A review by james1star
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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. 
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