The Unstoppable Rise Of Jesse Q. Sutanto: 8 Must-Read Books And The Thrilling New Releases Coming In 2025 & 2026
Jesse Q. Sutanto has firmly established herself as one of the most versatile and exciting voices in modern literature, captivating readers across genres from cozy mysteries and laugh-out-loud rom-coms to chilling psychological thrillers. As of December 2025, her prolific output shows no signs of slowing down, with an impressive slate of new projects announced for 2025 and 2026 that promise to further cement her status as a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. Her unique ability to blend high-stakes plots with deeply relatable characters, often infused with Chinese-Indonesian cultural elements and sharp social commentary, makes her work a mandatory addition to any contemporary reading list.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive guide to Jesse Q. Sutanto’s literary universe, detailing her complete biography, her essential must-read novels, and an exclusive look at the highly anticipated books set to hit shelves in the next two years. From the beloved Dial A for Aunties series to her upcoming dark fantasy debut, prepare to dive deep into the world of this genre-defying powerhouse.
Jesse Q. Sutanto: Author Profile and Biography
Jesse Q. Sutanto's background is as dynamic as her writing, influencing the global perspectives and rich cultural details found throughout her novels. She has become an international literary sensation, celebrated for her ability to effortlessly move between different narrative styles and reader demographics.
- Nationality: Chinese-Indonesian.
- Childhood Home: Grew up shuttling back and forth between Indonesia (Jakarta), Singapore, and Oxford, considering all three places home.
- Education: Holds a Masters degree from the prestigious University of Oxford.
- Current Residence: Lives in Jakarta, Indonesia, with her husband and two children.
- Awards & Recognition: USA Today Bestselling Author. Winner of multiple major awards, including the Edgar® Award, an Audies Award, and the Comedy Women in Print Award. She also won the Anthony Award for Best Children's/YA Novel in 2023 for The New Girl.
- Debut Novel: Her debut was the Young Adult novel, The Obsession.
The Jesse Q. Sutanto Reading List: Essential Books and Series
Sutanto is a true literary chameleon, with a bibliography that spans adult, young adult (YA), and middle grade (MG) fiction. Her work is characterized by "genre-hopping," a style that allows her to explore a variety of complex themes, from family loyalty and cultural identity to satire and sharp indictments of patriarchal capitalism.
1. The Aunties Series (Cozy Mystery/Thriller)
This is arguably Sutanto’s most famous work, a series of cozy mystery thrillers that are as hilarious as they are high-stakes. The series centers on Meddelin Chan, her meddling mother, and her three eccentric, but fiercely loyal, aunties.
- Dial A for Aunties (2021): The book that launched the phenomenon, involving a disastrous blind date, a dead body, and a frantic cover-up during a lavish wedding in a luxury resort. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2021.
- Four Aunties and a Wedding (2022): The sequel follows Meddelin and the aunties as they plan a wedding, only to discover a new, potentially deadly secret involving a rival family.
- The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties (2024): The newest installment, released in March 2024, continues the madcap adventures, proving that no matter how much trouble they cause, the Chan family’s bond is unbreakable.
2. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (Cozy Mystery)
A delightful standalone novel that quickly became a fan favorite. It features Vera Wong, a lonely 60-year-old Chinese-Indonesian tea shop owner who decides to solve a murder that happens in her shop. This novel perfectly showcases Sutanto's skill in blending a genuinely engaging mystery with heartwarming themes of community and chosen family.
3. Young Adult & Thriller Standalones
Before the cozy mysteries, Sutanto made a mark in the YA thriller space, often using the genre to deliver powerful social commentary.
- The Obsession (2021): A chilling psychological thriller told in dual perspectives, exploring the dark side of obsession and revenge in a high school setting.
- The New Girl (2023): This novel, which won the Anthony Award, is a twisty YA thriller that explores themes of privilege, identity, and the lengths people go to for acceptance.
Upcoming Releases: The Most Anticipated Jesse Q. Sutanto Books of 2025 and 2026
The most exciting news for fans is the sheer volume of new and diverse books slated for the near future. Sutanto is venturing into new genres, including dark fantasy, while continuing her popular series and thrillers.
The Thriller and Romance Pipeline (2025/2026)
Jesse Q. Sutanto’s schedule for the next two years is packed with high-profile releases, confirming her status as one of the hardest-working authors today.
- Next Time Will Be Our Turn (November 2025): This sweeping love story, set for a late 2025 release, features a grandmother recounting her surprising and twisty journey to finding her true self to her granddaughter.
- Read Between the Lies (February 2026): One of the most buzzworthy announcements is this new thriller, which is being published in partnership with Mindy Kaling's Book Studio and Amazon. This high-profile deal signals a major new direction in her adult thriller work.
- Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block (April 2026): This title suggests a return to the comedic mystery genre, promising another fun and chaotic adventure for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
- Worth Fighting For (TBA): A new installment in the popular "Meant to Be" series of romance retellings, showcasing Sutanto’s ability to put a fresh, modern spin on classic tales.
A New Genre: Dark Fantasy Debut
Perhaps the most intriguing upcoming project is Sutanto’s leap into the dark fantasy genre, a significant departure from her signature cozy mysteries and thrillers.
- An Edge Sharp Enough (TBA): Signed under a two-book deal with Daphne Press, this is her highly anticipated dark fantasy debut. Early descriptions call the book "stunningly rich," indicating a complex, world-building narrative that will appeal to fans of darker, more imaginative fiction.
Why Jesse Q. Sutanto Has Topical Authority
Sutanto’s success is not accidental; it is built on a foundation of sharp writing, cultural relevance, and an unmatched work ethic. Her topical authority stems from several key factors that make her books resonate with a diverse, global audience:
- Authentic Cultural Representation: Her novels frequently feature Chinese-Indonesian and Asian-American characters, providing nuanced and authentic representation that is often missing in mainstream fiction. The dynamics of the Chan family in the Aunties series, for example, are rooted in specific cultural experiences.
- Genre Mastery: Few authors can credibly master so many genres. Her ability to write a murderously funny cozy mystery like Vera Wong and a genuinely chilling thriller like The Obsession demonstrates a rare literary dexterity.
- Commercial and Critical Success: Winning major critical accolades such as the Edgar Award, while simultaneously being a USA Today bestseller, proves her books appeal to both literary critics and the mass market.
Whether you are a longtime fan of the Aunties series books, a reader looking for a compelling psychological thriller, or eager to explore her new venture into dark fantasy with An Edge Sharp Enough, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s bibliography offers something for everyone. Her upcoming releases in 2025 and 2026, especially the Mindy Kaling-backed Read Between the Lies, ensure that her name will remain at the forefront of contemporary fiction for years to come.
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