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The Escape Game
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An unforgettable YA murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show, by Marissa Meyer, #1
New York Times
bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Tamara Moss, rising star and acclaimed author of Lintang series.
It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.
Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.
Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.
But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.
When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.
It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.
Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.
Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.
But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.
When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
52060 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Meyer
69 books132k followersI live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and beautiful twin daughters. Represented by Jill Grinberg. Learn more about me and my upcoming books at http://www.marissameyer.com.
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December 19, 2025
2.75 ✰ ?? It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me!
I wanna start off by saying that I was so so so excited for this book for a lot of different reasons: the author, the sinopses, the premise of it, etc … !!!!!!!!
Unfortunately I’m not gonna lie and say I had a fabulous time :/
I could say that it might be me, honestly… maybe it wasn’t the right time or maybe this isn’t for me and that’s okay!!!
𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 !!! 💕
For about 60% of the book I was bored and forcing myself to continue it, the characters didn’t click for me and the game rooms were not that fun to read about ( 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 , 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 ) 💀
The plot for me was solid, nothing crazy to be honest, I wasn’t that surprised. 😭
Don’t have much to say to be honest, it’s not memorable at all, by tomorrow my mind will have erased and wiped this book away from it. 🥱
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 !!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
I wanna start off by saying that I was so so so excited for this book for a lot of different reasons: the author, the sinopses, the premise of it, etc … !!!!!!!!
Unfortunately I’m not gonna lie and say I had a fabulous time :/
I could say that it might be me, honestly… maybe it wasn’t the right time or maybe this isn’t for me and that’s okay!!!
𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 !!! 💕
For about 60% of the book I was bored and forcing myself to continue it, the characters didn’t click for me and the game rooms were not that fun to read about ( 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 , 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 ) 💀
The plot for me was solid, nothing crazy to be honest, I wasn’t that surprised. 😭
Don’t have much to say to be honest, it’s not memorable at all, by tomorrow my mind will have erased and wiped this book away from it. 🥱
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 !!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
February 9, 2026
As a devoted fan of literal locked-room stories and murder mysteries, this book felt like a match made in heaven for me! On top of that, it’s filled with eccentric, hyper-nerdy, and wonderfully unconventional main characters. At first, you doubt them—they’re not instantly lovable—but slowly, their quirks grow on you. Before you know it, you’re embracing every peculiar trait and wanting to give each of them a big hug by the end.
Each escape-room challenge is brilliantly designed—clever, intricate, and smart enough to make your brain cells work overtime. You’re constantly trying to piece together what’s happening while marveling at each character’s intelligence and fast-paced problem-solving. It’s entertaining, incredibly sharp, and action-packed. The murder-mystery clues sprinkled throughout are also well executed. I did guess the mastermind behind the scheme, but several twists were absolutely unforeseeable and genuinely made me gasp.
The story unfolds on The Escape Game, a wildly popular TV show that became a huge hit and moved to Hitflix with a massive budget and a one-million-dollar prize. Contestants will do anything to win—even kill a teammate. Six months ago, Alicia Angelos was murdered, found inside a coffin during a challenge. One of the prime suspects was her own sister, Sierra, who had fought with her and lacked an airtight alibi. Though there wasn’t enough evidence to charge her, online forums remain convinced she got away with murder.
Now a new season begins, filled with competitive, brilliantly skilled contestants. One team in particular—Team Helsing—draws the most attention. Not necessarily because of Aditya Parvesh, the bookish cryptographer; or Symphony Parvesh, the glamorous movie star and influencer; or Carter Kelly, the famous math prodigy whose online avatar is “Kick It Carter”; or Beck Matheson, a transgender, aspiring game master who designs mind-bending rooms using his synesthesia. No—the shock comes from Sierra Angelos’ return.
A presumed murderer stepping back onto the show instantly makes her the reluctant leader of the group. The others are so busy panicking about eliminations that they secretly pray she won’t kill them in their sleep. What they don’t realize is that Sierra is actually innocent. Beneath her artsy, goth, intimidating exterior, she’s a caring soul who grew up in foster homes, longing for love. She’s determined to find her sister’s real killer, and the villa where Alicia stayed during the competition might hold crucial clues. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure known as the real game master has been leaving messages inside the rooms and on the forums—someone who could be either the murderer or Sierra’s unexpected ally.
Can Sierra trust her new teammates, who slowly but surely win her over? Sweet, good-hearted Beck, who is the first to reach out with kindness; Carter, battling her own self-confidence issues and her crush on Fitz, the charming Australian host; and Adi, quiet and brooding, weighed down by secrets and parents who have damaged him. And can they uncover the true killer before someone else becomes a target?
This was an incredibly entertaining page-turner—I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m thrilled that more books and more games are coming. I’m already attached to these characters, especially Beck and Carter, and I can’t wait to jump into another adventure when the sequels arrive.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this addictive YA mystery’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Each escape-room challenge is brilliantly designed—clever, intricate, and smart enough to make your brain cells work overtime. You’re constantly trying to piece together what’s happening while marveling at each character’s intelligence and fast-paced problem-solving. It’s entertaining, incredibly sharp, and action-packed. The murder-mystery clues sprinkled throughout are also well executed. I did guess the mastermind behind the scheme, but several twists were absolutely unforeseeable and genuinely made me gasp.
The story unfolds on The Escape Game, a wildly popular TV show that became a huge hit and moved to Hitflix with a massive budget and a one-million-dollar prize. Contestants will do anything to win—even kill a teammate. Six months ago, Alicia Angelos was murdered, found inside a coffin during a challenge. One of the prime suspects was her own sister, Sierra, who had fought with her and lacked an airtight alibi. Though there wasn’t enough evidence to charge her, online forums remain convinced she got away with murder.
Now a new season begins, filled with competitive, brilliantly skilled contestants. One team in particular—Team Helsing—draws the most attention. Not necessarily because of Aditya Parvesh, the bookish cryptographer; or Symphony Parvesh, the glamorous movie star and influencer; or Carter Kelly, the famous math prodigy whose online avatar is “Kick It Carter”; or Beck Matheson, a transgender, aspiring game master who designs mind-bending rooms using his synesthesia. No—the shock comes from Sierra Angelos’ return.
A presumed murderer stepping back onto the show instantly makes her the reluctant leader of the group. The others are so busy panicking about eliminations that they secretly pray she won’t kill them in their sleep. What they don’t realize is that Sierra is actually innocent. Beneath her artsy, goth, intimidating exterior, she’s a caring soul who grew up in foster homes, longing for love. She’s determined to find her sister’s real killer, and the villa where Alicia stayed during the competition might hold crucial clues. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure known as the real game master has been leaving messages inside the rooms and on the forums—someone who could be either the murderer or Sierra’s unexpected ally.
Can Sierra trust her new teammates, who slowly but surely win her over? Sweet, good-hearted Beck, who is the first to reach out with kindness; Carter, battling her own self-confidence issues and her crush on Fitz, the charming Australian host; and Adi, quiet and brooding, weighed down by secrets and parents who have damaged him. And can they uncover the true killer before someone else becomes a target?
This was an incredibly entertaining page-turner—I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m thrilled that more books and more games are coming. I’m already attached to these characters, especially Beck and Carter, and I can’t wait to jump into another adventure when the sequels arrive.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this addictive YA mystery’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marissa Meyer co-writing a YA escape room game show thriller was not on my bingo card for 2026, but I'm certainly not mad about it either. Because I really had a great time with this book. It's fast-paced and exciting, and I never once was bored while reading. It's all about this escape room show whose last season finale turned out deadly for one of the contestants. A new season is already in production anyway, even if the murder could not be solved. The book now follows several characters who participate in the new season. Carter is a math nerd (can't relate) and famous online puzzle solver with a huge following, Beck creates his own escape rooms as a hobby, Adi gets dragged onto the show by his influencer mother and Sierra is the sister of the girl who died last season. She also happens to be the prime suspect in that case. The four of them form a team, but everyone is more or less pursuing their own goals. On top of that they are also pushed into an antagonistic role by the production team and are confronted with multiple complications on set and backstage. I did like how the book showed the downsides of show business in this way and I'm glad that it was included. The game show itself was entertaining and interesting to read about, and it offered vastly different themes with every episode that was filmed and every room that was played. I would totally watch a show like that in real life, because it offers something new every week and there is of course plenty of contestant drama too. I liked to read about the show and also about the behind-the-scenes stuff, so I really can't complain about anything here. The ending was a bit weird, though. The showdown was VERY dramatic and at one point the villain just revealed themselves for no reason. It was kinda giving Scooby Doo, but I don't mean it as a compliment. There weren't that many characters who could have been involved in the murder anyway, so nothing came as a big surprise in the end. Still, I really liked this book for what it was. The characters were perfectly fine and didn't annoy me (it's an achievement in YA, ok?), it was a super quick read and I was entertained the entire time. The ending sets up a sequel and I actually wouldn't mind to read more. After the escape room game show in book one, the second book might be all about a fancy escape room resort and that already peaks my interest, if I'm honest.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
January 31, 2026: ̗̀➛ started on 1/30/26, paused on 1/31/26
my mood changes faster than the weather here lol and im just sadly not in the mood for this anymore
--
aaaahhh my first marissa meyer book!! i'm in such a thriller mood right now and i forgot i had the arc for this lmao. let's hope i have a fun time
my mood changes faster than the weather here lol and im just sadly not in the mood for this anymore
--
aaaahhh my first marissa meyer book!! i'm in such a thriller mood right now and i forgot i had the arc for this lmao. let's hope i have a fun time
Want to read
June 24, 2025New release from Marissa Meyer? Say no more, I'm reading it. ✋
Want to read
December 2, 2025⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (12/1/2025): To all my fellow USA NetGalley users, this is READ NOW FOR 48 HOURS! I snatched this ARC up so fast; I'm excited to see what Marissa Meyer has in store with this book! I won't be reading this until a bit closer to the publishing date in April, but grab your ARCs now while you can! I've only read Heartless by her a few years ago and I believe this is her first mystery/thriller book, so I can't wait to see her spin on this genre!
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Marissa Meyer, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Escape Game will be officially published on April 7th, 2026!
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Marissa Meyer, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Escape Game will be officially published on April 7th, 2026!
January 26, 2026
❛❛sᴏʟᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ. ᴡɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ. ɴᴏ ʙɪɢɢɪᴇ.❜❜*
˚⊱🔍⊰˚ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆˚⊱🗝️⊰˚
ᯓ 🗝️ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ʀᴇʟᴇᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴘʀɪʟ 𝟽, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟺.𝟽𝟻 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★★★
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ᴛᴡɪsᴛʏ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀɪᴇs, ᴄʟᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴘᴜᴢᴢʟᴇs, sᴀʙᴀᴛᴏɢᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ!
ᯓ 🔍 ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:
⤷ Sierra Angelos. A lonely goth looking for her sister’s murderer and most importantly revenge.
⤷ Carter Kelly. An internet puzzler known as “Kick it Carter”, an incredibly relatable character who deals with many teenage insecurities. (And my favorite!)
⤷ Beck Matheson. A transgender teenager who wants to become a game master, designing puzzles and escape rooms, he’s clever and incredible at puzzle solving.
⤷ Aditya Parvesh. A pretty boy specializing in anagrams and looking for independence from his family - sometimes a little bit infuriating.
There are many secrets being kept, and some are deadly …
ᯓ 🗝️ ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤷ This was incredibly written and captivating from the beginning to the end. The writing was well done and the book/chapters were wonderfully paced. The twists and turns of this book made it an extraordinary read!
I’ve completed a singular escape room in my life, that (I will admit) was significantly easier than ones designed in this book. The descriptions are incredibly realistic, I could practically feel my stress levels rising as the time passed in the game show. The puzzles were good and incredibly well designed. (However, I didn’t always understand them, due to my exhausted, overworked brain.) This book also hosts a diverse set of characters, breaking the conventional “nerd” stereotypes all while maintaining its geeky premise. After a little while, I could sympathize with its characters and understand their actions, no matter how bizarre.
This book was able to capture my short attention span, with its short chapters and delightful pacing. There was always another secret and clue to be revealed. I’m usually quite good at guessing murders and motives, but this had quite the unexpected ending (my jaw was on the floor). I was also surprised to learn that this was not a standalone and was in fact the first in a series.
ᯓ🔍 ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
I would definitely recommend this book (and I’m certainly going to buy a physical copy when this comes out!) to anyone who loves a muder mystery book. I love puzzles and intelligent characters, if you do too then be sure to pick this one up!
ᯓ🗝️ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 4.75 stars
ᯓ🔍 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ The Inheritance Games (Barnes)
⤿ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Jackson)
*Quote has been taken from an uncorrected proof.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Younger Readers for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰
|| ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ i’m so excited to start this arc! i love marissa meyers fantasy books so im thrilled to read her first mystery novel!! also love to get arcs!
˚⊱🔍⊰˚ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆˚⊱🗝️⊰˚
ᯓ 🗝️ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ʀᴇʟᴇᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴘʀɪʟ 𝟽, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟺.𝟽𝟻 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★★★
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ᴛᴡɪsᴛʏ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀɪᴇs, ᴄʟᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴘᴜᴢᴢʟᴇs, sᴀʙᴀᴛᴏɢᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ!
ᯓ 🔍 ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:
⤷ Sierra Angelos. A lonely goth looking for her sister’s murderer and most importantly revenge.
⤷ Carter Kelly. An internet puzzler known as “Kick it Carter”, an incredibly relatable character who deals with many teenage insecurities. (And my favorite!)
⤷ Beck Matheson. A transgender teenager who wants to become a game master, designing puzzles and escape rooms, he’s clever and incredible at puzzle solving.
⤷ Aditya Parvesh. A pretty boy specializing in anagrams and looking for independence from his family - sometimes a little bit infuriating.
There are many secrets being kept, and some are deadly …
ᯓ 🗝️ ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤷ This was incredibly written and captivating from the beginning to the end. The writing was well done and the book/chapters were wonderfully paced. The twists and turns of this book made it an extraordinary read!
I’ve completed a singular escape room in my life, that (I will admit) was significantly easier than ones designed in this book. The descriptions are incredibly realistic, I could practically feel my stress levels rising as the time passed in the game show. The puzzles were good and incredibly well designed. (However, I didn’t always understand them, due to my exhausted, overworked brain.) This book also hosts a diverse set of characters, breaking the conventional “nerd” stereotypes all while maintaining its geeky premise. After a little while, I could sympathize with its characters and understand their actions, no matter how bizarre.
This book was able to capture my short attention span, with its short chapters and delightful pacing. There was always another secret and clue to be revealed. I’m usually quite good at guessing murders and motives, but this had quite the unexpected ending (my jaw was on the floor). I was also surprised to learn that this was not a standalone and was in fact the first in a series.
ᯓ🔍 ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
I would definitely recommend this book (and I’m certainly going to buy a physical copy when this comes out!) to anyone who loves a muder mystery book. I love puzzles and intelligent characters, if you do too then be sure to pick this one up!
ᯓ🗝️ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 4.75 stars
ᯓ🔍 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ The Inheritance Games (Barnes)
⤿ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Jackson)
*Quote has been taken from an uncorrected proof.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Younger Readers for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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|| ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ i’m so excited to start this arc! i love marissa meyers fantasy books so im thrilled to read her first mystery novel!! also love to get arcs!
December 15, 2025
This book is for the nerds that love puzzles, murder mysteries and yes, escape rooms.
It is a fairly simple story and I clocked the twist really early but I enjoyed the journey so much! I like all the characters and it moved really fast so I wasn’t bored at any point(I'm getting over a reading slump so this is an important thing).
I’m so here for the sequel, gimme!
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for the arc.
It is a fairly simple story and I clocked the twist really early but I enjoyed the journey so much! I like all the characters and it moved really fast so I wasn’t bored at any point(I'm getting over a reading slump so this is an important thing).
I’m so here for the sequel, gimme!
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for the arc.
Want to read
June 26, 2025A murder mystery set in an escape room?? Written by Marissa Meyer??? I AM SO HERE FOR THIS
Want to read
June 26, 2025i’d read marissa meyer’s grocery list if she published it
Want to read
June 24, 2025i NEED this book rn
Want to read
November 14, 2025
pre-read
જ⁀➴
╰┈➤ a new YA murder-mystery?? i'm sat.
╰┈➤ requested an arc. might cry if i get it. might cry if i don't.
╰┈➤ a new YA murder-mystery?? i'm sat.
╰┈➤ requested an arc. might cry if i get it. might cry if i don't.
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Want to read
December 27, 2025As a passionate escape room enthusiast, I need this in my life right now
Want to read
July 30, 2025marissa I will read anything you write
December 10, 2025
ARC for review. To be published April 7, 2026.
4 stars
Escape rooms must still be pretty popular (I love them) as there are still a number of books (generally YA….maybe I need to become friends with a bunch of teenagers so they’ll invite me to go with them? Yep, it’s all fun and games til the cops come and you try to give them that excuse when they call you a perv.) about them. However, looking at it from just a game standpoint, this is the best one I’ve read. Usually they are long on murders, short on actual game detail, but this one goes into some detail on the clever puzzles found within.
Last season on “The Escape Game” contestant Sierra Angelos opened a coffin to find…the body of her sister, fellow contestant Alicia Angelos. Sierra is back this season (what because she is over it? I would be rocking back and forth hugging myself in Ye Olde Loonybin after that.) and looking for revenge. Also on her team are Adi, son of a faded star, Carter, host of a fan room and a math genius and Beck who creates game rooms. Can they win the million dollars and determine who killed Alicia?
Well, it’s probably no spoiler to say that the smart money is on them and it’s fun getting there. The rooms are great (never mind that I would pee my pants in fright in each and every one. I am clearly not meant for greatness.)
4 stars
Escape rooms must still be pretty popular (I love them) as there are still a number of books (generally YA….maybe I need to become friends with a bunch of teenagers so they’ll invite me to go with them? Yep, it’s all fun and games til the cops come and you try to give them that excuse when they call you a perv.) about them. However, looking at it from just a game standpoint, this is the best one I’ve read. Usually they are long on murders, short on actual game detail, but this one goes into some detail on the clever puzzles found within.
Last season on “The Escape Game” contestant Sierra Angelos opened a coffin to find…the body of her sister, fellow contestant Alicia Angelos. Sierra is back this season (what because she is over it? I would be rocking back and forth hugging myself in Ye Olde Loonybin after that.) and looking for revenge. Also on her team are Adi, son of a faded star, Carter, host of a fan room and a math genius and Beck who creates game rooms. Can they win the million dollars and determine who killed Alicia?
Well, it’s probably no spoiler to say that the smart money is on them and it’s fun getting there. The rooms are great (never mind that I would pee my pants in fright in each and every one. I am clearly not meant for greatness.)
January 11, 2026
Season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set by her sister and contestant, Sierra Angelos. Although Sierra was never charged with her sister's murder, fans of the show believe she is responsible. Now, six months later, season five is about to begin with a new group of contestants. The show kicks off with a big twist: Sierra returns to The Escape Game. Joining Team Helsing, Sierra has one goal: to find out who killed Alicia.
This is a fun locked-room mystery with a unique set of characters. I loved the aspect of escape rooms being featured on a television show and enjoyed the different details provided for each of the rooms. The different points of view from the members of Team Helsing added to this book, as it seemed that each character had their own motive for being on the show. The ending definitely opens up the possibility for a sequel, and I can’t wait to see what is next for Team Helsing.
The Escape Game is set to release on April 17th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to review The Escape Game. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun locked-room mystery with a unique set of characters. I loved the aspect of escape rooms being featured on a television show and enjoyed the different details provided for each of the rooms. The different points of view from the members of Team Helsing added to this book, as it seemed that each character had their own motive for being on the show. The ending definitely opens up the possibility for a sequel, and I can’t wait to see what is next for Team Helsing.
The Escape Game is set to release on April 17th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to review The Escape Game. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2025
An absolute page-turner- you’re solving a murder in a LITERAL locked room, a reality show about ESCAPE room nerdom- if you love the locked room mystery trope, the shadiness of production of reality shows and a YA intensity- this book needs
To go on your TBR.
I’m a huge fan of the lunar chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, and this is a return to her best work - intriguing characters with a load of secrets, a fun setting and plenty of twists and turns. I am not a big escape room person, because I lack the intelligence or patience and critical thinking- but it was so much fun to read about characters that are smarter than me and see how they uncovered puzzles.
I stayed up late into the night and I was completely shocked at the ending!
Thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam books for young readers.
Book to be published April 6, 2026.
To go on your TBR.
I’m a huge fan of the lunar chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, and this is a return to her best work - intriguing characters with a load of secrets, a fun setting and plenty of twists and turns. I am not a big escape room person, because I lack the intelligence or patience and critical thinking- but it was so much fun to read about characters that are smarter than me and see how they uncovered puzzles.
I stayed up late into the night and I was completely shocked at the ending!
Thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam books for young readers.
Book to be published April 6, 2026.
October 24, 2025
I can’t believe I got to read an ARC!!!
I want part two. No, I need part two. This book was masterfully written from start to finish. I kept thinking I knew “who dunnit” only to be wrong again and again. The characters were all well rounded with secrets and journeys of their own which all got fleshed out (I want to see them more fleshed out) and I really felt like this was a real show with a fandom a large viewership (although it bugged me that they kept saying things like “all that time ago when it the show had been going for five seasons”)
My favorite part HAD to be the escape rooms. I felt like I was inside the rooms with the characters. The rooms were vividly described and I could understand exactly how the characters got from point a to point b. I didn’t feel lost at any point and yet, the tension was REAL. I constantly was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next, what the next clue was and would they finish in time?? I also loved the character dynamics of the team and how the escape rooms brought those out.
While there were minor flaws (ie there being only five seasons of a show that was talked about like it had gone on for decades) the book was a huge hit for me which, given my general lack of love for murder mystery is an impressive feat in and of itself. You’ve done it again Marissa Meyer and props to you Tamara Moss.
I want part two. No, I need part two. This book was masterfully written from start to finish. I kept thinking I knew “who dunnit” only to be wrong again and again. The characters were all well rounded with secrets and journeys of their own which all got fleshed out (I want to see them more fleshed out) and I really felt like this was a real show with a fandom a large viewership (although it bugged me that they kept saying things like “all that time ago when it the show had been going for five seasons”)
My favorite part HAD to be the escape rooms. I felt like I was inside the rooms with the characters. The rooms were vividly described and I could understand exactly how the characters got from point a to point b. I didn’t feel lost at any point and yet, the tension was REAL. I constantly was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next, what the next clue was and would they finish in time?? I also loved the character dynamics of the team and how the escape rooms brought those out.
While there were minor flaws (ie there being only five seasons of a show that was talked about like it had gone on for decades) the book was a huge hit for me which, given my general lack of love for murder mystery is an impressive feat in and of itself. You’ve done it again Marissa Meyer and props to you Tamara Moss.
December 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
As a big fan of both thrillers and escape rooms, this book called my name immediately and it did not disappoint.
With a fun cast of characters, clever puzzles, and a murder mystery afoot, this book was immensely bingeable and just overall a good time. I found the writing engaging and really enjoyed the descriptions of the escape rooms and puzzles, they were clearly well thought out and immediately made me feel like I was right there with Team Helsing.
Our protagonists are a wonderfully unconventional group of nerdy teens who grow on you quickly despite their quirks and flaws. I cannot wait to join them on their next adventure.
Overall, this was a super fun and fast read packed with reality TV drama, quirky characters, found family, puzzles, and lots of whodunnit twists. Perfect if you're looking for a YA page-turner.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC in exchange for honest feedback.
As a big fan of both thrillers and escape rooms, this book called my name immediately and it did not disappoint.
With a fun cast of characters, clever puzzles, and a murder mystery afoot, this book was immensely bingeable and just overall a good time. I found the writing engaging and really enjoyed the descriptions of the escape rooms and puzzles, they were clearly well thought out and immediately made me feel like I was right there with Team Helsing.
Our protagonists are a wonderfully unconventional group of nerdy teens who grow on you quickly despite their quirks and flaws. I cannot wait to join them on their next adventure.
Overall, this was a super fun and fast read packed with reality TV drama, quirky characters, found family, puzzles, and lots of whodunnit twists. Perfect if you're looking for a YA page-turner.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC in exchange for honest feedback.
Want to read
November 17, 2025so I actually got a Marissa Meyer arc??? this is actually so unreal omg
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed The Escape Game. As a long time fan of escape games and escape rooms, this book immediately appealed to me, and it fully delivered on that premise.
The writing is clear, engaging, and very easy to follow. The story flows smoothly, making it an effortless yet gripping read. One of the strongest aspects of the book is the use of multiple perspectives, which adds depth and allows the reader to better understand the characters and their motivations. Carter, Beck, and Vera stood out as my favorite characters; each of them was thoughtfully developed and compelling in their own way.
The ending was satisfying, and the plot twists were well executed. While I was able to anticipate a few twists early on, there were still several surprises that genuinely caught me off guard, which made the reading experience even more rewarding.
As an escape game centered story, the escape rooms themselves deserve special praise. They are intricately designed, atmospheric, and full of mystery. The puzzles are cleverly constructed, and I especially appreciated how the authors invited readers to engage with the challenges and attempt to solve the rooms alongside the characters. This interactive element added an extra layer of immersion to the story.
I knew fairly early on that this would be a five star read for me, simply because of how invested I became. It kept me completely hooked, and I found it very difficult to put down. I’m confident that The Escape Game will be among my top five reads of the year.
The writing is clear, engaging, and very easy to follow. The story flows smoothly, making it an effortless yet gripping read. One of the strongest aspects of the book is the use of multiple perspectives, which adds depth and allows the reader to better understand the characters and their motivations. Carter, Beck, and Vera stood out as my favorite characters; each of them was thoughtfully developed and compelling in their own way.
The ending was satisfying, and the plot twists were well executed. While I was able to anticipate a few twists early on, there were still several surprises that genuinely caught me off guard, which made the reading experience even more rewarding.
As an escape game centered story, the escape rooms themselves deserve special praise. They are intricately designed, atmospheric, and full of mystery. The puzzles are cleverly constructed, and I especially appreciated how the authors invited readers to engage with the challenges and attempt to solve the rooms alongside the characters. This interactive element added an extra layer of immersion to the story.
I knew fairly early on that this would be a five star read for me, simply because of how invested I became. It kept me completely hooked, and I found it very difficult to put down. I’m confident that The Escape Game will be among my top five reads of the year.
December 24, 2025
I loved the mystery and the entire game setup. The escape-room concept was so well done and immediately pulled me in. Each room raised the stakes, but the final escape room was easily my favorite. It had me completely on edge and flying through the pages.
I also loved how different each of the characters were and how we got to know them.
I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story flipped the board and proved me wrong. Overall, this was a fast-paced, suspenseful read that kept me hooked.
Thank you Penguin Books for an early physical copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I also loved how different each of the characters were and how we got to know them.
I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story flipped the board and proved me wrong. Overall, this was a fast-paced, suspenseful read that kept me hooked.
Thank you Penguin Books for an early physical copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A very fun Ya mystery. perfect for fans of reality TV or escape rooms. the cast of characters were great and the storyline was really interesting. Great for ma to adult. this is a clean book. A murder mystery whodunnit with a reality TV show twist.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 rounded up.
I'm a big escape room fan. Loved the characters and the Escape rooms. Looking forward to the sequel
I'm a big escape room fan. Loved the characters and the Escape rooms. Looking forward to the sequel
October 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book, and it did not disappoint! I have not read a book this fast in a while. The entire story was so fun, the puzzles and mysteries were very clever and genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat. It reminded me a lot of the Inheritance Games, so if you enjoy those books you will definitely enjoy this book! While I have not yet read anything by Tamara Moss, Marissa Meyer has been one of my favorite authors for a few years now, and this new book did not disappoint. I enjoyed it just as much as all of her other books.
November 10, 2025
Actual Rating 4.75
Thanks to the G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Penguin TEENS for this early copy
✅Reality TV Show
✅Sibling Rivalry
✅Murder Mystery
✅Misfit Team
✅Escape Games
✅Present Parents
An escape game-based reality show, which turned out to be a murder site, and all participants and affiliated people are smart enough to pull one off? Yes, give this book to me.
The story follows a new season of The Escape Game, a TV show where teens solve tricky escape rooms to win big money. But last season ended in tragedy when a contestant, Alicia Angelos, was found dead. Sierra, who was part of the opposite team in the show and had a rivalry with Alicia, was labeled as a killer by fans. She is back to play in season 5 to win the money. Joining her are three very different teammates. Carter, a popular influencer and math wiz online, is actually socially awkward. Beck, a outgoing, friendly and talkative contestant who has been designing and constructing his own escape rooms. Adi is a private person who doesn’t like talking to people except when they are solving puzzles. Their team is a combination of misfits; the only common thing is that they are all smart and really want to win.
The book is full of twists, puzzles, and secrets. The world-building is great, and each escape room feels intense and creative. The tension between the contestants makes it even better. I also loved how well-developed the characters were; everyone had their own distinct voice and personality, which is impressive when there are so many characters. One thing that really stood out to me (in the best way) was the PRESENT parents. The characters actually talk to or mention their parents, which is something you almost never see in YA books. Authors, please take note, it’s not that hard, and it makes the story feel so much more real.
This book wasn’t perfect, though. One thing that really got on my nerves was how often the characters started to drawl, it happened way too much 😒. I guessed a few twists and turns here and there, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. The ending was kinda underwhelming, I was expecting something more. Nevertheless, I couldn’t put this book down. And I wasn’t ready for this cliffhanger. Why did no one tell me it is not a STANDALONE?
Thanks to the G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Penguin TEENS for this early copy
✅Reality TV Show
✅Sibling Rivalry
✅Murder Mystery
✅Misfit Team
✅Escape Games
✅Present Parents
An escape game-based reality show, which turned out to be a murder site, and all participants and affiliated people are smart enough to pull one off? Yes, give this book to me.
The story follows a new season of The Escape Game, a TV show where teens solve tricky escape rooms to win big money. But last season ended in tragedy when a contestant, Alicia Angelos, was found dead. Sierra, who was part of the opposite team in the show and had a rivalry with Alicia, was labeled as a killer by fans. She is back to play in season 5 to win the money. Joining her are three very different teammates. Carter, a popular influencer and math wiz online, is actually socially awkward. Beck, a outgoing, friendly and talkative contestant who has been designing and constructing his own escape rooms. Adi is a private person who doesn’t like talking to people except when they are solving puzzles. Their team is a combination of misfits; the only common thing is that they are all smart and really want to win.
The book is full of twists, puzzles, and secrets. The world-building is great, and each escape room feels intense and creative. The tension between the contestants makes it even better. I also loved how well-developed the characters were; everyone had their own distinct voice and personality, which is impressive when there are so many characters. One thing that really stood out to me (in the best way) was the PRESENT parents. The characters actually talk to or mention their parents, which is something you almost never see in YA books. Authors, please take note, it’s not that hard, and it makes the story feel so much more real.
This book wasn’t perfect, though. One thing that really got on my nerves was how often the characters started to drawl, it happened way too much 😒. I guessed a few twists and turns here and there, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. The ending was kinda underwhelming, I was expecting something more. Nevertheless, I couldn’t put this book down. And I wasn’t ready for this cliffhanger. Why did no one tell me it is not a STANDALONE?
Want to read
July 3, 2025Marissa Meyer. Escape room. Crime thriller. YA mystery.
Sooooooooo............this isn't on my shelf and that's a problem.
Sooooooooo............this isn't on my shelf and that's a problem.
December 31, 2025
This book kept me engaged all the way through! The escape game is a page turning YA murder mystery and I couldn't get enough of it!
Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms, including returning cast member sierra angelos, the girl everyone thinks got away with her sisters murder.
When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly.
This is the perfect YA murder mystery. It's got a great plot, lots of twists and turns, unreliable characters, and a little bit dark for the older audience but still clean enough to keep it in the YA genre. I think this is a great book to intro teens into the thriller/mystery adult space.
I LOVED the escape room. It was so fun to visualize the rooms and see some of the clues in the books. It would have been cool to have photos of even more of the clues as with so much going on if people struggle visualizing when reading they might not love jt as much as I did.
I thought the escape rooms were such a cool idea. And a way to grow characters without it being info dumping. I also thought the player profiles and interviews were a smart way to do that as well since we do have so many characters. Who I ended up really liking all of their stories and thought they blended really well for this story.
The ending was all very fast and I did clock the big twist at the end but I thought for a YA mystery she did a great job of slowly leaving clues for people to solve it right before the characters.
I like how the books main plot was wrapped up but let a little teaser for a book two!
Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms, including returning cast member sierra angelos, the girl everyone thinks got away with her sisters murder.
When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly.
This is the perfect YA murder mystery. It's got a great plot, lots of twists and turns, unreliable characters, and a little bit dark for the older audience but still clean enough to keep it in the YA genre. I think this is a great book to intro teens into the thriller/mystery adult space.
I LOVED the escape room. It was so fun to visualize the rooms and see some of the clues in the books. It would have been cool to have photos of even more of the clues as with so much going on if people struggle visualizing when reading they might not love jt as much as I did.
I thought the escape rooms were such a cool idea. And a way to grow characters without it being info dumping. I also thought the player profiles and interviews were a smart way to do that as well since we do have so many characters. Who I ended up really liking all of their stories and thought they blended really well for this story.
The ending was all very fast and I did clock the big twist at the end but I thought for a YA mystery she did a great job of slowly leaving clues for people to solve it right before the characters.
I like how the books main plot was wrapped up but let a little teaser for a book two!
November 24, 2025
3.75 stars? Maybe lower Idk.
I didn’t hate this at all but I also found it a little boring for such an exciting concept. A reality game show revolving around escape rooms. Last season ended with a shocking twist. A murder mystery that has a contestant back with a vengeance. So this should’ve been a hit for me but I just wasn’t invested enough to care. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and this has 4 different main characters with their own POV chapters so maybe that’s why. Will I read the sequel? Possibly, considering I didn’t feel inclined to dnf at any point and I still wanted to know who the killer was.
I didn’t hate this at all but I also found it a little boring for such an exciting concept. A reality game show revolving around escape rooms. Last season ended with a shocking twist. A murder mystery that has a contestant back with a vengeance. So this should’ve been a hit for me but I just wasn’t invested enough to care. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and this has 4 different main characters with their own POV chapters so maybe that’s why. Will I read the sequel? Possibly, considering I didn’t feel inclined to dnf at any point and I still wanted to know who the killer was.
December 14, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book I’m rating it 3.75 stars rounded to 4.0.
I found this book quite enjoyable and I think other readers who enjoy a YA murder mystery like The Inheritance Games would certainly enjoy this read.
Although I found the culprit kind of predictable at first you do get hit with some big twists along the way that really throw you off the scent. I found the escape rooms to be so much fun, the clues were interesting in the game and outside of the game. This book is filled with danger and high stakes, but it also gives you found family vibes and some flawed yet likeable characters.
I found this book quite enjoyable and I think other readers who enjoy a YA murder mystery like The Inheritance Games would certainly enjoy this read.
Although I found the culprit kind of predictable at first you do get hit with some big twists along the way that really throw you off the scent. I found the escape rooms to be so much fun, the clues were interesting in the game and outside of the game. This book is filled with danger and high stakes, but it also gives you found family vibes and some flawed yet likeable characters.
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