Reviewing: “Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]” by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Book Cover Peek

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

Let’s Talk About This Book

Vera Wong is an all-time favorite for me — not just because I love her, but because my mom loves her too. That’s a rare overlap, and something special. In fact, other than the Vera Wong series, I can’t think of any other book that sparks such shared enthusiasm between us. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about being able to talk about Vera and her antics with my mother, and that alone makes this series precious to me.

After falling in love with the first book, I went back and listened to the audiobook — just to fully experience the brilliance of Vera’s voice brought to life. Eunice Wong, the narrator, captures Vera’s personality so perfectly that I could hear her speaking right in my living room. Combined with Jesse Q. Sutanto’s narrative magic, Vera bursts off the page — confident, nosy, blunt, and utterly irresistible.

So, when book two came out — Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man — I couldn’t get my hands on it fast enough. And I’m thrilled to say, it did not disappoint.

In true Vera style, she finds herself (very intentionally) at the center of yet another murder investigation. She may not be a detective by profession, but her relentless curiosity and uniquely sharp instincts keep her steps ahead of everyone — often to the exasperation of her “future daughter-in-law,” Officer Selena Gray. The mystery this time feels a little more sinister, but Vera, armed with her bottomless wisdom, food that comforts the soul, and the most soothing cups of tea, handles it in her own unforgettable way.

What I especially love in this installment is Vera’s found family — this time, a group she gathers into her world rather than one that stumbles into hers. Watching her care for them (in her overbearing yet loving way) is such a treat, and it gives the story emotional weight alongside the cozy humor.

Vera is bold. She’s strong. She’s annoying (in the best way). She’s loving in a very specific, aunty way. And she is unforgettable.

I will always love Vera. I’ll always root for her. And I’m already counting the days until her next case.

Thank you, Jesse Q. Sutanto, for giving us this wonderful, chaotic, loving force of nature to laugh with, be humbled by, and sometimes be terrified of.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! 5 stars for another brilliant entry in the Vera Wong universe. If you haven’t met her yet, prepare to fall hard.

Have You Read This One?

Have you tried out the Vera Wong series? What did you think about it? Are there any other books similar to this one that I could try out? I would love to hear what you have to say in the comments below.

Links to find the book

Purchase “Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]” by Jesse Q. Sutanto on Amazon CA
View “”Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]” by Jesse Q. Sutanto on Goodreads