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The Grimlore Game
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26New York Times bestselling author of Ravenfall Kalyn Josephson’s The Grimlore Game, pitched as a middle-grade Knives Out meets Wednesday.
When thirteen-year-old Kit Devlin finds herself in a competition against her devious extended family to inherit her late grandfather’s fortune, she discovers the puzzles and clues he left behind in his mysterious gothic manor are actually tied to an ancient family curse.
When thirteen-year-old Kit Devlin finds herself in a competition against her devious extended family to inherit her late grandfather’s fortune, she discovers the puzzles and clues he left behind in his mysterious gothic manor are actually tied to an ancient family curse.
- GenresMiddle GradeMystery
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Kalyn Josephson
13 books1,117 followersKalyn Josephson is the NYT bestselling author of THE STORM CROW duology, RAVENFALL series, and upcoming THIS DARK DESCENT. By day, she's a Technical Writer, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. She lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 16, 2026
I received a physical ARC of this book from a local bookstore.
4.5⭐️ - this book was such a delightful surprise! I loved the puzzles and the inheritance game and gothic vibes. I’m happy this will be a series!
4.5⭐️ - this book was such a delightful surprise! I loved the puzzles and the inheritance game and gothic vibes. I’m happy this will be a series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
Grimlore Manor is a magical house, although none of the characters are stereotypical back-stabbing relatives. The curse causes scenes to change and memories to be shared. These visions offer information that can be used to solve puzzles and end the Grimlore Game. Kit is shocked to see a fancy-dressed cat open the front door when she first arrives, and even more surprised to learn no one else can see him. Carmine is an aloof character and feels no need to speak with Kit. Her luggage floats up to her suite, and meals are prepared by bowls and utensils guided by Carmine’s instructions. Kit’s best friend is a tarantula named Gregor with an insatiable love for sweets. He’s not magical, but he adds color to the story.
Kit is full of emotions that will take readers on a rollercoaster adventure. Her parents were victims of the curse, and Kit desperately misses her father. They used to solve all kinds of puzzles together, and Kit uses that knowledge to unlock new clues. She doesn’t really have a home anymore, since her relatives only tolerate her because she might inherit Amos’s money. Kit doesn’t hide her disdain for them, and they treat her like a rude, disobedient little girl. Readers will wonder what will become of Kit once the Grimlore Game concludes. No one shows her any kindness, so who will become her new guardian? Kit slowly comes to realize the game may be more about solving the curse than locating the family wealth.
Mystery and puzzle lovers should enjoy this book, as that’s the driving force of the plot. All of the Devlin relatives gather for the reading of their grandfather’s will, hoping to inherit his wealth. Kit never met the man, but he seemed to favor her over all of her aunts and uncles. She encounters a puzzle box, riddles, and other confusing clues that lead to other mysteries. Kit gets reluctant help from her cousin Harlow, but he has low self-esteem and is afraid of almost everything. Initially, Kit thinks she needs to do everything herself, but she’s forced to admit she needs Harlow. All the while, Kit doesn’t understand why her Grandfather Amos took an interest in her.
What didn’t work as well:
Excerpts from “A Guide to Curses” follow some of the chapters. They often repeat information readers already know, but they also add some food for thought. However, they don’t add much to the overall story.
The final verdict:
The book’s charm comes from Kit’s journey to break the curse and find a home where she can feel wanted and safe. The search for clues will appeal to mystery lovers, and the plot builds to an unexpected resolution. I recommend you try this book for yourself!
Grimlore Manor is a magical house, although none of the characters are stereotypical back-stabbing relatives. The curse causes scenes to change and memories to be shared. These visions offer information that can be used to solve puzzles and end the Grimlore Game. Kit is shocked to see a fancy-dressed cat open the front door when she first arrives, and even more surprised to learn no one else can see him. Carmine is an aloof character and feels no need to speak with Kit. Her luggage floats up to her suite, and meals are prepared by bowls and utensils guided by Carmine’s instructions. Kit’s best friend is a tarantula named Gregor with an insatiable love for sweets. He’s not magical, but he adds color to the story.
Kit is full of emotions that will take readers on a rollercoaster adventure. Her parents were victims of the curse, and Kit desperately misses her father. They used to solve all kinds of puzzles together, and Kit uses that knowledge to unlock new clues. She doesn’t really have a home anymore, since her relatives only tolerate her because she might inherit Amos’s money. Kit doesn’t hide her disdain for them, and they treat her like a rude, disobedient little girl. Readers will wonder what will become of Kit once the Grimlore Game concludes. No one shows her any kindness, so who will become her new guardian? Kit slowly comes to realize the game may be more about solving the curse than locating the family wealth.
Mystery and puzzle lovers should enjoy this book, as that’s the driving force of the plot. All of the Devlin relatives gather for the reading of their grandfather’s will, hoping to inherit his wealth. Kit never met the man, but he seemed to favor her over all of her aunts and uncles. She encounters a puzzle box, riddles, and other confusing clues that lead to other mysteries. Kit gets reluctant help from her cousin Harlow, but he has low self-esteem and is afraid of almost everything. Initially, Kit thinks she needs to do everything herself, but she’s forced to admit she needs Harlow. All the while, Kit doesn’t understand why her Grandfather Amos took an interest in her.
What didn’t work as well:
Excerpts from “A Guide to Curses” follow some of the chapters. They often repeat information readers already know, but they also add some food for thought. However, they don’t add much to the overall story.
The final verdict:
The book’s charm comes from Kit’s journey to break the curse and find a home where she can feel wanted and safe. The search for clues will appeal to mystery lovers, and the plot builds to an unexpected resolution. I recommend you try this book for yourself!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gr 3 & Up – Kit Devlin is an orphan who has spent her life after her father died being passed from one disinterested family member to another. At her grandfather’s funeral, the reading of his will reveals that the family must compete for their inheritance through a series of puzzles and trials. Kit soon discovers that the game is about far more than money. It may be the key to freeing her family from a generations-old curse. As the competition unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to know whom to trust, what is truly cursed, and how to survive the challenges set before her.
This fantastical series opener establishes a macabre world of curses, ley lines, and tangled family machinations. Kit is a strong heroine with a pet tarantula, Grimlore Manor boasts a cat butler, and the story is packed with secret passages and puzzles waiting to be solved. Readers will enjoy the novel’s dark whimsy, which evokes shades of Wednesday and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Fun and compelling, the story delivers a satisfying conclusion to its central mystery while leaving the door wide open for future installments and plenty of delicious plot threads to explore.
VERDICT: A recommended purchase for middle grade collections. An excellent choice for readers who enjoy puzzle-filled mysteries, eccentric fantasy, and stories that are darkly atmospheric without becoming frightening.
This fantastical series opener establishes a macabre world of curses, ley lines, and tangled family machinations. Kit is a strong heroine with a pet tarantula, Grimlore Manor boasts a cat butler, and the story is packed with secret passages and puzzles waiting to be solved. Readers will enjoy the novel’s dark whimsy, which evokes shades of Wednesday and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Fun and compelling, the story delivers a satisfying conclusion to its central mystery while leaving the door wide open for future installments and plenty of delicious plot threads to explore.
VERDICT: A recommended purchase for middle grade collections. An excellent choice for readers who enjoy puzzle-filled mysteries, eccentric fantasy, and stories that are darkly atmospheric without becoming frightening.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fun read this was! The Grimlore Game by Kalyn Josephson takes readers on an adventure that includes curses, magic, a talking cat, puzzles and plenty of family drama. Kit, our main character, is an orphan who's passed around between family members because she comes with money for her care. However, no one REALLY wants her and she's feeling the weight of being alone. When her grandfather passes, the entire Devlin clan gathers together for his funeral - something they NEVER do because a Devlin dies every three years from a family curse. As the family gathers, eager to know what happens to all the money, they quickly learn only a select few family members have been invited to come hear the will - and Kit is one of them.
What follows is a story full of twists and turns, set in a Scottish manor with rooms that behave mysteriously, plenty of puzzles to solve, scheming family members to get to know, and a talking cat that runs the house. (Literally. He's the butler and cook, all rolled into one.) I enjoyed the evolving story and found Kit to be a really interesting protagonist who is trying to find her place in a world that doesn't seem to have space for her.
This book is part of a series and I'm excited to see what comes next!
What follows is a story full of twists and turns, set in a Scottish manor with rooms that behave mysteriously, plenty of puzzles to solve, scheming family members to get to know, and a talking cat that runs the house. (Literally. He's the butler and cook, all rolled into one.) I enjoyed the evolving story and found Kit to be a really interesting protagonist who is trying to find her place in a world that doesn't seem to have space for her.
This book is part of a series and I'm excited to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of The Grimlore Games by Kalyn Josephson.
I loved The Inheritance Games series, so when I saw this one and heard it had a similar feel, I knew I had to read it. I loved this book!! I am already waiting for the next one.
There is lots of magic, curses, and so many puzzles to figure out. Kit has been passed from one relative to the next after her father died, and now she has to win the Grimlore Games to inherit the family fortune. If she doesn't, she could end up out on the streets. The problem is that she's competing against a bunch of selfish, evil relatives who only care about themselves.
My favorite character was the talking cat. What a fantastic character! I laughed out loud at his attitude so many times. And did I mention Kit has a pet tarantula? He loves cake, which cracked me up every time it came up.
There's also a cousin with so many phobias that I lost count, and every challenge seemed to bring a new surprise.
If you like magical competitions, family drama, puzzles, curses, and characters you'll fall in love with, I HIGHLY recommend this one. I can't wait for the next book!
I loved The Inheritance Games series, so when I saw this one and heard it had a similar feel, I knew I had to read it. I loved this book!! I am already waiting for the next one.
There is lots of magic, curses, and so many puzzles to figure out. Kit has been passed from one relative to the next after her father died, and now she has to win the Grimlore Games to inherit the family fortune. If she doesn't, she could end up out on the streets. The problem is that she's competing against a bunch of selfish, evil relatives who only care about themselves.
My favorite character was the talking cat. What a fantastic character! I laughed out loud at his attitude so many times. And did I mention Kit has a pet tarantula? He loves cake, which cracked me up every time it came up.
There's also a cousin with so many phobias that I lost count, and every challenge seemed to bring a new surprise.
If you like magical competitions, family drama, puzzles, curses, and characters you'll fall in love with, I HIGHLY recommend this one. I can't wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free ARC of this book to read!
I really enjoyed The Grimlore Game! As soon as I read the description for the book and saw that it was compared to the Mr. Lemoncello books, I knew I had to check it out for myself (I'm a BIG fan of middle grade books with lots of puzzles and mystery themes in them).
The Grimlore Game follows our main character, Kit, who gives off very strong Wednesday Addams vibes, as she's trying to adjust to living with yet another one of her aunts since her father was claimed by the family curse. Then one day, her grandfather passes away and has requested that everyone attend a funeral for him, which isn't a customary thing to do in the family anymore. While at the funeral, Kit discovers a strange symbol in her grandfather's casket and then everything changes.
My only complaint is that now I have to wait a year to read the next book in the series! I can't wait to see what comes next for Kit and her family.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free ARC of this book to read!
I really enjoyed The Grimlore Game! As soon as I read the description for the book and saw that it was compared to the Mr. Lemoncello books, I knew I had to check it out for myself (I'm a BIG fan of middle grade books with lots of puzzles and mystery themes in them).
The Grimlore Game follows our main character, Kit, who gives off very strong Wednesday Addams vibes, as she's trying to adjust to living with yet another one of her aunts since her father was claimed by the family curse. Then one day, her grandfather passes away and has requested that everyone attend a funeral for him, which isn't a customary thing to do in the family anymore. While at the funeral, Kit discovers a strange symbol in her grandfather's casket and then everything changes.
My only complaint is that now I have to wait a year to read the next book in the series! I can't wait to see what comes next for Kit and her family.
April 30, 2026
Kit has been passed between Devlin family members following her father’s death feeling like she has no one left. When her grandfather passes away and she is invited to the family manor to participate in puzzles to win the inheritance she makes it her mission to win to be able to keep having a home. We follow Kit as she slowly uncovers her family’s curse and trying to solve the puzzles to the inheritance.
Ok this was so much fun. I was not sure what to expect since it is a middle grade book, but this was well written and fun to read. This was my first book by Kalyn Josephson and I cannot wait to read more from her and to see where this series continues.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun book with a bit of mystery, suspense and enjoys riddles and puzzles.
**Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review**
Ok this was so much fun. I was not sure what to expect since it is a middle grade book, but this was well written and fun to read. This was my first book by Kalyn Josephson and I cannot wait to read more from her and to see where this series continues.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun book with a bit of mystery, suspense and enjoys riddles and puzzles.
**Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kit Devlin is not only an orphan, but a misfit, especially within her cutthroat, cursed family. When the family’s patriarch dies, he leaves a game for the Devlins to compete for his fortune. To ensure her future, Kit must focus on solving her grandfather’s puzzles first despite devious aunts, an interfering cousin, a sarcastic cat butler, and a cursed manor house. In the process, she begins to unravel the truth of the Devlin curse.
The Grimlore Game is a delightfully dark mystery in the tradition of Wednesday. Not only is the central puzzle intriguing, but Kit’s character arc is surprisingly poignant. I loved the growth and change she went through over the course of this story and I can’t wait to see where she goes in Book Two.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
The Grimlore Game is a delightfully dark mystery in the tradition of Wednesday. Not only is the central puzzle intriguing, but Kit’s character arc is surprisingly poignant. I loved the growth and change she went through over the course of this story and I can’t wait to see where she goes in Book Two.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
August 9, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children's Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you to them.
This was an exciting new story from Kalyn Josephson. I was immediately immersed in the world and really felt for our FMC and her struggle of loss. The puzzles and mystery were fun but the names of her family members were a bit hard to keep track of. I am looking forward to continuing the series.
This was an exciting new story from Kalyn Josephson. I was immediately immersed in the world and really felt for our FMC and her struggle of loss. The puzzles and mystery were fun but the names of her family members were a bit hard to keep track of. I am looking forward to continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve been enjoying reading about riddles and puzzles and this was another fun read. I like how Kit is determined to solve the puzzles along the way and how she sticks up for her cousin. She learns about herself along the way and finds out who is really there for her. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for an e-galley copy of The Grimlore Games by Kalyn Josephson to read and review!
I thoroughly enjoyed this super fun, fast paced middle grade read reminiscent of The Inheritance Games!
Join orphan Kit Devlin on her quest to break her family's curse as tries to beat her devious relatives in a race through a dangerous magical game full of twists, turns, and curse creatures to win her grandfather's fortune.
I thoroughly enjoyed this super fun, fast paced middle grade read reminiscent of The Inheritance Games!
Join orphan Kit Devlin on her quest to break her family's curse as tries to beat her devious relatives in a race through a dangerous magical game full of twists, turns, and curse creatures to win her grandfather's fortune.
July 20, 2026
As a middle school teacher, I find myself reading a lot of YA fiction. This progressed quickly, not a lot of dilly dallying around. Perfect for the age group, since you need to keep their attention! I’m looking forward to book 2 once it comes out - I like the characters and want to see more of them. As a millennial, I especially want to see more from our talking cat friend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews