Challenge Corner discussion

Vera Wong is back and as meddling as ever in this follow-up to the hit Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.…

Ever since a man was found dead in Vera's teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly's girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn't be ungrateful, even if one is slightly...bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena's, Vera finds a treasure Selena's briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander's murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her future daughter-in-law.

To 10%: I just got into this one a little bit this evening. I love Vera so much -- this story quickly reminds me of why I find her so endearing. It is going to take me a second to remember all the details on the side characters, but yeah, I'm happy to be back in this little world.

To 25%, or Ch 8: We have our case! And Vera having (view spoiler)[murder investigator on her business card cracks me up. I am interested to learn more about Xander and to see if Ames really does know anything more, which I doubt. Also, finding it cute that Vera and her frenemy, Winifred, are getting closer. (hide spoiler)]

To 41%, or Ch 13: Vera in Robin's (view spoiler)[ Principal's office!!! Yesssss! She is such a Queen. Just steamrolling over everyone!! (hide spoiler)]

To 75%, or Ch. 23: Gahhhhhh, that whole story of (view spoiler)[ Qiang Wen and Xander's relationship hit me so hard. I love the way this explores the various types of isolation or loneliness. (hide spoiler)]

Done! I actually finished yesterday, but with the Super Bowl, I completely forgot to update.

I thought this was so fabulous. (view spoiler)[I loved the Author's Note at the end where she described her real life inspiration of this story. I felt the exploration of human trafficking was so well done and I love Vera just coming in touching lives as she does. I had a funny thought during this one, not just I want a Vera in my life, as I did with the first book, but I want to be a Vera in someone else's life. I really think that's what it's all about. This was again such a beautiful story of human connections. So good. I feel like there's definitely going to be a book 3 and I'm so ready! (hide spoiler)]

Got a little behind but I'll be picking this one up soon.

Melanie wrote: "Got a little behind but I'll be picking this one up soon."

No worries! It's a cute one, but also has some more serious topics examined too. It's great -- I hope you love it!

Planning to read this one sometime this week.

Hoping to read this weekend in time for pub date on Tuesday.

I'll start this one this week.

Starting this

I'm hoping to get to this one this weekend.

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I just like the way Vera talks and the narrator said Qiang Wen like Jiang Wen (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[Vera broadcasting that she is investigating the murder is gonna backfire. Playing with fire (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 1-8
(view spoiler)[ God, I love Vera. This series is such a delight. It took me a couple chapters to settle in and remember who all of the folks were from last time. This eclectic group is also awesome. Vera kills me, I thought sexist meant sexy and intermediate murder detective. I'm guessing he was illegal and none of that stuff pictures was his. I have no idea who the culprit could be or if it really was a suicide. I'm very interested to see where this goes and for all the laughs along the way. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[what a letter that is. At least we now know who killed Thomas. How does Vera even go against an International crime organization like that (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 9-16
(view spoiler)[ okay I am loving influencer Vera. What is up with Millie's parents and that situation, it's super creepy. Was the party a set up so someone could attack Vera's shop? I'm so curious about everyone's secrets. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ another job well done. Paris here Vera come for more misadventures

Although it seems too easy that the police immediately went for the traffiking ring where there isn't much evidence. (hide spoiler)]

Hoping to read this one later this week.

Still planning to read this soon.

I'll get to this one this month.