Kristin's Bookshelf

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.75 stars

This was such an enjoyable read from start to finish.

Character likability – 5 stars
Vera was incredible. Growing up surrounded by a community of Asian moms, I totally understood her—and honestly related to so many of her intrusive, meddling (but well-meaning) tendencies. The supporting cast was just as lovable and added so much heart to the story.

Narration – 5 stars
I don’t know that I would have loved this book quite as much if I hadn’t listened to it on Audible. Eunice Wong was fantastic. The only voice I wasn’t completely sold on was Julia’s daughter, but overall, the narration really elevated the experience.

Storyline – 4 stars
Part of me loves that I guessed what really happened pretty early on … and part of me wishes it had surprised me more. That said, I loved how everything came together and how all the characters’ stories intertwined.

I did have a couple of lingering questions — mainly around how the victim ended up breaking into the tea shop in the first place, and Sana’s timeline (coming to find him vs. having an apartment/roommate already established). Nothing that took away from the story, just moments that made me pause.

What really stood out was how the supporting cast gave Vera exactly what she was missing in her life, and how she, in turn, showed up for them.

As I said in book club, it felt like a coming-of-age story … for a senior citizen. And honestly? I love that concept.

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