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Mystery Royale #1
Mystery Royale
Con massima lentezza, avvicino un mignolo fino a toccarla. La mia pelle si accende a quel contatto. Vorrei intrecciare le dita con le sue, ma non lo faccio. Devo concentrarmi, o finirò per lasciarci la pelle. La posta in gioco non può essere più alta. Ma la sola cosa a cui riesco a pensare è quel minuscolo punto di contatto tra me e lei.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
114 people are currently reading
24214 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Cavalancia
3 books161 followersKaitlyn Cavalancia is a YA author who loves to blend genres, infusing contemporary mysteries with magic, murder, and mayhem. Her forthcoming novel, Mystery Royale will be published by Disney-Hyperion on January 7, 2025. The sequel is slated for Spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
November 15, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Mystery Royale is a game. More specifically, an inheritance game for the large estate of Xavier Stoutmire, a wealthy and powerful magician without a direct heir.
Of course everyone in the Stoutmire Family had assumed that Xavier would end up leaving his vast fortune and captivating powers to his youngest nephew. However, tricky old Uncle Xavier had something else in mind.
The invitations are sent, but not just to those within the Stoutmire family eligible to receive the inheritance, but also to two outsiders: Mullory Prudence and Mateo Cruz.
These two seem to be completely random strangers. They're the wild cards of the whole affair.
The goal of the game is simple. To be the first to solve the mystery. What mystery, you may ask? Well, who killed Xavier Stoutmire, of course.
Mystery Royale was definitely a lot of fun. This is like if The Inheritance Games was set around the LeStrange Family from Harry Potter, instead of the boring-ole, non-magical Hawthorne Family.
I enjoyed Cavalancia's writing. It was fluid and kept my attention, however, I did feel at times it was hard to track whose perspective you were in at any given moment. Nevertheless, I loved the mystery and set-up behind it all.
I think ride-or-die fans of The Inheritance Games may feel this is a bit of a rip off, but for us folks who enjoyed that series, but didn't necessarily shout from the rooftops about its glory, this can still be an entertaining romp.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories involving magical games, with riddles and puzzles aplenty. The setting of this is also fabulous, the private enchanted mansion. What's not to love about that?
The audiobook had fantastic narration, and although that's not an option here on Goodreads yet, it's definitely available, because I listened to it. I would absolutely chose that format if you have access to it.
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Audiobooks, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Mystery Royale is a game. More specifically, an inheritance game for the large estate of Xavier Stoutmire, a wealthy and powerful magician without a direct heir.
Of course everyone in the Stoutmire Family had assumed that Xavier would end up leaving his vast fortune and captivating powers to his youngest nephew. However, tricky old Uncle Xavier had something else in mind.
The invitations are sent, but not just to those within the Stoutmire family eligible to receive the inheritance, but also to two outsiders: Mullory Prudence and Mateo Cruz.
These two seem to be completely random strangers. They're the wild cards of the whole affair.
The goal of the game is simple. To be the first to solve the mystery. What mystery, you may ask? Well, who killed Xavier Stoutmire, of course.
Mystery Royale was definitely a lot of fun. This is like if The Inheritance Games was set around the LeStrange Family from Harry Potter, instead of the boring-ole, non-magical Hawthorne Family.
I enjoyed Cavalancia's writing. It was fluid and kept my attention, however, I did feel at times it was hard to track whose perspective you were in at any given moment. Nevertheless, I loved the mystery and set-up behind it all.
I think ride-or-die fans of The Inheritance Games may feel this is a bit of a rip off, but for us folks who enjoyed that series, but didn't necessarily shout from the rooftops about its glory, this can still be an entertaining romp.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories involving magical games, with riddles and puzzles aplenty. The setting of this is also fabulous, the private enchanted mansion. What's not to love about that?
The audiobook had fantastic narration, and although that's not an option here on Goodreads yet, it's definitely available, because I listened to it. I would absolutely chose that format if you have access to it.
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Audiobooks, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
October 15, 2025
2.5 🌟 lowered after remembering how little I enjoyed this book.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: autumn for sure
I should have known from the cover I wouldn’t like this. It made me uncomfortable and I should’ve let that feeling scare me off.
This was just not it for me. It was just too wacky and too whimsical for my taste. This attempt at wonder took away from what could’ve been a very interesting mystery. The twists weren’t very twisty and the reveal was so predictable that when it happened I didn’t even blink.
As for the characters: I’m so sad to say that I didn’t like a single one. The entire family was awful and the secondary characters weren’t much better. The mains themselves were the unfortunate mix of whiny and mean that no amount of tragic backstory could excuse. And their romance didn’t do much for me either.
The clues were so confusing that I was lost to this mystery after the second one was revealed. I honestly gave up following the story, set my audiobook speed to 2x and waited for it to end. When it finally came it felt a pretty sour taste in my mouth. The explanations for some of the characters actions throughout the book as well as the unraveling of the mystery itself was so rough I was tempted to end the book with minutes left. In those finally moments as the motives were explained I found myself changing my draft review from a 3.5 to a 3 and questioning whether it should have been even lower.
While I’ll admit it had a few moments that made me smile or chuckle but overall it held very little charm or interest for me sadly. I think it could’ve been something special but it fell well beyond the mark.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: autumn for sure
I should have known from the cover I wouldn’t like this. It made me uncomfortable and I should’ve let that feeling scare me off.
This was just not it for me. It was just too wacky and too whimsical for my taste. This attempt at wonder took away from what could’ve been a very interesting mystery. The twists weren’t very twisty and the reveal was so predictable that when it happened I didn’t even blink.
As for the characters: I’m so sad to say that I didn’t like a single one. The entire family was awful and the secondary characters weren’t much better. The mains themselves were the unfortunate mix of whiny and mean that no amount of tragic backstory could excuse. And their romance didn’t do much for me either.
The clues were so confusing that I was lost to this mystery after the second one was revealed. I honestly gave up following the story, set my audiobook speed to 2x and waited for it to end. When it finally came it felt a pretty sour taste in my mouth. The explanations for some of the characters actions throughout the book as well as the unraveling of the mystery itself was so rough I was tempted to end the book with minutes left. In those finally moments as the motives were explained I found myself changing my draft review from a 3.5 to a 3 and questioning whether it should have been even lower.
While I’ll admit it had a few moments that made me smile or chuckle but overall it held very little charm or interest for me sadly. I think it could’ve been something special but it fell well beyond the mark.
January 23, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
I enjoyed it, but it took awhile for it to pick up. Admittedly, I was not fond of sixteen-year-old Mullory at first. She was weepy and Bambi-like, easily reduced to tears and being treated - happily so - as the brunt of the jokes and easily connived and convinced. 😒 But, I started to get the sense that perhaps this was really just a cover; a front to her true talents. It's that curiosity of how she would fare in Mystery Royale - 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And besides, what do you have to lose' of high stakes with the coveted prize worth killing for amidst a deadly set of players, consisting of a dangerous family hellbent on keeping the magic within blood - that made me tempted enough to give her a chance. 🔪💸
“I’m so close. The pieces are here, fragmented from history and spun. I haven’t left a detail out. Why. When. How. Where. Who killed Xavier Stoutmire?”
The story unfolds in three different perspectives; well, there is another, but that severely tampered my feelings about said character, so let's just keep it at that. 😕 For at the heart of the plot belongs to Ellison, the eldest daughter of the Stoutmire clan, sixteen-year-old Lyric, the black sheep - discarded, unwanted, and fuming with anger that his reclusive without an heir Uncle Xavier, a brilliant madman with extraordinary magic and way too much time', would deign to leave his inheritance up to a risky gamble, when it rightfully belongs to him - and Mullory, never Mallory, who may have deeper connections rooted within these mysterious mystical walls than she could have ever imagined. It sets the precedent and tide of machinations and exploitations - one riddled with clever riddles and startling and stifling revelations that border on the past and the present intertwining. 😥
The twists were twisty; some reveals caught me by surprise, some felt like feeble attempts to justify the wrong-doing inflicted upon them, which I wasn't quite in favor of. 🙅🏻♀️ The interesting fusion of mystery and magic and murder and macabre played off nicely with each other, with some unique takes on mystical powers that delved into family secrets that would make anyone enraged or even threatened by the risk of the truth being revealed. With the cryptic warning, 'Run if the strange finds you' it is a challenge to loyalty and love to her missing mother, while also reasoning that this is the only easy way to earn some money for safety that has Mullory push the boundaries on herself to succeed and survive. 😟
Like I mentioned earlier, Mullory was too naive and helpless to the point of being unnerving and annoying in her portrayal, but I understand the choice behind it - to illustrate her significant character growth. 👍🏻 It's just small glimpses, but she starts to be more confrontational and not cower in fear the way she would have been hesitant to attack head-on. Be it Mateo and his convincingly conniving ways, or Lyric - for all his dark and broody self, is someone who knows best how she feels.
“Jesus, Mullory, you ask a lot of questions.”
I want to tell him that we’re tangled in a murder mystery and those questions are definitely appropriate, but I remain quiet, like always.”
Lyric and Mullory made an amusing team; their banter, her way of getting under his skin and breaking his stubborn resolve of being cold-hearted and uninviting to anyone was cute - in a weird way, especially how at first, 'a blubbering Mullory Prudence, her high-pitched wail irritates me the most.' 😬 The author did a good job in making the tone of each narrative distinctive to their personalities and haunted pasts - 'the yearning for connection. Maybe that’s what tethers us together, the foul tastes of disappointment and abandonment.'🫂 🥲🖤 My heart definitely went out to Lyric; the ending was another unexpected punch to the gut, and also heartbroken for how his heart was slowly thawing out, only for the chance to have been stolen from him tragically so. 🥺 It leaves me wondering if this is a stand-alone or if the author will return, because there are still so many puzzles left unsolved.
There were some questionable writing choices that didn't quite work with me - 'a tear of pure terror slips down my cheek.' I didn't like some of the breaks in the narrative, since it it didn't really feel relevant and it also tore the momentum of the story. As much as Lyric's 'pure rage, bubbling inside me like molten lava' was justified, something about said anger's portrayal didn't quite hit; it felt a bit forced, even though I agree with his resentment, it just, well. 🤷🏻♀️ I'm still struggling at the mouthful that is 'the small town of Punxsutawney' 😅, for with a name so complicated, the dialogue and setting was quite modern, which gave a bit of an imbalance to the story. But, admittedly so, I did eventually warm up to it; as it neared its climax, the tension and thrills and reveals piled up nicely to have me wondering how exactly it would play out. And while Kaitlyn Cavalancia's Young Adult debut wasn't a complete win, it still has me anxiously wondering when we'll return to the Stoutmire Estate for what other magic tricks lie in store. ✨
“What does death fear most?”
“It fears what it cannot claim.””
I enjoyed it, but it took awhile for it to pick up. Admittedly, I was not fond of sixteen-year-old Mullory at first. She was weepy and Bambi-like, easily reduced to tears and being treated - happily so - as the brunt of the jokes and easily connived and convinced. 😒 But, I started to get the sense that perhaps this was really just a cover; a front to her true talents. It's that curiosity of how she would fare in Mystery Royale - 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And besides, what do you have to lose' of high stakes with the coveted prize worth killing for amidst a deadly set of players, consisting of a dangerous family hellbent on keeping the magic within blood - that made me tempted enough to give her a chance. 🔪💸
“I’m so close. The pieces are here, fragmented from history and spun. I haven’t left a detail out. Why. When. How. Where. Who killed Xavier Stoutmire?”
The story unfolds in three different perspectives; well, there is another, but that severely tampered my feelings about said character, so let's just keep it at that. 😕 For at the heart of the plot belongs to Ellison, the eldest daughter of the Stoutmire clan, sixteen-year-old Lyric, the black sheep - discarded, unwanted, and fuming with anger that his reclusive without an heir Uncle Xavier, a brilliant madman with extraordinary magic and way too much time', would deign to leave his inheritance up to a risky gamble, when it rightfully belongs to him - and Mullory, never Mallory, who may have deeper connections rooted within these mysterious mystical walls than she could have ever imagined. It sets the precedent and tide of machinations and exploitations - one riddled with clever riddles and startling and stifling revelations that border on the past and the present intertwining. 😥
The twists were twisty; some reveals caught me by surprise, some felt like feeble attempts to justify the wrong-doing inflicted upon them, which I wasn't quite in favor of. 🙅🏻♀️ The interesting fusion of mystery and magic and murder and macabre played off nicely with each other, with some unique takes on mystical powers that delved into family secrets that would make anyone enraged or even threatened by the risk of the truth being revealed. With the cryptic warning, 'Run if the strange finds you' it is a challenge to loyalty and love to her missing mother, while also reasoning that this is the only easy way to earn some money for safety that has Mullory push the boundaries on herself to succeed and survive. 😟
Like I mentioned earlier, Mullory was too naive and helpless to the point of being unnerving and annoying in her portrayal, but I understand the choice behind it - to illustrate her significant character growth. 👍🏻 It's just small glimpses, but she starts to be more confrontational and not cower in fear the way she would have been hesitant to attack head-on. Be it Mateo and his convincingly conniving ways, or Lyric - for all his dark and broody self, is someone who knows best how she feels.
“Jesus, Mullory, you ask a lot of questions.”
I want to tell him that we’re tangled in a murder mystery and those questions are definitely appropriate, but I remain quiet, like always.”
Lyric and Mullory made an amusing team; their banter, her way of getting under his skin and breaking his stubborn resolve of being cold-hearted and uninviting to anyone was cute - in a weird way, especially how at first, 'a blubbering Mullory Prudence, her high-pitched wail irritates me the most.' 😬 The author did a good job in making the tone of each narrative distinctive to their personalities and haunted pasts - 'the yearning for connection. Maybe that’s what tethers us together, the foul tastes of disappointment and abandonment.'🫂 🥲🖤 My heart definitely went out to Lyric; the ending was another unexpected punch to the gut, and also heartbroken for how his heart was slowly thawing out, only for the chance to have been stolen from him tragically so. 🥺 It leaves me wondering if this is a stand-alone or if the author will return, because there are still so many puzzles left unsolved.
There were some questionable writing choices that didn't quite work with me - 'a tear of pure terror slips down my cheek.' I didn't like some of the breaks in the narrative, since it it didn't really feel relevant and it also tore the momentum of the story. As much as Lyric's 'pure rage, bubbling inside me like molten lava' was justified, something about said anger's portrayal didn't quite hit; it felt a bit forced, even though I agree with his resentment, it just, well. 🤷🏻♀️ I'm still struggling at the mouthful that is 'the small town of Punxsutawney' 😅, for with a name so complicated, the dialogue and setting was quite modern, which gave a bit of an imbalance to the story. But, admittedly so, I did eventually warm up to it; as it neared its climax, the tension and thrills and reveals piled up nicely to have me wondering how exactly it would play out. And while Kaitlyn Cavalancia's Young Adult debut wasn't a complete win, it still has me anxiously wondering when we'll return to the Stoutmire Estate for what other magic tricks lie in store. ✨
September 24, 2024
I am not typically a fantasy reader, and I usually have trouble getting hooked at the beginning of books. Mystery Royale sucked me in as early as the first page. The writing style is incredible, and the plot continues to wind and unfold beautifully as the book progresses. I fell in love with the characters right away, but I was blown away by the character arc of each one of them. Multiple chapters brought me to tears as well. I cannot recommend this book enough!
February 22, 2025
"Oh. My. God." Those were the first three words that spilled out of my mouth as soon as I had snapped this book shut. I'm shook! Like- DAMN! I was not expecting that twist at all!! This book had whipped me into the mystical, magical, and tragic world of Mullory Prudence upon reading the very first page! It was as if I were solving the mystery alongside her, taking notes and cracking clues! I LOVED the multiple POV's and Lyric- I was lowkey simping for you, not going to lie... AHEM, anyways, I loved the character diversity and in all honesty, I think Ellison's POV was my favorite. I could relate to her in so many ways, and I just think that overall she was a pretty cool character to read about!
December 13, 2025
„Pojedynek na tajemnice. Mystery Royale” to książka młodzieżowa, łącząca w sobie elementy przygody, kryminału i fantasy.
Mullory, żyje w cieniu tragicznych wydarzeń, przez które musiała uciekać z rodzinnego domu. Po ucieczce jej matki, pozostaje wszystko na jej głowie, wsparcie zapewnia schorowana babcia. Mullory ma żal do matki, oraz traumę w postaci dziwa, na które matka kazała jej uważać. W rezydencji pełnej niebezpieczeństw, gdzie nie jest pewna komu może ufać, jest zdana tylko na siebie, a każda relacja jest potencjalnym zagrożeniem. Jednak jest zdeterminowana, gra co prawda jest niebezpieczna i skomplikowana, ale toczy się o wysoką stawkę, która może zapewnić jej lepsze życie i opiekę dla babci. Podczas gry odkryje sekrety, które zmienią jej życie, a także pozna prawdziwy powód, dla którego została wciągnięta w tę grę. Każdy z bohaterów jest tajemniczy i ma swoje powody, by ukrywać prawdę - przeszłość, intencje, emocje. Przeszłe wydarzenia kształtują bohaterów bardziej, niż sami chcieliby przyznać. Prawda o sobie samym bywa równie bolesna jak prawda o innych. Tajemnica jest tu walutą, a jej ujawnienie może oznaczać zwycięstwo… albo porażkę. Ogromny majątek jako nagroda obnaża ludzką naturę – ambicję, zazdrość i gotowość do przekraczania granic za wszelką cenę oraz dążenie po trupach. Elementy magiczne nie są tylko ozdobą – symbolizują władzę, wpływ i manipulację, a także to, co niewidoczne na pierwszy rzut oka.
Dynamiczna fabuła, krótkie rozdziały i mroczna atmosfera. Jest kilka zaskakujących zwrotów akcji oraz mnóstwo zagadek. Doceniam za ciekawy system magiczny oraz sposób dziedziczenia magii. Zaskakującą intrygę kryminalną, odkrywanie tego, co naprawdę się wydarzyło, krok po kroku, po przez analizę tropów i obserwację zachowań innych. Końcówka również ostrzy apetyt na więcej, jestem ciekawa kolejnych losów Mullory.
Mullory, żyje w cieniu tragicznych wydarzeń, przez które musiała uciekać z rodzinnego domu. Po ucieczce jej matki, pozostaje wszystko na jej głowie, wsparcie zapewnia schorowana babcia. Mullory ma żal do matki, oraz traumę w postaci dziwa, na które matka kazała jej uważać. W rezydencji pełnej niebezpieczeństw, gdzie nie jest pewna komu może ufać, jest zdana tylko na siebie, a każda relacja jest potencjalnym zagrożeniem. Jednak jest zdeterminowana, gra co prawda jest niebezpieczna i skomplikowana, ale toczy się o wysoką stawkę, która może zapewnić jej lepsze życie i opiekę dla babci. Podczas gry odkryje sekrety, które zmienią jej życie, a także pozna prawdziwy powód, dla którego została wciągnięta w tę grę. Każdy z bohaterów jest tajemniczy i ma swoje powody, by ukrywać prawdę - przeszłość, intencje, emocje. Przeszłe wydarzenia kształtują bohaterów bardziej, niż sami chcieliby przyznać. Prawda o sobie samym bywa równie bolesna jak prawda o innych. Tajemnica jest tu walutą, a jej ujawnienie może oznaczać zwycięstwo… albo porażkę. Ogromny majątek jako nagroda obnaża ludzką naturę – ambicję, zazdrość i gotowość do przekraczania granic za wszelką cenę oraz dążenie po trupach. Elementy magiczne nie są tylko ozdobą – symbolizują władzę, wpływ i manipulację, a także to, co niewidoczne na pierwszy rzut oka.
Dynamiczna fabuła, krótkie rozdziały i mroczna atmosfera. Jest kilka zaskakujących zwrotów akcji oraz mnóstwo zagadek. Doceniam za ciekawy system magiczny oraz sposób dziedziczenia magii. Zaskakującą intrygę kryminalną, odkrywanie tego, co naprawdę się wydarzyło, krok po kroku, po przez analizę tropów i obserwację zachowań innych. Końcówka również ostrzy apetyt na więcej, jestem ciekawa kolejnych losów Mullory.
February 1, 2025
This was such a fun book. Mystery Royale is a great mashup of genres. Fantasy murder mystery meets Inheritance Games. This story follows Mullory as she is thrust into a game of Mystery Royale. After receiving an invitation from Stoutmire Estate with a chance to win a sizable inheritance. We also get to meet Whitaker, Ellison, Lyric and Mateo who are also competing in the game. The book is told through multi POV and I love how this added to the mystery plot. It was fun seeing each of the characters uncover clues and piece together the storylines. Mullory is a great main character. She is a bit mysterious herself but has pulled herself together the best she can after her mom left her with only an ominous warning “run if the strange finds you”. She wants a better life for her and for her sick gran, but we aren’t certain why she is even invited to the game.
Overall this was a really fun fast paced story with great clues, murder mystery and magic. It definitely is one of those all is not as it seems. I think fans of murder mystery who love fantasy elements and YA books would enjoy this. I really hope there is a second book sometime in the future because I want more.
Huge thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC
Overall this was a really fun fast paced story with great clues, murder mystery and magic. It definitely is one of those all is not as it seems. I think fans of murder mystery who love fantasy elements and YA books would enjoy this. I really hope there is a second book sometime in the future because I want more.
Huge thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC
January 16, 2025
Mystery Royale is a great YA mystery read with so many dark secrets and twists. Plus who doesn't love rich people family drama?!
This is very Inheritance Games meets Clue, which had me hooked from the start. So many times in these kinds of books the stakes seem meh but I found myself actually concerned about these characters and what was going to happen to them. You'll be kept guessing the whole time, a well-crafted mystery!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to MTMC Tours for a review copy of this book.
This is very Inheritance Games meets Clue, which had me hooked from the start. So many times in these kinds of books the stakes seem meh but I found myself actually concerned about these characters and what was going to happen to them. You'll be kept guessing the whole time, a well-crafted mystery!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to MTMC Tours for a review copy of this book.
January 28, 2025
Murder. Mystery. Mayhem. Mullory.
Mullory? MULLORY? OK, this irked me more than it should have. Why couldn't the main character's name be Mallory? Can we fix this, pleeeeeaaase?
This story was a lot of fun. It moved at a fast pace. Character development and world building were executed very well. I truly enjoyed the characters. The author was able to invoke a wide array of emotions. A more fitting title would have been "If the Strange Finds You."
A jolly rambunctious romp. 4 stars.
Mullory? MULLORY? OK, this irked me more than it should have. Why couldn't the main character's name be Mallory? Can we fix this, pleeeeeaaase?
This story was a lot of fun. It moved at a fast pace. Character development and world building were executed very well. I truly enjoyed the characters. The author was able to invoke a wide array of emotions. A more fitting title would have been "If the Strange Finds You."
A jolly rambunctious romp. 4 stars.
dnf
March 20, 2025DNF at 11%.
So this is just Inheritance Games / Rosewood Hunt / and MOST LIKE Lies We Conjure (which has a magical family) except we have NO idea why this girl is even here. I'm finding myself not really liking this whole "Make every mystery book like Knives Out" trend because they're never interesting nor do they actually really expand on the fact that in Knives Out, the nurse got the money because she was HIS CARETAKER and not a random girl who got lucky.
Also, I did NOT appreciate the Pennsylvania rep where this girl has no table manners like we're all hicks from the boonies. Spitting her food when she talks like she doesn't know to SWALLOW FIRST? No. And if she compared one more person to a freaking dog, I was going to SCREAM.
I didn't like the other povs either.
There wasn't really anything redeemable in the first hour or so I listened to so I'm out.
So this is just Inheritance Games / Rosewood Hunt / and MOST LIKE Lies We Conjure (which has a magical family) except we have NO idea why this girl is even here. I'm finding myself not really liking this whole "Make every mystery book like Knives Out" trend because they're never interesting nor do they actually really expand on the fact that in Knives Out, the nurse got the money because she was HIS CARETAKER and not a random girl who got lucky.
Also, I did NOT appreciate the Pennsylvania rep where this girl has no table manners like we're all hicks from the boonies. Spitting her food when she talks like she doesn't know to SWALLOW FIRST? No. And if she compared one more person to a freaking dog, I was going to SCREAM.
I didn't like the other povs either.
There wasn't really anything redeemable in the first hour or so I listened to so I'm out.
February 7, 2025
This was sheer chaos. Like if Caraval and Knives Out went out on the town and got sloppy drunk. And I kind of love that. It did get a tiny bit confusing in all the magical chaos, but the story was well done! The characters are really quite something and I enjoyed the little romance.
Want to read
June 22, 2025"For fans of the INHERITANCE GAMES and KNIVES OUT comes a magical murder mystery set on a reclusive billionaire's estate"
January 19, 2025
I wish I could remember how this book made it on my TBR. Loved this and devoured it in ~ 24 hours.
Mullory has heavy burdens on her shoulders. Her mother burned their house down. She is judged by everyone in her small town for being “that girl”. She works to pay rent for herself and her grandmother. Her gran who has cancer. It feels like she will never catch a break. That is, until strange things start happening. She gets letters delivered to her in her burrito, in a bag of dog food, etc. She is invited to a magical Mystery Royale. The task: solve a murder. The prize: billions of dollars. Money to save her Gran. Little does she know…. There is magic attached to the prize. And magic that will be at play in the game.
Mullory steps into a world she had no idea existed. She just had vague warnings from her mom to avoid the strange.
Told primarily through three POV from three of the participants in the game. The chapters were short and the switch to another POV was sometimes a bit jarring. All three of these teenagers were struggling a bit and at times not the nicest humans. But… the reasons they weren’t nice were explained and made sense. As the story developed and their backstories were revealed, they became more relatable.
Everything I love in a story:
✔️Locked room mystery—> the murder took place at the magical estate and the players must all stay at the mansion for ~ 1 week to solve the mystery
✔️Short chapters
✔️Magic
✔️fantastic cover
✔️A character I could root for
The magic system wasn’t overly complex. Basic details provided up front and additional details leaked out throughout the story. I really want to know more about this magical world! So many unanswered questions. Really things that could be built on for a book two. The important things were answered. I want to know more backstory about Xavier and Mullory’s mom!
Lyric seemed pretty despicable in the beginning.The relationships he had with his family were complicated. After reading the book, I can 100% see why he had to close his heart off.
The magical puzzles propelled the plot. I had fun trying to figure things out along the way. Loved the descriptions of the parties and the magic happening. Without being the same at all. Reminded me a bit of other magic novels I have adored: The Night Circus, Hotel Magnifique, Caraval.
I loved how Mullory jumped into the strange world even though some people were telling her to leave, others were rude to her and her life was in danger. Her gran was worth it. Along the way she tries to form an alliance with Lyric and maybe a relationship?
This was fun! Highly recommend to mystery readers who like a little magic in their mystery.
Mullory has heavy burdens on her shoulders. Her mother burned their house down. She is judged by everyone in her small town for being “that girl”. She works to pay rent for herself and her grandmother. Her gran who has cancer. It feels like she will never catch a break. That is, until strange things start happening. She gets letters delivered to her in her burrito, in a bag of dog food, etc. She is invited to a magical Mystery Royale. The task: solve a murder. The prize: billions of dollars. Money to save her Gran. Little does she know…. There is magic attached to the prize. And magic that will be at play in the game.
Mullory steps into a world she had no idea existed. She just had vague warnings from her mom to avoid the strange.
Told primarily through three POV from three of the participants in the game. The chapters were short and the switch to another POV was sometimes a bit jarring. All three of these teenagers were struggling a bit and at times not the nicest humans. But… the reasons they weren’t nice were explained and made sense. As the story developed and their backstories were revealed, they became more relatable.
Everything I love in a story:
✔️Locked room mystery—> the murder took place at the magical estate and the players must all stay at the mansion for ~ 1 week to solve the mystery
✔️Short chapters
✔️Magic
✔️fantastic cover
✔️A character I could root for
The magic system wasn’t overly complex. Basic details provided up front and additional details leaked out throughout the story. I really want to know more about this magical world! So many unanswered questions. Really things that could be built on for a book two. The important things were answered. I want to know more backstory about Xavier and Mullory’s mom!
Lyric seemed pretty despicable in the beginning.The relationships he had with his family were complicated. After reading the book, I can 100% see why he had to close his heart off.
The magical puzzles propelled the plot. I had fun trying to figure things out along the way. Loved the descriptions of the parties and the magic happening. Without being the same at all. Reminded me a bit of other magic novels I have adored: The Night Circus, Hotel Magnifique, Caraval.
I loved how Mullory jumped into the strange world even though some people were telling her to leave, others were rude to her and her life was in danger. Her gran was worth it. Along the way she tries to form an alliance with Lyric and maybe a relationship?
This was fun! Highly recommend to mystery readers who like a little magic in their mystery.
July 17, 2025
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- A brilliantly plotted and wildly entertaining mystery full of surprises—just missing that extra spark in the character department.
Mystery Royale is a gripping, twisty, and wildly entertaining ride that had me hooked from the first chapter. Kaitlyn Cavalancia masterfully crafts a clever and high-stakes mystery with a premise that instantly intrigued me—and thankfully, the execution more than delivered. The plot development is sharp and layered, the pacing is electric, and just when I thought I had it figured out, Cavalancia pulled the rug out from under me in the best way. I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming, and that’s rare for me.
What held it back from a full five stars, though, was the character work. While the story is packed with action and brainy intrigue, the characters themselves didn’t feel quite as compelling or dimensional as I usually prefer. They served the plot well enough but lacked the depth or emotional pull that would have elevated the story even further.
That said, this book is an absolute blast—smart, surprising, and just so much fun. If you’re in the mood for a mystery that keeps you guessing and doesn’t let up, Mystery Royale is well worth the read.
March 12, 2025
**3.5 stars**
*Library book*
This started out as a 5 star read. The beginning had such bonkers magic with reality, this murder mystery party thing and an ordinary girl dragged into it. The magic does remind me of stuff you'd see in a Tim Burton movie and it does have creative chops. Plus the way the chapters end are very compelling to keep you reading. Some of the twisted games were interesting as well as the group keeps trying to find the clues. But I will say that this is about 75-80 pages too long. The games started to feel old after a bit and the family's constant drama and lack of solid character changes for Lyric and Ellison felt very forced. Also, Mullory for a girl's name is jarring and I didn't like it. I'm assuming there is a sequel? I'm not sure after the ending. This was a solid book and I'll read more from this author; it just dragged on with the same thing over and over and some of the traps and dramatic moments started to lose their punch.
*Library book*
This started out as a 5 star read. The beginning had such bonkers magic with reality, this murder mystery party thing and an ordinary girl dragged into it. The magic does remind me of stuff you'd see in a Tim Burton movie and it does have creative chops. Plus the way the chapters end are very compelling to keep you reading. Some of the twisted games were interesting as well as the group keeps trying to find the clues. But I will say that this is about 75-80 pages too long. The games started to feel old after a bit and the family's constant drama and lack of solid character changes for Lyric and Ellison felt very forced. Also, Mullory for a girl's name is jarring and I didn't like it. I'm assuming there is a sequel? I'm not sure after the ending. This was a solid book and I'll read more from this author; it just dragged on with the same thing over and over and some of the traps and dramatic moments started to lose their punch.
January 12, 2025
A magical mix of Knives Out, The Westing Game, and Clue (yes, that Clue!), Mystery Royale follows a group of teens participating in a fast-paced inheritance competition to die for. Kaitlyn Cavalancia constructs a mystical world full of magical wonders, dark twists and turns, and characters who all have something to hide. As the plot thickens, I found myself spellbound by this fantasy, racing against the clock alongside Mullory, Lyric, and Ellison to uncover the mystery of who killed Xavier Stoutmire. Cavalancia nails the pacing and character development in her intricately plotted novel, keeping the reader dialed in until the very last page. To say I flew through through this book was an understatement - this was an unputdownable tale of mystery and intrigue, and I’m absolutely dying (no pun intended) to see what happens to these characters in the next installment. I would absolutely recommend Mystery Royale to anyone looking for a fun YA fantasy to completely sweep you up into a magical world you truly won’t want to leave.
February 18, 2025
This book is a solid 4.5/5 stars!! I recommend this book fully! There are definitely some bigger words used in this book and it can be a little hard to keep up with but if you really focus on what you’re reading, the story is fantastic! It’s written in (I think) 5 different perspectives, focusing on three main. I get to meet the author at the end of the month and I am so excited!
February 20, 2025
This was an amazing young adult book! I absolutely love how this book blended my favorite genres of fantasy and mystery. This book has a unique magic system and a captivating story revolving around a murder. Mystery Royale was both whimsical and twisty as the characters raced to solve the murder in order to win the inheritance. I could not put this one down and highly recommend picking this one up!
Read this if you like:
📖 Whodunnits
📖 Unique magic systems
📖 Multiple povs
📖 The Inheritance Games & Hotel Magnifique
Thank you to Kaitlyn Cavalancia for the gifted copy, I loved it!
Read this if you like:
📖 Whodunnits
📖 Unique magic systems
📖 Multiple povs
📖 The Inheritance Games & Hotel Magnifique
Thank you to Kaitlyn Cavalancia for the gifted copy, I loved it!
January 4, 2025
Oh this book was so much fun and I can't wait for the sequel because I need MORE!
Mystery Royale is a mix of murder mystery in the likes of Knives Out & The Inheritance Games, but sprinkled in with MAGIC like in Alice in Wonderland & Caraval. Nothing is what it seems, and the stakes are HIGH after an enigmatic millionaire leaves a magical inheritance that can only be won through a game of "Mystery Royale".
The book is split into multiple POVs that slowly clue you in on how the game works, though the most important POVs are from Mullory, Lyric & Ellison. The first 30% of this book made me think as if I had everything figured out, but I was so wrong, and soon I was just caught in the whirlwind of the game/murder mystery and just HIGHLY enjoying the company of the characters. At first glance, everyone is a suspect and extremely hard to like from the POV of Mullory, but as we learn more about each relative of Uncle Xavier (who left the mystery royale game), then the odd family dynamics started to make sense.
I flew through the pages and read the entire book well into the early hours of the morning, wanting to know how the game would end and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Though my heart kind of aches, and the only thing that keeps me from screaming is the knowledge that there WILL be a sequel. I so desperately need it!
"Run if the strange finds you," but if you are a fan of unlikely allies, murder mystery, magical games, rivals-to-lovers romance, and a mansion with SO MANY secrets, then I do suggest you RUN to pick up a copy of Mystery Royale.
**Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy! All thoughts are my own.**
Mystery Royale is a mix of murder mystery in the likes of Knives Out & The Inheritance Games, but sprinkled in with MAGIC like in Alice in Wonderland & Caraval. Nothing is what it seems, and the stakes are HIGH after an enigmatic millionaire leaves a magical inheritance that can only be won through a game of "Mystery Royale".
The book is split into multiple POVs that slowly clue you in on how the game works, though the most important POVs are from Mullory, Lyric & Ellison. The first 30% of this book made me think as if I had everything figured out, but I was so wrong, and soon I was just caught in the whirlwind of the game/murder mystery and just HIGHLY enjoying the company of the characters. At first glance, everyone is a suspect and extremely hard to like from the POV of Mullory, but as we learn more about each relative of Uncle Xavier (who left the mystery royale game), then the odd family dynamics started to make sense.
I flew through the pages and read the entire book well into the early hours of the morning, wanting to know how the game would end and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Though my heart kind of aches, and the only thing that keeps me from screaming is the knowledge that there WILL be a sequel. I so desperately need it!
"Run if the strange finds you," but if you are a fan of unlikely allies, murder mystery, magical games, rivals-to-lovers romance, and a mansion with SO MANY secrets, then I do suggest you RUN to pick up a copy of Mystery Royale.
**Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy! All thoughts are my own.**
January 2, 2025
This book sucked me in!! Fantastic read. Loved the family drama and the secret. This book definitely has an Inheritance Games vibe. Highly recommend!
May 13, 2025
I see plenty of people pointing out the similarities between this book and The Inheritance Games or Knives Out (rightly so), but there are so many incredibly specific parallels between this and The Westing Game that it's almost ridiculous:
1. A group of heirs is brought together on an estate to solve the mystery of the estate owner's death via a game, and whoever wins the game inherits everything.
2. All of said heirs are connected to the deceased in some way, whether related or otherwise.
3. The "murderer" is present/part of the game.
4. The will/a missing piece of the will is a vital clue.
5. Each heir/group of heirs has unique clues.
6. At least one heir is not who they initially say they are.
7. There's a major red herring/distraction in the object of the game.
8. The solution to the mystery is essentially exactly the same.
And that's just what I came up with in just a few minutes of thinking.
I should add that The Westing Game is one of my all-time favorite books - I first read it when I was about 10, and I was utterly enthralled by how perfectly the puzzles and wordplay fit together, how the clues revealed themselves, how cleverly the solution played out. And even now, decades later, I still love it. I've read it countless times and am incredibly familiar with it. It's not a perfect book, but the mystery is so well done. I love The Inheritance Games for the same reason - the puzzles are so clever, the mysteries satisfyingly complex.
Unfortunately, this book pales in comparison. The characters are one-dimensional stereotypes - the weakling, the snob, the golden child, the angry one - and all SO unlikeable. The clues are vague and leave the reader on the outside looking in - unlike the other two books, the reader doesn't really have enough information to solve the puzzles themselves...although I figured out the solution here well before the end, just because it was such a close copy of The Westing Game.
The magic system also makes very little sense, beyond the fact that the magic is passed down from parent to child...except not, in Xavier's case? So it can also be willed to virtually anyone, if you're childless and like that option, because sure, why not. Lord Thorn is part of the council...what does this council do? One uncle wants Whitaker to be Magnus - what does that mean? Why/how do the particular types of magic exist? (especially one that makes the wielder super angry all the time - you'd think they'd have done something to get rid of that particular type? No?) How does the magic work? It all seems totally random, and nothing is ever explained.
In short, this one was a disappointment and can't hold a candle to a few very similar, yet infinitely better, titles.
1. A group of heirs is brought together on an estate to solve the mystery of the estate owner's death via a game, and whoever wins the game inherits everything.
2. All of said heirs are connected to the deceased in some way, whether related or otherwise.
3. The "murderer" is present/part of the game.
4. The will/a missing piece of the will is a vital clue.
5. Each heir/group of heirs has unique clues.
6. At least one heir is not who they initially say they are.
7. There's a major red herring/distraction in the object of the game.
8. The solution to the mystery is essentially exactly the same.
And that's just what I came up with in just a few minutes of thinking.
I should add that The Westing Game is one of my all-time favorite books - I first read it when I was about 10, and I was utterly enthralled by how perfectly the puzzles and wordplay fit together, how the clues revealed themselves, how cleverly the solution played out. And even now, decades later, I still love it. I've read it countless times and am incredibly familiar with it. It's not a perfect book, but the mystery is so well done. I love The Inheritance Games for the same reason - the puzzles are so clever, the mysteries satisfyingly complex.
Unfortunately, this book pales in comparison. The characters are one-dimensional stereotypes - the weakling, the snob, the golden child, the angry one - and all SO unlikeable. The clues are vague and leave the reader on the outside looking in - unlike the other two books, the reader doesn't really have enough information to solve the puzzles themselves...although I figured out the solution here well before the end, just because it was such a close copy of The Westing Game.
The magic system also makes very little sense, beyond the fact that the magic is passed down from parent to child...except not, in Xavier's case? So it can also be willed to virtually anyone, if you're childless and like that option, because sure, why not. Lord Thorn is part of the council...what does this council do? One uncle wants Whitaker to be Magnus - what does that mean? Why/how do the particular types of magic exist? (especially one that makes the wielder super angry all the time - you'd think they'd have done something to get rid of that particular type? No?) How does the magic work? It all seems totally random, and nothing is ever explained.
In short, this one was a disappointment and can't hold a candle to a few very similar, yet infinitely better, titles.
October 26, 2024
Kaitlyn Cavalancia’s Mystery Royale is a captivating blend of mystery, magic, and high-stakes suspense that hooks you from the very start. Sixteen-year-old Mullory Prudence is an instantly likable protagonist, juggling her responsibilities at home while being pulled into a world of enchantment and danger. When mysterious letters begin appearing and invite her to the mysterious Stoutmire Estate, Mullory is thrust into a game that promises a life-changing inheritance—but the cost of winning might be even greater.
The setting of Stoutmire Estate is lush with intrigue, filled with grand parties, enchanting illusions, and dark family secrets lurking around every corner. Kaitlyn creates an atmosphere that is both magical and menacing, where trust is hard to come by, and everyone’s a suspect. The colorful cast of characters—from the enigmatic Whitaker to the estranged Lyric—adds layers of tension and suspicion, making each interaction feel like a clue waiting to be unraveled.
At the heart of the story is the mystery of Xavier Stoutmire’s murder, which keeps you guessing until the very end. Mullory’s quest to solve the puzzle is full of twists and turns, and her wit, curiosity, and determination make her journey both thrilling and heartfelt. As she navigates the dangerous game, she also grapples with questions of trust and loyalty, making her character growth just as gripping as the mystery itself.
With every page, Kaitlyn delivers unexpected twists and revelations that keep you on edge, ensuring the suspense never wanes. Just when you think you’ve figured out who to trust or who might be behind the murder, another secret is uncovered, making this a truly unpredictable and exciting read.
Mystery Royale is a masterful blend of magic, mystery, and intrigue, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Kaitlyn Cavalancia has crafted a page-turner that’s perfect for fans of thrilling mysteries and magical worlds. Mullory’s journey will keep readers spellbound until the very last page.
A Special Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for gifting me an ARC of this great book!!!
The setting of Stoutmire Estate is lush with intrigue, filled with grand parties, enchanting illusions, and dark family secrets lurking around every corner. Kaitlyn creates an atmosphere that is both magical and menacing, where trust is hard to come by, and everyone’s a suspect. The colorful cast of characters—from the enigmatic Whitaker to the estranged Lyric—adds layers of tension and suspicion, making each interaction feel like a clue waiting to be unraveled.
At the heart of the story is the mystery of Xavier Stoutmire’s murder, which keeps you guessing until the very end. Mullory’s quest to solve the puzzle is full of twists and turns, and her wit, curiosity, and determination make her journey both thrilling and heartfelt. As she navigates the dangerous game, she also grapples with questions of trust and loyalty, making her character growth just as gripping as the mystery itself.
With every page, Kaitlyn delivers unexpected twists and revelations that keep you on edge, ensuring the suspense never wanes. Just when you think you’ve figured out who to trust or who might be behind the murder, another secret is uncovered, making this a truly unpredictable and exciting read.
Mystery Royale is a masterful blend of magic, mystery, and intrigue, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Kaitlyn Cavalancia has crafted a page-turner that’s perfect for fans of thrilling mysteries and magical worlds. Mullory’s journey will keep readers spellbound until the very last page.
A Special Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for gifting me an ARC of this great book!!!
June 3, 2025
first chapter was so bogus im not wasting my time
Unc thinks he’s annalise keating
Unc thinks he’s annalise keating
March 17, 2025
Mystery Royale is literally The Inheritance Games by way of All of Us Villains with all of the action and excitement of a game of Clue where the winner not only inherits a vast fortune and estate, but also the owner’s magic. Have I enticed you to read it yet?
Mullory (NOT Mallory) has been living her life, working multiple jobs to support herself and her grandmother since the checks her mother used to send completely stopped coming. With her grandmother unable to work or take care of herself, all of the responsibility falls on her.
When the strange letters addressed to her start arriving, she destroys them one by one. She can smell her mother on them and after she went off and left them, she wants nothing to do with her… or the “strange.” But that’s when a man arrives at her house asking her to join in a competition that could make all of their problems go away.
The competition is for money, an estate and Xavier Stoutmire’s magic… seeing as how he was just found dead. With multiple family members and 2 outsiders playing, they have to find out whoddunit before time runs out.
I love the world building of this book. Magic is inherited and given to the first born. So if both parents have powers, then they would go to the first two kids. Any children born after that are just out of luck. So this story being partially about that third child’s vie for power was really appealing.
This felt like the start of a series or maybe that’s my internal hope that we’ll get more. Because I want Mullory and Lyric’s story. I also really want them both to get magic. 😭 So we’ll have to wait and see.
Mullory (NOT Mallory) has been living her life, working multiple jobs to support herself and her grandmother since the checks her mother used to send completely stopped coming. With her grandmother unable to work or take care of herself, all of the responsibility falls on her.
When the strange letters addressed to her start arriving, she destroys them one by one. She can smell her mother on them and after she went off and left them, she wants nothing to do with her… or the “strange.” But that’s when a man arrives at her house asking her to join in a competition that could make all of their problems go away.
The competition is for money, an estate and Xavier Stoutmire’s magic… seeing as how he was just found dead. With multiple family members and 2 outsiders playing, they have to find out whoddunit before time runs out.
I love the world building of this book. Magic is inherited and given to the first born. So if both parents have powers, then they would go to the first two kids. Any children born after that are just out of luck. So this story being partially about that third child’s vie for power was really appealing.
This felt like the start of a series or maybe that’s my internal hope that we’ll get more. Because I want Mullory and Lyric’s story. I also really want them both to get magic. 😭 So we’ll have to wait and see.
February 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐
Pros:
✨Interesting Magical Scenarios
✨Distinct Characters
Cons:
✨Audience Level (Should be middle grade)
✨Flat Characters
✨Lack of Character Growth
✨Poor Craft
✨Needed another round of polishing
✨Trauma as Plot Device
✨Underwhelming / Lackluster Conclusion
✨Abrupt Ending
✨Insta-Love
Mullory is warned to run when the strange finds her. She was meant to run away from it, and instead, she runs towards it. Right into a deadly game of magical inheritance hosted by the now-deceased Xavier. It’s an inheritance meant for Lyric, the unwanted and unloved grandson of the powerful man.
This felt half developed, and there would have been a quick fix to that problem: Play down the romance, then mark this as middle grade. As a YA, this novel didn’t work. The characters were distinctive due to their caricature quirks, but they were surface level with little-to-no character development. The plot was whimsical, but simple and relied on awe factor resolutions that speak more to a juvenile audience. The villains were cartoonish in nature. Mullory’s mother was little more than an off-screen catalyst who’s reputation loomed larger than the character herself. Even the writing style fell short, using a plethora of cliche phrases, which can help young audiences with comprehension, but that stood out like a glare as is.
This was less about the story, and more about the magic and the adventure. It’s simply too young for the themes needed in a YA novel. We skipped all over the place, chased POVs that depended on character traits more than substance and development, and had an abrupt ending that would have been a spot of wonder for a younger audience, but felt wholly lacking as a YA. No one here acts older than twelve. Not even the adults, at times.
I don’t read middle grade, but this felt like a middle grade novel. A few tweaks and it would have been perfect for that age group. I’m not quite sure why it was nudged into the YA sphere because it simply doesn’t work well here.
Pros:
✨Interesting Magical Scenarios
✨Distinct Characters
Cons:
✨Audience Level (Should be middle grade)
✨Flat Characters
✨Lack of Character Growth
✨Poor Craft
✨Needed another round of polishing
✨Trauma as Plot Device
✨Underwhelming / Lackluster Conclusion
✨Abrupt Ending
✨Insta-Love
Mullory is warned to run when the strange finds her. She was meant to run away from it, and instead, she runs towards it. Right into a deadly game of magical inheritance hosted by the now-deceased Xavier. It’s an inheritance meant for Lyric, the unwanted and unloved grandson of the powerful man.
This felt half developed, and there would have been a quick fix to that problem: Play down the romance, then mark this as middle grade. As a YA, this novel didn’t work. The characters were distinctive due to their caricature quirks, but they were surface level with little-to-no character development. The plot was whimsical, but simple and relied on awe factor resolutions that speak more to a juvenile audience. The villains were cartoonish in nature. Mullory’s mother was little more than an off-screen catalyst who’s reputation loomed larger than the character herself. Even the writing style fell short, using a plethora of cliche phrases, which can help young audiences with comprehension, but that stood out like a glare as is.
This was less about the story, and more about the magic and the adventure. It’s simply too young for the themes needed in a YA novel. We skipped all over the place, chased POVs that depended on character traits more than substance and development, and had an abrupt ending that would have been a spot of wonder for a younger audience, but felt wholly lacking as a YA. No one here acts older than twelve. Not even the adults, at times.
I don’t read middle grade, but this felt like a middle grade novel. A few tweaks and it would have been perfect for that age group. I’m not quite sure why it was nudged into the YA sphere because it simply doesn’t work well here.
December 31, 2025
Woah! This book took me on a wild ride! It was kinda slow to start but about half way through I could not put this book down! I loved the mystery and magic. The multiple POV’s were interesting as well. I would say this is like a magical version of Knives Out. It kept me guessing up until the very end! I was on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery! I will say it was a bit too dark and morbid for my taste at times. But it was truly entertaining! I can’t wait for the second book!
January 8, 2025
16-year-old Mullory Prudence’s mother warned her to avoid “the strange.” That is, until billionaire, Xavier Stoutmire dies. Sent an invitation to help solve his murder as part of the game, “Mystery Royale,” Mullory is reluctant to participate. Until, she find out the winner inherits Xavier’s magic and fortune. Knowing that the money could make a world of difference for her and paying her grandmother’s medical bills, she is determined to solve the mystery. She teams up with Lyric, Xavier’s great nephew. Living with his uncle for so logn, Lyric knows his uncle better than the rest of his family. The only thing he doesn’t understand is why his uncle didn’t choose him as his successor. Due to the laws of magical inheritance, now his only chance of getting his uncle’s magic and wealth is to solve the mystery. As clues are revealed during 5 lavish parties, the game gets deadlier. As a result, Mullory and Lyric’s partnership takes a toll. Can the two learn to work together? Will they figure out who killed Xavier?
Narrators, James Babson and Emily O’Brien’s intonations do a great job of bringing to life the unique, well-developed characters. The narrative styles work well with the author’s writing style. Told through alternating point of view, each chapter offers insight into the mystery. The plot is engaging, mysterious, and full of twists and turns. The world building is well done and draws the reader into Lyric and Mullory’s world. Listeners who liked Inheritance Games, Westing Game, or who like fantasy, mystery, and magical realism will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
Narrators, James Babson and Emily O’Brien’s intonations do a great job of bringing to life the unique, well-developed characters. The narrative styles work well with the author’s writing style. Told through alternating point of view, each chapter offers insight into the mystery. The plot is engaging, mysterious, and full of twists and turns. The world building is well done and draws the reader into Lyric and Mullory’s world. Listeners who liked Inheritance Games, Westing Game, or who like fantasy, mystery, and magical realism will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
February 18, 2025
This one had me guessing until the end. Mystery Royale, a YA mystery, has many twists and turns and dark secrets. Don't trust everything you see.
This would make a great Netflix TV supernatural drama. I enjoyed all of the characters, their backstories, and their family histories.
This would make a great Netflix TV supernatural drama. I enjoyed all of the characters, their backstories, and their family histories.
July 8, 2025
4 ⭐️
An interesting take on magical inheritance. A very Clue-like vibe with a dysfunctional family and high stakes. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book. Very entertaining!
An interesting take on magical inheritance. A very Clue-like vibe with a dysfunctional family and high stakes. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book. Very entertaining!
January 26, 2026
I made the mistake of reading the last third of this book after I finished no way home and was in a state of emotional dread.
3 stars!!
3 stars!!
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