"Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz

 

"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. 

* For more info about the book: "Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz

"The Otherwhere Post" by Emily J. Taylor

 

I read and loved "Hotel Magnifique" by this author, so I had great expectations for this one. Let me tell you, "The Otherwhere Post" by Emily J. Taylor is even better than the former. This dark fantasy is a riveting tale of one woman’s quest for the truth.

The story follows 19-year-old Maeve Abenthy, whose father was condemned as a traitor and murderer seven years ago. Maeve believes those charges and keeps a low profile by assuming a fake name and constantly moving. But when a mysterious letter arrives, claiming her father is innocent, it shakes her world. To uncover the truth, she poses as a courier apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy. 

Scriptomancy is the magic that allows couriers to travel between worlds and deliver enchanted letters. Once, people could move freely between the three known worlds via the Written Doors, but after one world was destroyed and the doors burned, there’s no other access between the two remaining worlds. Tristan, the son of Postmaster Bryne, is appointed as her mentor. Between him, her friends Nan and Shea, and threatening letters warning her to back off, Maeve’s got her work cut out for her. Time is running out, and her life is on the line.

I loved this book! Emily J. Taylor has woven a dark fantasy that held me spellbound till the end. The world-building is impeccable, with its vivid portrayal of a divided multiverse and a magical postal system that feels wholly unique. The concept of Written Doors, once used for travel between worlds, adds a mysterious layer to the setting.

The magic system is intricate, and the idea of scriptomancy—where magic is tied to writing—feels fresh and fascinating. The detail in how the magic works, along with the sense of isolation between worlds, makes the world itself feel complex.  The plot is original and compelling. I loved the different types of scribing, such as form, sense, and travel magic. I wish we had seen more of the magic system and the teaching at the school - there were fewer lessons than I expected (I would enjoy reading more about it).

The story is well-written, with engaging characters, though it could use another round of editing to iron out a few typos. The pacing was a bit off in the middle, but not enough to lose my interest. The author does a great job of making Maeve someone you want to root for. I loved her spirit, guts, and determination in the face of danger. She did irritate me at times by keeping things too close to her chest, but that just made her feel more real. She cares deeply for others, and I admired that quality in her and that she never gave up (even though she was on the verge several times).

I also enjoyed the character interactions, and the dark atmosphere was wonderfully sketched. The book has everything I love about dark academia: complex characters, an original premise, intrigue, and even a slow-burn romance. Additionally, it explores themes of friendship, loyalty, honor, love, and empathy. This is a perfect read for fans of dark fantasy, especially those who love dark academia vibes and an intricate plot full of twists. Full stars from me!

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

* For more info about the book: "The Otherwhere Post" by Emily J. Taylor