Jesse Q Sutanto

Next Time Will Be Our Turn

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s NEXT TIME WILL BE OUR TURN, a new adult love story set in California and Indonesia with dual timelines as a grandmother shares the twisting and surprising story of her life with her granddaughter, to Cindy Hwang at Berkley, in a two-book deal, for publication in 2025, by Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management (NA).

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

2025

Age Category

New Adult

Genre

Romance

Rights

JGLM

You Will Never Be Me

Praise for You Will Never Be Me

“With You Will Never Be Me, Jesse Sutanto has proven she is a real force when it comes to writing gripping suspense novels. This book is not only an ‘up all night’ page turner, but a biting social commentary on social media, influencer culture and why we should never believe everything we see online. The twists are unrelenting with several gasp-out-loud moments and Jesse perfectly balances these with pitch black comedy. In short, it’s thrilling, funny and gloriously dark. I loved it.” —Katy Brent, author of How Men Kill and Get Away With It

“This book gripped me from the first page and never let up. Incredibly smart, entertaining, twisty, and darkly humorous. It shines a light on the pressures of motherhood, influencer culture, and the lengths some may go to for their children…and their follower count. I absolutely loved it.”—Natalie Sue, author of I Hope This Finds You Well

“You Will Never Be Me is Jesse Q. Sutanto at her most bingeable and demonic yet. No one writes toxic female friendships as blisteringly as Sutanto and I guzzled You Will Never Be Me in a few delicious sittings and was positively hungover when I was finished, sad that the devious, delirious thrill ride was over. The heir apparent to Patricia Highsmith, Jesse Q. Sutanto is one of the boldest and most unapologetic, unflinching voices in crime fiction today. You Will Never Be Me is an utterly unputdownable triumph, a skewering, yet somehow sympathetic peek behind the lives of momfluencer culture and the impossible expectations society heaps upon women. A standing ovation!” —May Cobb, author of The Hunting Wives

You Will Never Be Me is an ultra twisty, unpredictable, and devilishly fun thrill ride, exploring the dark side of influencer culture. Prepare to be shocked and wildly entertained by this gripping and addictive thriller. Jesse Sutanto is a true talent! —Jeneva Rose, New York Timesbestselling author of Home is Where the Bodies Are

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

August 20, 2024

Age Category

Adult

Genre

Thriller

Rights

JGLM

Didn't See That Coming

A hilariously fresh and romantic send-up to You’ve Got Mail about a gamer girl with a secret identity and the online bestie she’s never met IRL until she unwittingly transfers to his school, from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties, The Obsession, and Well, That Was Unexpected.

Seventeen-year-old Kiki Siregar is a fabulous gamer girl with confidence to boot. She can’t help but be totally herself… except when she’s online.Her secret? She plays anonymously as a guy to avoid harassment from other male players. Even her online best friend—a cinnamon roll of a teen boy who plays under the username Sourdawg—doesn’t know her true identity. Which is fine, because Kiki doesn’t know his real name either, and it’s not like they’re ever going to cross paths IRL. Until she transfers to an elite private school for her senior year and discovers that Sourdawg goes there, too.But who is he? How will he react when he finds out Kiki’s secret? And what happens when Kiki realizes she’s falling for her online BFF?

Praise for Didn’t See That Coming

“Dial A for Aunties (2021) author Sutanto creates another fictional masterpiece centered on gender bias and STEM-related topics. Readers will empathize with the remarks and jabs that the protagonist, and other classmates, face on the daily from supposed superiors. This story is a great reminder for people to stand up to aggressors and to not diminish their true identity. An adorkably inclusive YA romance that is both fiery and earnest.” —Booklist, starred review

“A powerful trifecta of humor, romance, and feminism grounded in positive change.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Sparkling humor, vivacious storytelling, and occasionally theatrical scenarios inject levity into this perceptive romp with weighty themes.” —Publishers Weekly

Publisher

Delacorte

Publication Date

November 28, 2023

Age Category

Young Adult

Genre

Romantic Comedy

Rights

JGLM

I'm Not Done With You Yet

Some friends—and friendships—are worth killing for in this dark, twisty suspense novel by national bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Jane is unhappy.A struggling midlist writer whose novels barely command four figures, she feels trapped in an underwhelming marriage, just scraping by to pay a crippling Bay Area mortgage for a house—a life—she’s never really wanted.There’s only ever been one person she cared about, one person who truly understood her: Thalia. Jane’s best and only friend nearly a decade ago during their Creative Writing days at Oxford. It was the only good year of Jane’s life—cobblestones and books and damp English air, heady wine and sweet cider and Thalia, endless Thalia. But then one night ruined everything. The blood-soaked night that should have bound Thalia to Jane forever but instead made her lose her completely. Thalia disappeared without a trace, and Jane has been unable to find her since.Until now.Because there she is, her name at the top of the New York Times bestseller list: A Most Pleasant Death by Thalia Ashcroft. When she discovers a post from Thalia on her website about attending a book convention in New York City in a week—“Can’t wait to see you there!”—Jane can’t wait either.She’ll go to New York City, too, credit card bill be damned. And this time, she will do things right. Jane won’t lose Thalia again.

Praise for I’m Not Done With You Yet

“Sutanto expertly manipulates time, moving between difficult childhoods to perplexing adult lives, dexterously revealing puzzle pieces that calculatingly don’t fit. Meanwhile, crazy rich Asians, the publishing industry, and fatal misogyny all crack under Sutanto’s deadly glare.” –Booklist

“Not since Gone Girl’s Amy Dunne has a sociopath been this bewitching. Utterly brilliant, deliciously devious, and absolutely unputdownable with whiplash plotting and a twist that will make you gasp, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s I’m Not Done With You Yet is an unflinching portrait of obsession that seduces you with dazzling prose while simultaneously stabbing you in the back. With shades of Highsmith and Single White Female vibes—and a razor-sharp game of cat-and mouse—prepare to be consumed by your newest addiction.”—May Cobb, author of The Hunting Wives

“Deliciously dark, wittily provocative, with twist after twist that will leave you reeling, Sutanto weaves a dangerously clever tale about friendship, rage, and the mind-games people play. Recovery won’t be easy after this roller-coaster of a thriller!” —Amanda Jayatissa, author of You’re Invited

“Alert the paparazzi and set up a velvet rope for the future fans of Sutanto, who is poised to become a top-tier thriller writer.” —Washington Post

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

August 22, 2023

Age Category

Adult

Genre

Thriller

Rights

JGLM

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

A USA Today bestseller

Winner of the Edgar Award

A lonely shopkeeper takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way in this captivating mystery by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

Vera Wong is a lonely little old lady—ah, lady of a certain age—who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Despite living alone, Vera is not needy, oh no. She likes nothing more than sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to.

Then one morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a curious thing—a dead man in the middle of her tea shop. In his outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera doesn’t know what comes over her, but after calling the cops like any good citizen would, she sort of . . . swipes the flash drive from the body and tucks it safely into the pocket of her apron. Why? Because Vera is sure she would do a better job than the police possibly could, because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands. Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her shop and figure out which one among them is the killer.

What Vera does not expect is to form friendships with her customers and start to care for each and every one of them. As a protective mother hen, will she end up having to give one of her newfound chicks to the police?

Praise for Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

“Sutanto hits all the right notes in this cozy mystery, perfectly blending meddling, murder, and found family.” –Bookpage, starred review

“The engrossing plot, which is full of laugh out loud humor and heartfelt moments, builds to a satisfying conclusion that will leave readers eager for more Vera. Sutanto has outdone herself with this cozy with substance.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A mystery with warmth, humor, and many descriptions of delicious teas and foods. Recommended for fans of Sutanto and of character-driven cozy mysteries.” –Library Journal, starred review

“Vivid sensory descriptions of the custom teas Vera concocts and the elaborate feasts she prepares further heighten the feel-good appeal. Literary comfort food in the guise of a quirky whodunit.” –Kirkus

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

March 13, 2023

Age Category

Adult

Genre

Mystery/Comedy

Rights

JGLM

Well, That Was Unexpected

An outrageous, laugh-out-loud YA rom-com about a girl who’s whisked from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia to get back to her roots and finds herself fake-dating the son of one of the wealthiest families there, from the author of Dial A for Aunties.

After Sharlot Citra’s mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia. It’ll be exactly what they both need. Or so her mother thinks.

When George Clooney Tanuwijaya’s father (who is obsessed with American celebrities) fears he no longer understands how to get through to his son, he decides to take matters into his own hands.

To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot’s mother and George’s father do what any “good” parent would do: they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children.

When the kids find out about their parents’ actions, they’re horrified. Not even a trip to one of the most romantic places on earth could possibly make Sharlot and George fall for each other. But as the layers peel back and the person they thought they knew from online is revealed, the truth becomes more complicated. As unlikely as it may seem, did their parents manage to find their true match after all?

Praise for Well, That Was Unexpected

“A delightfully lively rom-com.” –Kirkus

“WELL, THAT WAS UNEXPECTED is a delightful, hilarious, captivating love letter to Indonesia, and coming of age in a large meddlesome family, and the thrill of finding your person where you least expect it!” –Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis

Publisher

Delacorte

Publication Date

September 27, 2022

Age Category

Young Adult

Genre

Romantic Comedy

Rights

JGLM

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit (Theo Tan #1)

After inheriting a grieving fox spirit, a Chinese American boy must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother’s death in Jesse Q Sutanto’s magical, action-packed middle grade fantasy, Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit.

Theo Tan doesn’t want a spirit companion. He just wants to be a normal American kid, playing video games, going to conventions, and using cirth pendants to cast his spells like everyone else. But, when his older brother dies, Theo ends up inheriting Jamie’s fox spirit, Kai.

Kai isn’t happy about this either. Theo is nothing like Jamie, and the two of them have never gotten along. But, when they realize the mysterious journal Jamie left Theo is filled with clues and secret codes, it’s clear that something strange was going on with Jamie’s internship at Reapling Corp.

But the only way onto the campus is the highly competitive “Know Your Roots” summer camp program, a celebration of Chinese and Indian cultures designed to help connect students with their heritage. Theo and Kai will have to put aside their differences long enough to honor Jamie’s last wishes, or the mystery he died for will remain unsolved forever…

Praise for Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit

“”Heart-felt and heart-pounding, this book will have you cheering Theo on as he sets out to find the magic of his heritage! (Both figurative and literal!)” –Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow

“This is a natural choice for kids who like Rick Riordan’s brand of mythology-fueled fantasy adventures, and it will be an especially good read-alike for Laurence Yep’s classic Tiger’s Apprentice series, another action-packed fantasy with a distinct Asian perspective that pairs ancient Chinese mythology with modern San Francisco.” –Booklist

“Kai, the wily fox spirit, is a star, all sass and blustery confidence covering up her shattered heart, bereft of her human companion. Her shapeshifting is a boon to their quest, and it carries them both as Theo slowly comes into his own as a smart, capable co-hero in their adventure.” –BCCB

“In Theo and Kai’s alternating perspectives, Sutanto weaves the duo’s shared grief and path to healing with Theo’s journey toward embracing his Chinese heritage in this rewarding fantasy adventure.” –Publishers Weekly

“Readers dependent on their own technological devices might take a lesson from the book’s message about finding resources within—or perhaps they’ll just enjoy this engrossing mystery set among ancient Chinese spirit grudges and modern-day corporate malfeasance.” –The Horn Book

Publisher

Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Publication Date

May 31, 2022

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Fantasy

Rights

Macmillan

Theo Tan and the Iron Fan (Theo Tan #2)

A Chinese American Boy and his snarky fox spirit face down demon kings as they race against time to be reunited with his brother’s spirit in Jesse Q. Sutanto’s magical, action-packed sequel to Theo Tan and the Fox Spririt.

Theo Tan and his fox spirit, Kai, are willing to go to hell and back for their family. Literally.

After exposing the corruption at Reapling Corporation and trapping the demon king Niu Mo Wang, they learn that Jamie (Theo’s beloved brother and Kai’s first human master) was not allowed to move on after death, and is now trapped in a waiting room in Diyu.

If they can reach his soul before it faces judgement on the solstice, they might be able to convince King Qingguang to send his soul back to earth! Still, a trip to Diyu is no easy matter, and Theo and Kai can’t do it alone. Fortunately, they have good friends who are happy to help.

But even with Namita’s knowledge and Danny’s powerful dragon familiar, the odds are stacked against them. Can Theo and Kai’s new bond hold up against lying demons with grudges, impatient Kings of Hell, and the wrath of the demon king’s powerful wife, Princess Iron Fan?

Praise for Theo Tan and the Iron Fan

“An animated adventure centering family and friendships.” –Kirkus

Publisher

Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Publication Date

June 27, 2023

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Fantasy

Rights

Macmillan

Dial A for Aunties (Aunties #1)

An IndieBound bestseller

What happens when you mix 1 (accidental) murder with 2 thousand wedding guests, and then toss in a possible curse on 3 generations of an immigrant Chinese-Indonesian family?

You get 4 meddling Asian aunties coming 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 inadvertently 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 the 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 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?

Praise for Dial A for Aunties

“Comparisons to Crazy Rich Asians are apt, as the author details the wild spending and luxurious lifestyles of the superrich. But this story is filled with mistaken identity, a gaggle of intoxicated groomsmen, five lovably hilarious sisters, and slapstick humor that leans more toward the film Clue. Readers will die for the delightfully absurd hijinks in this dark comedy.” –Kirkus Reviews

“A hilarious, heartfelt romp of a novel about—what else?—accidental murder and the bond of family. This book had me laughing aloud within its first five pages… Utterly clever, deeply funny, and altogether charming, this book is sure to be one of the best of the year!” –Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read

“Sutanto brilliantly infuses comedy and culture into the unpredictable rom-com/murder mystery mashup as Meddy navigates familial duty, possible arrest and a groomzilla. I laughed out loud and you will too.” –USA Today

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

April 27, 2021

Age Category

Adult

Genre

Mystery/Humor

Rights

JGLM

Four Aunties and a Wedding (Aunties #2)

The aunties are back, fiercer than ever and ready to handle any catastrophe—even the mafia—in this delightful and hilarious sequel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Dial A for Aunties.

Meddy Chan has been to countless weddings, but she never imagined how her own would turn out. Now the day has arrived, and she can’t wait to marry her college sweetheart, Nathan. Instead of having Ma and the aunts cater to her wedding, Meddy wants them to enjoy the day as guests. As a compromise, they find the perfect wedding vendors: a Chinese-Indonesian family-run company just like theirs. Meddy is hesitant at first, but she hits it off right away with the wedding photographer, Staphanie, who reminds Meddy of herself, down to the unfortunately misspelled name.

Meddy realizes that is where their similarities end, however, when she overhears Staphanie talking about taking out a target. Horrified, Meddy can’t believe Staphanie and her family aren’t just like her own, they are The Family—actual mafia, and they’re using Meddy’s wedding as a chance to conduct shady business. Her aunties and mother won’t let Meddy’s wedding ceremony become a murder scene—over their dead bodies—and will do whatever it takes to save her special day, even if it means taking on the mafia.

Praise for Four Aunties and a Wedding

“Sutanto deftly blends preposterous humor (British slang, mafia posers) with enduring devotion to prove ‘there is no right or wrong way to ‘being Asian.’'” –Booklist

“Charming, chaotic, and sometimes ridiculous, this tale will appeal to anyone who both adores and is embarrassed by their family, which is just about everyone.” –Publishers Weekly

“You can’t help but get a kick out of the auntie’s outrageous stunts and their even bigger hearts. Keep your friends close and these four aunties closer.” –Kirkus

“Sutanto pushes you to the edge of your seat with this suspenseful rom-com that infuses humor and heritage.” –USA Today

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

March 29, 2022

Age Category

Adut

Genre

Mystery/Humor

Rights

JGLM

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties (Aunties #3)

What should have been a family celebration of Chinese New Year descends into chaos when longtime foes crash the party in this hilariously entertaining novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

After an ultra-romantic honeymoon across Europe, Meddy Chan and her husband Nathan have landed in Jakarta to spend Chinese New Year with her entire extended family. Chinese New Year, already the biggest celebration of the Lunar calendar, gets even more festive when a former beau of Second Aunt’s shows up at the Chan residence bearing extravagant gifts—he’s determined to rekindle his romance with Second Aunt and the gifts are his way of announcing his courtship.

His grand gesture goes awry however, when it’s discovered that not all the gifts were meant for Second Aunt and the Chans—one particular gift was intended for a business rival to cement their alliance and included by accident. Of course the Aunties agree that it’s only right to return the gift—after all, anyone would forgive an honest mistake, right? But what should have been a simple retrieval turns disastrous and suddenly Meddy and the Aunties are helpless pawns in a decades-long war between Jakarta’s most powerful business factions. The fighting turns personal, however, when Nathan and the Aunties are endangered and it’s up to Meddy to come up with a plan to save them all. Determined to rescue her loved ones, Meddy embarks on an impossible mission—but with the Aunties by her side, nothing is truly impossible…

Praise for The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties

“Sutanto packs in loads of local color, and gives the aunties ample opportunity to let their freak flags fly.” –Publishers Weekly

“Sutanto delivers another addictive romp, managing to negotiate a thrilling (multi) happily-ever-after finale because, alas, this concludes the Aunties series.” –Booklist

Publisher

Berkley

Publication Date

March 26, 2024

Age Category

Adult

Genre

Mystery/Humor

Rights

JGLM

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Next Time Will Be Our Turn

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You Will Never Be Me

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Didn't See That Coming

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I'm Not Done With You Yet

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Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

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Well, That Was Unexpected

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Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit (Theo Tan #1)

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Theo Tan and the Iron Fan (Theo Tan #2)

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Dial A for Aunties (Aunties #1)

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Four Aunties and a Wedding (Aunties #2)

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The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties (Aunties #3)

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