If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced mystery with heart, humor, and a teapot full of charm, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) (2025) by Jesse Q. Sutanto should be at the top of your reading list. This delightful whodunit blends the curious brilliance of Miss Marple with the endearing nosiness of Columbo, all wrapped up in the unexpected form of a lonely tea shop owner in San Francisco's Chinatown.
Vera’s unorthodox investigation methods—equal parts intuition, meddling, and homemade tea—are both hilarious and surprisingly effective. She inserts herself into the lives of the suspects, and in doing so, builds genuine connections that give this cozy mystery unexpected emotional depth.
With its sharp wit, lovable characters, and twisty plot, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) is a refreshing take on the genre. Jesse Q. Sutanto has crafted a character we can’t help but root for—and we’re already looking forward to Vera’s next case.
Verdict: A warm, witty, tea-sipping mystery perfect for fans of quirky detectives and heartfelt stories. More Vera, please!