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Very Dangerous Things
A murder mystery game turns deadly in this YA whodunit by the author of Suddenly a Murder.
"Dark academia meets classic detective fiction in this clever, twisty page-turner." —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying.
Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. When the game kicks off, the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.
"Dark academia meets classic detective fiction in this clever, twisty page-turner." —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying.
Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. When the game kicks off, the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
78 people are currently reading
10059 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Muñoz
2 books298 followersLauren Muñoz is a writer, lawyer, and former teacher living in Southern California. She received her J.D. from Northwestern University, where she frequently skipped class to commune with her sun lamp. When she's not reading, she can be found knitting, crocheting, and collecting recipes for things she'll never bake. Find her on IG @laurenmunozbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
July 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
🔎 Blurb 🔎
“Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. Soon, the game kicks off, and the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.”
☠ My Thoughts ☠
What a ride! I was guessing whodunit the entire time I was reading! 🤔
This plot was so interesting, right from the beginning! From one suspect to the next, Dulce and her friends investigate the haunted halls of J. Everett High, hitting one dead end after another and leaving me to scratch my head in confusion. I don’t think I’ve ever been so stumped as I was with this mystery. But when the truth came out in the end, I was so shocked that I didn’t see it before! 😱 Who really killed Xavier Torres? Was it his ex-girlfriend, Sierra, or did it go much deeper than that…?
Dulce was a vibe. Smart, brave, and a little distrustful (for very good reasons), she led her best friend Emi and her new friend Zane on a wild chase to find the killer before time ran out. The characters changed and grew as the story progressed, adding depth and relatability to the story. And there were some who didn’t change at all and really made my blood boil. You know it’s good writing if it can affect me like that. 😂
And that ending? Does this mean we’re getting a series? I hope so! I want more of Dulce and her gang of investigators, please! 🙋♀
I totally recommend this book if you love YA mysteries with some great characters, clever plotting, and fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter from Dorothy L. Sayer’s books. This story will be in my head for the rest of the week. ☺
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, murder, and mentions of family drama over a child coming out.
#VeryDangerousThings #NetGalley
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
🔎 Blurb 🔎
“Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. Soon, the game kicks off, and the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.”
☠ My Thoughts ☠
What a ride! I was guessing whodunit the entire time I was reading! 🤔
This plot was so interesting, right from the beginning! From one suspect to the next, Dulce and her friends investigate the haunted halls of J. Everett High, hitting one dead end after another and leaving me to scratch my head in confusion. I don’t think I’ve ever been so stumped as I was with this mystery. But when the truth came out in the end, I was so shocked that I didn’t see it before! 😱 Who really killed Xavier Torres? Was it his ex-girlfriend, Sierra, or did it go much deeper than that…?
Dulce was a vibe. Smart, brave, and a little distrustful (for very good reasons), she led her best friend Emi and her new friend Zane on a wild chase to find the killer before time ran out. The characters changed and grew as the story progressed, adding depth and relatability to the story. And there were some who didn’t change at all and really made my blood boil. You know it’s good writing if it can affect me like that. 😂
And that ending? Does this mean we’re getting a series? I hope so! I want more of Dulce and her gang of investigators, please! 🙋♀
I totally recommend this book if you love YA mysteries with some great characters, clever plotting, and fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter from Dorothy L. Sayer’s books. This story will be in my head for the rest of the week. ☺
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, murder, and mentions of family drama over a child coming out.
#VeryDangerousThings #NetGalley
December 16, 2024
Excellent. Kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page. I couldn't put down this addictive thriller! Munoz has crafted a brilliant mystery with well-drawn characters and an excellent backdrop. I loved the conceit and was rooting for Dulse all the way. I only wish I had the chance to attend J. Everett High! This is a must read for mystery lovers.
Want to read
March 18, 2025ARC received! Thank you so very much, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers!
I really enjoyed Suddenly a Murder from this author, and have been anxiously awaiting more. This sounds great. I can't wait to get to it!!
I really enjoyed Suddenly a Murder from this author, and have been anxiously awaiting more. This sounds great. I can't wait to get to it!!
August 8, 2025
This book went from decent to alright to plain silly (I will be spoiling everything so read on at your own risk)
Dulce is (supposedly) an excellent detective but has the worst taste in people of all time. Her ex best friend and current best friend are both awful people. They both gaslight her into thinking that she is the one in the wrong and bully both her and other people. Her ex best friend Sierra insulted her dead mum and spread the rumour that her mum was a drunk driver (which they both knew wasn't true) then blames Dulce for not reaching out WHEN HER MUM LITERALLY DIED.
Her current best friend Emmy takes the case to clear Sierra's name when Sierra is accused of murder and when Dulce says she can't do it because of all the awful things Sierra said about her dead mum Emmy calls Dulce a bad friend AND NEVER APOLOGISES FOR IT! She also messes up the case by lying, never apologises for anything (it is stated explicit in Dulce's inner monologue that Emmy never apologises for anything), is incredibly self centred, and is so so stupid (poisons herself stupid - but then tells Dulce she didn't poison herself which makes Dulce guilty enough to apologise to Emmy for not helping clear Sierras name - which is so manipulative!!! SHE LITERALLY ADMITS THAT SHE LET DULCE THINK SOMEONE TRIED TO KILL HER JUST TO GUILT DULCE INTO HELPING WITH THE CASE!).
Emmy also bullies and lies about Enzo after she broke up with him. Enzo is the one character who I felt pity for aside from Dulce as he was so happy that Dulce wanted to be friends again (as they haven't spoken since Emmy broke up with him) and then even after he realised she didn't like him and had been setting him up he still tried to help her. Don't get me wrong he did bad things but how happy he was when she asked him out was crushing as he just wanted a friend and he still risked his life to save her after everything.
Meanwhile when the guy Dulce actually has feelings for may be a murderer to her his biggest crime is not being a potential murderer but that he chose to not go to jail over their protecting school (which had me cracking up at the absurdity). His options were TO GO TO PRISON for a crime he didn't commit or take a photo of a book in the school library (and not a book he planted there - a book that is actually in the library). This is also so ironic as Dulce has spent most of the book committing actual crimes that could put her in jail to prove that someone else is innocent of a crime they didn't commit. When we actually find out who the murderer is Dulce still acts like betraying the school is worse than literal murder.
Then we come to the crime.
If the crime had happened the way it had (the needle being shot into the victim inside a knitting needle with a literal crossbow) then it would have either shattered the very fine needle with the nicotine in or the wooden knitting needle would have stabbed deep into the victim's skin. Either way the force would have been wayyy too much for this to happen successfully.
A couple of other things annoyed me - like Dulce having a flip phone was so stupid, the utterly irrelevant old murder which is never solved, and characters on the cover who do not match their descriptions.
With the worst best friends in history and zero people skills Dulce maybe up there with one of the worst YA detectives I've read. She's also adamant that motive doesn't matter only how the crime was done which is so so stupid. I did really enjoy the authors first book but this one was just ridiculous and I hated how Dulce was portrayed as the bad person whilst Emmy is being manipulative (borderline emotionally abusive) and a bad friend.
Dulce is (supposedly) an excellent detective but has the worst taste in people of all time. Her ex best friend and current best friend are both awful people. They both gaslight her into thinking that she is the one in the wrong and bully both her and other people. Her ex best friend Sierra insulted her dead mum and spread the rumour that her mum was a drunk driver (which they both knew wasn't true) then blames Dulce for not reaching out WHEN HER MUM LITERALLY DIED.
Her current best friend Emmy takes the case to clear Sierra's name when Sierra is accused of murder and when Dulce says she can't do it because of all the awful things Sierra said about her dead mum Emmy calls Dulce a bad friend AND NEVER APOLOGISES FOR IT! She also messes up the case by lying, never apologises for anything (it is stated explicit in Dulce's inner monologue that Emmy never apologises for anything), is incredibly self centred, and is so so stupid (poisons herself stupid - but then tells Dulce she didn't poison herself which makes Dulce guilty enough to apologise to Emmy for not helping clear Sierras name - which is so manipulative!!! SHE LITERALLY ADMITS THAT SHE LET DULCE THINK SOMEONE TRIED TO KILL HER JUST TO GUILT DULCE INTO HELPING WITH THE CASE!).
Emmy also bullies and lies about Enzo after she broke up with him. Enzo is the one character who I felt pity for aside from Dulce as he was so happy that Dulce wanted to be friends again (as they haven't spoken since Emmy broke up with him) and then even after he realised she didn't like him and had been setting him up he still tried to help her. Don't get me wrong he did bad things but how happy he was when she asked him out was crushing as he just wanted a friend and he still risked his life to save her after everything.
Meanwhile when the guy Dulce actually has feelings for may be a murderer to her his biggest crime is not being a potential murderer but that he chose to not go to jail over their protecting school (which had me cracking up at the absurdity). His options were TO GO TO PRISON for a crime he didn't commit or take a photo of a book in the school library (and not a book he planted there - a book that is actually in the library). This is also so ironic as Dulce has spent most of the book committing actual crimes that could put her in jail to prove that someone else is innocent of a crime they didn't commit. When we actually find out who the murderer is Dulce still acts like betraying the school is worse than literal murder.
Then we come to the crime.
If the crime had happened the way it had (the needle being shot into the victim inside a knitting needle with a literal crossbow) then it would have either shattered the very fine needle with the nicotine in or the wooden knitting needle would have stabbed deep into the victim's skin. Either way the force would have been wayyy too much for this to happen successfully.
A couple of other things annoyed me - like Dulce having a flip phone was so stupid, the utterly irrelevant old murder which is never solved, and characters on the cover who do not match their descriptions.
With the worst best friends in history and zero people skills Dulce maybe up there with one of the worst YA detectives I've read. She's also adamant that motive doesn't matter only how the crime was done which is so so stupid. I did really enjoy the authors first book but this one was just ridiculous and I hated how Dulce was portrayed as the bad person whilst Emmy is being manipulative (borderline emotionally abusive) and a bad friend.
November 3, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this book and once I got into it I just couldn’t put it down!
October 7, 2024
Fans of The Agathas and Truly Devious will love the latest YA thriller by Lauren Munoz.
💉
Dulce Castillo wants to figure out what really happened in the car accident that killed her. The police lied and said she was driving drunk and her former best friend backed them up. Now Dulce attends the prestigious magnet school that specializes in criminology in the hopes of figuring out why they lied about her mother’s death while also solving pretend crimes. When the latest fake crime ends up with a real victim having been poisoned, Dulce wants nothing to do with solving the murder because the biggest suspect is her ex-best friend. But money and a chance to find out what happened to her mom has Dulce finally deciding to work with her crime-solving team at school to figure out who the killer really is and why.
🪡
What a great YA mystery book this was! I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting to see how it ended. Lots of red herrings in this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series! This novel releases July 29!
CW: death, murder, poisoning, alcohol, cheating, parental death (recounted), grief, fire, hospitalization
💉
Dulce Castillo wants to figure out what really happened in the car accident that killed her. The police lied and said she was driving drunk and her former best friend backed them up. Now Dulce attends the prestigious magnet school that specializes in criminology in the hopes of figuring out why they lied about her mother’s death while also solving pretend crimes. When the latest fake crime ends up with a real victim having been poisoned, Dulce wants nothing to do with solving the murder because the biggest suspect is her ex-best friend. But money and a chance to find out what happened to her mom has Dulce finally deciding to work with her crime-solving team at school to figure out who the killer really is and why.
🪡
What a great YA mystery book this was! I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting to see how it ended. Lots of red herrings in this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series! This novel releases July 29!
CW: death, murder, poisoning, alcohol, cheating, parental death (recounted), grief, fire, hospitalization
July 22, 2025
Actual Rating 4.5
THANKS TO THE G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AND PENGUIN TEENS FOR THIS EARLY COPY
☠️School dedicated to murder solving
☠️Past trauma
☠️Small town corrupt system
☠️Stabbing in back
☠️Sketchy new student
☠️Grey characters
☠️Murder game turned into a real murder
Yes, all of my favourite troops/elements in one book. It is my first book by Lauren, and I am impressed.
J.Everett High, which teaches students to solve murders mainly by poisoning. Each year, they set elaborate murder mystery games. Only difference this year is that pretend victim really got murdered and in the same way as game predicted.
Dulce Castillo, a big fan of Lord Wimsey, courtesy of her mother who died tragically, is a truly humane main character. She has faced a significant amount of trauma, which has made her skeptical of everyone; at the same time, she is sharp, a little obsessive, and not in your face kind of character. She is determined to win the annual game with her Wimsey club partner Emi. All evidence is pointing towards Sierra Fox, Dulce’s ex-best friend, who stabbed her in the back really badly. But real detectives can't bring their grudges in solving a crime.
Despite characters being really young, the story didn't feel too basic. The plot was really intriguing, and the multi-layered mystery kept me engaged until the end. Love the way all of the mundane information spread throughout the book turned out important in connecting all of the pieces, which was really satisfying. I wasn't able to trust any of the characters blindly, which made this book more interesting, along with several plots and twists. I love the world building and character development. Each character was different and had something to offer, so yes, no filler characters, another win. Though I didn't like a few characters or their dynamic, Sierra's entire backstory was kind of lacking and didn't convince me. But it didn't affect the mystery of the story.
It's been a long time since I've read a really enjoyable mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work and maybe some more about Dulce and her mystery-solving skills.
THANKS TO THE G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AND PENGUIN TEENS FOR THIS EARLY COPY
☠️School dedicated to murder solving
☠️Past trauma
☠️Small town corrupt system
☠️Stabbing in back
☠️Sketchy new student
☠️Grey characters
☠️Murder game turned into a real murder
Yes, all of my favourite troops/elements in one book. It is my first book by Lauren, and I am impressed.
J.Everett High, which teaches students to solve murders mainly by poisoning. Each year, they set elaborate murder mystery games. Only difference this year is that pretend victim really got murdered and in the same way as game predicted.
Dulce Castillo, a big fan of Lord Wimsey, courtesy of her mother who died tragically, is a truly humane main character. She has faced a significant amount of trauma, which has made her skeptical of everyone; at the same time, she is sharp, a little obsessive, and not in your face kind of character. She is determined to win the annual game with her Wimsey club partner Emi. All evidence is pointing towards Sierra Fox, Dulce’s ex-best friend, who stabbed her in the back really badly. But real detectives can't bring their grudges in solving a crime.
Despite characters being really young, the story didn't feel too basic. The plot was really intriguing, and the multi-layered mystery kept me engaged until the end. Love the way all of the mundane information spread throughout the book turned out important in connecting all of the pieces, which was really satisfying. I wasn't able to trust any of the characters blindly, which made this book more interesting, along with several plots and twists. I love the world building and character development. Each character was different and had something to offer, so yes, no filler characters, another win. Though I didn't like a few characters or their dynamic, Sierra's entire backstory was kind of lacking and didn't convince me. But it didn't affect the mystery of the story.
It's been a long time since I've read a really enjoyable mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work and maybe some more about Dulce and her mystery-solving skills.
Read
August 14, 2025DNF 42%. I loved the idea of this book—a detective school where a murder game turns into a real murder—but unfortunately, this is one of those books where an interesting premise is used to hook the reader and then basically discarded.
The “detective school” functions basically like a normal high school and might as well have been one. The fake murder mystery game is immediately canceled after the real murder victim shows up—which, by the way, doesn’t happen until 20% of the way into the book, and that first 20% isn’t used to set up the murder mystery but rather just to show the main characters going about their daily lives, so it was rather dull.
My biggest problems with the book (the reasons why I DNF’ed) had to do with Dulce herself and Dulce's relationship with her friend Emi. Dulce was such a passive protagonist who is forced into the plot rather than exerting agency. I get that she has a strong reason for not wanting to help Sierra solve the murder, but the result was that she has to be forced to investigate by Emi the whole time. Speaking of Emi, I really disliked how the story was so focused on Dulce and Emi’s relationship, and yet (a) Emi just seemed like a bad friend, constantly forcing Dulce to do things without her consent and then blaming Dulce for not wanting to help her, and (b) the tension in their relationship because they both liked Zane was just not at all fun to read. (Side note: Who TF would trade away their Japanese homemade lunches for bologna sandwiches???)
The “detective school” functions basically like a normal high school and might as well have been one. The fake murder mystery game is immediately canceled after the real murder victim shows up—which, by the way, doesn’t happen until 20% of the way into the book, and that first 20% isn’t used to set up the murder mystery but rather just to show the main characters going about their daily lives, so it was rather dull.
My biggest problems with the book (the reasons why I DNF’ed) had to do with Dulce herself and Dulce's relationship with her friend Emi. Dulce was such a passive protagonist who is forced into the plot rather than exerting agency. I get that she has a strong reason for not wanting to help Sierra solve the murder, but the result was that she has to be forced to investigate by Emi the whole time. Speaking of Emi, I really disliked how the story was so focused on Dulce and Emi’s relationship, and yet (a) Emi just seemed like a bad friend, constantly forcing Dulce to do things without her consent and then blaming Dulce for not wanting to help her, and (b) the tension in their relationship because they both liked Zane was just not at all fun to read. (Side note: Who TF would trade away their Japanese homemade lunches for bologna sandwiches???)
July 15, 2025
Thank you for the advanced reader copy from the Goodreads giveaway! I rarely give 4 or 5 stars to a book (3 should be the average, right?) so I was happy to award this one with 4. It was a fun ride from start to finish and while some of the plot twists were a little predictable, that’s what I expect from a YA book. Overall I thought it was well written and kept me turning the pages so quickly I finished in just a few days.
March 14, 2025
James Everett High, a criminology-focused school, hosts an annual murder mystery game that provides students with the chance to win a huge cash prize. Dulce and her best friend Emi are excited about competing for the prize this year to fund their dream trip to England. However, their plans are majorly disrupted and chaos ensues when Xavier, the student picked to play the “victim” in the game is found dead. Now, Dulce must work with her ex-best friend, nemesis, and number one suspect, Sierra, to solve the case and find the true killer.
I am clearly in the minority here, but I did not like this book very much. After finishing, I realize that I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I think the right reader would really enjoy it. First, the things I liked about it. The setting was intriguing and unique (how many other books take place at a high school focused on solving crimes with detective Harry Potter vibes?), and the characters were well-developed. Now, some of my issues with the book. Despite liking the characters at first, I quickly grew to feel that they were very immature, even for the YA genre, and the plot dragged on much longer than necessary. The great reveal at the end was a little unsatisfying to me, but I liked how the author teased future books and left the door open to make this a series with some interesting unanswered questions. I think this book would be perfect for readers that are actually of YA age, whereas a general audience who enjoys YA fiction may not enjoy it as much.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I am clearly in the minority here, but I did not like this book very much. After finishing, I realize that I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I think the right reader would really enjoy it. First, the things I liked about it. The setting was intriguing and unique (how many other books take place at a high school focused on solving crimes with detective Harry Potter vibes?), and the characters were well-developed. Now, some of my issues with the book. Despite liking the characters at first, I quickly grew to feel that they were very immature, even for the YA genre, and the plot dragged on much longer than necessary. The great reveal at the end was a little unsatisfying to me, but I liked how the author teased future books and left the door open to make this a series with some interesting unanswered questions. I think this book would be perfect for readers that are actually of YA age, whereas a general audience who enjoys YA fiction may not enjoy it as much.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 10, 2025
1.75/5
I was excited to read this book, but what I noticed around 50 pages in was that I wasn’t as interested in the story. I think it boils down to the characters for me feeling flat, there wasn’t a lot about them to me outside of general love interests and solving a crime. At least I now want to read Dorothy L. Sayers’ books.
I was excited to read this book, but what I noticed around 50 pages in was that I wasn’t as interested in the story. I think it boils down to the characters for me feeling flat, there wasn’t a lot about them to me outside of general love interests and solving a crime. At least I now want to read Dorothy L. Sayers’ books.
June 30, 2025
At J Everett High there is an annual murder mystery event for the students, but when the intended games victim ends up really dead, Dulce had to decide if she will use her skills to solve what happened.
Dulces ex best friend Sierra is the main suspect given the victim was her boyfriend, Xavier. But Dulces friends, Emi and newcomer Zane, need to try and convince Dulce to put their history behind them and help Sierra out.
With twist, turns and constant guessing throughout as to who is behind it all... and also the added tragedy of Dulces mums death a few years before, I really was wanting to keep reading this one to find out more.
Out July 29th so plenty time to preorder! Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier/Hot Key Books for the review copy, all opinions my own.
Dulces ex best friend Sierra is the main suspect given the victim was her boyfriend, Xavier. But Dulces friends, Emi and newcomer Zane, need to try and convince Dulce to put their history behind them and help Sierra out.
With twist, turns and constant guessing throughout as to who is behind it all... and also the added tragedy of Dulces mums death a few years before, I really was wanting to keep reading this one to find out more.
Out July 29th so plenty time to preorder! Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier/Hot Key Books for the review copy, all opinions my own.
September 22, 2025
Dnfd halfway through. I legit guessed who the killer was way before I even knew who the victim would be because this book is as subtle as a train ramming into you at full speed. I've seen other reviews talk about it being too silly and corny, and to be honest, I liked it at first, love me a silly murder mystery, but then it just got dumb in so many ways. which is a shame because fundamentally, it's written well. The book just needed more faith in its readers to figure things out without holding their hand and characters that didn't act like total assholes 90% of the time and idiots the other 10.
August 9, 2025
I love a good ya mystery, especially if an unlikely band of teens get together to solve a crime.
This one was interesting, but a little predictable. The mystery itself was fun and I really enjoyed the different motives and red herrings that kept popping up. The culprit tho was easy to pick out but the journey getting there was entertaining. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Dulce and Zane!
The one thing that did irritate me was how Dulce's friends treated her. From the backstory with Sierra to the way that Emi was just kinda shitty to her during the investigation. I honestly think she forgave them way too fast - they need to do a whole lot more groveling. Hopefully if this turns into a series (fingers crossed it does) they will grovel some more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This one was interesting, but a little predictable. The mystery itself was fun and I really enjoyed the different motives and red herrings that kept popping up. The culprit tho was easy to pick out but the journey getting there was entertaining. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Dulce and Zane!
The one thing that did irritate me was how Dulce's friends treated her. From the backstory with Sierra to the way that Emi was just kinda shitty to her during the investigation. I honestly think she forgave them way too fast - they need to do a whole lot more groveling. Hopefully if this turns into a series (fingers crossed it does) they will grovel some more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this YA murder mystery that has what starts out as a contest to solve a 'fake' murder turning quickly into a group of elite academy friends racing to solve the real murder of their classmate. The author deals well with the loss of a parent, complicated friendship relationships, queer identity and forced coming out, secrets and even a bit of romance. This was great on audio, had a diverse cast of characters and is perfect for fans of Veronica Mars and authors like Karen M. McManus.
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.5 stars.
I really enjoy YA mystery, it’s always so devoted to a good twist and a likeable detective who really follows the clues. This book had a good plot, I liked the unique school setting and I like the way there was a separate background mystery our FMC tries to piece together while she’s in the midst of a murder mystery at her school.
Highly recommend for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
I really enjoy YA mystery, it’s always so devoted to a good twist and a likeable detective who really follows the clues. This book had a good plot, I liked the unique school setting and I like the way there was a separate background mystery our FMC tries to piece together while she’s in the midst of a murder mystery at her school.
Highly recommend for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
July 18, 2025
A great mystery that kept me guessing!! 🙌
Every time I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong! I really enjoyed the Dulce character too! Definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you enjoy YA and mysteries! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Lauren Muñoz for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
Every time I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong! I really enjoyed the Dulce character too! Definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you enjoy YA and mysteries! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Lauren Muñoz for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
September 25, 2025
Das war SO gut!!
Die ganze Mystery ist mega genial aufgebaut und DAS ENDE?????
Mein Romance-Herz hat sich auch sehr über die klitzekleine Liebesgeschichte gefreut hehe
Und die Beziehung zwischen Dulce und ihrem Vater war so süss😭
Ein richtig genialer Jugendkrimi!
Die ganze Mystery ist mega genial aufgebaut und DAS ENDE?????
Mein Romance-Herz hat sich auch sehr über die klitzekleine Liebesgeschichte gefreut hehe
Und die Beziehung zwischen Dulce und ihrem Vater war so süss😭
Ein richtig genialer Jugendkrimi!
December 2, 2025
A very clever, bookish detective thriller. Loved the twists, the premise, the plot, the backstories and the way it unfolded.
October 17, 2025
Dulce Castillo, an amateur detective with so much traumas (broken friendship, dead mom, secret which guilts her), is an interesting main character. She makes mistakes, she refuses to let go of the past, she has flaws and she is just a kid. She's not only a fan of detective fiction, she has a real emotional attachment to it and it becomes one of her most important drive.
The plot and mystery are interesting and well-executed. The characters are well-written: they all have their own motives, their emotions, their secrets, their logics and the specificity that make them special and memorable within the story.
A murder game becoming an investigation with real stakes is awesome. However, some twists seemed a bit... convenient. Some characters are only plot devices and the resolution seems more like lucky coincidences one after the other. Furthermore, I found Dulce's "romance" a bit...meh. To me, it added nothing to the story. Sure, the end was cute but overall, I could have done without it.
When I started this book, I noticed several similarities with Veronica Mars (before they even mentioned it lol) and it actually really played against it because I sometimes compared the two.
The plot and mystery are interesting and well-executed. The characters are well-written: they all have their own motives, their emotions, their secrets, their logics and the specificity that make them special and memorable within the story.
A murder game becoming an investigation with real stakes is awesome. However, some twists seemed a bit... convenient. Some characters are only plot devices and the resolution seems more like lucky coincidences one after the other. Furthermore, I found Dulce's "romance" a bit...meh. To me, it added nothing to the story. Sure, the end was cute but overall, I could have done without it.
When I started this book, I noticed several similarities with Veronica Mars (before they even mentioned it lol) and it actually really played against it because I sometimes compared the two.
March 12, 2025
Fun read and great idea for a story. Kept me guessing for a bit.
August 4, 2025
Lauren Muñoz's sophomore effort, Very Dangerous Things, proves that lightning can indeed strike twice. Following her acclaimed debut Suddenly a Murder, Muñoz returns with a mystery that seamlessly weaves classic detective fiction with sharp contemporary social commentary, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and urgently modern. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology, this YA thriller transforms the familiar boarding school setting into something far more sinister and compelling.
The premise hooks readers from the opening pages: J. Everett High's annual murder mystery game—a tradition spanning decades—takes a deadly turn when Xavier Torres, the student chosen to play the victim, is found genuinely murdered in the school greenhouse. What should have been an elaborate academic exercise becomes a real investigation, thrusting crime-obsessed junior Dulce Castillo into a web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear.
Character Development That Cuts Deep
Dulce Castillo: A Detective Worth Following
Muñoz has crafted in Dulce Castillo a protagonist who transcends typical YA mystery archetypes. Named after Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey from Dorothy L. Sayers' classic detective novels, Dulce carries both the intellectual curiosity of her literary namesake and the emotional complexity of a teenager grappling with profound loss. Her mother's death in a car accident two years prior serves as both character motivation and plot catalyst, creating layers of personal stakes that elevate the mystery beyond simple whodunit mechanics.
What makes Dulce particularly compelling is Muñoz's refusal to make her conventionally likable. She's stubborn, sometimes cruel, and driven by grief-fueled anger that feels authentically teenage rather than artificially mature. Her relationship with former best friend Sierra Fox—the prime suspect in Xavier's murder—crackles with genuine animosity born from betrayal and loss. The author doesn't rush to heal these wounds or force reconciliation, instead allowing their fractured friendship to remain realistically jagged throughout most of the narrative.
Supporting Cast That Sparkles
The supporting characters avoid the pitfall of feeling like chess pieces moved solely to advance plot. Emi Nakamura, Dulce's loyal best friend with her Magic 8 Ball and boundless energy, provides both comic relief and genuine emotional grounding. Her chemistry with the mysterious transfer student Zane Lawrence creates romantic tension that feels organic rather than obligatory.
Sierra Fox emerges as perhaps the novel's most complex character—a girl trapped between family loyalty and personal integrity, whose privileged background can't shield her from the consequences of past choices. Even Xavier Torres, despite being the victim, feels fully realized through flashbacks and other characters' memories, avoiding the trap of becoming merely a plot device.
Atmospheric Excellence and Setting as Character
J. Everett High: More Than Just a School
Muñoz transforms the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology into a character in its own right. The converted mansion with its ivy-covered walls, hidden passages, and greenhouse laboratory creates an atmosphere that's both cozy and menacing. The author's attention to architectural detail—from the brass lion knocker to the security cameras—builds a world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The small town of Cape Cherry, Virginia, serves as more than mere backdrop. Muñoz skillfully weaves local politics, family dynamics, and community secrets into the larger mystery, creating a sense of place that grounds the more fantastical elements of the plot. The annual Poisoner's Festival and the school's elaborate murder mystery tradition feel like authentic local customs rather than convenient plot devices.
Plot Construction: Intricate Without Being Overwrought
Classic Mystery Structure with Modern Sensibilities
The murder mystery follows traditional Golden Age conventions while incorporating contemporary concerns about privilege, justice, and institutional corruption. Muñoz plants clues fairly, allowing astute readers to piece together elements of the solution alongside Dulce's investigation. The revelation that Dean Whitaker orchestrated Xavier's murder to cover up his gambling debts and affair feels both surprising and inevitable—the mark of skilled plotting.
However, the book occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The subplot involving Dulce's mother's death and the corrupt sheriff sometimes feels disconnected from the main mystery, though it ultimately ties together in the climax. Some readers may find the coincidences that bring various plot threads together strain credibility, particularly the revelation about Zane's criminal past and his connection to Sheriff Calhoun.
Pacing That Mostly Delivers
Muñoz maintains strong momentum throughout most of the novel, though the middle section occasionally slows as Dulce grapples with whether to help Sierra. These moments of indecision, while realistic for a grieving teenager, sometimes halt the mystery's forward progress. The final act, however, more than compensates with genuine tension and clever misdirection that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Thematic Depth Beyond the Genre
Justice, Friendship, and the Price of Truth
Beneath its mystery framework, Very Dangerous Things grapples with weighty themes that give the novel substance beyond its genre conventions. The exploration of friendship's fragility—how trauma and family pressure can destroy bonds between young people—feels particularly authentic. Dulce's anger toward Sierra for publicly blaming her mother for the car accident that killed her creates a moral complexity that enriches the entire narrative.
The book's examination of corruption and privilege proves especially relevant. From Mayor Fox's political maneuvering to Sheriff Calhoun's evidence tampering, Muñoz doesn't shy away from depicting how power protects itself at the expense of truth and justice. The way these adult corruptions impact and manipulate teenage relationships adds layers of social commentary that distinguish this from lighter mystery fare.
Writing Style: Golden Age Meets Gen Z
Literary Influences Worn Proudly
Muñoz's love for Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey novels permeates the text in the best possible way. Each chapter opens with a Sayers quote that illuminates both plot and theme, while Dulce's detection methods consciously echo classical amateur sleuth traditions. This literary consciousness never feels pretentious; instead, it adds depth and sophistication to what could have been a more straightforward teen thriller.
The prose itself strikes an effective balance between accessible YA voice and the more formal cadences of Golden Age mystery. Muñoz has clearly studied the masters—the way she structures reveals, plants red herrings, and builds atmosphere shows deep understanding of mystery conventions while maintaining her own distinctive style.
Minor Critique: Occasional Overexplanation
While generally strong, the writing occasionally falls into the YA trap of over-explaining emotional states and motivations. Some of Dulce's internal monologues about her feelings toward Sierra or her mother's death could trust readers to understand subtext. Additionally, certain plot revelations are telegraphed more heavily than necessary, though this may be intentional to allow younger readers to follow the complex mystery elements.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Very Dangerous Things succeeds admirably as both a standalone mystery and a worthy follow-up to Suddenly a Murder. Muñoz has clearly learned from her debut, creating tighter plotting and more nuanced character development while maintaining the atmospheric excellence that made her first novel so compelling.
The book works on multiple levels: as a straightforward whodunit for mystery lovers, as a character study of grief and friendship for literary readers, and as social commentary for those seeking deeper meaning. While not without minor flaws—occasional pacing issues and some heavy-handed emotional exposition—the novel delivers genuine surprises, authentic emotion, and satisfying resolution.
The premise hooks readers from the opening pages: J. Everett High's annual murder mystery game—a tradition spanning decades—takes a deadly turn when Xavier Torres, the student chosen to play the victim, is found genuinely murdered in the school greenhouse. What should have been an elaborate academic exercise becomes a real investigation, thrusting crime-obsessed junior Dulce Castillo into a web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear.
Character Development That Cuts Deep
Dulce Castillo: A Detective Worth Following
Muñoz has crafted in Dulce Castillo a protagonist who transcends typical YA mystery archetypes. Named after Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey from Dorothy L. Sayers' classic detective novels, Dulce carries both the intellectual curiosity of her literary namesake and the emotional complexity of a teenager grappling with profound loss. Her mother's death in a car accident two years prior serves as both character motivation and plot catalyst, creating layers of personal stakes that elevate the mystery beyond simple whodunit mechanics.
What makes Dulce particularly compelling is Muñoz's refusal to make her conventionally likable. She's stubborn, sometimes cruel, and driven by grief-fueled anger that feels authentically teenage rather than artificially mature. Her relationship with former best friend Sierra Fox—the prime suspect in Xavier's murder—crackles with genuine animosity born from betrayal and loss. The author doesn't rush to heal these wounds or force reconciliation, instead allowing their fractured friendship to remain realistically jagged throughout most of the narrative.
Supporting Cast That Sparkles
The supporting characters avoid the pitfall of feeling like chess pieces moved solely to advance plot. Emi Nakamura, Dulce's loyal best friend with her Magic 8 Ball and boundless energy, provides both comic relief and genuine emotional grounding. Her chemistry with the mysterious transfer student Zane Lawrence creates romantic tension that feels organic rather than obligatory.
Sierra Fox emerges as perhaps the novel's most complex character—a girl trapped between family loyalty and personal integrity, whose privileged background can't shield her from the consequences of past choices. Even Xavier Torres, despite being the victim, feels fully realized through flashbacks and other characters' memories, avoiding the trap of becoming merely a plot device.
Atmospheric Excellence and Setting as Character
J. Everett High: More Than Just a School
Muñoz transforms the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology into a character in its own right. The converted mansion with its ivy-covered walls, hidden passages, and greenhouse laboratory creates an atmosphere that's both cozy and menacing. The author's attention to architectural detail—from the brass lion knocker to the security cameras—builds a world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The small town of Cape Cherry, Virginia, serves as more than mere backdrop. Muñoz skillfully weaves local politics, family dynamics, and community secrets into the larger mystery, creating a sense of place that grounds the more fantastical elements of the plot. The annual Poisoner's Festival and the school's elaborate murder mystery tradition feel like authentic local customs rather than convenient plot devices.
Plot Construction: Intricate Without Being Overwrought
Classic Mystery Structure with Modern Sensibilities
The murder mystery follows traditional Golden Age conventions while incorporating contemporary concerns about privilege, justice, and institutional corruption. Muñoz plants clues fairly, allowing astute readers to piece together elements of the solution alongside Dulce's investigation. The revelation that Dean Whitaker orchestrated Xavier's murder to cover up his gambling debts and affair feels both surprising and inevitable—the mark of skilled plotting.
However, the book occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The subplot involving Dulce's mother's death and the corrupt sheriff sometimes feels disconnected from the main mystery, though it ultimately ties together in the climax. Some readers may find the coincidences that bring various plot threads together strain credibility, particularly the revelation about Zane's criminal past and his connection to Sheriff Calhoun.
Pacing That Mostly Delivers
Muñoz maintains strong momentum throughout most of the novel, though the middle section occasionally slows as Dulce grapples with whether to help Sierra. These moments of indecision, while realistic for a grieving teenager, sometimes halt the mystery's forward progress. The final act, however, more than compensates with genuine tension and clever misdirection that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Thematic Depth Beyond the Genre
Justice, Friendship, and the Price of Truth
Beneath its mystery framework, Very Dangerous Things grapples with weighty themes that give the novel substance beyond its genre conventions. The exploration of friendship's fragility—how trauma and family pressure can destroy bonds between young people—feels particularly authentic. Dulce's anger toward Sierra for publicly blaming her mother for the car accident that killed her creates a moral complexity that enriches the entire narrative.
The book's examination of corruption and privilege proves especially relevant. From Mayor Fox's political maneuvering to Sheriff Calhoun's evidence tampering, Muñoz doesn't shy away from depicting how power protects itself at the expense of truth and justice. The way these adult corruptions impact and manipulate teenage relationships adds layers of social commentary that distinguish this from lighter mystery fare.
Writing Style: Golden Age Meets Gen Z
Literary Influences Worn Proudly
Muñoz's love for Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey novels permeates the text in the best possible way. Each chapter opens with a Sayers quote that illuminates both plot and theme, while Dulce's detection methods consciously echo classical amateur sleuth traditions. This literary consciousness never feels pretentious; instead, it adds depth and sophistication to what could have been a more straightforward teen thriller.
The prose itself strikes an effective balance between accessible YA voice and the more formal cadences of Golden Age mystery. Muñoz has clearly studied the masters—the way she structures reveals, plants red herrings, and builds atmosphere shows deep understanding of mystery conventions while maintaining her own distinctive style.
Minor Critique: Occasional Overexplanation
While generally strong, the writing occasionally falls into the YA trap of over-explaining emotional states and motivations. Some of Dulce's internal monologues about her feelings toward Sierra or her mother's death could trust readers to understand subtext. Additionally, certain plot revelations are telegraphed more heavily than necessary, though this may be intentional to allow younger readers to follow the complex mystery elements.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Very Dangerous Things succeeds admirably as both a standalone mystery and a worthy follow-up to Suddenly a Murder. Muñoz has clearly learned from her debut, creating tighter plotting and more nuanced character development while maintaining the atmospheric excellence that made her first novel so compelling.
The book works on multiple levels: as a straightforward whodunit for mystery lovers, as a character study of grief and friendship for literary readers, and as social commentary for those seeking deeper meaning. While not without minor flaws—occasional pacing issues and some heavy-handed emotional exposition—the novel delivers genuine surprises, authentic emotion, and satisfying resolution.
October 5, 2025
Book Title: Very Dangerous Things
Author(s): Lauren Muñoz
Publisher(s): G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House Audio
Publication Date: July 29, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I read Lauren Muñoz’s Suddenly a Murder back in 2023 and while that wasn’t an immediate like, it ended up being one. I didn’t have that issue at all with Very Dangerous Things, and I loved it from start to finish!
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The cast of characters along with the J. Everett High setting captured my attention immediately, and the idea of the school having an annual murder mystery was just so dang fun. But we know it’s all fun and games until someone literally ends up dead which is exactly what happened. I loved watching Dulce and her friends try to crack the case as she comes to terms with having to help her ex-best friend in the process. The mystery was fun and exciting, but there is also a depth to this book that I loved even more, and the loss of Dulce’s mom was 💔. I did not guess the whodunit and it was so clever!
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Elena Rey did a lovely job as the narrator and I thought her voice fit the cast perfectly. She nailed all the emotional bits and was very believable as Dulce. There is a scattering of viewpoints so it would have been nice to have a full cast, but Rey still captured the essence of each individual viewpoint and was a joy to listen to.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: If you enjoy YA murder mysteries with a dark academia vibe this could be the perfect book for you. Each chapter starts with a quote from Dorothy L. Sayers which was a nice touch, and the ending leaves us with a feeling of a potential series. I sure hope so, but either way Muñoz is an author to keep your eye on.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🧶🔮❤️🩹🕵🏼♀️
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author(s): Lauren Muñoz
Publisher(s): G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House Audio
Publication Date: July 29, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I read Lauren Muñoz’s Suddenly a Murder back in 2023 and while that wasn’t an immediate like, it ended up being one. I didn’t have that issue at all with Very Dangerous Things, and I loved it from start to finish!
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The cast of characters along with the J. Everett High setting captured my attention immediately, and the idea of the school having an annual murder mystery was just so dang fun. But we know it’s all fun and games until someone literally ends up dead which is exactly what happened. I loved watching Dulce and her friends try to crack the case as she comes to terms with having to help her ex-best friend in the process. The mystery was fun and exciting, but there is also a depth to this book that I loved even more, and the loss of Dulce’s mom was 💔. I did not guess the whodunit and it was so clever!
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Elena Rey did a lovely job as the narrator and I thought her voice fit the cast perfectly. She nailed all the emotional bits and was very believable as Dulce. There is a scattering of viewpoints so it would have been nice to have a full cast, but Rey still captured the essence of each individual viewpoint and was a joy to listen to.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: If you enjoy YA murder mysteries with a dark academia vibe this could be the perfect book for you. Each chapter starts with a quote from Dorothy L. Sayers which was a nice touch, and the ending leaves us with a feeling of a potential series. I sure hope so, but either way Muñoz is an author to keep your eye on.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🧶🔮❤️🩹🕵🏼♀️
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this! It's a clever, well-paced whodunit in a unique setting. (An old house turned private high school with a criminology program and an annual murder mystery game complete with mock crime scenes? I don't know if schools like this exist, but it's such a compelling backdrop.)
I didn't expect to be left guessing so late into the story, but "Very Dangerous Things" kept me on edge in the best way. The twists are smart, the pacing tight, and the thrill real. I couldn't put it down yesterday until I had to, and when I picked it up again today, I read straight through to the end.
I love the characters and how distinct their voices are. Sometimes I wanted to shake them after hearing what they said or thought, but then again, don't we all have moments where we're blind or mind-reading or making choices that in hindsight we can't believe we've made?
Anyway, I enjoyed Lauren Muñoz's immersive writing. Her metaphors, descriptions, and dialogue are expertly done. Though this is marketed as YA, I think adult fans of cosy mysteries would find a lot to enjoy. It reads like a standalone, but I wouldn't mind a return to this world. I think there was a hint of that toward the end, but maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. It had a complete, satisfying arc nonetheless.
I wish more people would read this. It's so much fun. I'll be watching for whatever Lauren Muñoz writes next and hope to see her on a bestseller list.
I didn't expect to be left guessing so late into the story, but "Very Dangerous Things" kept me on edge in the best way. The twists are smart, the pacing tight, and the thrill real. I couldn't put it down yesterday until I had to, and when I picked it up again today, I read straight through to the end.
I love the characters and how distinct their voices are. Sometimes I wanted to shake them after hearing what they said or thought, but then again, don't we all have moments where we're blind or mind-reading or making choices that in hindsight we can't believe we've made?
Anyway, I enjoyed Lauren Muñoz's immersive writing. Her metaphors, descriptions, and dialogue are expertly done. Though this is marketed as YA, I think adult fans of cosy mysteries would find a lot to enjoy. It reads like a standalone, but I wouldn't mind a return to this world. I think there was a hint of that toward the end, but maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. It had a complete, satisfying arc nonetheless.
I wish more people would read this. It's so much fun. I'll be watching for whatever Lauren Muñoz writes next and hope to see her on a bestseller list.
July 17, 2025
Read: July 8th - July 15th
Format: E-book
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm finding that I really enjoy Lauren Muñoz as an author. I also liked her book "Suddenly a Murder", so I was happy to get this e-ARC. It didn't disappoint.
The criminology private school setting in an old manor was 👌🏼It gave reason for our characters' knowledge and access to certain things while also having the really interesting murder game investigation aspect. Of course, it didn't stay a game for long 🤭
Muñoz does this thing where she has alt-PoV chapters, and just like in "Suddenly a Murder", they added a lot of clues and context so sift through. Dramatic irony is always so fun to play with, and you get it in spades when you get to see those alt-PoV segments 😁
I really enjoyed Zane. Though I may just be bias because I love the name Zane and characters with heterochromia.
The cast overall was varied, with some making me want to shake them without hating them, which I think is a good thing. Don't shy away from making your characters shakable!
The mystery itself was great! I had a theory by about a quarter in that fleshed mostly out by mid-book, and it was mostly right. So the book does a great job guiding you to figuring it out. I do feel like maaaaybe the motivation could have been a bit deeper, but hey. I enjoyed it regardless.
Look forward to what she writes next!
Format: E-book
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm finding that I really enjoy Lauren Muñoz as an author. I also liked her book "Suddenly a Murder", so I was happy to get this e-ARC. It didn't disappoint.
The criminology private school setting in an old manor was 👌🏼It gave reason for our characters' knowledge and access to certain things while also having the really interesting murder game investigation aspect. Of course, it didn't stay a game for long 🤭
Muñoz does this thing where she has alt-PoV chapters, and just like in "Suddenly a Murder", they added a lot of clues and context so sift through. Dramatic irony is always so fun to play with, and you get it in spades when you get to see those alt-PoV segments 😁
I really enjoyed Zane. Though I may just be bias because I love the name Zane and characters with heterochromia.
The cast overall was varied, with some making me want to shake them without hating them, which I think is a good thing. Don't shy away from making your characters shakable!
The mystery itself was great! I had a theory by about a quarter in that fleshed mostly out by mid-book, and it was mostly right. So the book does a great job guiding you to figuring it out. I do feel like maaaaybe the motivation could have been a bit deeper, but hey. I enjoyed it regardless.
Look forward to what she writes next!
May 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a gripping and suspenseful YA boarding school thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Lauren Muñoz crafts a moody, almost gothic setting full of secrets, grief, and quiet danger—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The main character, Dulce, is vulnerable, introspective, and highly observant—someone who overanalyzes situations in a way that makes her feel real and deeply relatable. Her emotional journey adds genuine complexity to the story, especially as she confronts the lingering fallout of her past.
The mystery is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested without tipping into the unbelievable. The plot moves at a solid pace with just the right amount of tension, and I appreciated the emotional undercurrents woven throughout—this isn’t just about solving a murder; it’s about identity, trauma, and the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
While a couple of twists felt a bit too convenient, overall this is a well-constructed, emotionally layered thriller that hits all the right notes for fans of We Were Liars or One of Us is Next.
Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers, for the eARC.
This is a gripping and suspenseful YA boarding school thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Lauren Muñoz crafts a moody, almost gothic setting full of secrets, grief, and quiet danger—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The main character, Dulce, is vulnerable, introspective, and highly observant—someone who overanalyzes situations in a way that makes her feel real and deeply relatable. Her emotional journey adds genuine complexity to the story, especially as she confronts the lingering fallout of her past.
The mystery is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested without tipping into the unbelievable. The plot moves at a solid pace with just the right amount of tension, and I appreciated the emotional undercurrents woven throughout—this isn’t just about solving a murder; it’s about identity, trauma, and the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
While a couple of twists felt a bit too convenient, overall this is a well-constructed, emotionally layered thriller that hits all the right notes for fans of We Were Liars or One of Us is Next.
Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers, for the eARC.
May 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Even as an adult, I’m a huge fan of YA thrillers. This book is well-written, with a unique premise. I really liked the criminology school concept.
The mystery itself is twisted and multilayered—a fake murder that turns into a real one, with each character having a motive. The story blends mystery, drama, and teen romance. The final reveal managed to be shocking without feeling out of place.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pacing. It took a while for the story to grab my attention. The narrative switch between first-person and third-person perspectives was a bit confusing. Also, I disliked how the sidekick, Emi, gaslighted the main character, Dulce, several times throughout the story.
If you’re looking for a fun and light murder mystery, this book might be for you.
Thank you to Penguin Random House, NetGalley & the author for an advanced copy of this book. This book will be published in late July.
Even as an adult, I’m a huge fan of YA thrillers. This book is well-written, with a unique premise. I really liked the criminology school concept.
The mystery itself is twisted and multilayered—a fake murder that turns into a real one, with each character having a motive. The story blends mystery, drama, and teen romance. The final reveal managed to be shocking without feeling out of place.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pacing. It took a while for the story to grab my attention. The narrative switch between first-person and third-person perspectives was a bit confusing. Also, I disliked how the sidekick, Emi, gaslighted the main character, Dulce, several times throughout the story.
If you’re looking for a fun and light murder mystery, this book might be for you.
Thank you to Penguin Random House, NetGalley & the author for an advanced copy of this book. This book will be published in late July.
October 3, 2025
3⭐️ 📖🧸
I WAS WRONG LETS GO
kinda
i was mostly wrong but i still had enough figured out the big reveal was not THAT big and that was sad but its ok
the characters were all very unique and i loved them so much 🩷 especially enzo tbh he was an icon
plot was pretty basic but also complex? i dunno i kinda went into it for a junky mystery and its def that
the plot and mystery did go together very well so i enjoyed that
there was a line at the end where dulce was like “maybe i shouldn’t be a detective most of the solving of this case was luck” and looking back? she was kinda right 😭😭 a lot of the stuff just fell into her lap but shes still a good character and detective
ALSO ROSE IS ON THE COVER BUT SHE WASNT EVEN THAT IMPORTANT and like emi did almost nothing 😭
um yeah
if ur feeling mystery rn this one is pretty good
luv yall
-charlotte
I WAS WRONG LETS GO
kinda
i was mostly wrong but i still had enough figured out the big reveal was not THAT big and that was sad but its ok
the characters were all very unique and i loved them so much 🩷 especially enzo tbh he was an icon
plot was pretty basic but also complex? i dunno i kinda went into it for a junky mystery and its def that
the plot and mystery did go together very well so i enjoyed that
there was a line at the end where dulce was like “maybe i shouldn’t be a detective most of the solving of this case was luck” and looking back? she was kinda right 😭😭 a lot of the stuff just fell into her lap but shes still a good character and detective
ALSO ROSE IS ON THE COVER BUT SHE WASNT EVEN THAT IMPORTANT and like emi did almost nothing 😭
um yeah
if ur feeling mystery rn this one is pretty good
luv yall
-charlotte
December 11, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and publishers for letting me read an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I love a good ya who dunnit detective book. This one had all the good things; multiple suspects, twists and turns, a good plot twist, high school drama, betrayal, and friendships. So many times it all felt like I had figured it out only for a new motive or clue to pop up that discredited the whole thing. It was fun and easy to read, I just wanted more details/closure for the killer. The killer's ending just felt really abrupt and it didn't go into the feelings or thoughts of their family after everyone found out. It was like they did it and that was that, let's move on back to normal. The ending was also kinda open ended like there could be a sequel if the author wanted it. I know I would love for Dulce to justice against the sheriff and closure for that plot.
I love a good ya who dunnit detective book. This one had all the good things; multiple suspects, twists and turns, a good plot twist, high school drama, betrayal, and friendships. So many times it all felt like I had figured it out only for a new motive or clue to pop up that discredited the whole thing. It was fun and easy to read, I just wanted more details/closure for the killer. The killer's ending just felt really abrupt and it didn't go into the feelings or thoughts of their family after everyone found out. It was like they did it and that was that, let's move on back to normal. The ending was also kinda open ended like there could be a sequel if the author wanted it. I know I would love for Dulce to justice against the sheriff and closure for that plot.
April 6, 2025
Dulce goes to a prestigious school that specialises in criminology, a place she feels she truly belongs, having solved many a (pretend) crime before. The one thing she hasn't solved yet though, is why the local sheriff would lie about the death of her mother.
The annual murder case ends in being an actual murder and Dulce's former BFF is accused of the crime, and truth been told, all arrows do point in the direction of Sierra.
It is, hands down, a great YA mystery book. Who-dunnit with lots of twists and a good overall plot to keep the reader hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the search and the overall vibe.
Agatha Christie lovers will love this one, no doubt.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion
The annual murder case ends in being an actual murder and Dulce's former BFF is accused of the crime, and truth been told, all arrows do point in the direction of Sierra.
It is, hands down, a great YA mystery book. Who-dunnit with lots of twists and a good overall plot to keep the reader hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the search and the overall vibe.
Agatha Christie lovers will love this one, no doubt.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion
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