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The Delta Games #2
The House With No Keys
This sequel to the New York Times bestselling book The Mystery of Locked Rooms follows the beloved Deltas as they race to complete the most challenging escape room they've ever faced...and confront their fears in order to save their friendship.
When a strange invitation shows up in Sarah's backpack, the Delta's learn that their favorite funhouse, The Delta Game, is about to get some serious competition. The "Mystery Mansion" is opening just miles away and the ominous and cryptic owner has invited Sarah, West, and Hannah to come test it on opening day. It claims to be the biggest and best escape house ever, and based on the photos of gleaming rooms filled with high-tech puzzles, it just might be.
What's more, the kids have been offered a ten-thousand-dollar prize if they escape the house. For some reason, West and Hannah seem very interested in the cash prize, but the three friends are torn because they really don't want to be a walking advertisement for a competitor to The Delta Game. After all, that funhouse changed their lives, Sarah's life especially.
But maybe the only way to keep the funhouse, and their friend William Taters in business, is to accept the invite to this new Mystery Mansion, escape it in record time, and show just how lame and easy it is by comparison. The trio arrive at the mansion on opening day, armed with their "fortune favors the bold" attitude. But they quickly learn that nothing is as it seems . . . and unfortunately this time, not everyone plays fair.
When a strange invitation shows up in Sarah's backpack, the Delta's learn that their favorite funhouse, The Delta Game, is about to get some serious competition. The "Mystery Mansion" is opening just miles away and the ominous and cryptic owner has invited Sarah, West, and Hannah to come test it on opening day. It claims to be the biggest and best escape house ever, and based on the photos of gleaming rooms filled with high-tech puzzles, it just might be.
What's more, the kids have been offered a ten-thousand-dollar prize if they escape the house. For some reason, West and Hannah seem very interested in the cash prize, but the three friends are torn because they really don't want to be a walking advertisement for a competitor to The Delta Game. After all, that funhouse changed their lives, Sarah's life especially.
But maybe the only way to keep the funhouse, and their friend William Taters in business, is to accept the invite to this new Mystery Mansion, escape it in record time, and show just how lame and easy it is by comparison. The trio arrive at the mansion on opening day, armed with their "fortune favors the bold" attitude. But they quickly learn that nothing is as it seems . . . and unfortunately this time, not everyone plays fair.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2025
38 people are currently reading
3854 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Currie
17 books979 followersLindsay Currie is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of mysteries for young readers, including the Delta Games series and It's Watching, She grew up on Nancy Drew and loves a good twisty tale. When she's not writing, Lindsay can generally be found looking for an adventure of her own. She loves researching forgotten history and recently relocated from Chicago to a 220 acre farm in downstate Illinois where she finally gets to see stars every night, and take hikes every day.
Coming soon: THE HOUSE WITH NO KEYS (October 2025) and X Marks the Haunt (February 2026)! For more details on Lindsay's upcoming books, please visit the My Books tab at the top of the page.
To find out more about Lindsay, please visit her website at www.lindsaycurrie.com. Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayncurrie Instagram: @lindsayncurrie
Coming soon: THE HOUSE WITH NO KEYS (October 2025) and X Marks the Haunt (February 2026)! For more details on Lindsay's upcoming books, please visit the My Books tab at the top of the page.
To find out more about Lindsay, please visit her website at www.lindsaycurrie.com. Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayncurrie Instagram: @lindsayncurrie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 31, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The House With No Keys is the sequel to the Mystery of Locked Rooms, and I would highly recommend reading these books in order.
This book was so much fun, just like book 1. We follow the Deltas as they take on a challenge to beat a new mysterious escape room in a new fun house called Mystery Mansion. When the trio of friends receive a mysterious invitation to beat Mystery Mansion, it becomes evident that this new escape fun house has been created as some serious competition to the escape house they love. The three decide to accept the challenge and are determined to beat the house. But whoever created Mystery Mansion is sneaky, underhand, and full of trickery, and the house itself isn't so much fun as dangerous. As the friends work together to win, we learn more about them, their friendships, dreams, and personal challenges too.
My favourite room in this book was the pyramid room, and I loved the clever technology used to add realistic effects to each room.
I love these books and was fascinated with the new high-tech escape house. I'd love to give an escape room a go myself one day.
The House With No Keys is the sequel to the Mystery of Locked Rooms, and I would highly recommend reading these books in order.
This book was so much fun, just like book 1. We follow the Deltas as they take on a challenge to beat a new mysterious escape room in a new fun house called Mystery Mansion. When the trio of friends receive a mysterious invitation to beat Mystery Mansion, it becomes evident that this new escape fun house has been created as some serious competition to the escape house they love. The three decide to accept the challenge and are determined to beat the house. But whoever created Mystery Mansion is sneaky, underhand, and full of trickery, and the house itself isn't so much fun as dangerous. As the friends work together to win, we learn more about them, their friendships, dreams, and personal challenges too.
My favourite room in this book was the pyramid room, and I loved the clever technology used to add realistic effects to each room.
I love these books and was fascinated with the new high-tech escape house. I'd love to give an escape room a go myself one day.
October 18, 2025
This is a sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms. I thought this book was ok. Very unrealistic like the first book. Hannah was way to much for me.
October 8, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Funny thing is, you could also say the same about growing up, as well. How everything feels like it's changing as you cross that stage of tween to teen, as life throws different hurdles at you - be it emotional or physical. 💫 So if it takes figuring the way out of an elaborated grand scheme of tricks and puzzles, to find that cathartic closure to feelings and friendship, especially when it's that shared passion for solving twisty-turning puzzles that binds you together, then that certainly counts as a win-win, don't you think?? 🪞🎪
“What’s that saying you Deltas love to use? Oh yes, fortune favors the bold.”
The second round of the Delta Games as they tackle the intricate levels at Mystery Mansion was more than just saving the integrity of William Taters and his prehistoric funhouse - a place that holds a special meaning to them, but also a chance to win the grand prize of money and growing pains - if you catch my drift. 😉
And Sarah definitely is feeling it - from the warm fuzzies she's being infected with every time she interacts with West - what is wrong with me? Been there, felt that! To her fear that Hannah is going to abandon the pack in pursuit of different interests. 🥺 Not to mention the fear that she could lose the place that gives her financial stability and sanctuary from the rest of the world. It is a vulnerable stage, having to thwart a potential rival from taking it away just makes it all the more challenging. 🎯
The Deltas' teamwork was still as strong as ever; even dealing with Sarah's fluctuating emotions was a united front on West and Hannah's part to have her fess up what was bothering her. 🫂 They were bold with their thoughts, unwavering in their faith and trust in their abilities, and caring with their concern, despite having their own personal concerns.
And once shared with the rest of the class strengthened their friendship - the one thing that will never change. ❤️🩹 For middle grade readers, it definitely feels relatable, on the cusp of a brighter future. Although, I was a bit surprised, if not perplexed, that Hannah's parents actually expected her to pay for the pursuit of her passion, but....what do I know.. 🤷🏻♀️
“Beware, beware.
Risk and reward are in the air.
Remember your route, and take these, please,
For this is a house that has no keys.”
Let's be honest. The time spent in The House with No Keys definitely felt a lot longer than just a couple of hours. But, I liked the creative spin to each puzzle; it tested their mettle, and also allowed each to shine with their own personal growth and capabilities. 🗝️🧩 Which, may have felt a bit convenient, at times, but some of the clever twists and turns were unique enough, with some agreeable rhymes that I didn't quite mind.
The threat, itself, was kind of a caricatural reveal. 🤦🏻♀️ Definitely felt as cheated and frustrated as they were upon the maniacal moment; but as much as it had the dark vibe, I was surprised at how then so quickly and lightheartedly it was resolved. Time jump-epilogues and I just don't get along.
Still, it was a fun ride, with some hints of danger that I definitely felt. Love the creative touch to the cover that captures the story well. The extravagance of the escape rooms designed definitely sounds like they would be an exciting time; which makes me sad that there aren't any where I live, but living vicariously through books is just how I roll. 🎲
“Escape rooms love to screw you up when you’re getting close to the end.”
Funny thing is, you could also say the same about growing up, as well. How everything feels like it's changing as you cross that stage of tween to teen, as life throws different hurdles at you - be it emotional or physical. 💫 So if it takes figuring the way out of an elaborated grand scheme of tricks and puzzles, to find that cathartic closure to feelings and friendship, especially when it's that shared passion for solving twisty-turning puzzles that binds you together, then that certainly counts as a win-win, don't you think?? 🪞🎪
“What’s that saying you Deltas love to use? Oh yes, fortune favors the bold.”
The second round of the Delta Games as they tackle the intricate levels at Mystery Mansion was more than just saving the integrity of William Taters and his prehistoric funhouse - a place that holds a special meaning to them, but also a chance to win the grand prize of money and growing pains - if you catch my drift. 😉
And Sarah definitely is feeling it - from the warm fuzzies she's being infected with every time she interacts with West - what is wrong with me? Been there, felt that! To her fear that Hannah is going to abandon the pack in pursuit of different interests. 🥺 Not to mention the fear that she could lose the place that gives her financial stability and sanctuary from the rest of the world. It is a vulnerable stage, having to thwart a potential rival from taking it away just makes it all the more challenging. 🎯
The Deltas' teamwork was still as strong as ever; even dealing with Sarah's fluctuating emotions was a united front on West and Hannah's part to have her fess up what was bothering her. 🫂 They were bold with their thoughts, unwavering in their faith and trust in their abilities, and caring with their concern, despite having their own personal concerns.
And once shared with the rest of the class strengthened their friendship - the one thing that will never change. ❤️🩹 For middle grade readers, it definitely feels relatable, on the cusp of a brighter future. Although, I was a bit surprised, if not perplexed, that Hannah's parents actually expected her to pay for the pursuit of her passion, but....what do I know.. 🤷🏻♀️
“Beware, beware.
Risk and reward are in the air.
Remember your route, and take these, please,
For this is a house that has no keys.”
Let's be honest. The time spent in The House with No Keys definitely felt a lot longer than just a couple of hours. But, I liked the creative spin to each puzzle; it tested their mettle, and also allowed each to shine with their own personal growth and capabilities. 🗝️🧩 Which, may have felt a bit convenient, at times, but some of the clever twists and turns were unique enough, with some agreeable rhymes that I didn't quite mind.
The threat, itself, was kind of a caricatural reveal. 🤦🏻♀️ Definitely felt as cheated and frustrated as they were upon the maniacal moment; but as much as it had the dark vibe, I was surprised at how then so quickly and lightheartedly it was resolved. Time jump-epilogues and I just don't get along.
Still, it was a fun ride, with some hints of danger that I definitely felt. Love the creative touch to the cover that captures the story well. The extravagance of the escape rooms designed definitely sounds like they would be an exciting time; which makes me sad that there aren't any where I live, but living vicariously through books is just how I roll. 🎲
June 18, 2025
*Spoiler Alert* I'm very excited because this is my very first book review, By Zoe.O
(9 yo).This book was amazing, literally. I sat there reading for 2 hours straight and my mom was like you can stop reading right now, but I said "Shoo Shoo". But why, because the Egyptian room was extremely exciting. Especially because the secret scene. I would usually say my, favorite character but I love them all, each one is so different, but how, Sarah is excellent at decisions for the deltas, West has an amazing memory, Hannah is very outgoing. But the most exciting part, but not my favorite part was, when the three of them finished "Mystery Mansion" and the prize. wasn't even the real 10,000 dollars it was blue, like what! The best, best part was the ending, because each character got what they have wanted from, sharing there secrets.
(9 yo).This book was amazing, literally. I sat there reading for 2 hours straight and my mom was like you can stop reading right now, but I said "Shoo Shoo". But why, because the Egyptian room was extremely exciting. Especially because the secret scene. I would usually say my, favorite character but I love them all, each one is so different, but how, Sarah is excellent at decisions for the deltas, West has an amazing memory, Hannah is very outgoing. But the most exciting part, but not my favorite part was, when the three of them finished "Mystery Mansion" and the prize. wasn't even the real 10,000 dollars it was blue, like what! The best, best part was the ending, because each character got what they have wanted from, sharing there secrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
An escape mansion full of puzzles and mystery, where nothing is quite what it seems. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fun, easy to read, and a real page turner.
Want to read
February 17, 2025I just read the first book in the series and was pleasantly surprised -- can't wait for this one too!
June 22, 2025
K, 8 year old boy: “I loved it! I especially loved how Sarah loves West. I also like how Hannah used the clues to solve the puzzles. I really like that her nickname is Banana. And I hope the author writes a third book where they go through the house they are building.”
G, 6 year old boy: “I really like the parts when they are in the turtle room and the infinity room. And I think the author should write a third book about the house they are building. I hope it’s really good. Because this book was SO good. I love this book the author just made.”
Mom, (age redacted): The House with No Keys was such a fun book to read aloud to my boys. However, it was too good because they never wanted to pause the book. When I had to take a break from reading to do mom things, my 8 year old had no trouble picking up reading where I left off. The story is exciting and unpredictable. You truly don’t know what is going to happen in the next escape room or in the story itself. It kept us guessing. Great book for all ages: it covers topics like the importance of teamwork, never giving up, taking chances, embracing change, friendship, listening to and trusting yourself, and working hard in school and to help contribute to your family. While the first book (which was also 5 stars) focused on friendship, this book also touched on romantic feelings. My kids love love so it was exciting (and totally appropriate) for them. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating real life but sensitive topics into the books, while being kid appropriate. The topics led to great family discussions about hardships that other kids and families face. Needless to say, we were big fans of book 1 and 2 in the series and are really, really hoping for a third!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
😁😁
G, 6 year old boy: “I really like the parts when they are in the turtle room and the infinity room. And I think the author should write a third book about the house they are building. I hope it’s really good. Because this book was SO good. I love this book the author just made.”
Mom, (age redacted): The House with No Keys was such a fun book to read aloud to my boys. However, it was too good because they never wanted to pause the book. When I had to take a break from reading to do mom things, my 8 year old had no trouble picking up reading where I left off. The story is exciting and unpredictable. You truly don’t know what is going to happen in the next escape room or in the story itself. It kept us guessing. Great book for all ages: it covers topics like the importance of teamwork, never giving up, taking chances, embracing change, friendship, listening to and trusting yourself, and working hard in school and to help contribute to your family. While the first book (which was also 5 stars) focused on friendship, this book also touched on romantic feelings. My kids love love so it was exciting (and totally appropriate) for them. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating real life but sensitive topics into the books, while being kid appropriate. The topics led to great family discussions about hardships that other kids and families face. Needless to say, we were big fans of book 1 and 2 in the series and are really, really hoping for a third!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
😁😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I loved book one in the series and I use it every year as a read aloud for my 4th graders. I was so excited to learn there was a sequel, but a part of me was also worried that the second book wouldn’t live up to the first one. Well that fear was quickly squashed as this sequel hit it out of the park!! Adrenaline rush from start to finish as I tried to figure out along with the characters how to get out of each room. My students are going to be so excited to learn that there is a second book!
July 19, 2025
Lindsay Currie (The Girl in White, Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, What Lives in the Woods, my favorite Scritch-Scratch and other scary books) takes a second break from her middle grade horror titles to give those same readers another action-adventure book set in escape rooms with The Deltas. In The Mystery of the Locked Rooms, Sarah, Hannah and West, a trio of middle school kids whose combined set of skills makes them the area’s top competitors in defeating even the hardest of escape rooms, take a little break from their usual challenges and break into an abandoned house in search of lost, hidden money. The three are successful and not only are some of their own financial woes lifted, but an heir to the fortune, William, is located and he begins to complete the dream of a distant relative to create a unique escape challenge set in an entire house. This second book picks up after William has completed The Delta Games house and Sarah, Hannah and West continue assisting whenever possible. But William seems stressed about something, all three Deltas are keeping secrets from one another and a new escape house is opening and they are tricked into helping the mysterious owner with the grand opening.
Just like the series opener, Currie’s vivid imagination and gift with words allows readers to feel like they are actually working their own way through difficult riddles, rickety staircases, disappearing floors and hidden doors. In each room, the threesome find that their usual smooth way of working together is a little off and it’s not until they begin to share some unsettling truths with one another that they are able to beat the almost mean Mystery Mansion. The House With No Keys is a great friendship story along with being a unique action adventure and is highly recommended for strong 4th grade readers through grade 8. Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. There is a bit of a developing romance between West and narrator Sarah but it is limited to a little hand-holding, brief hugs and an arm across her shoulders.
While aspects of the trio’s relationships might be a little less clear if this book 2 is read without reading the series opener, both can stand alone.
Thanks for an eARC, NetGalley and Edelweiss and print arc, Lindsay Currie.
Just like the series opener, Currie’s vivid imagination and gift with words allows readers to feel like they are actually working their own way through difficult riddles, rickety staircases, disappearing floors and hidden doors. In each room, the threesome find that their usual smooth way of working together is a little off and it’s not until they begin to share some unsettling truths with one another that they are able to beat the almost mean Mystery Mansion. The House With No Keys is a great friendship story along with being a unique action adventure and is highly recommended for strong 4th grade readers through grade 8. Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. There is a bit of a developing romance between West and narrator Sarah but it is limited to a little hand-holding, brief hugs and an arm across her shoulders.
While aspects of the trio’s relationships might be a little less clear if this book 2 is read without reading the series opener, both can stand alone.
Thanks for an eARC, NetGalley and Edelweiss and print arc, Lindsay Currie.
September 21, 2025
Caution! Set aside some time dedicated just to this book because once you start, you will not want to pause your reading! The Deltas are back for round 2 in this sequel that comes back just as strong as book 1. So much fun to go along for the escape room adventures with these characters! Thanks to sourcebooks and netgalley for providing the arc! Big time thanks to Lindsay for consistently putting fantastic middle grade reads into the world!
August 23, 2025
A super fun sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms! I read it in one sitting and it is one I know my students will definitely enjoy. It will be added to my library as a soon as it is released! Thank you to Lindsay and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 5, 2025
Readers who loved crawling through the funhouse with the Deltas in THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS will be thrilled to join Sarah, West, and Hannah as they explore a new house, even if this one is the competition to their own Delta Game house. Sarah fears their local fame as the Deltas is being exploited when they are invited to explore a new multiple-escape room house, but all 3 have their reasons for wanting to compete for the promised prize money. Currie gives us complex characters again -- they all have more going on than they're willing to confess to their friends at first as they explore the Mystery Mansion. Though the end is quick, it is satisfying, and I will definitely recommend this one to my students who liked the first one. I know that several will appreciate that a fun mystery can be told in just 233 pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2025
3.5
The Deltas are at it again. This time Sarah, Hannah, and West face the hardest escape room to date, and in the meantime discover they have inadvertently advertised for a rival escape mansion. They are determined to hold on to their reputation while maintaining their loyalty to William and the Delta Game. Unfortunately, the creator of Mystery Mansion does not seem to play fair. The three friends face many challenges in the escape room as well as their friendship while trapped in the new attraction.
Fans of the original Mystery of locked rooms and the characters, the Deltas, will definitely be here for the sequel. Escape room challenges, puzzles, and friendship are still major players as well as a bit more intrigue. This was a quick read for me, and will be a fun read for my students as well. I would recommend this to fifth and sixth grade readers.
The Deltas are at it again. This time Sarah, Hannah, and West face the hardest escape room to date, and in the meantime discover they have inadvertently advertised for a rival escape mansion. They are determined to hold on to their reputation while maintaining their loyalty to William and the Delta Game. Unfortunately, the creator of Mystery Mansion does not seem to play fair. The three friends face many challenges in the escape room as well as their friendship while trapped in the new attraction.
Fans of the original Mystery of locked rooms and the characters, the Deltas, will definitely be here for the sequel. Escape room challenges, puzzles, and friendship are still major players as well as a bit more intrigue. This was a quick read for me, and will be a fun read for my students as well. I would recommend this to fifth and sixth grade readers.
October 14, 2025
We read this together for my child's schoolwork. It was a sequel to a previous book we enjoyed together. We liked the adventure and having to solve clues, but it seemed to drag on. We did not appreciate the teen drama that seemed to appear heavily in this book.
June 18, 2025
The Deltas ARE BACK! This sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms is just as intriguing and exciting as the first, but with a sinister twist in the background. A new escape house is opening, Mystery Mansion, and the Deltas have been given a challenge to be the first ones inside. This challenge also comes with a price, participate and win showcasing that nothing can stop the Deltas, or lose and risk damaging the reputation of The Delta Game. Sarah, West, and Hannah have to use all their knowledge, skills, and experience to solve every riddle because the creator of Mystery Mansion plays by a different rule book and they all agree that it seems a little “cheat-y”. Will they solve all the puzzles in time? Will they save the Delta Game? Can their friendship survive the changes coming their way? You’ll have to read to find out!
I absolutely cannot WAIT to share this book with my students! This is such a fantastic sequel AND it included a Goonies moment that had me grinning from ear to ear! Love this author, love every single book that she writes, LOVE THIS SERIES and I just need more! Long live the Deltas!
Thank you so much to Source Books and Lindsay Currie for this ARC!
I absolutely cannot WAIT to share this book with my students! This is such a fantastic sequel AND it included a Goonies moment that had me grinning from ear to ear! Love this author, love every single book that she writes, LOVE THIS SERIES and I just need more! Long live the Deltas!
Thank you so much to Source Books and Lindsay Currie for this ARC!
July 21, 2025
One year after the events in The Mystery of Locked Rooms, the Deltas (Sarah, Hannah, and West) now work for William Taters running that very same escape room house, renamed the Delta Game. The prize money from that adventure helped get Sarah’s dad needed treatment for his chronic fatigue syndrome and catch her parents up on their mortgage so they weren’t forced to move away. Everything is going great, even if Sarah is confused by her growing feelings toward West. But things change after they receive a mysterious letter from someone named C.K. Goodson inviting them to test run a new escape room house near their beloved Delta Game. If they win, they'll receive $10,000. Both Hannah and West are acting like they need that money for something, though Sarah doesn’t know what those reasons might be. Hesitantly, the Deltas decide to accept the offer in the hopes of proving Mystery Mansion to be no match for the Delta Game. As soon as the timer starts, the Deltas realize Goodson wasn’t fully honest with them. These high tech rooms are like nothing they’ve ever experienced - there is actual water in the Turtle Room and real sand in the Egyptian Room. It looks like Sarah, Hannah, and West will need to be honest with each other about the secrets they’ve been keeping in order to beat the game before the clock runs out. The main characters cue as white.
In this second book of The Delta Games series, Currie has the Deltas tackling first crushes, new academic opportunities, and the hard lesson of learning you actually loved something you chose to give up. As with The Mystery of Locked Rooms, these tweens learn that they’re stronger together while allowing each of them to play to their own strengths. While a sequel wasn’t needed, The House With No Keys does allow some of the original plot points on friendship to be expanded, and it was nice to see what happened with the triplets' house. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
In this second book of The Delta Games series, Currie has the Deltas tackling first crushes, new academic opportunities, and the hard lesson of learning you actually loved something you chose to give up. As with The Mystery of Locked Rooms, these tweens learn that they’re stronger together while allowing each of them to play to their own strengths. While a sequel wasn’t needed, The House With No Keys does allow some of the original plot points on friendship to be expanded, and it was nice to see what happened with the triplets' house. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
June 8, 2025
Sarah and her friends West and Hannah are back after their thrilling adventure in The Mystery of the Locked Rooms. The Deltas are still helping William out at the house, especially since he has started hosting birthday parties, but he seems oddly tired and distracted. When the group is at a local coffee shop, they get an invitation to C.K. Goodson’s Mystery Mansion. This new venue, only twelve miles from William’s, offers them a challenge with a $10,000 prize. Each of the kids has a use for the money. West wants to apply to the exclusive private school, Everblake. Hannah wants to take ballet lessons again, but because she dropped out, her parents want her to pay. Sarah’s family is still struggling with her father’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and extra cash would mean she wouldn’t have to work as much but would still have some pocket money. The Deltas also are ALWAYS up for a new escape room. This one looks challenging, and the group even has to sign a waiver to participate, which is fairly standard, so they give it only a cursory look. They have to leave their phones and bags, which is a little concerning, but the puzzles start right away with rhyming clues. They have to choose their route, and decide on the shortest one, which is probably the most challenging. They have to solve word puzzles, deal with magnets, and even have to fish! There are tunnels, an Egyptian room with sand, and a lot of similarities to the designs that the Steins created for William’s house. Throughout the process, the kids have moments of sharing their experiences; one room even asks what their desires are, and West mentions really wanting to go to the private school, and Hannah wants to resume ballet. Sarah, however, lies and says she wants a dog, when she would really like West to be her boyfriend and is afraid of losing both of her friends to their new activities. There are clever moments, like figuring out how to finish a go-kart race at the same time, and getting out of the infinity room. Even though they escape in time, things don’t end they way they want them to. Who is the C.K. Goodson, and how has she REALLY developed her puzzles? Can the Deltas figure this out and save William’s business?
Strengths: Like the first book in the series, this is quite well constructed; I can only imagine the wall of maps and sticky notes that go into planning this intricate plot. The personal challenges that the kids face are realistic and developed throughout the story, giving some background structure to the escape room activities. These are all very fun and clever, just like in the first book, and have plenty of perilous moments with the lights out, potential drops into water, and some evil antics by C.K. Goodson.
Weaknesses: It took me a while to remember Sarah’s name, and since she’s the narrator, it’s not mentioned right away. Also, I can’t really explain how much I personally hate games. I couldn’t help but think that the children would be spending their time better doing robotics, ballet, or working!
What I really think: While I am not a fan of puzzles (just yesterday, a student brought the graphic novel version of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library to show me, and asked me to solve a rebus!), many of my students are. Currie’s horror books have a HUGE fan base in my library, so I’ll definitely purchase this sequel for them, as well as for readers of Richards' Survive this Safari, Gerber’s The Liar’s Society, Cavalancia's Mystery Royale, Hunter, H. D. Futureland series, Brandt's Exit Nowhere. and Reese's Puzzleheart.
Strengths: Like the first book in the series, this is quite well constructed; I can only imagine the wall of maps and sticky notes that go into planning this intricate plot. The personal challenges that the kids face are realistic and developed throughout the story, giving some background structure to the escape room activities. These are all very fun and clever, just like in the first book, and have plenty of perilous moments with the lights out, potential drops into water, and some evil antics by C.K. Goodson.
Weaknesses: It took me a while to remember Sarah’s name, and since she’s the narrator, it’s not mentioned right away. Also, I can’t really explain how much I personally hate games. I couldn’t help but think that the children would be spending their time better doing robotics, ballet, or working!
What I really think: While I am not a fan of puzzles (just yesterday, a student brought the graphic novel version of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library to show me, and asked me to solve a rebus!), many of my students are. Currie’s horror books have a HUGE fan base in my library, so I’ll definitely purchase this sequel for them, as well as for readers of Richards' Survive this Safari, Gerber’s The Liar’s Society, Cavalancia's Mystery Royale, Hunter, H. D. Futureland series, Brandt's Exit Nowhere. and Reese's Puzzleheart.
October 2, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this sequel! It took the idea of the first one and kept it very similar, but all its own. In the first book, the 3 friends Sarah, Hannah and West break into a really old abandoned fun house/escape room house to find treasure. In this one, they are invited to a brand new escape room mansion. They want to go and win to prove that the escape room business they have helped create with William is better. They don't want a rival business opening so close to the one they have come to love. These rooms they have to go through are a work of art. They are realistic and intricate and HARD.
Like in the first book, Sarah, Hannah and West have such an amazing friendship. They care so much for each other. They have escape room weaknesses and strengths and help each other get through everything. They have also been keeping some secrets from each other and are kind of forced to air them in the escape room. But it really feels like they will accept one another no matter what secrets are kept and revealed.
The escape room - or escape mansion is really fun. The rooms are inventive and maybe a little out of the realm of possibility, but still really fun to imagine. I had tons of fun following these kids along on their route through the house. They have done so many escape rooms and know so many tricks and what to look for.
I completely saw the ending coming - not exactly what happened, but I knew something along those lines was going to happen. As with the first book, I'm not sure if the intended middle grade audience would have known it was coming, so I thought it was a good twist. Even though I saw it coming, I didn't see the resolution coming at all. It was a really fun and satisfying.
I'm really enjoying the antics of this friend trio and I hope the stories keep coming!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Kids for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this sequel! It took the idea of the first one and kept it very similar, but all its own. In the first book, the 3 friends Sarah, Hannah and West break into a really old abandoned fun house/escape room house to find treasure. In this one, they are invited to a brand new escape room mansion. They want to go and win to prove that the escape room business they have helped create with William is better. They don't want a rival business opening so close to the one they have come to love. These rooms they have to go through are a work of art. They are realistic and intricate and HARD.
Like in the first book, Sarah, Hannah and West have such an amazing friendship. They care so much for each other. They have escape room weaknesses and strengths and help each other get through everything. They have also been keeping some secrets from each other and are kind of forced to air them in the escape room. But it really feels like they will accept one another no matter what secrets are kept and revealed.
The escape room - or escape mansion is really fun. The rooms are inventive and maybe a little out of the realm of possibility, but still really fun to imagine. I had tons of fun following these kids along on their route through the house. They have done so many escape rooms and know so many tricks and what to look for.
I completely saw the ending coming - not exactly what happened, but I knew something along those lines was going to happen. As with the first book, I'm not sure if the intended middle grade audience would have known it was coming, so I thought it was a good twist. Even though I saw it coming, I didn't see the resolution coming at all. It was a really fun and satisfying.
I'm really enjoying the antics of this friend trio and I hope the stories keep coming!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Kids for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 27, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC. This was a fantastic follow-up to the first book. In this second book, the Deltas get invited to a new escape house called Mystery Mansion, which is in a town about 15 minutes away from the Delta Games house. The invitation that they get and how it is given to them is shady. They aren't sure that they want to attempt to beat this new escape house, but they are afraid that it will become so popular that William, the new owner of the Delta Games, will have to shut down that house. They also learn that there is a prize of $10,000, and both West and Hannah could use the money. They are the first ones to go through the house, and the media has been alerted to this. The Mystery Mansion is very high-tech compared to the Delta Games; however, some of the twists seem to be mean-spirited, and other clues seem to be very similar to the Delta Games. West, Sarah, and Hannah don't trust C.K. Goodson, the mysterious person opening the Mystery Mansion, but they are determined to win and save the Delta Games. Will they be able to beat the Mystery Mansion, or will the house defeat them? Can they end up trusting C. K. Goodson, or is the person as shady as they seem? This book is very fast-paced and will definitely keep you hooked, so that you can find out if the Deltas can beat the Mystery Mansion.
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October 20, 2025
Starting up shortly after the first book in the series, The House With No Keys follows Sarah, Hannah and West into another adventure funhouse; this time, they're being challenged by a mysterious rival who is threatening to take down the Delta funhouse. When the Deltas decide to enter this new funhouse with the intent to prove it's too easy to be fun and with a $10,000 cash prize at the end, quickly turns into a nightmare as the Deltas face a changing group dynamic and their own personal struggles.
The second book in The Delta Games series, brings us another fun, mystery adventure story by author Lindsay Currie. What I enjoyed in the first book was how relatable Sarah, Hannah and West are are kids and that carried on into The House with No Keys. While many of the issues facing the Deltas were resolved by the end of book one, like all kids problems evolve and change and everything facing the Deltas in this book are also very real that middle grade readers will be able to see themselves in.
I enjoyed the complexity of the escape rooms and I liked how the story had multiple layers and complexity when unraveling the story behind CK Goodson. The story was well paced and the writing was top tier.
I am very excited to see what challenges the Deltas have to unlock next.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Kids for the gifted copy.
The second book in The Delta Games series, brings us another fun, mystery adventure story by author Lindsay Currie. What I enjoyed in the first book was how relatable Sarah, Hannah and West are are kids and that carried on into The House with No Keys. While many of the issues facing the Deltas were resolved by the end of book one, like all kids problems evolve and change and everything facing the Deltas in this book are also very real that middle grade readers will be able to see themselves in.
I enjoyed the complexity of the escape rooms and I liked how the story had multiple layers and complexity when unraveling the story behind CK Goodson. The story was well paced and the writing was top tier.
I am very excited to see what challenges the Deltas have to unlock next.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Kids for the gifted copy.
September 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
In this second book of the Delta series, Sarah, Hannah, and West are still working will William in his escape room house. The trio, who love escape room, recieve an invitation to C.K. Goodson's Mystery Mansion, which is set to opening somewhat near William's. If they can complete the challenge, they can win $10,000, and each of the trio needs the prize money (though they are keeping why a secret) and decide to participate. Once arriving for the challenge, they have to sign a waiver, which they are used to, and barely glance at the fine print, which they soon regret. (It's a threat to William's own escape house but that's all I'll say).
There are a wide variety of challenges (go kart races, fishing, word puzzles, magnets, and even sharing secrets, that are so well-written, the reader feels like they are experiencing the action as well. The plot is evenly paced, and even though it's been quite a while since I read the first one, I think I enjoyed this one even more. I had forgotten most of the first book, but still was able to enjoy this one so if a student reads this one, first, they can still figure out what's going on.
I will definately purchase a couple of copies of this one.
In this second book of the Delta series, Sarah, Hannah, and West are still working will William in his escape room house. The trio, who love escape room, recieve an invitation to C.K. Goodson's Mystery Mansion, which is set to opening somewhat near William's. If they can complete the challenge, they can win $10,000, and each of the trio needs the prize money (though they are keeping why a secret) and decide to participate. Once arriving for the challenge, they have to sign a waiver, which they are used to, and barely glance at the fine print, which they soon regret. (It's a threat to William's own escape house but that's all I'll say).
There are a wide variety of challenges (go kart races, fishing, word puzzles, magnets, and even sharing secrets, that are so well-written, the reader feels like they are experiencing the action as well. The plot is evenly paced, and even though it's been quite a while since I read the first one, I think I enjoyed this one even more. I had forgotten most of the first book, but still was able to enjoy this one so if a student reads this one, first, they can still figure out what's going on.
I will definately purchase a couple of copies of this one.
September 7, 2025
4.5
This is an exciting and fun sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms- The Delta Games. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as the first, but I most definitely couldn't read it fast enough. The Delta trio is at it again, with high stakes and a lot of mystery.
When the escape room heroes are invited to be the first to attempt a new fun house in a neighboring town, things seem a little off. They are worried that it will be too much competition for their friends funhouse to survive so they decide to go and prove to the world that the flashy new place is no match for them, their friendship, their dreams, or the Delta Games funhouse they all work at.
They find out that the $10,000 prize, the flashy new place, the owner, and the rooms themselves are not all for fun. Not everyone plays fair, you have to face your fears and have faith in your friendships to really survive, and that working together really is the only way to get through life's challenges. Life brings a lot of changes, but friendships don't have to be one of them.
I'm a fan. I can't wait to share it with my students and maybe try another escape room myself!
Thank you NetGalley for the early eBook to read and review.
This is an exciting and fun sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms- The Delta Games. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as the first, but I most definitely couldn't read it fast enough. The Delta trio is at it again, with high stakes and a lot of mystery.
When the escape room heroes are invited to be the first to attempt a new fun house in a neighboring town, things seem a little off. They are worried that it will be too much competition for their friends funhouse to survive so they decide to go and prove to the world that the flashy new place is no match for them, their friendship, their dreams, or the Delta Games funhouse they all work at.
They find out that the $10,000 prize, the flashy new place, the owner, and the rooms themselves are not all for fun. Not everyone plays fair, you have to face your fears and have faith in your friendships to really survive, and that working together really is the only way to get through life's challenges. Life brings a lot of changes, but friendships don't have to be one of them.
I'm a fan. I can't wait to share it with my students and maybe try another escape room myself!
Thank you NetGalley for the early eBook to read and review.
June 18, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Currie brings back her Deltas to explore a completely different escape games home. Sarah, West and Hannah start the book by challenging themselves to a new room that uses all of their abilities to escape. This launches the story when an unknown game designer offers them the opportunity to take on an entire home they have designed. The overall tone is nasty and the designer manipulates them into playing. Each has their own reasons for wanting the prize money but they don't share that right away. I appreciate the continued character development for these three and love seeing how their friendship evolves and remains steady. However, I don't feel the same sense of adventure as the first book. I love how they pit themselves against the challenges but didn't care for the mean edges. The resolution feels a bit forced for the happy ending but I always want to believe this is how it would work in reality.
Middle grade readers will love processing the puzzle rooms along with the Deltas and may see solutions first. Looking forward to the next book.
Currie brings back her Deltas to explore a completely different escape games home. Sarah, West and Hannah start the book by challenging themselves to a new room that uses all of their abilities to escape. This launches the story when an unknown game designer offers them the opportunity to take on an entire home they have designed. The overall tone is nasty and the designer manipulates them into playing. Each has their own reasons for wanting the prize money but they don't share that right away. I appreciate the continued character development for these three and love seeing how their friendship evolves and remains steady. However, I don't feel the same sense of adventure as the first book. I love how they pit themselves against the challenges but didn't care for the mean edges. The resolution feels a bit forced for the happy ending but I always want to believe this is how it would work in reality.
Middle grade readers will love processing the puzzle rooms along with the Deltas and may see solutions first. Looking forward to the next book.
October 5, 2025
The Deltas return to take on a new challenge in Lindsay Currie’s THE HOUSE WITH NO KEYS. A year after they successfully solve a series of puzzles and challenges to find the long-hidden treasure at an abandoned funhouse in their town, Sarah, West, and Hannah receive an invitation to try out Mystery Mansion, a new funhouse opening nearby. Even with a $10,000 prize at stake, they are initially reluctant to try it out, wanting to remain loyal to the Delta House. After mulling it over they decide that showing that escaping the Mystery Mansion is no challenge for them is the best way to show that the new business is no competition for the Delta House. When they arrive at the Mystery Mansion, the trio is faced with a complex series of challenges that require them to use their individual skills and strengths and put their friendship to the test. It soon becomes clear that the person behind the funhouse isn’t playing fair. The author builds an amazing world within the confines of the Mystery Mansion that will keep readers at the edges of their seats. The tension and high stakes of the escape room setting paired with the enduring friendship of the Deltas makes this sequel another winner.
October 6, 2025
The Deltas are back in this fantastic sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms. I was lucky enough to win a signed copy from the author 🤗 It’s a fun middle grade read full of escape rooms, puzzles, riddles, teamwork & adventure.
The funhouse otherwise known as The Delta Game is getting some serious competition. The "Mystery Mansion" is opening just miles away… a new escape room that claims to be the biggest & best escape house ever. When a strange cryptic invitation shows up inviting Sarah, West & Hannah to come test it on opening day. The Deltas decide to accept hoping to beat the house, win the cash prize & prove that this escape house doesn’t compete with The Delta Game. But the mystery mansion isn’t just a fun escape room because nothing is quite what it seems & it begins to feel dangerous. As the friends work together to beat the mansion… secrets are revealed & and unfortunately not everyone plays fair. It’s a story of friendship & the power of teamwork. It’s a fast paced read & perfect for anyone who loves puzzles & a bit of adventure.
“A lot is going to change in our lives… but it's okay. The one thing that will never change is our friend-ship.“
“Long live the Deltas.”
The funhouse otherwise known as The Delta Game is getting some serious competition. The "Mystery Mansion" is opening just miles away… a new escape room that claims to be the biggest & best escape house ever. When a strange cryptic invitation shows up inviting Sarah, West & Hannah to come test it on opening day. The Deltas decide to accept hoping to beat the house, win the cash prize & prove that this escape house doesn’t compete with The Delta Game. But the mystery mansion isn’t just a fun escape room because nothing is quite what it seems & it begins to feel dangerous. As the friends work together to beat the mansion… secrets are revealed & and unfortunately not everyone plays fair. It’s a story of friendship & the power of teamwork. It’s a fast paced read & perfect for anyone who loves puzzles & a bit of adventure.
“A lot is going to change in our lives… but it's okay. The one thing that will never change is our friend-ship.“
“Long live the Deltas.”
October 19, 2025
I approached The House with No Keys, the second installment in the series, with genuine enthusiasm and high expectations. I initially thought this might be a title I could easily recommend to fans of classic, complex mysteries—the kind of clever, puzzle-box stories that appeal to those who loved The Westing Game or Mr. Lemoncello's Library.
Unfortunately, while the premise offers an intriguing setup, the execution doesn't live up to that promise. Despite the potential for a witty, challenging mystery, the book feels like it exists on a completely different plane than the beloved titles it seems to emulate.
The central issue lies with the emotional journey of the narrator, Sarah, and her group of friends. Their feelings are whiplash-inducing and, frankly, exhausting to follow. Scenes where the characters are sharing laughter and lighthearted camaraderie are jarringly juxtaposed with moments of intense, overwhelming terror. This rapid, inconsistent fluctuation makes their emotions feel manufactured and unearned, designed more to drive a sudden plot point than to reflect genuine character development.
The constant, dizzying back-and-forth left me feeling less invested in the mystery and more with the simple desire for the book to conclude.
Ultimately, The House with No Keys fails to deliver the a nuanced, consistent emotional and narrative experience that a truly great mystery requires.
Unfortunately, while the premise offers an intriguing setup, the execution doesn't live up to that promise. Despite the potential for a witty, challenging mystery, the book feels like it exists on a completely different plane than the beloved titles it seems to emulate.
The central issue lies with the emotional journey of the narrator, Sarah, and her group of friends. Their feelings are whiplash-inducing and, frankly, exhausting to follow. Scenes where the characters are sharing laughter and lighthearted camaraderie are jarringly juxtaposed with moments of intense, overwhelming terror. This rapid, inconsistent fluctuation makes their emotions feel manufactured and unearned, designed more to drive a sudden plot point than to reflect genuine character development.
The constant, dizzying back-and-forth left me feeling less invested in the mystery and more with the simple desire for the book to conclude.
Ultimately, The House with No Keys fails to deliver the a nuanced, consistent emotional and narrative experience that a truly great mystery requires.
August 28, 2025
The Delta Game has been open for about a year, and we once again join the Deltas (Hannah, Henry, and Sarah) along with William, the grandson and nephew of the creators of the legendary Triplet Treasure. Together, they’re busy managing room bookings and birthday parties while enjoying their success as escape room champions.
But their comfortable routine is shaken when an invitation arrives from C.K. Goodson. The challenge: escape the infamous Mystery Mansion within the time limit to win $10,000. The catch: if they fail, the Deltas risk not only their pride and reputation but also William’s standing as the master of escape room tricks and puzzles.
The group soon finds themselves facing new challenges both inside and outside the game. The trio navigates personal struggles, such as first crushes, shifting friendships, and school changes; while William battles his own distractions and secrets.
A thrilling follow-up to The Mystery of Locked Rooms, this story delivers suspense, humor, and heart. Perfect for upper–middle grade readers and mystery lovers alike.
But their comfortable routine is shaken when an invitation arrives from C.K. Goodson. The challenge: escape the infamous Mystery Mansion within the time limit to win $10,000. The catch: if they fail, the Deltas risk not only their pride and reputation but also William’s standing as the master of escape room tricks and puzzles.
The group soon finds themselves facing new challenges both inside and outside the game. The trio navigates personal struggles, such as first crushes, shifting friendships, and school changes; while William battles his own distractions and secrets.
A thrilling follow-up to The Mystery of Locked Rooms, this story delivers suspense, humor, and heart. Perfect for upper–middle grade readers and mystery lovers alike.
Read
November 11, 2025This was a quick listen sequel. I really enjoyed the first book and felt that the puzzles and escape room plot were enough to easily suspend disbelief, especially as an adult reading a book intended for middle graders. However, this second book was a lot harder for me to appreciate. After doing a number of escape rooms over the years, including ones with kids that are the ages of these characters, I found their methods and strategy to really fall flat in this book. There was a lot of standing around and focus on "sticking together" physically, not just metaphorically. And that's really not a good strategy for solving these kinds of puzzles. There's no need to decide what to look for; you just look. Additionally, because a big part of the plot revolves around the kids signing a waiver (which any of these types of games make you do, but always the signer must be 18), it felt like a really big thing for these avid escape room fans to not know.
No official star rating as I'm sure many kids in the target audience would love this despite my reservations.
No official star rating as I'm sure many kids in the target audience would love this despite my reservations.
September 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*spoiler*Wes and Sarah are so cute!*spoiler*
This was such an amazing, amazing book! The Mystery of Locked Rooms (the first book in the series) was amazing but this one was just as if not even more amazing! The plot and characters are so well thought out and executed. This is for anyone who likes mystery’s, escape rooms, or lots of fun! I could feel the characters emotions as I was reading. The escape room was really cool and the rooms were so well thought out.
The only problem I had was that Sarah makes some assumption that the kids that go to Everblake are snotty or something without even knowing them.
Also the timeline with the antagonist in the story doesn’t really make sense to me. I can’t wait for the next one!
*spoiler*Wes and Sarah are so cute!*spoiler*
This was such an amazing, amazing book! The Mystery of Locked Rooms (the first book in the series) was amazing but this one was just as if not even more amazing! The plot and characters are so well thought out and executed. This is for anyone who likes mystery’s, escape rooms, or lots of fun! I could feel the characters emotions as I was reading. The escape room was really cool and the rooms were so well thought out.
The only problem I had was that Sarah makes some assumption that the kids that go to Everblake are snotty or something without even knowing them.
Also the timeline with the antagonist in the story doesn’t really make sense to me. I can’t wait for the next one!
September 2, 2025
This is an excellent sequel to the first book and I once again loved the evolving relationships of these three characters. Hannah, West, and Sarah all have their distinctive traits and I loved completing this escape house with them. The mystery solving skills all three bring all have unique strengths, yet all share the desire to finish honestly and as a team.
This is a fast-paced book that I never wanted to put down. The built in time crunch to solve each room builds in a tension I could feel. I would recommend readers read these books in order as there is a lot of past history that will make book two even more enjoyable, although the past interactions from book one are expertly woven throughout book two as reminders and never felt like a huge dump of retelling.
This is a fast-paced book that I never wanted to put down. The built in time crunch to solve each room builds in a tension I could feel. I would recommend readers read these books in order as there is a lot of past history that will make book two even more enjoyable, although the past interactions from book one are expertly woven throughout book two as reminders and never felt like a huge dump of retelling.
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