A hilariously quirky novel that is equal parts murder mystery, rom-com, and a celebration of mothers and daughters as well as a deep dive into Chinese-Indonesian culture, by debut author Jesse Q. Sutanto.
1 (accidental) murder
2 thousand wedding guests
3 (maybe) cursed generations
4 meddling Asian aunties to the rescue!When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is accidentally shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working, at an island resort on the California coastline. It’s the biggest job yet for their family wedding business—“Don’t leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!”—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie’s perfect buttercream cake flowers.
But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy’s great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend?
Story Locale: Southern California
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Pages: 320
Publishing Date: April 27th, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
MY THOUGHTS
It was one of my most anticipated read of the year and I am so happy it didn’t disappoint me. It is a hilarious mystery which made me laugh out loud so many time. Just to be clear I am so hard to please. I can easily see this book getting a movie adaption which I can see with my family.
Jesse grew up in a house with her mum and 3 aunties. All of the male cousins have moved out somewhere far because they can’t tolerate all of the over-emotional Asian aunties. Jesse thinks it is her responsibility to do whatever to make all of them happy, Including going to a blind set which they’ve set for her. Jesse didn’t think that she would end up killing her blind date. She also came to know that hiding a body is not that easy as shown in movies/seasons.
It was totally a page-turner. I couldn’t resist reading page after page and finished it in 24 hours. As an Asian, I found Jesse and her behaviour so relatable. I also loved all of the Aunts, their tension, rivalry and jealousy. I love their conversations with each other they were hilarious. I never thought some mystery will make me laugh that much. This book started on such a high note that’s why I found the Maureen part a bit underwhelming and forced otherwise this book was perfect.
Nathan and Jesse’s chemistry was just perfect and I was rooting for them. I can not wait to read the sequel.
