Here’s a detailed review-style breakdown of The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto — a short, witty whodunit with a deliciously dysfunctional family at its center.
📖 Overview
- Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto (Dial A for Aunties, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers)
- Collection: Busybodies (#2 of 6) — standalone short mysteries featuring amateur sleuths
- Length: ~35 pages
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Humor, Cultural Fiction
- Setting: A Chinese New Year family gathering
- Tone: Quirky, satirical, and fast-paced
📝 Story Snapshot
Josephine Ying has one goal this year: outshine her pompous Big Uncle as the family’s best host. After his infamous “roast duck incident,” she’s sure this Chinese New Year dinner will be her crowning moment.
But when her son arrives with a surprise fiancée — a glamorous young woman Josephine instantly distrusts — the evening takes a deadly turn. The fiancée collapses at the table and dies before dessert is served.
Convinced the killer is still seated among the guests, Josephine turns from hostess to interrogator, determined to solve the murder before the night — and her reputation — is ruined.
🎯 What Works Well
- Signature Sutanto Humor: Fans of her Aunties series will recognize the sharp wit, over-the-top family drama, and sly cultural observations.
- Cultural Flavor: Rich details about Chinese New Year traditions, food, and superstitions add texture to the mystery.
- Compact Mystery: The single-location, single-evening setup keeps the tension tight and the suspects close.
- Strong Protagonist Voice: Josephine’s mix of vanity, cunning, and maternal instinct makes her both flawed and compelling.
⚖️ Points to Note
- Character Likeability: Some readers found Josephine a bit overbearing, which may affect how much you root for her.
- Ending Polarization: The resolution has divided readers — some found it clever, others felt it undercut the buildup.
- Lightweight Mystery: As a short story, it’s more about character and humor than a deeply layered puzzle.
💡 Verdict
The Reunion Dinner is a bite-sized, culturally rich cozy mystery that blends family politics with a murder plot in true Jesse Q. Sutanto style. It’s best enjoyed if you like your whodunits with a side of satire and a dash of chaos — and don’t mind a protagonist who steals the spotlight, flaws and all.
