Oh how I love a good bossy and chaotic older character, especially in cozy mysteries. I love their banter and their ‘take no prisoners’ attitude. After loving Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers in 2023, I was stoked to get an advanced copy of Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man).

With the success of her ‘first case’, Vera Wong is ready to dust off her investigative chops. After falling prey to a telephone credit card scam, Vera runs into Millie outside of the police department. Sensing the girl needs help, she demands Millie join her for a cup of tea and discovers that a recently dead influencer Xander happens to be Millie’s friend; and Millie is convinced that he was murdered. Vera is determined to figure out what happened to Xander. Along the way she’ll adopt even more lovable but lost characters and lovingly bully them to face their problems.

Is the story a bit over the top and completely unrealistic, yes. Do I still love it, absolutely. Again, Sutanto has whipped up even more desperate characters, that could all use a big of overbearing love from the infamous Vera Wong, not to be confused with Vera Wang. This easy read is fun, witty, and Vera collecting ‘strays’ like lost cats is just the best!

I cannot wait to see what Vera’s next murder to solve is, especially if Winifred is going to be involved.  If you’re a fan of Finlay Donovon or Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Aunties series, you’ll love the second Vera Wong book! And if you need another book to hold you over til the third comes out, check out Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Review

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP |★★★★★

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) comes out April 1, 2025! Huge thank you to Berkley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books.