This book is everything you didn’t know you needed—think Veronica Mars meets Wednesday with a fierce, smart, and slightly stubborn protagonist you can’t help but root for. Meet Dulce: she’s been solving mysteries since middle school, and now she’s at an elite private school that’s basically detective-training heaven. But when a student is murdered and all eyes point to her ex-best friend as the prime suspect, Dulce refuses to get involved...until she doesn’t.

Cue the whirlwind. There's swoon-worthy boys, classic high school drama, and enough twists to keep you guessing. But it’s not just teen drama; there’s a shady sheriff, secret affairs, and a heated election that have the adults all tangled up. As Dulce dives deeper into the case, the stakes rise fast—and so does the danger. She’ll risk everything, including her own safety, to uncover the truth.

Fast-paced, clever, and just plain fun, this book is like binge-watching your favorite mystery series with a cup of hot cocoa. A perfect ode to Dorothy Sayers but totally fresh for today’s readers. You won’t want to stop turning pages!

This book was a pleasant surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was a quick read and a good time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

VERY DANGEROUS THINGS by Lauren Muñoz

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the earc (July 29)

It was only supposed to be a game.
J.Everett High stages a game each year: the criminology students must solve a murder. When Xavier Torres, the student playing the victim, is found poisoned it lines up with how things are supposed to go. Except...he was actually murdered. And the police think Sierra Fox did it, so she enlists the help of Dulce Castillo to solve Xavier's murder.
I remember when I read SUDDENLY A MURDER, and I loved how twisted it was, so I had very high hopes for this book. VERY DANGEROUS THINGS was an explosive read with twists and turns galore. From the prologue, before I even knew what was going on, I was hooked. As the story unfolded, the mystery unwove, I remained so. This book is a thrilling tale that left me shocked...more than once. It's not just a story of murder. VERY DANGEROUS THINGS is a story of friendship, secrets, and betrayal. It left me grasping for the whodunit it, picking away at the evidence as I tried to solve Xavier Torres's murder. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, and Muñoz entered a twist that left me dumbfounded, mouth agape as I reveled in shock.
As the story moved along, I was appreciative of the flashback chapter because it added something to the story that you don't get with first person pov, because it allows for the reader to get more insight from other characters, time periods, etc. And, honestly, some of those chapters had me pointing fingers. Admittedly, it was in the wrong direction. It was until the last few chapters that I figured everything out, which was amazing. I love that this book wasn't predictable. It was mysterious and left me wanting more. With more mysterious needing solved, I would love to see a second book with these characters.
10/10 would recommend. VERY DANGEROUS THINGS is a must read for mystery lovers, drama lovers, and lovers of shocking whodunit reveals.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book.
Very Dangerous Things is a fast [aced thriller that will keep you guessing. Everyone is hiding something and things aren't always what they seem. I enjoyed this thriller and couldn't put it down. I think readers that enjoy Holly Jackson and Karen McManus will love this book.

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!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin, and GP Putnam Sons for this ARC! All opinions are my own.


“Very Dangerous Things” introduces us to J. Everett High, a specialized school that allows students to study criminology. The school has a yearly game, where they stage a murder mystery for teams of students to solve, with a money prize for the fastest team. But when the student who is supposed to be playing the victim turns up dead for real, this is no longer a game. It’s real murder.

Dulce Castillo gets wrapped up in the case when her ex-best friend and the deceased’s girlfriend, Sierra, becomes the primary suspect. Claiming innocence, Sierra begs Dulce to put aside their problems to find the real killer. With her best friend and a cute new boy on her side, Dulce agrees to solve this case. But she comes to realize the very big difference between a game and a real murder: there’s a real killer at the end of the line.

I loved “Suddenly A Murder”, so when the chance arose to read Muñoz’s latest, I had to go for it! She is an excellent storyteller when it comes to mysteries, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this story. It’s very different from her first book, which was set in an isolated manor, and I liked that we got a more open world in “VDT”. The characters were unique as well, which is no surprise, since I feel Muñoz does so well with writing distinctive characters. The pacing was good, the plot was great, and I the killer reveal was a total surprise. If you’re a fan of mysteries or true crime, or loved Muñoz’s first book, then I highly recommend this one.

This is a fun whodunnit set at a private school in a small town. It's twisty and entertaining, while also, somehow, having some plot points that should be unbelievable. I enjoyed it enough that the craziness didn't bother me. It was a fast, easy read and I'm glad I got to read the ARC. I definitely want to read more by Lauren Muñoz!

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 really loved how each character who initially was a suspect ended up coming 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 own 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.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

This one grabbed my attention right away and didn't let go. I read this in 2 sittings, would have been one but real life commitments prevailed. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Great mystery with a fantastic cast of characters! I really enjoyed this book, it was supremely readable and fun. I was so confused by the end, I was thinking it could be almost anyone! I love when I can’t guess the ending so this was a joy to read for me. The author did such an incredible job on the plot, it was so twisty it felt like my head was spinning! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Every year, the Dr James Everett School of Criminology school stages a murder mystery to test its students. This year, Dulce Castillo is determined to win the big prize. The plot thickens when the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse - and suspicion falls on Sierra Fox, her ex-best friend and Xavier’s ex-girlfriend.. The investigation itself has many twists and turns. Great YA story requiring the reader to follow the story carefully.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to honestly review.

Lauren Muñoz delivers a gripping, high-stakes YA mystery in Very Dangerous Things, blending an immersive murder investigation with the perfect amount of drama and suspense. Set against the eerie backdrop of J. Everett High’s annual murder mystery game, the novel follows true crime-obsessed Dulce Castillo as she’s pulled into a real-life whodunit when a staged “victim” turns up actually dead.

The book thrives on its intricate plotting and dynamic characters, particularly Dulce, whose determination and sharp instincts make her a compelling lead. The tension between her and accused ex-best friend Sierra Fox adds an emotional depth that enhances the stakes of the mystery. As the clues pile up and secrets unravel, Muñoz expertly keeps readers guessing with plenty of red herrings and shocking twists.

Perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Truly Devious, Very Dangerous Things is an addictive page-turner packed with intrigue, betrayal, and a relentless sense of danger. A must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy a dark academia vibe with a fresh, modern twist.

“Very Dangerous Things” takes readers on a thrilling journey through the final project at an elite private school, where students are tasked with solving a fictional murder that quickly escalates into a deadly reality. The stakes have never been higher, and the question of who the real killer is becomes not just a game—but a fight for survival.

The concept of an immersive, "whodunit" final project is was so much fun, blending elements of mystery and psychological drama with the allure of high-stakes competition. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring dark, twisted motives in an academic setting, all while the characters grapple with their personal ambitions and a hefty scholarship dangling in the balance. The added tension of a real murder taking place within the confines of a seemingly controlled game made for an a very fun story.

The plot is solid, with numerous suspects each carrying their own secrets and motives. While I was able to piece together the mystery within the first ten chapters, this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. Instead, I found myself excited to go on this journey of uncovering how the various threads would come together, and whether or not the characters would be able to put aside their differences and solve the case in time.

Dulce, is a standout character. Her reluctance to dive into the investigation, rooted in past trauma, is completely understandable and makes her development throughout the story all the more compelling. Despite her reservations, her natural curiosity and sharp investigative skills make her an invaluable asset to the case. Dulce is smart, resourceful, and more than willing to bend the rules to uncover uncomfortable truths—both about this crime and the secrets surrounding her mother’s death. Watching her grow from a reluctant participant to a key figure in the investigation is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

The supporting cast of characters, while sometimes fitting familiar archetypes, bring a necessary layer of complexity and emotional depth to the story. Their varying perspectives and relationships with Dulce add intrigue and spark moments of tension that keep the narrative moving forward. The romance, though secondary to the plot, provides a nice balance—subtle yet sweet, without overshadowing the main focus of the mystery.

In the end, ‘Very Dangerous Things” delivers an entertaining, fast-paced mystery with satisfying twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat with an author I would be excited to follow into another murderous world again.

**special thanks to to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

"Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz is a top-notch YA whodunit with a unique setting, colorful characters, and plenty of red herrings. A murder mystery game turns deadly at J. Everett High, a private criminology school, turning everyone into a suspect and forcing a criminology student to crack the case.

Every year, the school stages a murder mystery to test its students. This year, crime junkie Dulce Death Castillo is determined to win the big prize. A longtime fan of Lord Wimsey, the literary detective created by Dorothy L. Sayers, she applies his methods to her own life. The plot thickens when the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse - and suspicion falls on Sierra Fox, her ex-best friend and Xavier’s ex-girlfriend.

Sierra begs Dulce to prove her innocence, but Dulce refuses at first, still resenting her for abandoning her after her mother’s accidental death. Meanwhile, her best friend Emi starts investigating on her own, growing closer to another student, much to Dulce’s dismay. Then there’s Zane, a new student with a shady past and secrets of his own. Hoping to uncover the truth about both the murder and her mother’s accident, Dulce joins the investigation, applying her keen powers of observation - and Lord Wimsey’s methods - to catch a murderer and seek justice.

I loved this book! It's one of the best YA novels I’ve read recently, packed with twists and turns that will leave you spinning. The writing is sharp and engaging, pulling you in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded, with interactions that feel authentic and reveal glimpses of their pasts.

The story explores themes of grief, loss, betrayal, and friendship, and I love how the author expresses these emotions in such a relatable way. There’s even a bit of romance, though it never overshadows the mystery. The suspense keeps you hooked while making you root for the protagonists. Some moments may require a suspension of disbelief, but they don’t take away from the story’s impact.

Each chapter begins with a Dorothy L. Sayers quote, adding another layer of depth to the book. I’ve read a few of Sayers' novels, but after finishing this, I feel an even stronger urge to read the rest. That said, prior knowledge of Sayers’ work isn’t necessary to enjoy the story.

I adored everything about this book and found Dulce incredibly relatable. She is observant and perceptive, and I loved reading her thought process and the way she analyzed others’ behavior. Her attempts to step into Lord Wimsey’s shoes, along with her character development, were a joy to follow.

The plot moves at a great pace, with just enough detail to paint a vivid picture of the characters and setting without becoming tedious. I didn’t guess the identity of the murderer, which made the reveal even more satisfying. It’s not a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but there’s plenty of suspense to keep you engrossed.

To sum up, this is an absolute page-turner, highly recommended for fans of suspense and dark academia. I’d love to read more books featuring this heroine!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

A satisfying sophomore effort from Lauren Muñoz, Very Dangerous Things is a well-constructed YA mystery that manages to be a smart, meta whodunit, a thoughtful exploration of grief and trauma, and a love letter to Lord Peter Wimsey. Full of likeable characters, sharp twists, and seedy small-town darkness, it cements Muñoz as a genuine mystery talent on the rise.

What a fun "whodunit". I think this was an improvement from Suddenly a Murder. There were a few small plot holes but nothing that upended the whole book. It was a real mystery in a fake mystery which gave some fun campy feel and the conflict between the characters added a great element.

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.

Very Dangerous People was not what I expected. I expected it to be your regular murder mystery but this was far better. I was sucked in from the prologue. The twists and turns of this book were thrilling. I had so many suspicions and accusations to make but it turns out not everyone is as they appear. I wanted to scream and laugh and just stare blankly at my kindle screen.

Okay this was so much fun to read! Definitely not a five star because I think it had so many plot holes, but nevertheless super entertaining. I was HOOKED! The premise was quite interesting with characters all being criminology students. I can't be certain of it but I think the author's background as a lawyer sets this book apart from some other YA mysteries I've read. The book has a ton of Dorothy L. Sayers quotes and the MC Dulce idolizes Lord Wimsey referring to him every now and then. Unfortunately, I know nothing of the referenced author or character and having anywhere near that passion would probably add more to the reading experience.

I wish I could say more about the story itself, but I doubt I can without giving away anything that isn't already on the blurb. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by this author.