Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Compare and contrast two mothers in the novel. What are their relationships with their respective children? What do they most wish to teach their children?

How does Vera’s found family of suspects-turned-friends benefit everyone involved? Who do you believe benefits the most from this arrangement?

How does Vera treat Emma compared to Tilly? What does she expect from both children? How does her relationship with these two explore her parenting skills and outlooks?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Vera’s application of Chiaoshun? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

How does the novel employ foreshadowing to reveal Alex as Marshall’s killer? What role does the flash drive play in this foreshadowing, if at all?

What motivates Alex’s murder of Marshall? Does the novel justify this act?

Which of Vera’s four suspects mirrors her the most? How so?

What role do Riki and Sana play in the novel? What does their romance add to the novel?