Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your emotional reaction to this novel? Did it differ from how you typically respond to mysteries, especially darker ones like Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn?

2. Vera Wong joins a literary lineage of older female detectives that includes Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. How does Vera’s portrayal compare to Miss Marple in books such as Murder at the Vicarage (1930)? What makes Vera a fresh presence in the genre?

3. If you have read Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, how would you describe Vera’s growth in this second installment? In what ways has she changed or stayed the same?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Vera justifies opening Selena’s briefcase by claiming that mothers are natural detectives. Do you agree with Vera’s view of maternal instinct and curiosity? Would you have opened the briefcase?

2. The novel explores loneliness as a feature of contemporary life. When have you experienced or observed this? Do you think Vera’s solutions are practical? 

3. Found family is an important theme in the book, with Vera finding a loving clan in her community. Are there people in your life whom you think of as family even if you are not related? What makes someone “chosen family” in your view? 

4. In the novel, several characters use social media to construct more appealing versions of themselves. Do you think this reflects how people in the real world use social media? What are your own experiences with social media?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel’s murder mystery is linked with the issue of human trafficking. What connections does the novel draw between poverty, trafficking, and crime?

2. How do the novel’s settings impact its atmosphere and themes? What do these locations reveal about class, culture, and community?

3. Vera is shocked when Selena swears in front of her, pointing to a generational and cultural divide. What does this suggest about the expectations of older immigrants and their reality? How do you think these gaps can be meaningfully bridged?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel is narrated from multiple perspectives, many of which withhold key information. Examine how it uses unreliable narration to enhance its mystery, focusing on the characters of Millie, Aimes, TJ, and Qiang Wen.

2. Millie feels Vera’s tea shop is a magical escape from reality. Analyze the shop as a symbol, especially in the context of the novel’s use of food imagery.

3. Humor plays a central role on shaping the novel’s cozy tone. How does Sutanto use humor to lighten dark subject matter and develop character? 

4. How does Vera’s portrayal challenge stereotypes about older adults, especially older women? Which parts of her character felt most relatable or sympathetic?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Vera dreams of writing a book called The Ancient Chinese Secret to Solving Murders. Can you think of five investigative tips that can go in the book?

2. The novel uses lush food imagery and describes lovingly prepared meals. Imagine hosting a dinner inspired by Vera’s cooking. What dishes would you include? Describe them in Sutanto’s style. 

3. Imagine that Vera and Winifred run into a murder to solve during their trip to Paris. Design their next mystery, making sure to include famous Parisian landmarks into your plot.

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