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“Muñoz’s latest sharp, gripping YA mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie–style whodunits looking for a modern take… Teens will devour this blend of engaging storytelling, dynamic characters, and surprising secrets.”

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“Nuanced suspects and interstitial flashback chapters offer readers ample opportunities to form their own theories… A satisfyingly chilling mystery with a relatable amateur sleuth.”

Kirkus Reviews

Very Dangerous Things

Written by Lauren Muñoz
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

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.

Primary ISBN: 9780593857892
Publication Date: July 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Virginia)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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