Vera when we grow up.
With thanks to Netgalley,the author and HQ for my chance to read and review this book.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Sutanto
⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 stars
Publication date: 10th April 2025

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Vera Wong is perfectly content as a teashop owner. She is definitely not seeking opportunities for amateur sleuthing. But what else is she to do when a distressed woman called Millie asks for her help? Okay, perhaps Vera wheedled the story out of her. And maybe the case file for Millie’s missing friend Thomas didn’t exactly fall into her lap. Everyone knows a locked briefcase is just asking to be opened by someone handy with a hairpin…

Oh Vera! This book was just the silly good fun I needed after some pretty heavy reads. If you've read the first Vera Wong book, then nothing in this will take you by surprise as it follows the same formula: Vera meddles in a murder investigation, collects strays along the way and makes good food and good tea. Oh, and she becomes a viral TikTok star in the process.
The topic at the centre of the murder mystery is a very serious one, and there are some sad and difficult moments which the author did a good job at balancing with the light-hearted humour.
We get to meet again with characters from the first book, and Vera brings new people into the fold… Whether they like it or not! And I'm always here for a good found-family story.
Vera is, as always, infuriating and hilarious in equal measures - she is loving and loyal and wants the best for the people she adopts as family.
This book is a piece of fluff, but it came at the right time for me and I wouldn't be against reading a 3rd book in this series.

What a joy to return to the world of Vera Wong. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to see what Vera investigates next. Joined by her friends from the first novel and a new cast of suspects this book just kept me turning the pages as Vera and her indomitable character takes no prisoners. This book had me chuckling as I read despite its serious subject matter. I hope there will be many more books of Vera’s snooping as they are just a go to cosy crime for me. The food descriptions are just mouth watering and I need to experiment with some of the exotic teas mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for a honest review.

Vera is back and she’s more feisty than ever as she’d at odds with her son Tilly’a girlfriend who is a police officer and being warned not to investigate a new murder.

But Vera is Vera and she can’t help but investigate and somehow ends up becoming a social media star whilst investigating the death of a young man.

Although formulaic at times, it was an enjoyable read and Vera is in peak form pretending to be a helpless old lady to get people to tell her their truth.

This would be a great Summer read as it’s light, enjoyable and you don’t need to have read the first one to enjoy it.

When Vera goes the Police Station after she's a victim of a scam, she doesn't realise that a whole chain of events is just about to start. On leaving she encounters Millie, who is undecided on whether or not to enter and report something. The something turns out to be the disappearance of Thomas, her neighbour. Soon Vera, after doing some snooping, realises that Thomas is the body pulled out of the water and she sets off to find out what happened to him.
On the way she makes new friends, becomes a viral star and puts her own and other people's lives at risk.
As per the previous book, this hooks you in and is very readable.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) brings us back to the lovable cast of characters from the first book but steps it up a gear in a mystery that is heart-breakingly reflective of real-life darkness. Sutanto has poured heart and soul into this book with a difficult balance of characterisation, humour and portraying this subject sensitively.

I adored Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice to Murderers with its standout protagonist and cosy crime storyline that was juicy and riveting. It got the humour just right for me, playing into established roles and getting a true sense of community and heart. In this sequel, Vera is pretty much the same as ever - judgemental, blunt and slightly ruthless in the pursuit of her goals, but deeply caring and warm. She is such a memorable character and one that I would happily read many more novels about. However, this is darker territory with themes that are explored in a sensitive yet brutal manner. The monstrosity of humanity is on full display in a gut-wrenching storyline. I admire how Sutanto chooses to tackle this head on in a cosy crime setting - it is given the pathos and tragedy it deserves with some scenes that send shivers down your spine. Much of the horror takes place off page but the implications on page are abysmal.

All of this ties into the central plot, which is well paced and has plenty of twists and turns in store. The stakes are high and the tension is palpable, particularly as the book enters its final third. Part of the joy of this series is how well Sutanto sketches these characters, making them jump off the page and into your heart. This disparate group of people are brought together by Vera’s meddling - creating a ragtag found family. It is precisely because you care about these characters that the mystery is able to be heightened and evolved as certain aspects come to light. Sutanto’s narrative choices are also interesting here. Without giving anything away, they add to the depth and scope of the novel, particularly around that strong characterisation.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) is a must-read for any mystery lovers - bringing stellar characterisation and a sensitively handled plot that touches on real-life issues.

The second book featuring Vera Wong. You’ll remember, of course, that I really enjoyed Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice To Murderers. The character of Vera was a breathe of fresh air, it was a genuinely funny book and was full of surprises.

This book is more of the same but without the novelty of the format, it enables the reader, as is often the case with book two in an original style of series, to take a perhaps slightly more critical look, without the “wow” factor.

And to me, it’s a book of two halves. The characters, especially Vera, are superb and genuinely funny and affectionate. But the mystery – which you may recall is the point of this blog – I found rather lacking. It is a very slow burn and there’s no great reveal. Perhaps that’s the point, as the darkness of the crimes are in direct contrast to the setting, and when they directly clash, it is very effective.

All in all, though, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one – there just didn’t seem to be as much plot as I would have liked. But if you’re after enchanting characters and (eventually) uplifting stories, then this could be just for you.

I was so excited to receive an eArc of this book, the second in the Vera Wong series by Jessie Sutano, because I absolutely loved Vera’s debut in Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. Sometimes sequels can be disappointing but I’m so pleased that this one absolutely delivered just as well as the first. I think that this series is the epitome of a cosy murder mystery; The characters are heartwarming, the murder mystery element is well though-out with twists and turns that keep you guessing, and most importantly there is still an element of tension and danger that makes the story exciting. To be totally honestly I think I’ve thoroughly fallen in love with Vera, her characterisation is so strong that I can hear her voice and picture her in every moment. Her personality truly jumps of the page and she’s full of nuance – she’s bullish and a force of nature but she also knows the exact moment to tap into emotion.

In this instalment Vera is thrown into the chaotic world of online influencers after meeting Mille outside a Police Station. Millie, who is burdened by secrets, can’t bring herself to step inside, even though she is deeply worried about her missing friend Thomas. Enter Vera, who crashes into Millies life and drags her, alongside influencer Aimes, talent manager TJ and his daughter Robin, as well as Vera’s friends and family, into her madcap world of delicious food, found family, and mystery solving escapades.

The cast of characters is loveable and diverse, each of them bring something unique to the story, whilst being well rounded and feeling authentic. It’s a real story of found family, showing that family and friendships don’t have to be blood-relatives or the people you’ve know the longest, you can discover new ones at any age. But for me, what makes this cosy mystery stand is that despite the warm fuzzies, there’s still a real sense of danger!

Vera and her friends don’t shy away from putting themselves in harm’s way as they face off against an international crime gang; people who will stop at nothing to shut Vera’s investigation down through intimidation. The stakes are high, but the story remains heartwarming, funny, and full of charm.

Honestly, this book struck the perfect balance between cosy vibes, engaging mystery, and lovable characters. I’d 1000% recommend it to anyone who loves a comforting yet thrilling read.

I loved the other book in the series so I was excited for this one and it didn't disappoint as I found myself just as invested in Vera and her mystery.

What can I say but I loved this! I have laughed out loud and once again adored Vera and her amateur sleuthing. Another great bunch of characters join Vera’s extended family as she snoops around trying to solve the mystery of the death of a young man. Jesse has such a great talent for bringing an eclectic group of people together and really bringing them to life on the page. Their quirks are what makes them special and I love how they develop throughout the book. Lots of twists and turns, some poignant moments and messages, and all in all a story that lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling happy. I can’t wait for the next book and the promise of Vera and Winifred abroad!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, HQ for a copy in exchange for a review.