Flirting with Murder

by Amanda Sellet

The Agathas meets Thursday Murder Club in Amanda Sellet’s latest YA novel, a cozy mystery with a splash of romance.

Some people visit Florida for theme parks and beaches. High school junior Virginia Tillis is there for murder. Accidents, electrocution, tainted hand every victim meets a different end at her grandmother Lainey’s rococo pink condo. Such is life (and death) when you roll with a crew of theater retirees who roleplay murder mysteries from the comfort of their own home in a game they fondly call Killing Me Softly.

But this summer, fictional murder has given way to the very real death of the building's beloved owner and his dramatic last testament has the vultures circling, from estranged relatives to sleazy property developers, dead set on getting the most from his will.

Adding to the tension for Virginia is the appearance of Felix, the cute guy she met at the airport who turns out to be the grandson of one of the condo’s residents. With his charm and musical theater chops, he’s the person Virginia most wants to beat at Killing Me Softly. That is, until the day they discover an actual dead body while playing the game, forcing them to work together to figure out whodunit.

In this comedic mystery about finding the Watson to your Holmes, Virginia and Felix must banter their way from rivals to co-detectives in time to save their eccentric grandparents from a shocking disruption to the community they've always loved.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Teen

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Amanda Sellet is a Gen X ex-journalist who loves old movies, baked goods, and banter.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.

Reviews

[jo ୨୧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts below are my own.

unfortunately this book did not hit for me. flirting with murder? more like flirting with watching the paint dry. because the actual sleuthing and action didn't really start until much later in the book and by that time id said "only in florida" about ten times. i'm not surprised though. it's florida we are talking about.

the romance was cute though, i did enjoy that. other than the romance, i can't really reccomend the book unless you want to hehehaha at the absurdity of it.

🐊

[Tristan Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit from Sellet! This book is perfect for fans of Thursday Murder Club and Man on the Inside (Netflix). It had me laughing out loud and blushing with the memories of first crushes. I absolutely ADORED Virginia’s relationship with her Grandma Lainey, and the incorporation of real life struggles of teens (step-parents, aging grandparents, and fitting in). I can’t wait to talk all my students into reading it!

Content Ratings:
Violence: PG (there’s a murder, but it’s technically nonviolent)
Language: G
Substances: G
Romance: G (kissing only)

Overall: PG
4 stars

Voluntary ARC Review

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific cozy YA mystery with splendid banter and characters! Loved it!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this ARC from Goodreads so I knew I has to write a review of this book.

"Flirting with Murder" is a YA cozy mystery with similarities to the TV show "Only Murders in the Building" and novelist Agatha Christie.

I don't think I have ever laughed out loud so much reading a book. The modern jokes and comments were hilarious and current. I loved both the fmc and mmc. I loved reading about the relationships the grandparents had with their grandchildren. I also loved the older characters and how sincere and real their bond was to each other.

This book was hilarious and fun but also kept you at the edge of your seat as you uncovered a mystery.

Thank you to @stmartinspress!

[Kels O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slightly boring but fun at the same time murder mystery book. It involves 2 teens who stay with their grandparents in an HOA where a scummy frat boy ends up dead. It involves a break and enter and some subterfuge from the teens and their group of quickly old folks to get the ‘murderer’ to confess. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Virginia is staying at her grandmothers home this summer, which she is thrilled about. Her Grandma Lainey is one of her favourite people in the world - she’s theatrical, whimsical, and fun! All the things Virginia missing at home with her mom and new stepfather.

Grandma Lainey lives in a building, Castle Claude, with her other artistic, theatrical, and musical retired friends. From the outside, Castle Claude is pink and dramatic. From the inside, it’s even more dramatic, with its residents routinely playing a murder mystery role play game together, complete with scripts, costumes, and fully acted death scenes. Recently, Claude, the owner of the condo corp, has recently passed away from cancer. He’s left everyone in the building, as well as Virginia, something in his will!

Tensions rise at the will reading when Claude’s only living family member, his sister, does not inherit the whole condo as she assumed. Tensions get even higher when, during a round of their murder mystery game, there’s a real dead body in addition to the actor-portrayed “victim”.

Flirting with Murder is a fun read, and is great for any reader aged teen and up. It’s a cozy mystery with some romance sprinkled in. No sex, no graphic violence, some swearing and some kissing. Virginia is a lovely sarcastic, smart character and I really liked her love interest, Felix as well. They make a good pair of mystery solving sleuths!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was so fun. The mystery mixed with theatrics and banter was absolutely beautiful. You can tell every character was written with love and that the authors poured her soul into each of them. The writing was light and fun, and the pacing was perfect to me.

I love a good YA slow burn and this delivered. The chemistry between Virginia and Felix was adorable and the banter was hilarious.

The plot and setting in this book are so unique, it was refreshing to read something new!

Overall I am very happy that I got to read this ARC and can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it releases.

[Sydney Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the like the teen version of Thursday Murder Club. For people going into it, I think it’s important to keep in mind that is YA but it’s still well written. There was a part in the ending which seemed a bit unrealistic but that could be attributed to it being YA versus an adult mystery. Overall, it was an enjoyable and quick, cozy read. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

[K. Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I really liked. I liked the residents of Castle Claude as well as the idea behind a group of old people who live in a building together and play murder mystery.

Beyond that a lot of this book didn't come together for me. I think the players lacked some depth and distinction. The pacing was wonky. the "romance" felt like an afterthought.

Overall this book was pretty good and worth the time to read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cleverly written and spunky YA mystery rom-com. The cute back and forth between Virginia and Felix makes for a load of fun and laughs. The characters are well developed and an absolute delight. Sellet does an excellent job of building up the mystery behind the murder without over complicating things. This was a joy to read.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The banter in this book is fierce! I wish I’d been that clever as a teenager, but high school was pre-social media so I’d likely not have been so quick. The mystery was slow to unfold, but the real winner here is the cast of characters. Not only Virginia and Felix, but the entire Baby Boomer family living at Castle Claude. I’d love to see this become a series! Thanks to Wednesday Books for the ARC.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting With Murder is a charming, lighthearted whodunit set in a quirky retirement‑style community where amateur sleuths stage fake murders just for the thrill of solving them. It has all the cozy mystery vibes you’d expect, with a fun premise that never takes itself too seriously.

Virginia and Felix are an interesting pair—young in age but often sounding like they’ve skipped a few decades in life experience. Their dynamic is entertaining, though Virginia’s naivety in love can be a bit irritating at times. Still, the overall tone is playful, and the mystery kept me turning the pages.

A cute, clever read that I’d happily recommend to fans of Agatha Christie, cozy mysteries, or anyone who enjoys a classic whodunit with a modern twist.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this book.

[Grace Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved "By the Book" and was over the moon when I received this arc!

"Flirting with Murder" is a contemporary YA cozy mystery romance set in Florida in a retirement community. Our main character goes to visit her grandma, who is part of a murder mystery theater group, and gets more murder than she bargained for.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't a hit for me. I felt like we meandered around the point a bit too much and it lacked the who-dunnit punch but also lacked in the romance department. Nice cast of characters but the plot didn't take off soon enough and our sleuths left a lot to be desired. A forgettable read for me but I also don't think I'm the demographic.

If you're giving this to a 13-14 year old, it might be just what they need but at my decrepit age, I just could not get into it.

[Jessica Sprecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you Saint Martin's Press for the ARC.

So originally I gave this a four star rating, but I decided that three stars is a bit more accurate, and I want to be honest, though I hate giving ratings lower than four. It's basically a 3.5 read for me. In this book I found the romance cute and the rest of the cast to be a lot of fun with their wild personalities and fun pastimes. This story is very much a cozy mystery, which I personally like, but someone who likes more fast paced stories might not as much. What made rate this so low was the semi-frequent strong language and frequent innuendo, which I personally don't like reading, especially in YA.

Content considerations: Strong semi-frequent language (s and f bombs), sexual innuendo, sexual harassment (including a college age or older guy hitting on a high schooler), anaphylaxis, meditation, mention of seances and ouija boards, some LGBT side characters, underage alcohol consumption, sexual tension, kissing.

Pre-Read
Ahhh I actually won this in a Goodreads Giveaway!!! Looking forward to reading it! 😄

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Virginia Tillis is traveling to visit her grandmother Lainey at her retirement condo in Florida, and also to attend the funeral of their friend Claude, who was responsible for the quirky nature of the building. The pink, rococo style resident was home to a number of elderly theatrical retirees, and hosted Murder Most Fowl dinner parties (where fried chicken was served) as well as regular games of Killing Me Softly. Virginia willingly plays along, donning a vintage dress for the reading of the will. At the airport, she has met Felix, who is the grandson of another resident, and the two hit it off. Virginia is not as happy to meet Bradley, the college aged step nephew of Claude's sister Berneice. He's a little too familiar and creepy, and he and Berneice are not happy to find that Claude has left Berneice only his apartment, and not the entire building. Not only that, but his sister must stay in the apartment for three months and take care of his cat. When the unpleasant Bradley is found dead under the pool table, Virginia and Felix step in to investigate, even though it is assumed that one of Bradley's many allergies killed him. Bradley has taken some of Claude's paintings to a local thrift store, hoping to get money for them; one was painted by Felix's grandfather, and the two buy it back. Bradley's father runs a redevelopment company, which seems to be interested in the building, since it sits on a prime piece of real estate and has been attractive to other developers as well, even though Claude steadfastly refused to sell. As details emerge about Bradley's past as well as about suspicious things at Castle Claude, like a neglected garden full of poison plants, Virginia and Felix become closer as they participate in some of the residents' investigative parties, and also come closer to solving the crime.

There are so many cozy murder mysteries for adult readers that it should be no surprise that young adult readers would like some as well. Even middle grade readers are thrilled by books like Souders' Secrets of the Broken House. What better setting than a condo filled with quirky, theatrical retirees who love putting on murder mystery parties? Virginia and Felix both wholeheartedly enjoy the older people around them, and have learned a lot about detection during the course of the many scenarios. The fact that Castle Claude might cease to exist adds a layer of anxiety to the proceedings as well.

Bradley is a stereotypical heel, so it's hard to take his death too seriously. Berneice works against the residents in a way that makes her unsympathetic as well. There's some unexpected community in a local taxi service run by several sisters, a lawyer who doesn't have the best intentions, and a twist that will make readers who want to see justice served happy.

Felix and Virginia have a charming new romance, and this will play well with middle school readers as well as high school ones. Recommend this to fans of young adult mysteries like Johnson's Death at Morning House, van Draanen's The Steps, or Cavalanchia's Murder Royale, or even readers who enjoy the grandfather in Ponti's Hurricane Heist and the similar residence involved in that second book of The Sherlock Society mysteries.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the Thursday Murder Club meets Only Murders In the Building in this YA romp. Virginia, somewhat shy and reserved in her every day high school life, comes out of her shell on visits to her spunky grandmother and her eclectic friends at the condo complex they call "Castle Claude." On her trips to Castle Claude, she can try out being someone new - usually, a detective or a young murderess. That's right, her favorite group of septo- and octogenarians are dedicated murder mystery players, writing and acting out games of what they call "Killing Me Softly" right there in their castle. This year, her visit has a more somber tone, as the building's titular Claude has passed, leaving plenty of drama and -- dare I say it -- some murder in his wake. Teaming up with Felix, another grandchild of the unlikely band of friends who live in the Castle, Virginia finds herself inhabiting the roll of investigator she's long played out on their mini stage. She'll have to ignore the sparks flying between her and Felix if she wants to get to the bottom of this whodunnit, and save Castle Claude in the process.

Sellet's prose is snappy, and her characters charming delights. Personally, I would love to visit Castle Claude and hang out in that cool courtyard!!
I had fun reading this, and I'd buy this for a YA fan in my life. I only wish the "murder mystery" theme had been explored more - feels like we only scratched the surface of what "Killing Me Softly" is and could be as a plot device, not to mention as a vehicle for this wonderful cast. The actual death didn't happen until about 50% of the way into the book, and then its investigation seemed to take a back seat to other plot pieces, like Bernie's motivations, and the future of Castle Claude. I would have liked it if the murder had been more central, and the clues a bit more in depth. I also bought Virginia and Felix's friendship, but didn't feel any chemistry between them -- maybe I would have felt differently if I were reading this as the target high school demographic, though! Their jokes and quick wit back and forth made me laugh more than once.

All and all, a solid fun time, but I could have used both more of the "flirting" and the "murder" promised by the title.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

[Rebeccah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.


Virginia’s grandmother is not like a typical grandma. Residing in a large, pink building full of her closest friends, these old folks find joy in roleplaying murder mysteries. This game they love, aptly titled “Killing Me Softly”, is as immersive as can be for these theatrical retirees. And Virginia, a would-be detective never misses the chance to join in.

This time, however, Virginia isn’t the only one spending their summer with their eccentric grandparent. Felix is Virginia’s match, a theatrical young man whose interest in murder mysteries spurns Virginia into competition, eager to best him.

However, upon the passing of the beloved building owner, his sister, clearly unimpressed by the eccentricity of the place, charges in with some big ideas—ones that would push out the residents.

Then the game gets all too real when the duo discover an actual dead body during a game, forcing these rivals to team up and not only prove the innocence of the elderly thespians, but to also save the place they call home.


I do murder mystery dinner theater as a part-time gig, so I was already hooked on the premise alone! I am obsessed with their game, and the moments we get to see it in action are by far some of my favorites.

I loved our protagonist, as well as her rival-turned-love interest. Their chemistry was clear from the get go, and their banter brought more than a few laughs out of me. I also liked that their romance was not rushed! It didn’t feel like they were forced together, and instead it felt like the author allowed their relationship to drive their changing dynamic.

And the elders! They by far stole the show, and I loved that they all felt distinct and had their own strengths to bring to their community. Collectively, they might’ve been my favorite characters.

The book is paced quite well, and I feel that the ending is unexpected but aptly fitting for this book; it’s not serious, which works so well as this book veers toward the comedic. Overall, Sellet did fantastic work on this novel, and I will definitely be looking at her works more in the future.

[Julia Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet was one of my most anticipated YA releases this year, so you can imagine my disappointment when it didn’t live up to my expectations. I was imagining Golden Girls meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, but it wasn’t as charming nor as fast-paced as either of those.

My first criticism is that the pacing was a bit all over the place. I don’t need a novel to fit a perfect Freytag’s Pyramid, but I am still unsure of what the climax truly was. The murder (was this even the inciting incident?) happens way too late in the book and there are too many scenes that were just conversations over lunch. There is a lot of talking that went nowhere. The way Virginia talked to Lainey about her mother, I half expected her to fly in and demand to take her home before she could solve the crime. This was not the case. I also expected the “Killing Me Softly” games to play a bigger part since there was so much talk about them. I would have loved that.

My second criticism is that there was not nearly as much flirting as the title lead me to believe there would be. There is chemistry when Virginia and Felix first meet, and then again in the closet, but other than that, I felt nothing. It was annoying because they had such strong banter at first. Then for the rest of the novel, the two dance around each other and when one seems to be explicitly showing interest, the other shuts it down. This was more frustrating than anything.

There were several things I enjoyed, however. Castle Claude was written almost as a character itself and I was completely enamored. My retirement plans? Castle Claude. Delightful. I also liked Grandma Lainey and I aspire to be her.

Over all, Flirting with Murder was fine. The premise was excellent, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirting With Murder by Amanda salet is a funny cozy type mystery with a dash of romance and lots of laughs. High school student Virginia is flying to Miami to see her beloved grandma who is also one of her favorite people on the planet and the other top five all live in her grandmother‘s building. She’s going there to attend a memorial for the buildings owner and an absolute oddball Claude who recently passed away. When she gets off the plane she meets a guy who seems to be around her age named Felix but she tells him her name is Katie because she’s always wanted to be a Katie. It isn’t until she learned he is taking the same transportation to the absolute same building. Felix is grandpa also lives in the building and it’s someone Virginia has known all her life. The problem comes in with Claude’s estranged uptight sister Bernie and her constant companion her “nephew” Bradley, he’s much younger cannot read the room and thinks he is God‘s gift to others. The two are nothing like the eccentric older people that live in the building who love to play “killing me softly” a murder game exactly like murder mystery dining. they enjoy dressing up playing their role to the tea but when a real body is found it will take the youngest members in the house to figure out what really happened was it an allergic reaction and if so was it on purpose or truly an accident? at least they’re going to give it their best try. I love this book so much I loved Virginia’s private competition against Felix and her trying to figure out if he like her like that or just as a friend this book was so much fun and I just as I said loved it! This was such a great palate cleanser after the horrible books I seem to be requesting but if I had to read five more bad books just to get to one like this I would absolutely do it such a treasure. If this becomes a series signed me up. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had some interesting elements in it — the awkward but endearing teen protagonists, the supporting cast of cooky but well-meaning elderly residents at Castle Claude, and what wound up eventually being an entertaining murder mystery, with a few twists and a fun use of one of the most iconic classic mystery tropes that being the Portrait Painting Peephole trope.

In fact, the first word I would use to describe it after reading is "cute." Like a modernized and slightly more mature Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys story. However, I do take significant issue with the book's blurb comparing it to The Thursday Murder Club. Talk about poorly setting expectations — the only thing these books have in common are a murder and the presence of old people. That said, I am well aware the author doesn't write the blurb, so that comment is just to chastise whoever does write them and attempt to manage expectations for potential readers.

The biggest criticism I have of the book itself is the fact that the murder doesn't happen until a third of the way into the book, and the amateur investigators don't start their work until the halfway point. This means the initial pacing of the novel is on the slower side, with lots of witty banter and little plot development. So my three-star rating really breaks down to a two-to-three star first half, and a four-star second half. Which is to say that the pacing sped up and finished strong in a satisfying conclusion, especially in regards to the resolution of the central mystery.

Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Fizah(Books tales by me) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual Rating 2.5

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

A group of retired theater lovers living together in a Florida condo spends their days writing and acting out murder mysteries. Felix and Virginia, two grandkids who also inherited their grandparents' love of solving mysteries, traveled to the town in the summer. It wasn’t on their agenda to witness and solve a real-life murder mystery.

All grandparents were eccentric, lively, and full of heart. They made the story feel cozier and warmer whenever they appeared. I loved their friendship and the way they were treating Felix and Virginia. The banter between Felix and Virginia brought some fun moments, but overall, they gave off more “friends” vibes than romantic ones. Felix was much more likable, his character and bantering felt more natural compared to Virginia’s. I just wish they had more chemistry. Even though the story was told from her POV, I still felt like I got to know her the least.

My biggest issue was the pacing. It took nearly half the book to get to the actual murder and about 85% before anyone seriously started solving it. The slow pace and too many details made me lose interest really quickly. The mystery itself wasn’t terrible, but really underdeveloped, same with most of the subplots. I wanted more twists, more clues, and a stronger sense of urgency to solve the murder mystery. The underutilization of the Killing Me Softly game made me so mad and sad. The story could have focused more on “flirting” and murder. I liked the idea more than the execution. I just wish it had more depth in all aspects.

[Kuleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet (advance digital review copy gifted by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press) is an upcoming YA murder mystery meets romance about a high school girl named Virginia who teams up with a charming rival named Felix when a real murder occurs at “Claude Castle”, her grandmother’s retirement community of sorts. It took me a few chapters to feel my way through the writing, but the eccentric cast of characters is entertaining. I’d sum this book up with the word quirky. This young adult novel definitely had some cozy and interesting aspects: the charmingly awkward teen protagonists, the delightful ensemble of quirky yet well-meaning elderly residents at Castle Claude (reminiscent of The Thursday Murder Club), and what ultimately unfolds as an engaging murder mystery filled with unexpected twists (especially the reveal of the murderer). The clever incorporation of the classic mystery trope—specifically, a peephole in a portrait—added a unique touch. I was thrilled that Felix’s grandfather’s artwork played a significant role in the story, as I anticipated art being a central theme based on the cover. However, my main critique of the book is its slow pacing. The murder occurs a third of the way through, and our amateur sleuths do not begin their investigation until the halfway mark. The banter between Virginia and Felix captures the awkwardness expected from two theater-loving, nerdy teens, yet I wish their friendship had been explored further. I’m uncertain if a romantic subplot was even necessary. My first book from Amanda Sellet. I'd be interested in reading some of her other titles outside of her YA writing.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks you Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Amanda Sellet for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.

First, the positives. The very best part of this book is the supporting cast of vibrant, fun, grandparents who put together murder mysteries to solve. What’s not to love about that premise? Each character was so unique and I want to be apart of their murder LARP group. Even Claude, who we quickly find out has recently passed away, felt like such a full character. And this group is really what made this story shine.

**slight implied spoilers about the solution to the mystery** I also really really enjoyed the overall murder mystery story that took place. There was a moment about 85% through where I was prepared to be completely annoyed with what it seemed like the ending was going to be. I never should have doubted because the solution did end up being a satisfying surprise. ***another spoiler warning*** the downside to the murder story mixed with this friend dynamic was that there was a not a moment where I thought one of these grandparents committed the murder. So it made the options very limited.

The major downside for me was that I could not stand Virginia and Felix. And that’s really just a YA stylistic choice that didn’t jive with me. Others will love their dynamics. I just very quickly because tired of the constant jabs at each other. It felt like every line of dialogue was trying to be clever. And honestly that would probably work well for YA readers, just not for me. And that made it hard to feel invested in them.

[☾⋆⁺yuli₊˚⊹♡ R · Rating 4 out of 5]

>NetGalley Review<
Rating: 3.5-4/5 🌟
First off thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review. Well here it is:

I loved this YA Romance/Mystery book.The banter between Virginia and Felix was adorable. From the moment they met at the airport to them finally having their moment at the pool. I was kicking my feet when they finally kissed. Their chemistry was so spot on, and the part where they were hiding in the broom closet was my favorite. From the suspense of Bernie lurking in her apartment to the intimate space between Virginia and Felix, it was so suspenseful.

Aside from the main characters' romance, the plot of the mystery/murder was super slow paced. It seemed it picked up until 85% of the book. It was really slow about the unveiling of the murderer and when they did, it wasn't like an "OMG THAT PERSON DID IT! 😱" it was more like an "oh they did it." I wish they would've had a better explanation for everything. But overall, all the residents at Castle Claude were very interesting and likable. My favorite was Grandma Lainey and the chef of the building, Mr. Namura. Also Mr. Gutierrez, the painter. They never revealed if they got all his paintings back, but I'm assuming he did. Anyways I do hope him and Grandma Lainey revisit their love history they have.

Overall, it was a good and fast read. Loved the characters, and I enjoyed the game of Killing Me Softly in the book.

[Laney Estel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

😳 What if your cozy pretend murder game suddenly became a real investigation with a body on the floor?

First Line: I saw my first dead body when I was nine years old. Dead-ish. Somewhat lifeless. Lightly deceased.

Reasons to Read:
🎭 Murder Game Gone Real – A group of theater-loving retirees turns murder into a game… until a real body shows up mid-play.
🏝️ Florida Chaos – A dramatic will, greedy relatives, and shady developers turn a quirky condo community into a battleground.
💘 Rival Detectives – Virginia and Felix go from competitive banter to reluctant partners as they race to solve a real murder.
Thoughts: What drew me to this book is that it took place in a community living building where 2 young people come to stay with their respective grandparents for the summer and end up solving a murder with everyone. It seems to be the start of a series as well, and I love a series. It was cute, but I think I wished the character development was a little deeper. While the story of the death and the investigation was very fun, it felt like there was a lot more to dive into when it came to the other residents in the building and their relationships. I give it a pass because the series will probably explore this more, but for now it really left me wanting more from the characters.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

FLIRTING WITH M*RDER by Amanda Sellet (April 21, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the earc

When the beloved owner of K*lling Me Softly (roleplaying m*rder with a bunch of retirees), Virginia Till is back in Florida for reading of the will and one last game in the owner's memory. When she and the others delve into her part, including Felix (cute guy from the airport, grandson of one of the residents), an actual m*rder occurs. Together, she and Felix team up to find the whodunit.
FLIRTING WITH M*RDER is a YA m*rder mystery with a touch of dramatic flair. This is comedic, and the quick banter of the characters had me grinning throughout. Speaking of the characters, the two main ones were likeable, and I just couldn't help but root for them. I loved their dynamic together. Virginia and Felix's banter was cute, and their teaming up to investigate was warranted.
I really liked the way this was written. It was fast-paced, and it played out really quick. I was pleasantly surprised by the whodunit (maybe more so than the characters because it didn't dawn on me that [Redacted] was confessing). And then there was another twist. That one was icing on the cake.
FLIRTING WITH M*RDER is full of dramatics, it's bingeable, and entertaining. Loved it!

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one does murder like Castle Claude.

This is a fact that's well known by high schooler Virginia, who loves visiting her grandmother at her condo complex known as Castle Claude. Grandma Lainey and her building mates love to play the mystery RPG of their own making called Killing Me Softly, which seems even more important now as a way to honour the recently deceased Claude. When someone actually dies though, it's up to Virginia and the annoyingly cute Felix to solve the mystery.

What needs to be said first and foremost is that the banter in this book is top notch incredible. Virginia and Felix play off each other amazingly, while they navigate the many tangled webs of their beloved grandparents and cohorts.

The whole concept of a retirement condo having a murder mystery RPG is genius in and of itself. Stepping into the world of Castle Claude was a joyfully fun adventure from start to finish. I genuinely hope that this will be a series because I need more of these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press I Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Ostenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting with Murder was a cute YA novel about murder, secrets, found family, and budding romance. Virginia and Felix are both visiting their grandparents for the summer after one of the residents of the building dies from cancer. In his will, his sister inherits his condo, but she has a different plan for the building, desiring to get rid of the current residents and redesign the building. Things go from bad to worse when a dead body is found during one of their murder mystery games. Luckily, Virginia and Felix work together to help find the killer and keep the condo building from being sold.

I am not a huge fan of YA books, but this was a fun read about two highschoolers trying to solve a murder while trying to understand their feelings for each other. All the characters living at the condo are retired theater performers and it made the book come alive. They all lived harmoniously together in the building, doing what they love. I would definitely read another book about these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting With Murder is a charming YA mystery romance with a playful, theatrical vibe. Virginia is visiting her grandmother Lainey, who lives in a condo community made up of retired theater folks. Their favorite hobby is a role playing game called Killing Me Softly, where they stage pretend murder mysteries just for fun. It’s quirky, it’s dramatic, and it sets the perfect tone for what’s coming.

But when the condo owner suddenly dies, the future of the building and everyone’s home is thrown into question. Things escalate even further when a real murder occurs. Virginia teams up with Felix, the grandson of another resident, and the two of them dive into the investigation together. Their banter, teamwork, and growing connection add a sweet layer to the mystery.

The cast is lively and full of personality, with plenty of eccentric residents to keep the story colorful. The mystery itself is light and engaging, and watching Virginia and Felix uncover secrets while trying to save the condo is genuinely fun.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[bexbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia is traveling to visit her grandmother at her retirement condo in florida, also to attend the funeral of their friend Claude, who was responsible for the quirky nature of the building. It is the home to a number of very theatrical retirees have a lot of eclectic fun times in their retirement years. At the airport she meets Felix who is the grandson of another resident and the two of them hit it off. She's not so happy to meet Bradley who is the college aged step nephew of claude's sister bernice. He is a little creepy for her. When Bradley is found dead Virginia and Claude stepping to solve his murder because it is assumed by others that he was killed by one of his many allergies.

Like all other mystery romance Books the more time they spend together solving this crime the closer the two of them get. This was a very fun cozy murder mystery for young adults. It had a lot of fun and humor as well as some very sweet and cute moments but it was also very much a YA book.

This was definitely one of those books where you can pick it up and read it in an afternoon and just have a good time.

Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book.