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Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
10 reviews
james1star's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a rather ‘fun’ read that felt quite fast paced with well realised characters and an intriguing plot. I didn’t find it amazing but was enjoyable and one I’d recommend, I’m interested in checking out the author’s other works.
The book follows Vera Wong, an elderly Chinese American who owns a tea shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown, who one morning finds the dead body, a man called Marshall, downstairs one day. She calls the police but not won over by their work decides to embark on her own investigation. She meets with those close to Marshall including his wife Julia (and I believe autistic daughter Emma), twin Oliver, computer developer / ‘reporter’ Ricky and artist / ‘podcaster Sana trying to learn who Marshall was and how he came to be dead. What follows is the reader getting the backstory and connections but I won’t say anymore given the book is a mystery of sorts. The cast of characters were very diverse and each added to the plot well.
The above was good enough to keep you reading but what I feel elevated the book was the way Sutanto infused other messages and understandings. The main was exploring the way women are often made to give up things or else are lost in the pursuit of maintaining a relationship or family. Their own lives sometimes take the back burner and the realisation of this alongside living in an emotionally abusive relationship/environment was portrayed well. There’s also discussion of how the elderly are viewed and treated at moments which was good. The best part of the book was the way Vera went about her life and investigation, she does some questionable things but is very pure and such a loveable character to follow, especially the way she implants herself into the other character’s lives. I did get the ending and understand why this and that happened but personally would’ve preferred something else. It was still good and well explained but did feel a little rushed too.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Grief, and Murder
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I truly enjoyed this book! While I didn't enjoy the author book I tried to read by this author, that may have been because I didn't realize it was book two in a series.
Vera was a great protagonist, her and her newfound family's fumbling was humorous but the book still had serious undertones. It was a good mix of lighthearted & emotional. I laughed and I cried.
I didn't guess the murderer until Vera figured it out, the author did a good job of disguising them with misdirection.
My biggest complaint was that the book was a bit longer than I thought it needed. I can't wait for their next adventure!
Narrator Rating: 4.75 stars
The narrator did an amazing job, I wish they'd done a full cast for this since it was told from many points of view.
Vera was a great protagonist, her and her newfound family's fumbling was humorous but the book still had serious undertones. It was a good mix of lighthearted & emotional. I laughed and I cried.
I didn't guess the murderer until Vera figured it out, the author did a good job of disguising them with misdirection.
My biggest complaint was that the book was a bit longer than I thought it needed. I can't wait for their next adventure!
Narrator Rating: 4.75 stars
The narrator did an amazing job, I wish they'd done a full cast for this since it was told from many points of view.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Drug use, Fatphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Dementia, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Dysphoria, and Classism
The instances of child abuse were emotional abuse of a toddler. Nothing physically or sexually abusive towards a child is mentioned.zoea08's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Gaslighting
Minor: Stalking
emilywemily6's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a fun and quick read, with quirky characters and some humor. I appreciated the wholesome, meaningful moments sprinkled throughout as well as this band of misfits grew individually in their self-esteem and confidence despite the sorry state in which they started at the beginning of the book. However, these characters didn’t really have depth, the mystery was lacking in plot and was predictable (considering there were zero clues) even though the reasoning behind the murder was inconsistent with the characterization throughout the book, and while Vera was funny, I have a hard time not being slightly bothered by silly, willful characters like her who refuse to follow the rules. Also, the two year old acted at least four years old for the majority of the book?? I have a three year old and Emma was adorable yet definitely not only two. Overall, a fun read, though I wouldn’t run to the bookstore to grab another Vera Wong book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Medical content and Grief
Minor: Child abuse, Racism, Alcohol, and Classism
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: March 14, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Cozy • Quirky • Wholesome
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Put the kettle on, there’s a mystery brewing…
Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective?
Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy ‘detective’ work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).
But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I had previously read Jesse Q. Sutanto's Dial A for Aunties and absolutely adored it, so I was looking forward to jumping into a different world with many similarities to that book. And I must say I was not disappointed.
The characters are what really make this book different from other cozy mysteries. In a typical cozy, the characters can be surface level, yet here there is depth and we get to know each of their stories. Vera herself is absolutely hilarious and endearing woman. I found myself laughing at her stream of conscious thought and at all of the meddling (especially with her son's love life) she does. Although she first appears like an incredibly strong and confident person (with quirks, of course), there is an underlying loneliness with her. As the story progresses, she connects with a variety of people who quickly become her found family, which just gave off such wholesome vibes.
The food descriptions had be drooling and I always enjoy a novel where food plays an integral role in connection. Food is Vera's love language and I thought it was incredibly well developed into the storyline. The San Francisco setting also felt refreshing and inviting.
Overall, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a feel-good murder mystery with comedic vibes and a unique cast of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't have to think too much, Vera's antics were entertaining and I could really relax with a cozy blanket while reading. It reminded me how much I enjoyed the Aunties series and I look forward to continuing that series sometime soon.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• cozy fans
• readers on vacation
⚠️ CW: violence, murder, death, death of parent, grief, gaslighting, bullying, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship, cursing, misogyny, medical content, abandonment, drug use, panic attacks/disorders, infidelity, body shaming
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"People always say that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life, but honestly, people should try solving murders more often."
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: March 14, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Cozy • Quirky • Wholesome
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Put the kettle on, there’s a mystery brewing…
Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective?
Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy ‘detective’ work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).
But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I had previously read Jesse Q. Sutanto's Dial A for Aunties and absolutely adored it, so I was looking forward to jumping into a different world with many similarities to that book. And I must say I was not disappointed.
The characters are what really make this book different from other cozy mysteries. In a typical cozy, the characters can be surface level, yet here there is depth and we get to know each of their stories. Vera herself is absolutely hilarious and endearing woman. I found myself laughing at her stream of conscious thought and at all of the meddling (especially with her son's love life) she does. Although she first appears like an incredibly strong and confident person (with quirks, of course), there is an underlying loneliness with her. As the story progresses, she connects with a variety of people who quickly become her found family, which just gave off such wholesome vibes.
The food descriptions had be drooling and I always enjoy a novel where food plays an integral role in connection. Food is Vera's love language and I thought it was incredibly well developed into the storyline. The San Francisco setting also felt refreshing and inviting.
Overall, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a feel-good murder mystery with comedic vibes and a unique cast of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't have to think too much, Vera's antics were entertaining and I could really relax with a cozy blanket while reading. It reminded me how much I enjoyed the Aunties series and I look forward to continuing that series sometime soon.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• cozy fans
• readers on vacation
⚠️ CW: violence, murder, death, death of parent, grief, gaslighting, bullying, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship, cursing, misogyny, medical content, abandonment, drug use, panic attacks/disorders, infidelity, body shaming
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"People always say that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life, but honestly, people should try solving murders more often."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Body shaming, Cursing, Drug use, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Abandonment
sakisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ah this was a GREAT read! After briefly meeting the author recently, I knew I had to get into it and I’m so glad I did 🥰
I liked every member of Vera’s family, even Tilly 😂
Vera is every (slightly) frustrating but well-meaning auntie with a heart of gold ❤️
4 out of 5 stars for me, thank you ✨ Looking forward to reading more of Jesse Sutanto’s stories 🥳
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
natnurdock's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming and Vomit
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book was so wonderful. Vera Wong is probably the most entertaining narrator I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. She is so witty and funny! And her heart is so big. Scooping up all of these lost souls like a mother duck.
This was not at all what I expected, but that isn't a bad thing! It was so much better than anything I had previously anticipated. When I wasn't reading I was thinking about it constantly. I even dreamed about this book!
I think this would make a FANTASTIC TV show. All of these characters are so easy to love. I adored the found family aspect so much.
Reading about Vera was just so healing and comforting for someone who not only was very close to their grandmother, but is estranged from their mother. I loved that Vera always kept an open mind and was always eager to learn more.
HUGE warning for hunger pains. Everything Vera cook sounded mouth watering incredible.
This might be my favorite book of the year in all honesty.
This was not at all what I expected, but that isn't a bad thing! It was so much better than anything I had previously anticipated. When I wasn't reading I was thinking about it constantly. I even dreamed about this book!
I think this would make a FANTASTIC TV show. All of these characters are so easy to love. I adored the found family aspect so much.
Reading about Vera was just so healing and comforting for someone who not only was very close to their grandmother, but is estranged from their mother. I loved that Vera always kept an open mind and was always eager to learn more.
HUGE warning for hunger pains. Everything Vera cook sounded mouth watering incredible.
This might be my favorite book of the year in all honesty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting
ninahuynh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is such a nice twist to murder mystery. Vera Wong is the typical Asian grandmother/mother/auntie who likes to get in your business, but really has everyone's well-being at the end of the day. I like the multiple povs and how each character has their own story and there's dimension to them.
The ending was quite the twist; I don't know why I didn't think of that reason as the way Marshall was killed. The only good thing Marshall did in his life was die, and inadvertently created a close-knit group of the people who he has wronged.
The ending was quite the twist; I don't know why I didn't think of that reason as the way Marshall was killed. The only good thing Marshall did in his life was die, and inadvertently created a close-knit group of the people who he has wronged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Gaslighting
imstephtacular's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cursing, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol