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Very Dangerous Things
A murder mystery game turns deadly in this YA whodunit by the author of Suddenly a Murder.
"Dark academia meets classic detective fiction in this clever, twisty page-turner." —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying.
Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. When the game kicks off, the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.
"Dark academia meets classic detective fiction in this clever, twisty page-turner." —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying.
Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. When the game kicks off, the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
35 people are currently reading
7630 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Muñoz
3 books288 followersLauren Muñoz is a writer, lawyer, and former teacher living in Southern California. She received her J.D. from Northwestern University, where she frequently skipped class to commune with her sun lamp. When she's not reading, she can be found knitting, crocheting, and collecting recipes for things she'll never bake. Find her on IG @laurenmunozbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
🔎 Blurb 🔎
“Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. Soon, the game kicks off, and the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.”
☠ My Thoughts ☠
What a ride! I was guessing whodunit the entire time I was reading! 🤔
This plot was so interesting, right from the beginning! From one suspect to the next, Dulce and her friends investigate the haunted halls of J. Everett High, hitting one dead end after another and leaving me to scratch my head in confusion. I don’t think I’ve ever been so stumped as I was with this mystery. But when the truth came out in the end, I was so shocked that I didn’t see it before! 😱 Who really killed Xavier Torres? Was it his ex-girlfriend, Sierra, or did it go much deeper than that…?
Dulce was a vibe. Smart, brave, and a little distrustful (for very good reasons), she led her best friend Emi and her new friend Zane on a wild chase to find the killer before time ran out. The characters changed and grew as the story progressed, adding depth and relatability to the story. And there were some who didn’t change at all and really made my blood boil. You know it’s good writing if it can affect me like that. 😂
And that ending? Does this mean we’re getting a series? I hope so! I want more of Dulce and her gang of investigators, please! 🙋♀
I totally recommend this book if you love YA mysteries with some great characters, clever plotting, and fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter from Dorothy L. Sayer’s books. This story will be in my head for the rest of the week. ☺
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, murder, and mentions of family drama over a child coming out.
#VeryDangerousThings #NetGalley
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
🔎 Blurb 🔎
“Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. Soon, the game kicks off, and the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.
It’s murder.
When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.
After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.”
☠ My Thoughts ☠
What a ride! I was guessing whodunit the entire time I was reading! 🤔
This plot was so interesting, right from the beginning! From one suspect to the next, Dulce and her friends investigate the haunted halls of J. Everett High, hitting one dead end after another and leaving me to scratch my head in confusion. I don’t think I’ve ever been so stumped as I was with this mystery. But when the truth came out in the end, I was so shocked that I didn’t see it before! 😱 Who really killed Xavier Torres? Was it his ex-girlfriend, Sierra, or did it go much deeper than that…?
Dulce was a vibe. Smart, brave, and a little distrustful (for very good reasons), she led her best friend Emi and her new friend Zane on a wild chase to find the killer before time ran out. The characters changed and grew as the story progressed, adding depth and relatability to the story. And there were some who didn’t change at all and really made my blood boil. You know it’s good writing if it can affect me like that. 😂
And that ending? Does this mean we’re getting a series? I hope so! I want more of Dulce and her gang of investigators, please! 🙋♀
I totally recommend this book if you love YA mysteries with some great characters, clever plotting, and fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter from Dorothy L. Sayer’s books. This story will be in my head for the rest of the week. ☺
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, murder, and mentions of family drama over a child coming out.
#VeryDangerousThings #NetGalley
Want to read
March 18, 2025ARC received! Thank you so very much, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers!
I really enjoyed Suddenly a Murder from this author, and have been anxiously awaiting more. This sounds great. I can't wait to get to it!!
I really enjoyed Suddenly a Murder from this author, and have been anxiously awaiting more. This sounds great. I can't wait to get to it!!
December 16, 2024
Excellent. Kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page. I couldn't put down this addictive thriller! Munoz has crafted a brilliant mystery with well-drawn characters and an excellent backdrop. I loved the conceit and was rooting for Dulse all the way. I only wish I had the chance to attend J. Everett High! This is a must read for mystery lovers.
October 7, 2024
Fans of The Agathas and Truly Devious will love the latest YA thriller by Lauren Munoz.
💉
Dulce Castillo wants to figure out what really happened in the car accident that killed her. The police lied and said she was driving drunk and her former best friend backed them up. Now Dulce attends the prestigious magnet school that specializes in criminology in the hopes of figuring out why they lied about her mother’s death while also solving pretend crimes. When the latest fake crime ends up with a real victim having been poisoned, Dulce wants nothing to do with solving the murder because the biggest suspect is her ex-best friend. But money and a chance to find out what happened to her mom has Dulce finally deciding to work with her crime-solving team at school to figure out who the killer really is and why.
🪡
What a great YA mystery book this was! I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting to see how it ended. Lots of red herrings in this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series! This novel releases July 29!
CW: death, murder, poisoning, alcohol, cheating, parental death (recounted), grief, fire, hospitalization
💉
Dulce Castillo wants to figure out what really happened in the car accident that killed her. The police lied and said she was driving drunk and her former best friend backed them up. Now Dulce attends the prestigious magnet school that specializes in criminology in the hopes of figuring out why they lied about her mother’s death while also solving pretend crimes. When the latest fake crime ends up with a real victim having been poisoned, Dulce wants nothing to do with solving the murder because the biggest suspect is her ex-best friend. But money and a chance to find out what happened to her mom has Dulce finally deciding to work with her crime-solving team at school to figure out who the killer really is and why.
🪡
What a great YA mystery book this was! I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting to see how it ended. Lots of red herrings in this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series! This novel releases July 29!
CW: death, murder, poisoning, alcohol, cheating, parental death (recounted), grief, fire, hospitalization
Read
August 14, 2025DNF 42%. I loved the idea of this book—a detective school where a murder game turns into a real murder—but unfortunately, this is one of those books where an interesting premise is used to hook the reader and then basically discarded.
The “detective school” functions basically like a normal high school and might as well have been one. The fake murder mystery game is immediately canceled after the real murder victim shows up—which, by the way, doesn’t happen until 20% of the way into the book, and that first 20% isn’t used to set up the murder mystery but rather just to show the main characters going about their daily lives, so it was rather dull.
My biggest problems with the book (the reasons why I DNF’ed) had to do with Dulce herself and Dulce's relationship with her friend Emi. Dulce was such a passive protagonist who is forced into the plot rather than exerting agency. I get that she has a strong reason for not wanting to help Sierra solve the murder, but the result was that she has to be forced to investigate by Emi the whole time. Speaking of Emi, I really disliked how the story was so focused on Dulce and Emi’s relationship, and yet (a) Emi just seemed like a bad friend, constantly forcing Dulce to do things without her consent and then blaming Dulce for not wanting to help her, and (b) the tension in their relationship because they both liked Zane was just not at all fun to read. (Side note: Who TF would trade away their Japanese homemade lunches for bologna sandwiches???)
The “detective school” functions basically like a normal high school and might as well have been one. The fake murder mystery game is immediately canceled after the real murder victim shows up—which, by the way, doesn’t happen until 20% of the way into the book, and that first 20% isn’t used to set up the murder mystery but rather just to show the main characters going about their daily lives, so it was rather dull.
My biggest problems with the book (the reasons why I DNF’ed) had to do with Dulce herself and Dulce's relationship with her friend Emi. Dulce was such a passive protagonist who is forced into the plot rather than exerting agency. I get that she has a strong reason for not wanting to help Sierra solve the murder, but the result was that she has to be forced to investigate by Emi the whole time. Speaking of Emi, I really disliked how the story was so focused on Dulce and Emi’s relationship, and yet (a) Emi just seemed like a bad friend, constantly forcing Dulce to do things without her consent and then blaming Dulce for not wanting to help her, and (b) the tension in their relationship because they both liked Zane was just not at all fun to read. (Side note: Who TF would trade away their Japanese homemade lunches for bologna sandwiches???)
July 22, 2025
Actual Rating 4.5
THANKS TO THE G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AND PENGUIN TEENS FOR THIS EARLY COPY
☠️School dedicated to murder solving
☠️Past trauma
☠️Small town corrupt system
☠️Stabbing in back
☠️Sketchy new student
☠️Grey characters
☠️Murder game turned into a real murder
Yes, all of my favourite troops/elements in one book. It is my first book by Lauren, and I am impressed.
J.Everett High, which teaches students to solve murders mainly by poisoning. Each year, they set elaborate murder mystery games. Only difference this year is that pretend victim really got murdered and in the same way as game predicted.
Dulce Castillo, a big fan of Lord Wimsey, courtesy of her mother who died tragically, is a truly humane main character. She has faced a significant amount of trauma, which has made her skeptical of everyone; at the same time, she is sharp, a little obsessive, and not in your face kind of character. She is determined to win the annual game with her Wimsey club partner Emi. All evidence is pointing towards Sierra Fox, Dulce’s ex-best friend, who stabbed her in the back really badly. But real detectives can't bring their grudges in solving a crime.
Despite characters being really young, the story didn't feel too basic. The plot was really intriguing, and the multi-layered mystery kept me engaged until the end. Love the way all of the mundane information spread throughout the book turned out important in connecting all of the pieces, which was really satisfying. I wasn't able to trust any of the characters blindly, which made this book more interesting, along with several plots and twists. I love the world building and character development. Each character was different and had something to offer, so yes, no filler characters, another win. Though I didn't like a few characters or their dynamic, Sierra's entire backstory was kind of lacking and didn't convince me. But it didn't affect the mystery of the story.
It's been a long time since I've read a really enjoyable mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work and maybe some more about Dulce and her mystery-solving skills.
THANKS TO THE G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AND PENGUIN TEENS FOR THIS EARLY COPY
☠️School dedicated to murder solving
☠️Past trauma
☠️Small town corrupt system
☠️Stabbing in back
☠️Sketchy new student
☠️Grey characters
☠️Murder game turned into a real murder
Yes, all of my favourite troops/elements in one book. It is my first book by Lauren, and I am impressed.
J.Everett High, which teaches students to solve murders mainly by poisoning. Each year, they set elaborate murder mystery games. Only difference this year is that pretend victim really got murdered and in the same way as game predicted.
Dulce Castillo, a big fan of Lord Wimsey, courtesy of her mother who died tragically, is a truly humane main character. She has faced a significant amount of trauma, which has made her skeptical of everyone; at the same time, she is sharp, a little obsessive, and not in your face kind of character. She is determined to win the annual game with her Wimsey club partner Emi. All evidence is pointing towards Sierra Fox, Dulce’s ex-best friend, who stabbed her in the back really badly. But real detectives can't bring their grudges in solving a crime.
Despite characters being really young, the story didn't feel too basic. The plot was really intriguing, and the multi-layered mystery kept me engaged until the end. Love the way all of the mundane information spread throughout the book turned out important in connecting all of the pieces, which was really satisfying. I wasn't able to trust any of the characters blindly, which made this book more interesting, along with several plots and twists. I love the world building and character development. Each character was different and had something to offer, so yes, no filler characters, another win. Though I didn't like a few characters or their dynamic, Sierra's entire backstory was kind of lacking and didn't convince me. But it didn't affect the mystery of the story.
It's been a long time since I've read a really enjoyable mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work and maybe some more about Dulce and her mystery-solving skills.
July 15, 2025
Thank you for the advanced reader copy from the Goodreads giveaway! I rarely give 4 or 5 stars to a book (3 should be the average, right?) so I was happy to award this one with 4. It was a fun ride from start to finish and while some of the plot twists were a little predictable, that’s what I expect from a YA book. Overall I thought it was well written and kept me turning the pages so quickly I finished in just a few days.
August 9, 2025
I love a good ya mystery, especially if an unlikely band of teens get together to solve a crime.
This one was interesting, but a little predictable. The mystery itself was fun and I really enjoyed the different motives and red herrings that kept popping up. The culprit tho was easy to pick out but the journey getting there was entertaining. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Dulce and Zane!
The one thing that did irritate me was how Dulce's friends treated her. From the backstory with Sierra to the way that Emi was just kinda shitty to her during the investigation. I honestly think she forgave them way too fast - they need to do a whole lot more groveling. Hopefully if this turns into a series (fingers crossed it does) they will grovel some more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This one was interesting, but a little predictable. The mystery itself was fun and I really enjoyed the different motives and red herrings that kept popping up. The culprit tho was easy to pick out but the journey getting there was entertaining. I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Dulce and Zane!
The one thing that did irritate me was how Dulce's friends treated her. From the backstory with Sierra to the way that Emi was just kinda shitty to her during the investigation. I honestly think she forgave them way too fast - they need to do a whole lot more groveling. Hopefully if this turns into a series (fingers crossed it does) they will grovel some more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.5 stars.
I really enjoy YA mystery, it’s always so devoted to a good twist and a likeable detective who really follows the clues. This book had a good plot, I liked the unique school setting and I like the way there was a separate background mystery our FMC tries to piece together while she’s in the midst of a murder mystery at her school.
Highly recommend for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
I really enjoy YA mystery, it’s always so devoted to a good twist and a likeable detective who really follows the clues. This book had a good plot, I liked the unique school setting and I like the way there was a separate background mystery our FMC tries to piece together while she’s in the midst of a murder mystery at her school.
Highly recommend for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
August 10, 2025
1.75/5
I was excited to read this book, but what I noticed around 50 pages in was that I wasn’t as interested in the story. I think it boils down to the characters for me feeling flat, there wasn’t a lot about them to me outside of general love interests and solving a crime. At least I now want to read Dorothy L. Sayers’ books.
I was excited to read this book, but what I noticed around 50 pages in was that I wasn’t as interested in the story. I think it boils down to the characters for me feeling flat, there wasn’t a lot about them to me outside of general love interests and solving a crime. At least I now want to read Dorothy L. Sayers’ books.
July 18, 2025
A great mystery that kept me guessing!! 🙌
Every time I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong! I really enjoyed the Dulce character too! Definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you enjoy YA and mysteries! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Lauren Muñoz for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
Every time I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong! I really enjoyed the Dulce character too! Definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you enjoy YA and mysteries! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Lauren Muñoz for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
March 14, 2025
James Everett High, a criminology-focused school, hosts an annual murder mystery game that provides students with the chance to win a huge cash prize. Dulce and her best friend Emi are excited about competing for the prize this year to fund their dream trip to England. However, their plans are majorly disrupted and chaos ensues when Xavier, the student picked to play the “victim” in the game is found dead. Now, Dulce must work with her ex-best friend, nemesis, and number one suspect, Sierra, to solve the case and find the true killer.
I am clearly in the minority here, but I did not like this book very much. After finishing, I realize that I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I think the right reader would really enjoy it. First, the things I liked about it. The setting was intriguing and unique (how many other books take place at a high school focused on solving crimes with detective Harry Potter vibes?), and the characters were well-developed. Now, some of my issues with the book. Despite liking the characters at first, I quickly grew to feel that they were very immature, even for the YA genre, and the plot dragged on much longer than necessary. The great reveal at the end was a little unsatisfying to me, but I liked how the author teased future books and left the door open to make this a series with some interesting unanswered questions. I think this book would be perfect for readers that are actually of YA age, whereas a general audience who enjoys YA fiction may not enjoy it as much.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I am clearly in the minority here, but I did not like this book very much. After finishing, I realize that I may not be the correct audience for this book, but I think the right reader would really enjoy it. First, the things I liked about it. The setting was intriguing and unique (how many other books take place at a high school focused on solving crimes with detective Harry Potter vibes?), and the characters were well-developed. Now, some of my issues with the book. Despite liking the characters at first, I quickly grew to feel that they were very immature, even for the YA genre, and the plot dragged on much longer than necessary. The great reveal at the end was a little unsatisfying to me, but I liked how the author teased future books and left the door open to make this a series with some interesting unanswered questions. I think this book would be perfect for readers that are actually of YA age, whereas a general audience who enjoys YA fiction may not enjoy it as much.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 12, 2025
Fun read and great idea for a story. Kept me guessing for a bit.
July 17, 2025
Read: July 8th - July 15th
Format: E-book
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm finding that I really enjoy Lauren Muñoz as an author. I also liked her book "Suddenly a Murder", so I was happy to get this e-ARC. It didn't disappoint.
The criminology private school setting in an old manor was 👌🏼It gave reason for our characters' knowledge and access to certain things while also having the really interesting murder game investigation aspect. Of course, it didn't stay a game for long 🤭
Muñoz does this thing where she has alt-PoV chapters, and just like in "Suddenly a Murder", they added a lot of clues and context so sift through. Dramatic irony is always so fun to play with, and you get it in spades when you get to see those alt-PoV segments 😁
I really enjoyed Zane. Though I may just be bias because I love the name Zane and characters with heterochromia.
The cast overall was varied, with some making me want to shake them without hating them, which I think is a good thing. Don't shy away from making your characters shakable!
The mystery itself was great! I had a theory by about a quarter in that fleshed mostly out by mid-book, and it was mostly right. So the book does a great job guiding you to figuring it out. I do feel like maaaaybe the motivation could have been a bit deeper, but hey. I enjoyed it regardless.
Look forward to what she writes next!
Format: E-book
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm finding that I really enjoy Lauren Muñoz as an author. I also liked her book "Suddenly a Murder", so I was happy to get this e-ARC. It didn't disappoint.
The criminology private school setting in an old manor was 👌🏼It gave reason for our characters' knowledge and access to certain things while also having the really interesting murder game investigation aspect. Of course, it didn't stay a game for long 🤭
Muñoz does this thing where she has alt-PoV chapters, and just like in "Suddenly a Murder", they added a lot of clues and context so sift through. Dramatic irony is always so fun to play with, and you get it in spades when you get to see those alt-PoV segments 😁
I really enjoyed Zane. Though I may just be bias because I love the name Zane and characters with heterochromia.
The cast overall was varied, with some making me want to shake them without hating them, which I think is a good thing. Don't shy away from making your characters shakable!
The mystery itself was great! I had a theory by about a quarter in that fleshed mostly out by mid-book, and it was mostly right. So the book does a great job guiding you to figuring it out. I do feel like maaaaybe the motivation could have been a bit deeper, but hey. I enjoyed it regardless.
Look forward to what she writes next!
May 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a gripping and suspenseful YA boarding school thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Lauren Muñoz crafts a moody, almost gothic setting full of secrets, grief, and quiet danger—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The main character, Dulce, is vulnerable, introspective, and highly observant—someone who overanalyzes situations in a way that makes her feel real and deeply relatable. Her emotional journey adds genuine complexity to the story, especially as she confronts the lingering fallout of her past.
The mystery is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested without tipping into the unbelievable. The plot moves at a solid pace with just the right amount of tension, and I appreciated the emotional undercurrents woven throughout—this isn’t just about solving a murder; it’s about identity, trauma, and the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
While a couple of twists felt a bit too convenient, overall this is a well-constructed, emotionally layered thriller that hits all the right notes for fans of We Were Liars or One of Us is Next.
Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers, for the eARC.
This is a gripping and suspenseful YA boarding school thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Lauren Muñoz crafts a moody, almost gothic setting full of secrets, grief, and quiet danger—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The main character, Dulce, is vulnerable, introspective, and highly observant—someone who overanalyzes situations in a way that makes her feel real and deeply relatable. Her emotional journey adds genuine complexity to the story, especially as she confronts the lingering fallout of her past.
The mystery is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested without tipping into the unbelievable. The plot moves at a solid pace with just the right amount of tension, and I appreciated the emotional undercurrents woven throughout—this isn’t just about solving a murder; it’s about identity, trauma, and the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
While a couple of twists felt a bit too convenient, overall this is a well-constructed, emotionally layered thriller that hits all the right notes for fans of We Were Liars or One of Us is Next.
Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers, for the eARC.
May 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Even as an adult, I’m a huge fan of YA thrillers. This book is well-written, with a unique premise. I really liked the criminology school concept.
The mystery itself is twisted and multilayered—a fake murder that turns into a real one, with each character having a motive. The story blends mystery, drama, and teen romance. The final reveal managed to be shocking without feeling out of place.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pacing. It took a while for the story to grab my attention. The narrative switch between first-person and third-person perspectives was a bit confusing. Also, I disliked how the sidekick, Emi, gaslighted the main character, Dulce, several times throughout the story.
If you’re looking for a fun and light murder mystery, this book might be for you.
Thank you to Penguin Random House, NetGalley & the author for an advanced copy of this book. This book will be published in late July.
Even as an adult, I’m a huge fan of YA thrillers. This book is well-written, with a unique premise. I really liked the criminology school concept.
The mystery itself is twisted and multilayered—a fake murder that turns into a real one, with each character having a motive. The story blends mystery, drama, and teen romance. The final reveal managed to be shocking without feeling out of place.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pacing. It took a while for the story to grab my attention. The narrative switch between first-person and third-person perspectives was a bit confusing. Also, I disliked how the sidekick, Emi, gaslighted the main character, Dulce, several times throughout the story.
If you’re looking for a fun and light murder mystery, this book might be for you.
Thank you to Penguin Random House, NetGalley & the author for an advanced copy of this book. This book will be published in late July.
April 6, 2025
Dulce goes to a prestigious school that specialises in criminology, a place she feels she truly belongs, having solved many a (pretend) crime before. The one thing she hasn't solved yet though, is why the local sheriff would lie about the death of her mother.
The annual murder case ends in being an actual murder and Dulce's former BFF is accused of the crime, and truth been told, all arrows do point in the direction of Sierra.
It is, hands down, a great YA mystery book. Who-dunnit with lots of twists and a good overall plot to keep the reader hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the search and the overall vibe.
Agatha Christie lovers will love this one, no doubt.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion
The annual murder case ends in being an actual murder and Dulce's former BFF is accused of the crime, and truth been told, all arrows do point in the direction of Sierra.
It is, hands down, a great YA mystery book. Who-dunnit with lots of twists and a good overall plot to keep the reader hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the search and the overall vibe.
Agatha Christie lovers will love this one, no doubt.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion
March 3, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love a book with a fun school setting, and this one's school is for amateur/upcoming detectives. The cast of characters was also fun, and I loved how each character who initially was a suspect came together to help Dulce in the end. Each character, including Dulce, was not morally perfect and yet had their own grounded reasons for doing the things they did in the end. Als Sierra is so fascinating and I desperately want her spinoff (and thought she and Dulce should have kissed..oops)
I do think this lost steam midway through and picked up towards the end, which clarifies why this one isn't a perfect five-star to me.
I love a book with a fun school setting, and this one's school is for amateur/upcoming detectives. The cast of characters was also fun, and I loved how each character who initially was a suspect came together to help Dulce in the end. Each character, including Dulce, was not morally perfect and yet had their own grounded reasons for doing the things they did in the end. Als Sierra is so fascinating and I desperately want her spinoff (and thought she and Dulce should have kissed..oops)
I do think this lost steam midway through and picked up towards the end, which clarifies why this one isn't a perfect five-star to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
Calling all fans of Holly Jackson and Truly Devious!
It’s a new school year at the Dr. James Everett School of Criminology. This year, Dulce Death Castillo is determined to win the annual murder mystery. But when the mock murder of class president and previous winner, Xavier Torres, turns into a genuine murder mystery, Dulce must put aside her bad blood with her ex-best friend turned accused murderer Sierra Fox. Dulce and her ragtag team of friends soon discover that not everyone is as innocent as they claim to be, even those closest to her. But the real question is can a faux detective solve a very real murder?
Muñoz concocted a well-rounded YA mystery novel that had me guessing until the very end! I’m usually one to guess quite early on, but I was wrong every single time. Very Dangerous Things kept me hooked from beginning to end, so much so that I read it in two days! Mark your calendars for July 29th because this was one wild ride you don’t want to miss!
A special to NetGalley for the copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a new school year at the Dr. James Everett School of Criminology. This year, Dulce Death Castillo is determined to win the annual murder mystery. But when the mock murder of class president and previous winner, Xavier Torres, turns into a genuine murder mystery, Dulce must put aside her bad blood with her ex-best friend turned accused murderer Sierra Fox. Dulce and her ragtag team of friends soon discover that not everyone is as innocent as they claim to be, even those closest to her. But the real question is can a faux detective solve a very real murder?
Muñoz concocted a well-rounded YA mystery novel that had me guessing until the very end! I’m usually one to guess quite early on, but I was wrong every single time. Very Dangerous Things kept me hooked from beginning to end, so much so that I read it in two days! Mark your calendars for July 29th because this was one wild ride you don’t want to miss!
A special to NetGalley for the copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
4,5☆
Thank you to the publisher and the author for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this! The characters were fun to follow and the mystery kept me intrigued from beginning to end. The writing really worked for me and I also liked the narration style of occasionally getting flashbacks to the past. The setting of a school that focuses on crime solving was so interesting and really brought an interesting aspect to the story!
I really liked the conclusion of the mystery and the whole book ended perfectly. I really recommend this to YA mystery lovers!
Thank you to the publisher and the author for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this! The characters were fun to follow and the mystery kept me intrigued from beginning to end. The writing really worked for me and I also liked the narration style of occasionally getting flashbacks to the past. The setting of a school that focuses on crime solving was so interesting and really brought an interesting aspect to the story!
I really liked the conclusion of the mystery and the whole book ended perfectly. I really recommend this to YA mystery lovers!
July 16, 2025
4.5 💫
This was just a really fun time! It had me genuinely stumped and desperate for answers in a way that's rare. I was changing my theories and suspect list every other chapter. It never felt too repetitive or obvious, and at one point it felt like it really could be anyone. Even my wildest theories seemed possible.
I think this was incredibly well thought out and put together. Great characters, great backstories, great setting, great motives, just really great.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC!
This was just a really fun time! It had me genuinely stumped and desperate for answers in a way that's rare. I was changing my theories and suspect list every other chapter. It never felt too repetitive or obvious, and at one point it felt like it really could be anyone. Even my wildest theories seemed possible.
I think this was incredibly well thought out and put together. Great characters, great backstories, great setting, great motives, just really great.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC!
February 17, 2025
Dolce attends a criminology high school that hosts a murder mystery each year for its students to solve. Only this year, the murder is real.
This was a fun murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and great characters. With that said, all of the adults in this book were ridiculous (as is common in much YA).
While not necessarily believable, this was a fun ride.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
This was a fun murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and great characters. With that said, all of the adults in this book were ridiculous (as is common in much YA).
While not necessarily believable, this was a fun ride.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
July 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
May 12, 2025
I've been on a mystery kick this year, and NetGalley offered this book about teen sleuths at a private high school for kids who are interested in mysteries and crime solving. The setting actually went a bit beyond my ability to suspend my disbelief, and I found it hard to imagine that there were enough people interested in attending this specialized high school in a small town. However, the mystery itself was nicely plotted, with the author laying down plenty of clues that all pointed to different suspects. While the clues themselves were very obvious, the fun was in watching the characters make sense of them and figure out which of the suspects was guilty. I also liked that the main character wasn't the most willing or capable detective, as that added in elements of character growth.
July 31, 2025
This is one of the best books I've read this year! I absolutely could not put it down, and immediately ordered a physical copy to add to my collection. I was eat, sleep, breathing Very Dangerous Things. I'd read anything else Lauren Muñoz writes, she's instantly become an insta-read author for me.
First - the premise. A murder mystery set at a criminology technical high school based on the annual project? Sold. I'm here for the murder mystery. but give such an intriguing and unique premise and I'm there immediately.
Next - the characters. There's such depth between the characters, the backstories unfold at the perfect time, and while some things were predictable (I mean, it's made for brains younger than mine, so I'm not too pressed about it), I was hooked. Everything had a purpose and was tied up with a pretty bow by the end.
Finally - the vibes. There are palpable emotions; I can feel the thrill, tension, and anticipation. I was physically vibrating at points with need to find out what happened next. For a YA novel, this is phenomenal. For any novel, really. There's nothing flat about this book. I was raving about it the entire time I was reading, and I don't plan to shut up about it any time soon.
I can tell you honestly that these characters and their story will live rent free in my brain for all the right reasons. This is storytelling at it's finest. I'm content with Very Dangerous Things being a standalone if that's the vision, but I would also not complain if we got more stories in this world in the future.
Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to give this book a read. I'm so thankful!
First - the premise. A murder mystery set at a criminology technical high school based on the annual project? Sold. I'm here for the murder mystery. but give such an intriguing and unique premise and I'm there immediately.
Next - the characters. There's such depth between the characters, the backstories unfold at the perfect time, and while some things were predictable (I mean, it's made for brains younger than mine, so I'm not too pressed about it), I was hooked. Everything had a purpose and was tied up with a pretty bow by the end.
Finally - the vibes. There are palpable emotions; I can feel the thrill, tension, and anticipation. I was physically vibrating at points with need to find out what happened next. For a YA novel, this is phenomenal. For any novel, really. There's nothing flat about this book. I was raving about it the entire time I was reading, and I don't plan to shut up about it any time soon.
I can tell you honestly that these characters and their story will live rent free in my brain for all the right reasons. This is storytelling at it's finest. I'm content with Very Dangerous Things being a standalone if that's the vision, but I would also not complain if we got more stories in this world in the future.
Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to give this book a read. I'm so thankful!
May 27, 2025
Firstly thankyou to NetGalley and Bonnier books uk for approving me to receive this e-arc.
Once again, just like ‘suddenly a murder’ I couldn’t put this book down. I love a good YA mystery and this didn’t disappoint.
The story is filled with plot twists to keep you turning those pages, hoping you’ve figured out who’s done it before another twists proves you wrong. I enjoyed the fact that while Dulce and her friends were trying to solve a mystery at school she was also trying to figure out a personal mystery of her own at the same time.
For those who enjoyed A Good Girls Guide To Murder, i think you’d love this.
Once again, just like ‘suddenly a murder’ I couldn’t put this book down. I love a good YA mystery and this didn’t disappoint.
The story is filled with plot twists to keep you turning those pages, hoping you’ve figured out who’s done it before another twists proves you wrong. I enjoyed the fact that while Dulce and her friends were trying to solve a mystery at school she was also trying to figure out a personal mystery of her own at the same time.
For those who enjoyed A Good Girls Guide To Murder, i think you’d love this.
August 4, 2025
Lauren Muñoz's sophomore effort, Very Dangerous Things, proves that lightning can indeed strike twice. Following her acclaimed debut Suddenly a Murder, Muñoz returns with a mystery that seamlessly weaves classic detective fiction with sharp contemporary social commentary, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and urgently modern. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology, this YA thriller transforms the familiar boarding school setting into something far more sinister and compelling.
The premise hooks readers from the opening pages: J. Everett High's annual murder mystery game—a tradition spanning decades—takes a deadly turn when Xavier Torres, the student chosen to play the victim, is found genuinely murdered in the school greenhouse. What should have been an elaborate academic exercise becomes a real investigation, thrusting crime-obsessed junior Dulce Castillo into a web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear.
Character Development That Cuts Deep
Dulce Castillo: A Detective Worth Following
Muñoz has crafted in Dulce Castillo a protagonist who transcends typical YA mystery archetypes. Named after Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey from Dorothy L. Sayers' classic detective novels, Dulce carries both the intellectual curiosity of her literary namesake and the emotional complexity of a teenager grappling with profound loss. Her mother's death in a car accident two years prior serves as both character motivation and plot catalyst, creating layers of personal stakes that elevate the mystery beyond simple whodunit mechanics.
What makes Dulce particularly compelling is Muñoz's refusal to make her conventionally likable. She's stubborn, sometimes cruel, and driven by grief-fueled anger that feels authentically teenage rather than artificially mature. Her relationship with former best friend Sierra Fox—the prime suspect in Xavier's murder—crackles with genuine animosity born from betrayal and loss. The author doesn't rush to heal these wounds or force reconciliation, instead allowing their fractured friendship to remain realistically jagged throughout most of the narrative.
Supporting Cast That Sparkles
The supporting characters avoid the pitfall of feeling like chess pieces moved solely to advance plot. Emi Nakamura, Dulce's loyal best friend with her Magic 8 Ball and boundless energy, provides both comic relief and genuine emotional grounding. Her chemistry with the mysterious transfer student Zane Lawrence creates romantic tension that feels organic rather than obligatory.
Sierra Fox emerges as perhaps the novel's most complex character—a girl trapped between family loyalty and personal integrity, whose privileged background can't shield her from the consequences of past choices. Even Xavier Torres, despite being the victim, feels fully realized through flashbacks and other characters' memories, avoiding the trap of becoming merely a plot device.
Atmospheric Excellence and Setting as Character
J. Everett High: More Than Just a School
Muñoz transforms the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology into a character in its own right. The converted mansion with its ivy-covered walls, hidden passages, and greenhouse laboratory creates an atmosphere that's both cozy and menacing. The author's attention to architectural detail—from the brass lion knocker to the security cameras—builds a world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The small town of Cape Cherry, Virginia, serves as more than mere backdrop. Muñoz skillfully weaves local politics, family dynamics, and community secrets into the larger mystery, creating a sense of place that grounds the more fantastical elements of the plot. The annual Poisoner's Festival and the school's elaborate murder mystery tradition feel like authentic local customs rather than convenient plot devices.
Plot Construction: Intricate Without Being Overwrought
Classic Mystery Structure with Modern Sensibilities
The murder mystery follows traditional Golden Age conventions while incorporating contemporary concerns about privilege, justice, and institutional corruption. Muñoz plants clues fairly, allowing astute readers to piece together elements of the solution alongside Dulce's investigation. The revelation that Dean Whitaker orchestrated Xavier's murder to cover up his gambling debts and affair feels both surprising and inevitable—the mark of skilled plotting.
However, the book occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The subplot involving Dulce's mother's death and the corrupt sheriff sometimes feels disconnected from the main mystery, though it ultimately ties together in the climax. Some readers may find the coincidences that bring various plot threads together strain credibility, particularly the revelation about Zane's criminal past and his connection to Sheriff Calhoun.
Pacing That Mostly Delivers
Muñoz maintains strong momentum throughout most of the novel, though the middle section occasionally slows as Dulce grapples with whether to help Sierra. These moments of indecision, while realistic for a grieving teenager, sometimes halt the mystery's forward progress. The final act, however, more than compensates with genuine tension and clever misdirection that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Thematic Depth Beyond the Genre
Justice, Friendship, and the Price of Truth
Beneath its mystery framework, Very Dangerous Things grapples with weighty themes that give the novel substance beyond its genre conventions. The exploration of friendship's fragility—how trauma and family pressure can destroy bonds between young people—feels particularly authentic. Dulce's anger toward Sierra for publicly blaming her mother for the car accident that killed her creates a moral complexity that enriches the entire narrative.
The book's examination of corruption and privilege proves especially relevant. From Mayor Fox's political maneuvering to Sheriff Calhoun's evidence tampering, Muñoz doesn't shy away from depicting how power protects itself at the expense of truth and justice. The way these adult corruptions impact and manipulate teenage relationships adds layers of social commentary that distinguish this from lighter mystery fare.
Writing Style: Golden Age Meets Gen Z
Literary Influences Worn Proudly
Muñoz's love for Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey novels permeates the text in the best possible way. Each chapter opens with a Sayers quote that illuminates both plot and theme, while Dulce's detection methods consciously echo classical amateur sleuth traditions. This literary consciousness never feels pretentious; instead, it adds depth and sophistication to what could have been a more straightforward teen thriller.
The prose itself strikes an effective balance between accessible YA voice and the more formal cadences of Golden Age mystery. Muñoz has clearly studied the masters—the way she structures reveals, plants red herrings, and builds atmosphere shows deep understanding of mystery conventions while maintaining her own distinctive style.
Minor Critique: Occasional Overexplanation
While generally strong, the writing occasionally falls into the YA trap of over-explaining emotional states and motivations. Some of Dulce's internal monologues about her feelings toward Sierra or her mother's death could trust readers to understand subtext. Additionally, certain plot revelations are telegraphed more heavily than necessary, though this may be intentional to allow younger readers to follow the complex mystery elements.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Very Dangerous Things succeeds admirably as both a standalone mystery and a worthy follow-up to Suddenly a Murder. Muñoz has clearly learned from her debut, creating tighter plotting and more nuanced character development while maintaining the atmospheric excellence that made her first novel so compelling.
The book works on multiple levels: as a straightforward whodunit for mystery lovers, as a character study of grief and friendship for literary readers, and as social commentary for those seeking deeper meaning. While not without minor flaws—occasional pacing issues and some heavy-handed emotional exposition—the novel delivers genuine surprises, authentic emotion, and satisfying resolution.
The premise hooks readers from the opening pages: J. Everett High's annual murder mystery game—a tradition spanning decades—takes a deadly turn when Xavier Torres, the student chosen to play the victim, is found genuinely murdered in the school greenhouse. What should have been an elaborate academic exercise becomes a real investigation, thrusting crime-obsessed junior Dulce Castillo into a web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear.
Character Development That Cuts Deep
Dulce Castillo: A Detective Worth Following
Muñoz has crafted in Dulce Castillo a protagonist who transcends typical YA mystery archetypes. Named after Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey from Dorothy L. Sayers' classic detective novels, Dulce carries both the intellectual curiosity of her literary namesake and the emotional complexity of a teenager grappling with profound loss. Her mother's death in a car accident two years prior serves as both character motivation and plot catalyst, creating layers of personal stakes that elevate the mystery beyond simple whodunit mechanics.
What makes Dulce particularly compelling is Muñoz's refusal to make her conventionally likable. She's stubborn, sometimes cruel, and driven by grief-fueled anger that feels authentically teenage rather than artificially mature. Her relationship with former best friend Sierra Fox—the prime suspect in Xavier's murder—crackles with genuine animosity born from betrayal and loss. The author doesn't rush to heal these wounds or force reconciliation, instead allowing their fractured friendship to remain realistically jagged throughout most of the narrative.
Supporting Cast That Sparkles
The supporting characters avoid the pitfall of feeling like chess pieces moved solely to advance plot. Emi Nakamura, Dulce's loyal best friend with her Magic 8 Ball and boundless energy, provides both comic relief and genuine emotional grounding. Her chemistry with the mysterious transfer student Zane Lawrence creates romantic tension that feels organic rather than obligatory.
Sierra Fox emerges as perhaps the novel's most complex character—a girl trapped between family loyalty and personal integrity, whose privileged background can't shield her from the consequences of past choices. Even Xavier Torres, despite being the victim, feels fully realized through flashbacks and other characters' memories, avoiding the trap of becoming merely a plot device.
Atmospheric Excellence and Setting as Character
J. Everett High: More Than Just a School
Muñoz transforms the Dr. James Everett School for Crime and Criminology into a character in its own right. The converted mansion with its ivy-covered walls, hidden passages, and greenhouse laboratory creates an atmosphere that's both cozy and menacing. The author's attention to architectural detail—from the brass lion knocker to the security cameras—builds a world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The small town of Cape Cherry, Virginia, serves as more than mere backdrop. Muñoz skillfully weaves local politics, family dynamics, and community secrets into the larger mystery, creating a sense of place that grounds the more fantastical elements of the plot. The annual Poisoner's Festival and the school's elaborate murder mystery tradition feel like authentic local customs rather than convenient plot devices.
Plot Construction: Intricate Without Being Overwrought
Classic Mystery Structure with Modern Sensibilities
The murder mystery follows traditional Golden Age conventions while incorporating contemporary concerns about privilege, justice, and institutional corruption. Muñoz plants clues fairly, allowing astute readers to piece together elements of the solution alongside Dulce's investigation. The revelation that Dean Whitaker orchestrated Xavier's murder to cover up his gambling debts and affair feels both surprising and inevitable—the mark of skilled plotting.
However, the book occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The subplot involving Dulce's mother's death and the corrupt sheriff sometimes feels disconnected from the main mystery, though it ultimately ties together in the climax. Some readers may find the coincidences that bring various plot threads together strain credibility, particularly the revelation about Zane's criminal past and his connection to Sheriff Calhoun.
Pacing That Mostly Delivers
Muñoz maintains strong momentum throughout most of the novel, though the middle section occasionally slows as Dulce grapples with whether to help Sierra. These moments of indecision, while realistic for a grieving teenager, sometimes halt the mystery's forward progress. The final act, however, more than compensates with genuine tension and clever misdirection that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Thematic Depth Beyond the Genre
Justice, Friendship, and the Price of Truth
Beneath its mystery framework, Very Dangerous Things grapples with weighty themes that give the novel substance beyond its genre conventions. The exploration of friendship's fragility—how trauma and family pressure can destroy bonds between young people—feels particularly authentic. Dulce's anger toward Sierra for publicly blaming her mother for the car accident that killed her creates a moral complexity that enriches the entire narrative.
The book's examination of corruption and privilege proves especially relevant. From Mayor Fox's political maneuvering to Sheriff Calhoun's evidence tampering, Muñoz doesn't shy away from depicting how power protects itself at the expense of truth and justice. The way these adult corruptions impact and manipulate teenage relationships adds layers of social commentary that distinguish this from lighter mystery fare.
Writing Style: Golden Age Meets Gen Z
Literary Influences Worn Proudly
Muñoz's love for Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey novels permeates the text in the best possible way. Each chapter opens with a Sayers quote that illuminates both plot and theme, while Dulce's detection methods consciously echo classical amateur sleuth traditions. This literary consciousness never feels pretentious; instead, it adds depth and sophistication to what could have been a more straightforward teen thriller.
The prose itself strikes an effective balance between accessible YA voice and the more formal cadences of Golden Age mystery. Muñoz has clearly studied the masters—the way she structures reveals, plants red herrings, and builds atmosphere shows deep understanding of mystery conventions while maintaining her own distinctive style.
Minor Critique: Occasional Overexplanation
While generally strong, the writing occasionally falls into the YA trap of over-explaining emotional states and motivations. Some of Dulce's internal monologues about her feelings toward Sierra or her mother's death could trust readers to understand subtext. Additionally, certain plot revelations are telegraphed more heavily than necessary, though this may be intentional to allow younger readers to follow the complex mystery elements.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Very Dangerous Things succeeds admirably as both a standalone mystery and a worthy follow-up to Suddenly a Murder. Muñoz has clearly learned from her debut, creating tighter plotting and more nuanced character development while maintaining the atmospheric excellence that made her first novel so compelling.
The book works on multiple levels: as a straightforward whodunit for mystery lovers, as a character study of grief and friendship for literary readers, and as social commentary for those seeking deeper meaning. While not without minor flaws—occasional pacing issues and some heavy-handed emotional exposition—the novel delivers genuine surprises, authentic emotion, and satisfying resolution.
June 5, 2025
Dulce Castillo’s middle name is Death. Literally. Because her mother so loved the Dorothy L. Sayers’ novels about Lord Peter Death Breton Wimsey, she wound up naming her child Dulce Death Castillo. So, you could say that Dulce was born to a life of crime. Or at least the solving of such matters.
As a young woman, she even started her own detective agency with her best friend Sierra Fox. The two of them, operating under the name Death & Fox, wound up solving all kinds of cases, missing pets and whatnot. However, while they were on one of their cases, secretly seducing and questioning some suspicious boys, Dulce’s mother wound up killed in a drunk driving accident. Dulce absorbed the guilt for this incident—because she lied about where she’d be, her mother must’ve been out and looking for her when the accident happened. Also, the incident smeared the family name and drove a wedge between Dulce and her best friend.
Years on, both young women (now enemies) are both attending the premier J. Everett School for Criminology. As the annual murder game approaches, Dulce and her bestie Emi are looking forward to showing up Sierra and her gaggle of sycophants by winning the game and the thirty-thousand dollar prize. The money will go to the planned summer trip abroad to visit locations tied to the Lord Wimsey mystery novels.
However, the game is interrupted when Sierra’s boyfriend Xavier Torrez is murdered for real. Sierra is the leading suspect, and with her in custody the police are uninterested in running down additional clues or issues. Desperate for action, Sierra reaches out to Dulce and Emi to prove her innocence. Dulce is initially and understandably reluctant, but soon gets involved. The list of suspects is actually quite long, including quiet wallflower Rose (whom Emi is oddly protective about), the cute transfer student Zane Lawrence, Xavier’s creepy brother Enzo, and others around the school.
In order to get to the truth, Dulce will have to butt heads with Dean Stan Whitaker, possibly corrupt Sheriff Calhoun, Sierra’s mother and town mayor Lily Fox, the coroner Dr. Bates, her favorite teacher Ms. Moss, and even her own father. But like Dorothy Sayers’ immortal creation, she will stop at nothing to learn the facts. Even if it puts her own life at risk. Along the way, she may even learn some painful and dangerous truths about her own mother’s death as well … Lauren Muñoz pens a love letter to Dorothy L. Sayers in the form of a YA murder mystery with Very Dangerous Things.
I’ve never actually read the Lord Wimsey novels, but Muñoz’s book is certainly presenting a compelling argument to fix this oversight. Each of the chapters begins with an epigraph taken from one of the books, offering a thematic or metaphoric link to what will follow. They are charming, witty, thoughtful … you know, right up my alley. The author of Very Dangerous Things is a Dorothy Sayers enthusiast and her first person narrator is as well (thanks to early indoctrination/introduction by her now deceased mother). However, if my experience is any indication, familiarity with those books is not necessary to enjoy this one.
Muñoz tells the story generally in the first person. Dulce is our point of view character, and the world is cleanly presented through her perspective. She’s not a perfect character by any stretch of the imagination. She makes errors, leaps of logic, and even completely incorrect reads of the available data. She’s not a professional and infallible detective but a human one who see evidence, tries to make sense of it, and then has to recant and try again. I appreciate that approach to the mystery genre.
However, there are some chapters presented in a removed third person voice (always flashback chapters, in fact), which Dulce might have learned about or pieced together later, or which might be authorial intrusion. Those chapters are intended to flesh out material that isn’t in the main storyline, giving the reader clues that may or may not mislead them into following the narrator’s own instinctive and intuitive leaps.
In fact, the author is quite clever at giving us enough information and context to mislead us. The final solution is right there from the get go, but our ability to see it is marred. For the characters, relationships get in the way, of course, and big emotions. And we get to ride along, trying to parse the truth from a plethora of blind avenues and wrong turns.
Nicotine poisoning is a big component in the book, and this feels like a wonderful throwback to the mystery novels of yore. We don’t see this particular method these days. That is one more clever touch by the author to lend this compelling contemporary narrative a touch of the classic whodunit. The author is not merely a Sayers fan but seems to be well versed in the history of crime and detection fiction.
Readers versed in the classics of the genre will recognize certain elements throughout. After a brief prologue that indicates both the crime and the eagerness of the narrators to get into the case (only to learn it’s not a game), we take a step back to meet the characters, get a feel for the suspects who will be involved in the investigation, encounter the crime along with a handful of clues, and then a general progression toward the solution to said crime. False testimony, incorrect recollections, ruined timelines, and other setbacks make the investigation all the more challenging. But Dulce will discover the identity of the guilty party by the end. No spoiler there; this is a murder mystery novel, after all …
However, as the author points out in her Acknowledgements, this is not simply a story aimed at the head. Accompanying the contemporary mystery plot is the mystery of Dulce’s own mother’s death and a romance plot that may be more than it seems. Dulce is not a people person (except for her ability to observe people and pick out the motivations behind their actions) and so she is ultimately blindsided by an attraction to her from someone she’s considered off limits. As well, her relationships with friends and foes alike are even more complicated, evolving and growing in real time with the plot’s progression. The result is a rich, layered story with as many moments of suspense that relate to how her relationships to people are changing as to how the mystery is unfolding.
The one-two punch of a compelling plot and compelling relationships makes the novel a terrific place to lose one’s self for a few hundred pages. It’s not a dull read thanks to the author’s attentiveness to the stuff of character, description, and suspense. This is the kind of book almost guaranteed to keep readers up past their bedtimes. It certainly did me.
In the final analysis, Very Dangerous Things is an enjoyable page turner, the kind of book that catches us between two different impulses. On the one hand, we want to cruise through the pages because we are eager to see the resolution. On the other hand, however, we want to take our time because the characters are so rich and intriguing. Muñoz constructs her characters with care and devotion and plots the hell out of this book. There are several twists I did not expect, and the book does a fine job of misdirection. Very Dangerous Things is a worthwhile read for mystery afficionados and romance enthusiasts.
July 18, 2025
This book was so much fun (but also heartbreaking at times). It was INTENSE, I could feel the various stressors in my own chest. I loved sassy, smart, flawed Dulce as the MC and sleuth and could really connect to her in trouble trusting people, especially with her past. I admired her commitment to becoming a detective and discovering the mystery around her mom's death. The strength it must take to keep going in this town that treated them like trash after a lie was spread was unfathomable. The idea of a criminology high school is SO INCREDIBLY COOL and I loved everything we learned about it. I am kind of sad to say goodbye to it. The characters were all great, super suspicious and kinda selfish, but still so great and worked perfectly to make this book have sooo many twists and turns. I gasped in surprise multiple times. It was fast paced and I could not put it down (and the end!!!) There is a lot of hurt, but also forgiveness and also introspection into how not everything is so one sided as it might seem.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfect! She hit all the right notes for the different dramas and all the emotions throughout the story to keep the reader's heart racing.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC and an ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfect! She hit all the right notes for the different dramas and all the emotions throughout the story to keep the reader's heart racing.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC and an ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
March 13, 2025
I loved this new YA from Lauren Muñoz! The whole "real murder happening during a murder game" is actually a favorite trope of mine and this story is no exception. Criminology students are thrust into a real murder scene when one of their fellow students is murdered. Very Dangerous Things captures the high school vibe well (at least as this middle-age woman imagines it) and all of the students are suspects. Dulce & her friends / frenemies are quickly embroiled in the mystery. And the mystery quickly involves the past - Dulce's mother's death.
Very Dangerous Things is lots of fun - great characters, dialogue, and twisty turns. There's action and, above all, a solid mystery. Bonus points for all of the shout outs to Dorothy L. Sayers & her iconic Lord Peter Wimsey novels as well as the Golden Age locked room mysteries. I highly recommend to any fans of the Truly Devious or the Charlotte Holmes series.
FWIW, I received this ARC from #NetGalley and #PenguinYoungReaders. This voluntary review is my own opinion.
Very Dangerous Things is lots of fun - great characters, dialogue, and twisty turns. There's action and, above all, a solid mystery. Bonus points for all of the shout outs to Dorothy L. Sayers & her iconic Lord Peter Wimsey novels as well as the Golden Age locked room mysteries. I highly recommend to any fans of the Truly Devious or the Charlotte Holmes series.
FWIW, I received this ARC from #NetGalley and #PenguinYoungReaders. This voluntary review is my own opinion.
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