Today for Fiction Friday I am reviewing The Escape Game by Gina Holder releasing 5 May 2026.
Book Description
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.
Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.
Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.
Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.
They’re players.
Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister—but also closer to a killer who has spent years perfecting a game no one survives.
With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.
In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.
Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?
My Review
Thanks to the author for my review copy.
WOW this book is so good. I started it last night and spend a lot of today reading it to finish which isn’t something I normally do. But I couldn’t put the book down. I thought the first book in the series was good, but this one is even better. While they are in the same series the books are standalone reads.
The book starts with Demi Kayne in court trying to save the only home she knows. Her father has been missing for 20 years and she can’t let the house go. Her life is in her hometown which she can’t seem to move away from. She is now the owner of a puzzle shop where her best friend works. It’s where she meets Liam Shepherd who is looking for his sister Alexis who has gone missing.
Demi and Liam find themselves in a mystery house which has been made into an escape room game. Only this is more than a game it’s a matter of life and death. They need to make their way through house to learn the truth and escape. Each room has its own risks and the stakes are high. The villain in this book is dangerous and feels they have nothing to lose.
I haven’t been in an escape room but it is something I would love to do some day although after reading these books I may rethink the idea. The different puzzles and codes interest me and I think this made the book even better. While I am not good at working out codes although I did work out a couple it was interesting see who they were solved. The book had my attention from start to finish. Seeing what would happen next and how they would handle the different situations.
There is a very strong faith element in this book and it deals a lot with forgiveness in different situations. The characters also learn a lot about themselves and we see personal growth. You can feel the danger around each corner and want them to succeed. Most of the story is contained in one location and you can feel the suspense. If you enjoy puzzles, escape rooms and Romantic Suspense with a strong faith element this is your book.