“You don’t describe your job like that,” Vera scolds. “Is a small job, hah! Can you see men saying that? No, men will talk it up with bullshit, that is why they get even bigger job next time. There is no such thing as ‘small job.’ And don’t say in that silly tone, oh so apologetic, I am just silly woman having a small job. No!” Her index finger shoots up and points at Julia’s face like a sword. “You go and do this job proudly.”
I just loved this book. This review will basically just be me listing all the things I love.
Actually, just, here:
- Vera’s indomitable spirit, despite being sad and having a run-down teashop and a dead husband and a son she doesn’t think pays her enough attention.
- Vera deciding the police are all worthless and it will be fun to solve the mystery of the dead man in her tea shop all by herself.
- The way that she decides to solve the mystery is by getting to know all her “suspects”, befriending them, mothering them, taking care of them, and then accusing them of murder. The contradiction makes perfect sense in her head.
- All the descriptions of food! Don’t read this one hungry. Have food on hand. And tea.
- The found family!
- The reveal of who the murderer was. Very clever.
- The insights into Chinese diaspora culture.
- This quote: “Tilly hangs up before Vera can remind him to look for a girlfriend at his office. She stares at the phone for a bit, then sends him a text.
*Don’t forget to look for girlfriend at office.*” - Basically everything.
- You’re welcome.