No Escape

Lexi Carmichael Mystery #13

by Julie Moffett

Geek girl Lexi Carmichael thought meeting the in-laws would be easy as long as they met on neutral ground and she was fully prepared with a spreadsheet full of etiquette dos and don’ts. But unfortunately for Lexi, things don’t always turn out as she planned.

Meeting the in-laws is a daunting task even for those who are outgoing and socially capable. Since I’m neither, the prospect of meeting Slash’s parents has me scared to death. Somehow, he convinced me it would be easier meeting my in-laws for the first time at his brother’s wedding during Christmas in Italy instead of at our own church wedding in the spring. He also suggested bringing my parents along to meet them, too. That way it would reduce the chance of any unnecessary drama at our nuptials. Sounds reasonable, right? Wrong.

When Slash got busy at work, I inherited his responsibility of planning some activities for the wedding party. A mysterious Italian castle, located on an island not far from the wedding venue, and supposedly filled with puzzles and challenges no one has ever been able to solve, caught my eye. Despite being built by a highly reclusive Italian billionaire who rarely permitted anyone other than carefully selected individuals to participate in the castle challenges, my impromptu request for the wedding party to visit the island was accepted.

So, off we go to Italy with my parents in tow. I’m hoping everyone will be too busy talking to each other and enjoying the castle activities to notice me much. But the castle is not all that it seems to be, and suddenly the stakes are a lot higher than expected. Will we survive the challenge as a family, or will there be no escape?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Humor

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2021

About the author

Julie Moffett is the bestselling author of the long-running, geeky Lexi Carmichael Mystery Series that USA Today says: “…runs a riveting gamut from hilarious to deadly, and the perfectly paced action in between will have you hanging on to Lexi’s every word and breathless for her next geeked-out adventure.” Julie also writes the young adult White Knights spin-off series featuring a cool, teenage hacker girl. Julie's been publishing books for 25 years, but writing for a lot longer. She writes in the genres of mystery, young adult, historical romance and paranormal romance.

Julie has won numerous awards, including the Mystery & Mayhem Award for Best YA/New Adult Mystery, the HOLT Award for Best Novel with Romantic Elements, a HOLT Merit Award for Best Novel by a Virginia Author (twice!), the Award of Excellence, a PRISM Award for Best Romantic Time-Travel AND Best of the Best Paranormal Books, and an EPIC Award for Best Action/Adventure Novel. She has also garnered additional nominations for the Booksellers' Best Award, Daphne du Maurier Award, the Dante Rossetti Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Julie is a military brat (Air Force) and has traveled extensively. Her more exciting exploits include attending high school in Okinawa, Japan; backpacking around Europe and Scandinavia for several months; a year-long college graduate study in Warsaw, Poland; and a wonderful trip to Scotland and Ireland where she fell in love with castles, kilts and brogues.

Julie has a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Language from Colorado College, a M.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and an M.Ed from Liberty University. She has worked as a proposal writer, journalist, teacher, librarian and researcher. Julie speaks Russian and Polish and has two awesome sons.

Visit Julie's website at: https://www.juliemoffett.com/

Follow Julie on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieMoffett...

X: @JMoffettAuthor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/julie_moffett/

Reviews

[Jan Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the others in the series

I had difficulty visualizing the challenges from the descriptions. Also, more about gaming than about the individuals in the story.

[Toni Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved hanging out with the gang again in this story. Clever mystery. Sweet Romance. <3
Lexy Carmichael is my favorite geek.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sort of a low-key Lexi Carmichael adventure. I mean, Lexi and Slash barely got shot at or attacked and no one got kidnapped. Well, except one little statue, but there was nothing particularly nefarious about that, just a very-much-outside-her-comfort-zone Lexi and a lot of quick explaining that needed to be done.

In fact, while there were stakes and they were fairly high, this was more about Lexi, Slash, and their various family members getting to show off their skills. While Lexi and Slash are both wicked smart, it turns out they both come from families that have more to offer than just their pretty faces. As a whole, they're a well-rounded dynamic family group and they work well together.

That said, Lexi was VERY nervous about meeting Slash's family. She was nervous to the point she had her spreadsheet and talking points planned out to help her feel somewhat prepared for whatever might be thrown at her. Sure, her tips to ingratiate herself into his family might have hit a snag or two (bees! projectile vomiting!), but she rallied and did okay.

A whole lot of brainpower, more than a few mind-bending puzzles, a prank, some spicy food, and one big, boisterous family. Good stuff all around.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Leslie Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this latest installment of the Lexi Carmichael series in 48 hours. It would have been even quicker, except, you know, work and stuff. Suffice to say, I was enthralled from the first page. I love puzzles and mysteries that pull me along with clues that are tricky, but not overly obscure. Nothing frustrates me more than an author who pulls some unknown or unknowable fact or character out of thin air in the final chapter to solve the crime.

Of course, no crime this time around. In a refreshing change of pace, Lexi and Slash unite their two families for the first time to solve a series of escape rooms in a fabulous Italian castle. Moffett has expertly layered character development with backstory and plot in each installment. This new adventure, while not a save-the-world-and-don't-get-killed story, still kept me flipping pages. Nobody wields the ever important "ticking clock" like Julie Moffett. I highly recommend this book and all the others in the series.

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi & Slash are flying across the pond for Gio's engagement party. Both Lexi and Slash's parents will finally meet each other and Lexi's first meeting with Slash's parents. Geek girl is armed with her spreadsheets of topics to get to know her in laws. The party Lexi has organized is set at a castle with an eccentric owner and the whole weekend is escape room games. The families are split into teams to get to know each other and the escape rooms are the best in the world. The escape rooms were very intricate and the teams had to work together to solve the puzzles to advance to the next stage. The participants used all their brain power and teamwork to advance and got to know each other as family while working together and solving the riddles. There was still time for romance for Lexi and Slash and one of the cousins was learning English "slang" which was hilarious. The detail to solving the puzzles was mind boggling, but drew me in trying to figure them out. Solid story fleshing out the rest of Slash's family and Lexi's parents. I did miss that there was no Basia or Zimmerman twins through.

[Sandra DiMaio-Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing concept!

All the Lexi stories are excellent, with so much growth in the characters. This book takes a sharp turn in the type of plot and I found the premise enthralling. It
was also a clever way to become better acquainted with the parents of Slash and Lexi. I have read this superb series straight through several times. I lo
ok forward to reading this again in the future!! Bravo Julie! Your story kept me up until 5 am and I don't regret it a bit!!!

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So awesome, so Lexi! Julie Moffett reinforces her position as one of my top 5 authors. One of the things that I love about the Lexi Carmichael series is that no two books are similar in plot and the characters, who provide the continuity, are amazing. Lexi's character in particular is dynamic and the growth that she has experienced since Slash came into her life is abundantly and realistically obvious in No Escape, the 13 book in the Lexi Carmichael Mystery series and what may be my favorite now.
Although there is less danger than in some of the books, the intensity is more than enough to keep anyone reading and the wonderful personalities make this book special. Naturally, that little black cloud that follows Lexi everywhere joins them one the wonderful trip but it isn't has dark and deadly as usual. This one is definitely the most heartwarming of the series and a perfect lead up to there formal wedding next spring.
A great read for fans and new friends alike.







Fun, Intense Heartwarming. Already on my reread list, or as I call it, My Forever Book List

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

They escaped No escape in style.

Lesson from this story- every person can be ordinarily extraordinary just by being themselves.

Puzzles, escape rooms, an island and a wonderful family made this story an absolutely amazing story.
Lexi was better than ever in this book, she has grown so much during these 13 books and this one felt like it pulled everything together and Lexi shone surrounded by loved ones.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

In NO ESCAPE, #12 in the Lexi Carmichael Mysteries, Lexi heads out to Europe to meet Slash’s parents. As you might imagine, things do not go smoothly. There’s a few comedic scenes, more slap-stick humor, and a few twists that keep you turning the pages, wondering what could possibly happen next to Slash and Lexi and dying to know just how this one turns out. This is a keeper!

[Trudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but it dragged a little with to much step by step detail on the each challenge. Interesting but, I skipped thru most, read the beginning and end of each challenge, and you would get the gist. The family, interaction was wonderful, smart, funny and that's what kept my interest.

[Talie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape Room extravaganza

I loved this book and how we deeply dove into a series of complex puzzles. I also loved learning more about Lexi and Slash’s families. I did miss not seeing their hometown friends but they would have been misplaced in this storyline.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Games Begin!

by Barbara Kelley

Lexi, Slash, and Lexi's mom and dad go to an Italian island to attend Slash's little brother, Gio's wedding. On the way to the island, they come across a gun-toting Santa Claus. Has Lexi's Little Black Cloud of problems followed them? When they reach the island, they find a beautiful castle-like mansion with 7 escape games, one outside and six inside the castle. A deal has been made between the owner of the castle and the pope that if the escape rooms are all solved that the owner would totally finance the new orphanage in Salerno, Italy that the pope wants. The castle owner's butler and gamemaster also promise that if all escape rooms are solved, that the castle's owner will give the newlywed couple full access to the castle grounds, as well as his yacht for ten whole days. Seven escape rooms, 12 really smart people who consider themselves family, a 13th player in games 5 and 7 who is also considered a part of the family, and not one mention of being allowed a bathroom break while inside each escape room. Did I mention that Gio's fiancee is seven months pregnant? I don't know about other pregnant women, but when I was that far along, my little one kicked me in the bladder at least once every hour; each escape room is a maximum time allowance of two hours with no potty. Anyway, I gave this book 5 big fat stars because it was totally fantastic! The only negative thing I would have is that each chapter started with whatever player's point-of-view was showing: Slash, Lexi, Gio. The author said Lexi Carmichael, Slash, or Gio. Considering the fact that Lexi Carmichael was the only Lexi in the entire book, the author could have left off the last name in each of these instances. However, I can hardly wait for the next book, and hopefully it will be about Levi's church wedding.

[Antonette Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!! This was not a good book, this was a SUPERB book. In fact, I don't think there is a better word to describe this book. If I could give this book 6 or even a perfect 10, I would. "No Escape" is all about puzzles, riddles, and finding each others strength and playing into them. There was one sentence that explains it all..."Leadership isn't about being successful. It's about making everyone else better. " This book also touches on stepping outside your comfort zone and finding you can survive. There is a lot of humor and interactions with family dynamics. In short, I LOVED this book. However, do yourself a favor and start reading this series from the start, you don't be sorry.

[alr3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever kudos you might have read or heard about Julie Moffett’s Lexi Carmichael series in general, or No Escape in particular, they likely do not come close to how well-crafted, convoluted, and just plain FUN this series and its latest book are.

You will love walking through the interpersonal relationships, and the thought processes the teams undergo while working to solve the series of escape rooms, especially given the surprising consequences associated with the solving. Don’t worry, though; you don’t have to solve the puzzles yourself to love the book.

Read on, MacDuff! And then join the rest of us anxiously awaiting the next installment.

[Kelli Mishima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape? Can anyone really escape family

Escape? Can anyone really escape family, anxiety or little black clouds? Lexi and Slash are at it again. This time they're in Italy, surrounded by family and friends for the upcoming nuptials of Slash's brother. Lexi thinks she is constantly out of her element but as usual she rises to the occasions and escape room challenges. It was nice to get to know the strong characters are just as human as we are with jokes, insecurities, strengths and love. I've really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. A different pace than the other books, for sure, but still a page turner.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting concept. Take a bunch of smart Italians, Lexi and her family, and take them to a castle where one of the best creators of games has turned the castle into a no escape Game Center. Lots of exchanges of ideas among the teams, including Slash, his brothers, and his parents; Lexi, her parents and even the Pope gets involved. The ultimate prize is an orphanage in Salerno and a honeymoon for Slash’s younger brother. It is a different kind of book but it is interesting and has the humor we have come to expect from Lexi.

[Peggy Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire series! When No Escape came out I couldn’t wait to read it! Before long, it was obvious that this book wouldn’t be anything like the previous ones. Uh oh. Would my #1 favorite book series fall from my personal top 1 list?
Unbelievably, no! After I finished the book, I realized it had actually become one of my favorite books in the series! The reader gets to know the characters even more, and it was sheer delight to feel a part of Slash and Lexi’s extended family.
I loved the entire book, and am anxiously awaiting the next installment!

[Roxi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this new adventure, Lexi meets her in-laws in Italy and she’s a bit pensive because of her past gaffs. The escape rooms and puzzles draw the best from each family and friend and she quickly discovers that her fears were bigger than her follies and that little grey cloud that followed her everywhere has dissipated, for now.

I’m looking forward to another adventure as we learn more family secrets…dangerous ones.

[Richard Farrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is pnly about escape rooms, not at all like her prior stories.

Not recommended. No story, just a series of info on how family characters from prior books were able to solve escape rooms on an old English castle. Completely different kind of book than her previous ones in this series. Lexi isn't even a main character in this story. Also, had unrelated random events. Completely It was so boring, I couldn't even finish it.

[Sophie ARGINTARU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le plus original tome de la série ! Pour une fois, on ne va pas courir au coeur du danger mais suivre pendant trois jours, nos deux héros et leurs familles être entraînés dans un escape game sur une petite italienne. Les épreuves sont sympathiques et passionnantes.

L'autrice va en profiter pour approfondir et nuancer certains caractères... Tout ce petit monde va apprendre à mieux se connaître avant d'enchaîner sur un grand final !

[Chelsie Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how much I love these books! Every time I read about Lexy I’m completely enamored with her intelligence, her kindness, her awkwardness, and the little black cloud that follows her around. A great book is a book that makes you have strong emotions and every time I read a Lexy Carmichael book I know I’m going to laugh out loud. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lexy.

[Kelly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi and Slash are two of my favorite book characters. This book in the series brought all the characters in one place (including the Pope). Not the typical “mystery and mayhem” like other books in the series but so clever and educational too! Julie Moffett writes smart, funny and just really great stories. I can’t wait for the next book…the church wedding….let’s hope!

[Denise Woughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet. AGAIN!

Without going into too much detail, Julie’s writing with such step-by-step detail to carry you through each escape room is simply artistic. Her attention to detail, without sounding like an instruction manual, makes you feel like part of those solving the puzzles. The character development is heartwarming and, of course, humor and laugh out loud moments.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Escape

Wow!! I have looked forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint. This was certainly a change from the other books, but in a good way. After being so invested with the characters, it is fun to get to know them better and to see Lexi finally coming into her own. Thank you so much for this intriguingly beautiful story.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first few books in the series were spy type mysteries, with bit of romance and a lot of fun. This book was not. It was too technical with 80% of the time spent on solving the puzzles in a castle and 20% on the people involved. The interaction between characters was related to puzzles but not the charming personal banter /romance that was in the first few books.

[Gouri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Moffett's consistency across all books in this series is very admirable!

I enjoyed other characters, the challenges they faced, and character development for Lexi! It's very light-hearted and well written with a great plot (which is very rare). This series will have a special place in my heart and I'll definitely re-read all the books in the future.

[Alma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome adventure! This book was so much fun! Lots of clever escape rooms! I love me some Lexi Carmichael! She is such a hoot! This one has both her and Slash's families bonding in escape rooms at a gorgeous castle in Italy. It makes me want to go so bad. Can't wait for the next adventure! This is #13. The whole series is amazing!

[Joy]

Great fun

Julia never fails to grab my attention and keep me entertained till the last page. This book was different from the others in this series and I really loved it. Sweet, funny story. Many LOL moments. Lexi, Slash, and the gang are my all time favorites. Great author, fantastic series. 👍👍👍💯💯💯

[Chandelle Llana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi Carmichael is one of my favorites

She’s fun, exciting, tough and super smart, and just quirky enough to be awesome. I loved this book where we get to meet and understand the families a bit more. I cannot wait for the next.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I'm actually kind of in awe that Moffett could not only come up with so many great puzzles and challenges but write about them with a smooth and engaging fluidity. Well done.