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Castle Claude Mysteries #1
Flirting with Murder
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.
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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2026
About the author
Amanda Sellet
9 books477 followersAmanda 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.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 19, 2026
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Virginia heads to Florida to attend the will reading after the owner of the pink condo, where her grandmother and crew of retired theater lovers live, passed away. It's a visit Virginia usually always looks forward to because of a game they play together called Killing Me Softly. But this year it's different, and not just because of Felix, the handsome grandson of one of the residents, but because an actual murder happens, and everyone is a suspect.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ TL;DR: This had so much potential, but unfortunately, the execution was disappointing.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I think there might be something wrong with me because why are some of the books I’ve been reading lately so mid?? I was really looking forward to reading this, but I had a sneaking suspicion I wouldn’t love it. Well, my gut was right, and I was this close 🤏🏼 to DNF’ing this.
At first, I was really enjoying myself. The grandparents were funny and endearing, and I thought their Killing Me Softly game was interesting. The banter between Felix and Virginia was so funny, and I just really liked Felix overall. He was super cool and had all the fun qualities theater kids have. Granted, Virginia did get on my nerves because she was jealous and petty about not being the only grandkid the grandparents doted on, so she was kinda mean to Felix. All he did was exist, and that rubbed her the wrong way. Ugh, cry me a river, Virginia. You are not the main character in anyone’s story except your own, so please get over yourself. I was honestly embarrassed and ashamed for her, and if I were there at all, I’d just ignore her or pretend she doesn’t exist, lol. But their little romance was pretty good, so no complaints there. 😌
But she isn’t the reason why I had a hard time reading this. The plot is my main issue. It just dragged. Nothing really happens until the 30% mark, where someone ends up dead. Felix and Virginia look into it, wondering who might have killed the victim and why, but it’s not even ruled as a murder until we’re 70% into the story. 70%!!! I was skimming the paragraphs and just read the dialogue for the majority of the book, hoping and praying things would kinda escalate (this is a cozy mystery, after all), but they didn’t. And the whole reveal of who the killer was was so bland and not even the slightest bit shocking. I clocked whodunit from the beginning, and even then, it wasn't even satisfying to know because I mentally and emotionally checked out of the story a long time ago.
Also, the writing was too YA for me. I know, I know. It's a YA novel, so obviously the writing is going to reflect that, but not all books I've read are this teenager-ish. It was fun and humorous at first, but it got old really fast. 😅
Overall, it was a pretty disappointing read, which makes me so sad. 😢 This is a series, and I don't know if I want to read the second book. We’ll see, I suppose. 🤭
₊˚⊹⋆ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ₊˚⊹⋆
❗Content Warnings❗
Death & murder.
Swearing: Some
Spice: No–only kissing. (🌶/5)
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ TL;DR: This had so much potential, but unfortunately, the execution was disappointing.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I think there might be something wrong with me because why are some of the books I’ve been reading lately so mid?? I was really looking forward to reading this, but I had a sneaking suspicion I wouldn’t love it. Well, my gut was right, and I was this close 🤏🏼 to DNF’ing this.
At first, I was really enjoying myself. The grandparents were funny and endearing, and I thought their Killing Me Softly game was interesting. The banter between Felix and Virginia was so funny, and I just really liked Felix overall. He was super cool and had all the fun qualities theater kids have. Granted, Virginia did get on my nerves because she was jealous and petty about not being the only grandkid the grandparents doted on, so she was kinda mean to Felix. All he did was exist, and that rubbed her the wrong way. Ugh, cry me a river, Virginia. You are not the main character in anyone’s story except your own, so please get over yourself. I was honestly embarrassed and ashamed for her, and if I were there at all, I’d just ignore her or pretend she doesn’t exist, lol. But their little romance was pretty good, so no complaints there. 😌
But she isn’t the reason why I had a hard time reading this. The plot is my main issue. It just dragged. Nothing really happens until the 30% mark, where someone ends up dead. Felix and Virginia look into it, wondering who might have killed the victim and why, but it’s not even ruled as a murder until we’re 70% into the story. 70%!!! I was skimming the paragraphs and just read the dialogue for the majority of the book, hoping and praying things would kinda escalate (this is a cozy mystery, after all), but they didn’t. And the whole reveal of who the killer was was so bland and not even the slightest bit shocking. I clocked whodunit from the beginning, and even then, it wasn't even satisfying to know because I mentally and emotionally checked out of the story a long time ago.
Also, the writing was too YA for me. I know, I know. It's a YA novel, so obviously the writing is going to reflect that, but not all books I've read are this teenager-ish. It was fun and humorous at first, but it got old really fast. 😅
Overall, it was a pretty disappointing read, which makes me so sad. 😢 This is a series, and I don't know if I want to read the second book. We’ll see, I suppose. 🤭
₊˚⊹⋆ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ₊˚⊹⋆
❗Content Warnings❗
Death & murder.
Swearing: Some
Spice: No–only kissing. (🌶/5)
April 21, 2026
Flirting With Murder by Amanda Sellet
YA cozy mystery with a touch of flirting romance.
Virginia Tillis is spending the summer high school break again in her grandmother’s uniquely Florida styled rococo pink condo. The group of seniors in the building recreate murder mysteries, dressing up in their best vintage gowns and flashy faux jewels. Virginia gets to play detective, or victim or suspect in each version of Killing Me Softly event and she loves the intrigue, and trying to solve the mystery.
This summer, Felix is also staying at Castle Claude. His grandfather is one of the residents and while Felix and Virginia have always been aware of each other, their time in the building has never overlapped. Until now, for the reading of the will of Claude, the main owner of the building.
The play acting turns real when a body is found under the billiards table. No play acting this time. Who killed the man that wanted to turn the building into something different?
Virginia and Felix, high school detectives, are on the case.
The banter between Virginia and Felix is sweet and adorable as their first tentative, maybe, romance blooms. The high schoolers take on the responsibility of finding the killer, asking questions, and rounding up clues. I loved the setting of the castle like building with unique community rooms, the aging residents and, of course, the requisite outdoor pool. It’s Florida!
Captivating YA who-dun-it.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
YA cozy mystery with a touch of flirting romance.
Virginia Tillis is spending the summer high school break again in her grandmother’s uniquely Florida styled rococo pink condo. The group of seniors in the building recreate murder mysteries, dressing up in their best vintage gowns and flashy faux jewels. Virginia gets to play detective, or victim or suspect in each version of Killing Me Softly event and she loves the intrigue, and trying to solve the mystery.
This summer, Felix is also staying at Castle Claude. His grandfather is one of the residents and while Felix and Virginia have always been aware of each other, their time in the building has never overlapped. Until now, for the reading of the will of Claude, the main owner of the building.
The play acting turns real when a body is found under the billiards table. No play acting this time. Who killed the man that wanted to turn the building into something different?
Virginia and Felix, high school detectives, are on the case.
The banter between Virginia and Felix is sweet and adorable as their first tentative, maybe, romance blooms. The high schoolers take on the responsibility of finding the killer, asking questions, and rounding up clues. I loved the setting of the castle like building with unique community rooms, the aging residents and, of course, the requisite outdoor pool. It’s Florida!
Captivating YA who-dun-it.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
🐊
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.
🐊
October 17, 2025
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.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
November 9, 2025
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
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
December 3, 2025
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!
"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!
January 19, 2026
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.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to Wednesday Books for sending this ARC...this is my honest review.
📖 Flirting With Murder 📖
Author: Amanda Sellet
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Wednesday Books
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
Happy Pub Week to Flirting With Murder, the latest YA cozy mystery from Amanda Sellet! This YA whodunit was humorous, mysterious, and a whole lot of fun.
This fast read featured fantastically eccentric characters, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud dialogue. The teenage main characters definitely brought the YA vibes to the story, but it worked so perfectly with the whodunit plotline of this book.
Every summer, high schooler Virginia heads to Florida to visit her grandmother at her eccentric pink condo building, where she lives with several retired theatre friends. The residents have created Killing Me Softly, murder-mystery events where they try to solve fictional whodunits. But this summer isn't quite what Virginia expected. The building's beloved owner has died and his dramatic last testament has the vultures circling, from estranged relatives to sleazy property developers. And then there's Felix, the cute guy Virginia met at the airport who turns out to be the grandson of one of the condo’s residents. But when they discover an actual dead body while playing Killing Me Softly, things escalate quickly as Virginia and Felix are forced to work together to figure out whodunit.
This was such a cute read and a really fun cozy mystery! If you're a fan of YA cozy mysteries and love an enemies-to-lovers trope in your YA rom-coms, you'll love the mix of the two in Flirting With Murder. And it's out now!
#FlirtingWithMurder #AmandaSellet #WednesdayBooks #YAcozymystery #mysteryreads #murdermystery #YAreads #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
📖 Flirting With Murder 📖
Author: Amanda Sellet
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Wednesday Books
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
Happy Pub Week to Flirting With Murder, the latest YA cozy mystery from Amanda Sellet! This YA whodunit was humorous, mysterious, and a whole lot of fun.
This fast read featured fantastically eccentric characters, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud dialogue. The teenage main characters definitely brought the YA vibes to the story, but it worked so perfectly with the whodunit plotline of this book.
Every summer, high schooler Virginia heads to Florida to visit her grandmother at her eccentric pink condo building, where she lives with several retired theatre friends. The residents have created Killing Me Softly, murder-mystery events where they try to solve fictional whodunits. But this summer isn't quite what Virginia expected. The building's beloved owner has died and his dramatic last testament has the vultures circling, from estranged relatives to sleazy property developers. And then there's Felix, the cute guy Virginia met at the airport who turns out to be the grandson of one of the condo’s residents. But when they discover an actual dead body while playing Killing Me Softly, things escalate quickly as Virginia and Felix are forced to work together to figure out whodunit.
This was such a cute read and a really fun cozy mystery! If you're a fan of YA cozy mysteries and love an enemies-to-lovers trope in your YA rom-coms, you'll love the mix of the two in Flirting With Murder. And it's out now!
#FlirtingWithMurder #AmandaSellet #WednesdayBooks #YAcozymystery #mysteryreads #murdermystery #YAreads #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
December 27, 2025
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!
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!
November 12, 2025
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.
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.
March 30, 2026
Oh what a delightful little cozy mystery comedy YA book…I adored this! It was exactly what I needed too. Something fun that was super interesting and kept my attention…and also had me laughing a lot! The main characters Virginia & Felix were so amusing & enjoyable. And Castle Claude was just absolutely chaotic perfection!
Here’s what else I loved…
🩷 this was very Thursday Murder Club meets Broadway musical! Which is so my vibes.
💎 Grandma Lainey was the best! I loved her! She was giving Dame Judi Dench vibes!
✨ okay, maybe it’s just me, but there’s a few words in this book that I would’ve had to look up if not for Taylor Swift. And that’s a plus in my opinion. 😂
😻 Zenobia the cat was an excellent addition to this cast!
🕵️♀️ listen, everyone is a suspect in this, but Bernie the number one suspect…she cracked me up!! I love when the “villain” is still written in an entertaining way opposed to an annoying way. I pictured her as Melissa McCarthy in a big wig just recking havoc, but in a hilarious way!
✍🏻 I loved how Sellet gave us (and Felix & Virginia) all the tools to piece together the mystery one chapter at a time! (I still didn’t quite figure it out.) I felt like it made it fun to try to piece everything together little by little as the book continued!
🏰 I could’ve stayed at Castle Claude even longer! I just loved the idea of a big building split up into apartments for a bunch of golden aged friends! That also create murder as their hobby…fake murder that is. Well, until it wasn’t. 😅
Here’s what else I loved…
🩷 this was very Thursday Murder Club meets Broadway musical! Which is so my vibes.
💎 Grandma Lainey was the best! I loved her! She was giving Dame Judi Dench vibes!
✨ okay, maybe it’s just me, but there’s a few words in this book that I would’ve had to look up if not for Taylor Swift. And that’s a plus in my opinion. 😂
😻 Zenobia the cat was an excellent addition to this cast!
🕵️♀️ listen, everyone is a suspect in this, but Bernie the number one suspect…she cracked me up!! I love when the “villain” is still written in an entertaining way opposed to an annoying way. I pictured her as Melissa McCarthy in a big wig just recking havoc, but in a hilarious way!
✍🏻 I loved how Sellet gave us (and Felix & Virginia) all the tools to piece together the mystery one chapter at a time! (I still didn’t quite figure it out.) I felt like it made it fun to try to piece everything together little by little as the book continued!
🏰 I could’ve stayed at Castle Claude even longer! I just loved the idea of a big building split up into apartments for a bunch of golden aged friends! That also create murder as their hobby…fake murder that is. Well, until it wasn’t. 😅
May 19, 2026
Loved every moment of this book. It gripped me from the start and took me on a wild ride through Castle Claude. The banter, witty dialogues and the dedication to sleuthing really brought it all together. I adored the array of characters and their eccentrics, I can't wait to read more in this series to see where it takes Virginia and Felix! Truely wish there were places set up to play Killing Me Softly! I'd join that in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2025
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
November 8, 2025
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.
February 1, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
April 25, 2026
DNF @ 40%
I enjoyed the setting and the premise but I couldn’t get past the dialogue. I know the book is YA, but the dialogue felt too YA for me
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
I enjoyed the setting and the premise but I couldn’t get past the dialogue. I know the book is YA, but the dialogue felt too YA for me
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
"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.
May 1, 2026
Cute and cozy YA mystery with just a bit of flirting romance between high schoolers Virginia & Felix as they spend their summer break with their grandparents in Florida at a quirky retirement condo. The banter will have you hooked along with the cast of zany retirees. It’s a Thursday Murder Club for the youngsters. Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
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! 😄
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! 😄
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet
Thank you to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. All opinions are mine, even the slightly sarcastic ones.
You know that feeling when you open a book and instantly think, “Oh yeah, this one’s going to be weird—but in the best possible way”? That’s Flirting with Murder. It’s quirky, theatrical, and packed with the kind of razor-sharp banter that makes you wish you were clever enough to keep up. Amanda Sellet throws us into a Florida retirement condo filled with stagey, mystery-obsessed geriatrics and then plops a pair of snarky teens into the middle of it. And somehow, it works like magic. Sticky, pastel, overly-sunscreened Florida magic.
Virginia Tillis is spending the summer with her grandma Lainey at Castle Claude—a garishly pink co-op where the retirees entertain themselves by staging elaborate murder mystery role-playing games they fondly call Killing Me Softly. Think live-action Clue, but with orthopedic shoes and better snacks. Virginia is no stranger to the game—she’s been coming here for years and knows how it works. But this summer is different. For starters, the building’s beloved owner, Claude, has actually died. For real. Not “pretend-murdered-for-fun” died. This time there’s a will, some sketchy relatives, greedy developers, and oh yeah—a second death that may or may not be a little too convenient.
Then there’s Felix. Cue the eye-roll, because of course Virginia meets a charming, smugly talented boy at the airport. Of course he ends up being the grandson of one of the other residents. And of course he’s as competitive as she is, especially when it comes to solving fake murders. Naturally, when an actual body shows up during a game, they team up—reluctantly, then less reluctantly, and then with growing romantic tension that’s cuter than it has any right to be.
The plot moves like a golf cart in a gated community—slow to start but with a surprising burst of speed once it gets going. The first half of the book leans more into quirky character introductions and Virginia’s internal monologue, which is full of Gen Z bite and classic theater kid flair. The murder mystery doesn’t kick into gear until halfway through, but once it does, it’s filled with red herrings, clues, misdirections, and exactly the kind of chaos you’d expect from a cast of amateur sleuths who spend most of their time sipping martinis by the pool and dramatically reading wills.
The heart of this story, though, isn’t really the mystery—it’s the relationships. Virginia’s bond with her grandma is warm and real and laced with a sadness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The author doesn’t shy away from addressing aging, grief, or the feeling of helplessness that comes when someone you love is getting older and you can’t stop time. Somehow, amidst the jokes and the fake deaths and the over-the-top condo drama, Sellet gives us a meditation on change and connection that’s honest and deeply heartfelt.
The romance is featherlight and sweet, more slow-burn than swoonfest, but that’s a good thing. Felix and Virginia don’t fall instantly in love. They’re weird. They clash. They irritate each other on purpose. And then they start to rely on each other. It’s friendship first, snark second, feelings third—which honestly feels more realistic than half the YA romances that leap straight into soulmates territory before chapter five.
But if I’m being brutally honest, there were times the banter went overboard. Every conversation doesn’t need to be a punchline. There were whole pages where I wanted to scream, “Just talk like normal people for five seconds!” But then someone would say something like “Do we think the hand lotion was poisoned, or just aggressively floral?” and I’d be right back on board.
So no, this book isn’t trying to be Agatha Christie with braces. It’s playing in the cozy mystery sandbox with a wink and a sugar-dusted donut. It’s for people who like their murder with a side of friendship bracelets and karaoke night. And if that sounds like your jam, then this will be your new comfort read.
To quote Virginia, who delivers one of the best one-liners of the entire book:
“The only thing more dangerous than an old woman with a motive is an old woman with a martini and a flair for dramatics.”
Sellet has carved out a perfect niche: a warm, weird, slightly absurd but lovable space where teenagers and retirees can join forces to take down killers and save their beloved Florida condo. Honestly, I’d read ten more of these. Make this a series. Give me a prequel. Give me a spinoff. Let Grandma Lainey have her own podcast. I’m in.
4.5 Stars
I knocked off half a star for the slightly saggy pacing and occasional dialogue fatigue, but this book is absolutely charming, endearing, and funny in all the ways that count. A hug in mystery form.
#FlirtingWithMurder #AmandaSellet #CozyYAMystery #NetGalleyReview #WednesdayBooks #GrandmaLaineyDeservesASpinOff #CastleClaudeCrew #OnlyMurdersInTheBuildingButMakeItYA #Bookstagram #CozyReads #MysteryRomCom #TeenDetectives #YAWhodunit #BookReviewersOfInstagram #ARCReview #MurderWithBanter
Thank you to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. All opinions are mine, even the slightly sarcastic ones.
You know that feeling when you open a book and instantly think, “Oh yeah, this one’s going to be weird—but in the best possible way”? That’s Flirting with Murder. It’s quirky, theatrical, and packed with the kind of razor-sharp banter that makes you wish you were clever enough to keep up. Amanda Sellet throws us into a Florida retirement condo filled with stagey, mystery-obsessed geriatrics and then plops a pair of snarky teens into the middle of it. And somehow, it works like magic. Sticky, pastel, overly-sunscreened Florida magic.
Virginia Tillis is spending the summer with her grandma Lainey at Castle Claude—a garishly pink co-op where the retirees entertain themselves by staging elaborate murder mystery role-playing games they fondly call Killing Me Softly. Think live-action Clue, but with orthopedic shoes and better snacks. Virginia is no stranger to the game—she’s been coming here for years and knows how it works. But this summer is different. For starters, the building’s beloved owner, Claude, has actually died. For real. Not “pretend-murdered-for-fun” died. This time there’s a will, some sketchy relatives, greedy developers, and oh yeah—a second death that may or may not be a little too convenient.
Then there’s Felix. Cue the eye-roll, because of course Virginia meets a charming, smugly talented boy at the airport. Of course he ends up being the grandson of one of the other residents. And of course he’s as competitive as she is, especially when it comes to solving fake murders. Naturally, when an actual body shows up during a game, they team up—reluctantly, then less reluctantly, and then with growing romantic tension that’s cuter than it has any right to be.
The plot moves like a golf cart in a gated community—slow to start but with a surprising burst of speed once it gets going. The first half of the book leans more into quirky character introductions and Virginia’s internal monologue, which is full of Gen Z bite and classic theater kid flair. The murder mystery doesn’t kick into gear until halfway through, but once it does, it’s filled with red herrings, clues, misdirections, and exactly the kind of chaos you’d expect from a cast of amateur sleuths who spend most of their time sipping martinis by the pool and dramatically reading wills.
The heart of this story, though, isn’t really the mystery—it’s the relationships. Virginia’s bond with her grandma is warm and real and laced with a sadness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The author doesn’t shy away from addressing aging, grief, or the feeling of helplessness that comes when someone you love is getting older and you can’t stop time. Somehow, amidst the jokes and the fake deaths and the over-the-top condo drama, Sellet gives us a meditation on change and connection that’s honest and deeply heartfelt.
The romance is featherlight and sweet, more slow-burn than swoonfest, but that’s a good thing. Felix and Virginia don’t fall instantly in love. They’re weird. They clash. They irritate each other on purpose. And then they start to rely on each other. It’s friendship first, snark second, feelings third—which honestly feels more realistic than half the YA romances that leap straight into soulmates territory before chapter five.
But if I’m being brutally honest, there were times the banter went overboard. Every conversation doesn’t need to be a punchline. There were whole pages where I wanted to scream, “Just talk like normal people for five seconds!” But then someone would say something like “Do we think the hand lotion was poisoned, or just aggressively floral?” and I’d be right back on board.
So no, this book isn’t trying to be Agatha Christie with braces. It’s playing in the cozy mystery sandbox with a wink and a sugar-dusted donut. It’s for people who like their murder with a side of friendship bracelets and karaoke night. And if that sounds like your jam, then this will be your new comfort read.
To quote Virginia, who delivers one of the best one-liners of the entire book:
“The only thing more dangerous than an old woman with a motive is an old woman with a martini and a flair for dramatics.”
Sellet has carved out a perfect niche: a warm, weird, slightly absurd but lovable space where teenagers and retirees can join forces to take down killers and save their beloved Florida condo. Honestly, I’d read ten more of these. Make this a series. Give me a prequel. Give me a spinoff. Let Grandma Lainey have her own podcast. I’m in.
4.5 Stars
I knocked off half a star for the slightly saggy pacing and occasional dialogue fatigue, but this book is absolutely charming, endearing, and funny in all the ways that count. A hug in mystery form.
#FlirtingWithMurder #AmandaSellet #CozyYAMystery #NetGalleyReview #WednesdayBooks #GrandmaLaineyDeservesASpinOff #CastleClaudeCrew #OnlyMurdersInTheBuildingButMakeItYA #Bookstagram #CozyReads #MysteryRomCom #TeenDetectives #YAWhodunit #BookReviewersOfInstagram #ARCReview #MurderWithBanter
November 30, 2025
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.
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.
November 7, 2025
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!!
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!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is a delight, it's just that "delight" and "my usual chaos" speak slightly different languages.
Virginia Tillis is spending her summer at Claude Castle, her grandmother Lainey's gloriously rococo pink retirement community in Florida, where the residents run elaborate murder mystery roleplay sessions called Killing Me Softly. It's absurd. It's charming. It's exactly the kind of setup that had me immediately invested. Claude, the beloved building owner, has already died before we arrive, and it's the reading of his will that pulls everyone together, setting off a frenzy of estranged relatives and sleazy property developers all angling for their cut. Then an actual bro-y frat type turns up dead, and suddenly Virginia is playing amateur sleuth for real, inconveniently, alongside Felix. The cute airport boy. Who is, it turns out, not a stranger at all.
What genuinely worked: the elderly ensemble cast. Lainey and her theatrical retiree crew were the entire beating heart of this book, and every single one of them felt distinct and real and wonderful. The cozy mystery atmosphere was immaculate, warm, a little madcap, never grim. And the Virginia-Felix dynamic hit exactly the right notes: the airport meet-cute setup paying off in a way that felt earned rather than convenient.
Here's the honest bit: this is a genuinely good YA novel. The problem is that YA and I have a complicated relationship. The pacing is gentler than I naturally reach for, the stakes stay soft, and the romance is sweet in a way that I respect far more than I personally craved. None of that is a flaw, it's actually the book doing its job perfectly for its audience. I'm just not quite that audience.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Airport meet-cute (a setup that, to be fair, absolutely delivered)
✨ Reluctant partners turned grudging allies turned something more
✨ Elderly cast who are chaotic and brilliant and should have their own spin-off (I'm serious)
✨ Amateur sleuth thrown into the deep end
✨ Small world coincidence (Felix! At the condo! As if!)
★★★½ A genuinely charming cozy mystery that hits every note it's aiming for; the notes it's aiming for are just slightly outside my usual register.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the ARC. Sending the retirees of Claude Castle my deepest respect, they carried this book and they knew it.
Virginia Tillis is spending her summer at Claude Castle, her grandmother Lainey's gloriously rococo pink retirement community in Florida, where the residents run elaborate murder mystery roleplay sessions called Killing Me Softly. It's absurd. It's charming. It's exactly the kind of setup that had me immediately invested. Claude, the beloved building owner, has already died before we arrive, and it's the reading of his will that pulls everyone together, setting off a frenzy of estranged relatives and sleazy property developers all angling for their cut. Then an actual bro-y frat type turns up dead, and suddenly Virginia is playing amateur sleuth for real, inconveniently, alongside Felix. The cute airport boy. Who is, it turns out, not a stranger at all.
What genuinely worked: the elderly ensemble cast. Lainey and her theatrical retiree crew were the entire beating heart of this book, and every single one of them felt distinct and real and wonderful. The cozy mystery atmosphere was immaculate, warm, a little madcap, never grim. And the Virginia-Felix dynamic hit exactly the right notes: the airport meet-cute setup paying off in a way that felt earned rather than convenient.
Here's the honest bit: this is a genuinely good YA novel. The problem is that YA and I have a complicated relationship. The pacing is gentler than I naturally reach for, the stakes stay soft, and the romance is sweet in a way that I respect far more than I personally craved. None of that is a flaw, it's actually the book doing its job perfectly for its audience. I'm just not quite that audience.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Airport meet-cute (a setup that, to be fair, absolutely delivered)
✨ Reluctant partners turned grudging allies turned something more
✨ Elderly cast who are chaotic and brilliant and should have their own spin-off (I'm serious)
✨ Amateur sleuth thrown into the deep end
✨ Small world coincidence (Felix! At the condo! As if!)
★★★½ A genuinely charming cozy mystery that hits every note it's aiming for; the notes it's aiming for are just slightly outside my usual register.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the ARC. Sending the retirees of Claude Castle my deepest respect, they carried this book and they knew it.
December 5, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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,
May 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 stars)
This was a cute, easy read with a fun premise, but it didn’t fully hook me the way I wanted it to.
Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet leans into that cozy YA mystery vibe, think summer in a quirky Florida condo, eccentric retirees, and a group that literally spends their time putting on elaborate murder mystery games. Honestly, the setting was one of my favorite parts. Castle Claude is dramatic, over-the-top, and just the kind of place that makes a story feel a little more fun and unique.
Virginia, our main character, spends her summers there with her grandmother, and I really liked their relationship. It added a lot of warmth to the story. Then we get Felix, her unexpected partner in crime-solving, and their dynamic is sweet, a little awkward, and very YA in the best way. There’s some light flirting and banter, but the romance definitely stays on the softer side.
The plot kicks off when a real dead body shows up during one of their murder mystery games (which is such a great concept), and Virginia and Felix decide to investigate. It had all the ingredients for a really engaging whodunit, but for me, it just felt a little slow and meandering at times. I kept waiting for the mystery to really take off, and it never quite reached that level of suspense.
That said, it’s still an enjoyable read- especially if you’re in the mood for something light, low-stakes, and a little whimsical. It definitely feels geared toward a younger YA audience, which explains why some parts felt a bit surface-level in both the mystery and the romance.
Overall, this one was fun but not super memorable for me. If you like cozy mysteries with a touch of romance and a quirky cast of characters, it’s worth picking up- just don’t go in expecting a super twisty or intense mystery.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute, easy read with a fun premise, but it didn’t fully hook me the way I wanted it to.
Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet leans into that cozy YA mystery vibe, think summer in a quirky Florida condo, eccentric retirees, and a group that literally spends their time putting on elaborate murder mystery games. Honestly, the setting was one of my favorite parts. Castle Claude is dramatic, over-the-top, and just the kind of place that makes a story feel a little more fun and unique.
Virginia, our main character, spends her summers there with her grandmother, and I really liked their relationship. It added a lot of warmth to the story. Then we get Felix, her unexpected partner in crime-solving, and their dynamic is sweet, a little awkward, and very YA in the best way. There’s some light flirting and banter, but the romance definitely stays on the softer side.
The plot kicks off when a real dead body shows up during one of their murder mystery games (which is such a great concept), and Virginia and Felix decide to investigate. It had all the ingredients for a really engaging whodunit, but for me, it just felt a little slow and meandering at times. I kept waiting for the mystery to really take off, and it never quite reached that level of suspense.
That said, it’s still an enjoyable read- especially if you’re in the mood for something light, low-stakes, and a little whimsical. It definitely feels geared toward a younger YA audience, which explains why some parts felt a bit surface-level in both the mystery and the romance.
Overall, this one was fun but not super memorable for me. If you like cozy mysteries with a touch of romance and a quirky cast of characters, it’s worth picking up- just don’t go in expecting a super twisty or intense mystery.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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 .
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.
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.
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