In Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping On a Dead Man, Jesse Q. Sutanto delivers a heartwarming yet thrilling sequel that expertly builds upon the charm established in her Edgar Award-winning first installment, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. The indomitable Vera Wong returns with her unshakeable confidence, meddlesome tendencies, and undeniable heart in this mystery that blends cultural insights, family dynamics, and social commentary with a generous helping of humor.
After solving the murder case that quite literally fell into her teahouse in the first book, Vera has developed a taste for sleuthing. Now she’s restless, yearning for another mystery to solve while simultaneously trying to nudge her son Tilly and his girlfriend Selena (whom Vera already refers to as her daughter-in-law) toward marriage and babies. When a young woman named Millie appears outside a police station looking troubled, Vera’s maternal instincts and detective aspirations collide, drawing her into an investigation surrounding the death of a social media influencer with a mysterious past.
The Heart and Soul of the Story: A Found-Family Delight
The greatest strength of this novel lies in its protagonist and the cast of characters Sutanto has crafted around her. Vera Wong continues to be an absolute force of nature—a Chinese mother stereotype turned up to eleven, yet rendered with such nuance and depth that she never feels like a caricature. Her brusque manner of speaking (“You no good at this? Then why you do it?”) and unsolicited advice-giving might initially seem overbearing, but they stem from a place of genuine care and love.
What makes this sequel shine even brighter than its predecessor is how it expands Vera’s chosen family. The characters from the first book return—Tilly, Selena, Oliver, Julia, Emma, Sana, and Riki—now joined by newcomers TJ, Robin, Aimes, Qiang Wen, and Millie. Each character brings their own vulnerabilities and strengths to the table, creating a tapestry of diverse individuals who find belonging in Vera’s orbit.
Particularly moving is Sutanto’s portrayal of intergenerational bonds. The relationship between Vera and young Robin and Emma showcases how wisdom and youth can nurture each other, while the lonely Qiang Wen finding companionship with Vera highlights the importance of connection in old age. These dynamics add emotional weight to what might otherwise be a straightforward mystery.
Mystery with Depth: Exploring the Dark Side of Social Media
What elevates this cozy mystery is its thoughtful exploration of timely themes:
- The façade of social media – The central mystery revolves around an influencer whose online persona was entirely fabricated. Sutanto deftly explores how platforms like Instagram can create illusions of perfect lives while masking darker realities.
- Human trafficking and exploitation – The novel takes an unexpected turn toward serious subject matter when we discover the truth behind Millie’s circumstances. Sutanto handles this topic with appropriate gravity while maintaining the overall warmth of her narrative.
- Loneliness in the digital age – Many characters in the novel experience profound isolation despite (or because of) their digital connections. Vera’s teahouse becomes a physical gathering place that counteracts this modern epidemic of loneliness.
- The importance of authentic connection – At its heart, this is a story about finding your people and creating family where there was none before.
Stylistic Flair and Cultural Richness
Sutanto’s writing style is conversational and accessible, peppered with Vera’s distinctive syntax and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, giving readers insight into various characters’ minds while maintaining Vera as the central figure binding everyone together.
The rich cultural elements woven throughout the story provide both entertainment and education. From Vera’s meticulous tea brewing to her elaborate Chinese feasts, Sutanto uses food and tradition as vehicles for character development and cultural exchange. The comparisons between Vera’s teahouse and Winifred’s competing bakery (with its questionable “French” or “Korean” pastries) provide consistent comic relief while highlighting issues of cultural authenticity.
What Could Have Been Improved
While Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping is a delightful read, a few aspects could have been strengthened:
- Pacing issues in the middle section – The investigation sometimes meanders, with certain scenes (like the influencer party) feeling drawn out while other important revelations seem rushed.
- Some plot conveniences – The ease with which Vera accesses Selena’s confidential police files stretches credibility, even for a character as determined as Vera.
- Limited consequences for meddling – While Vera does face danger for her interference, the overall stakes sometimes feel artificially lowered by how easily problems are resolved in the end.
- Character development imbalance – Some new characters like TJ and Robin receive substantial development, while others like Qiang Wen remain somewhat underdeveloped despite their importance to the story.
In Comparison to the First Book
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man] builds successfully on the foundation laid in Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. The first book introduced us to Vera’s world when a dead body appeared in her teahouse, forcing her to take on the role of amateur detective to protect her shop’s reputation. That initial story established Vera’s meddlesome yet endearing personality and her knack for bringing people together.
This sequel expands Vera’s world significantly, introducing more complex themes while maintaining the warmth and humor that made the first book so special. Readers who enjoyed Vera’s initial adventure will find her second outing even more satisfying, as Sutanto has clearly grown more comfortable with her protagonist’s voice and the unique blend of cozy mystery and cultural comedy that defines this series.
For Fans of…
If you enjoy Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping On a Dead Man, you might also appreciate:
- Dial A for Aunties and its sequels (also by Jesse Q. Sutanto) – These feature similar themes of family, culture, and accidental crime-solving with a comedic twist.
- The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman – For more elderly amateur sleuths solving crimes with wit and wisdom.
- Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala – Another food-centric cozy mystery with strong cultural elements.
- The Maid by Nita Prose – Featuring a neurodivergent protagonist who sees the world differently while solving a hotel murder.
Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Mystery That Satisfies
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man] is a rare sequel that outshines its predecessor by deepening its themes and expanding its emotional landscape. Sutanto has crafted a mystery that uses its genre conventions to explore meaningful issues of identity, belonging, and connection in the digital age.
What makes this book truly special is how it balances lightness and darkness. One moment you’re laughing at Vera’s outrageous meddling or her stubborn insistence on calling Selena her “xifu” (daughter-in-law) despite Tilly’s protests; the next, you’re confronting the harsh realities of human trafficking or the loneliness of elderly immigrants. This emotional range gives the novel a satisfying depth that elevates it above typical cozy mystery fare.
What Makes This Book Worth Reading:
- A protagonist who is simultaneously exasperating and lovable
- Rich cultural details that enhance both character and setting
- Humorous dialogue that will make you laugh out loud
- A mystery that goes beyond whodunit to explore why it matters
- A heartwarming emphasis on found family and intergenerational bonds
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man] deserves 4 out of 5 stars for its endearing characters, cultural richness, and emotional intelligence, even if some plot elements strain credibility. For readers seeking a mystery with heart, humor, and a protagonist you won’t soon forget, Vera Wong’s second adventure is a must-read. By the end, you’ll find yourself wishing you could stop by Vera Wang’s World-Famous Teahouse for a cup of perfectly brewed tea—and perhaps some unsolicited but well-meaning advice from the proprietor herself.
About the Author
Jesse Q. Sutanto is quickly establishing herself as a master of culturally rich mysteries with heart. Her Aunties series (Dial A for Aunties, Four Aunties and a Wedding, and The Good, The Bad, and The Aunties) showcases her talent for blending cultural comedy with mystery elements. Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man] continues her pattern of creating memorable, meddlesome characters who solve crimes while building community. Sutanto’s work consistently explores themes of identity, family (both biological and chosen), and the immigrant experience with both humor and sensitivity.