Lindsay Currie shifts her focus here from middle grade horror to adventure/mystery/suspense in this incredible tale of friendship, taking risks, and solving problems. Escape rooms are a trending activity and in this story, the Deltas (Sarah, West, and Hannah) work together to save an old funhouse...and their families!

Highly recommend for a middle-grade character development mystery that students and their teachers will love.

4 Stars!

Lindsay Curie has delivered a fast paced middle grade adventure that will puzzle lovers will adore. A trio of young friends make up one of the best escape room teams around. When Sara's family is facing financial difficulties, the kids decide to look for the treasure that is supposed to be in an abandoned funhouse. Created several decades ago, but never opened, the house was rumored to have a treasure for anyone who could solve the escape room maze. Needless to say, because of the age, some of the areas are not up to today's safety standards. The kids must face physical dangers, but also face some truths about themselves in this great story. I received a digital review copy from the publisher, but I can honestly recommend this book for any youngster who loves adventures.

"The Mystery of Locked Rooms" was such an exciting and action-packed read. It follows 3 escape room loving best friends who team up to find treasure hidden in an abandoned 1950s funhouse that's filled with riddles, puzzles, and secret puzzles.

It was such a gripping read, I was at the edge of my seat following along, trying to see how the 3 main characters would solve and figure out the challenges and crack the codes.

This novel is perfect for middle graders that enjoy mysteries, puzzle solving, and escape rooms! I'd highly recommend this to teachers or parents looking for a middle grade mystery book to add into their home or classroom library.

Book Review: The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of "The Mystery of Locked Rooms" by Lindsay Currie, and it was a captivating adventure from start to finish! The story follows twelve-year-old Sarah Greene and her two best friends, West and Hannah, as they embark on a thrilling quest to uncover a hidden treasure in an abandoned 1950s funhouse.

The premise of crackling codes, seeking treasure, and navigating through challenges in the funhouse is incredibly engaging. The trio's dynamic and unwavering support for each other added depth to the story, making it all the more heartwarming.

Currie's writing style is both descriptive and immersive, pulling readers into the mysterious world of the funhouse with its elaborate riddles and secret passages. The way the author weaves together the personal challenges of the characters with the overarching quest for treasure creates a perfect balance of tension and emotion. The puzzles and obstacles faced by Sarah, West, and Hannah had me eager to see how they would overcome each challenge and unlock the secrets of the funhouse.

And let's not forget about that stunning cover! It perfectly captures the essence of adventure and mystery that awaits within the pages of the book. I can already envision young readers being drawn in by its allure.

In conclusion, "The Mystery of Locked Rooms" is a must-read for fans of action-packed adventures and thrilling mysteries. Lindsay Currie has crafted a story that will keep readers of all ages entertained and engrossed from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a riveting and heart-pounding read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

“The Mystery of Locked Rooms” is a fun novel about three friends who enjoy doing escape rooms. When our main character, Sarah, finds out that her family might have to move if her mom can’t come up with money before they foreclose their house, she and her friends try to come up with a way to find the money. When the opportunity to find a hidden treasure in an abandoned farmhouse pops up, they jump at the opportunity to do it. It is up to our three friends, Sarah, West, and Hannah, to get through the funhouse before the authorities, and their parents, find them.

This book is a very entertaining read for those who are fans of mystery and suspense. Though these genres tend to be a little dark, this book has a positive experience to it because it shows us about friendship and using our strengths as a way to solve our problems.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I loved this MG mystery. Lindsay Currie did a great job of developing the characters as they go through the escape room of a lifetime. I cannot wait to add this to my classroom library.

In THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS by Lindsay Currie, a trio of puzzle-loving escape room junkies who call themselves the Deltas put their skills to the test as they search for treasure hidden in a long-abandoned funhouse. Sarah, one of the Deltas, hopes that the treasure can be used to help solve the financial problems that her family is experiencing. This adds to the urgency felt throughout the book. As they encounter challenges, the Deltas continue to provide support for each other and demonstrate perseverance. Full of mystery and thrills, each character’s strengths shine at different points in the book as they conquer their fears while solving complex riddles in hopes of reaching the treasure. The escape room aspect adds a fun element to the mystery genre, and I think readers will find this enticing, especially those who liked Mr. Lemoncello’s Library or Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and review.

Sarah, West, and Hannah are a tight friend group whose favorite hobby is to beat escape rooms. When Sarah's world comes crashing down and she finds out she will have to move she is devastated. Her friends share the legend of the treasure in the abandoned house on the outskirts of town and together they hatch a scheme to solve the ultimate escape room of their lives so Sarah and her family are not forced to uproot their lives.

Currie's latest is a mystery story which is just as solid and just as enjoyable as the ghost stories that made her a *name* in middle grade lit. I hope to see this one on many state reading award lists.

This is a fun, fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists and turns to keep young readers interested!

Huge thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book 😊
"The Mystery of Locked Rooms" by Lindsay Currie was such an incredible read!! 🔑 I am a HUGE fan of Lindsay Currie and have read all of her previous books. When I heard she was coming out with a mystery/adventure middle grade book instead of her usual spooky middle grade books, I knew I had to check it out. Lindsay did not disappoint and I'm really looking forward to reading more of these types of books from her!! 💗

In The Mystery of Locked Rooms, escape room junkies, Sarah, and her two friends, Hannah and West, have honed their unique skills and talents, allowing them to eventually beat every escape room that they've ever attempted. They each lend their individual perspectives to solving the many puzzles and enjoy themselves immensely in the process. When Sarah's dad's illness lands her family in a financial crisis, she is facing an unknown future -- perhaps a future away from her friends. Prompted by a foreclosure notice that is tacked to the front door, she and her friend decide to try something a little daring, and perhaps slightly illegal, to search for a treasure that is rumored to be hidden in a mysterious abandoned escape house.

The adventure brings these three friends closer together as they face puzzles and problems tougher than they imagined. Though I don't fully approve of how the kids went off on a treasure hunt while deceiving their parents, I was definitely rooting for them as they were racing towards the finish, cheering them on as they solve puzzle after puzzle, wondering if they will actually find a monetary treasure... or will their treasure simply (and eloquently) be the deeper friendship that they forge as the many difficulties prompt them to be honest and vulnerable with each other -- a lovely example of being real and accepting your friends just as they are.

A great read! Clean and family friendly. I recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Kids for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Sarah and her friends Hannah and West really like escape rooms. And they're good at them too. When Sarah may have to move due to foreclosure on her home, the trio, known as the Deltas, decide to take on a funhouse built by triplet brothers rumored to have a treasure. Little do they know, this may be the last escape room challenge they ever face! Each new room in the funhouse brings a new theme and new riddles and challenges. Will the deltas make it out of the funhouse?

Book Review: THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS by Lindsay Currie

Crack the Codes. Find the Treasure. Escape the House.

From the acclaimed author of SCRITCH SCRATCH and WHAT LIVES IN THE WOODS, THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is an action-packed adventure novel that draws readers into a whirlwind of puzzles, friendship, and emotional growth. Perfect for middle-grade escape room fans, this book offers a unique blend of fun, empowerment, and real-life issues.

Summary
Twelve-year-old Sarah Greene is starting her seventh-grade year with a simple wish: to have a normal school year. However, her plans take a fascinating turn when she and her friends stumble upon an old 1950s funhouse rumored to conceal hidden treasure. The trio quickly finds themselves enmeshed in a labyrinth of codes and locks that they must crack to uncover the treasure and escape the funhouse.

Key Themes and Highlights
• Fun and Empowering Adventure: The book offers readers an exhilarating journey filled with clues to decipher and challenges to overcome. The excitement is consistent, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats.
• Emotional Resonance: One of the book's standout features is its handling of a parent's chronic illness. Sarah's father suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story. This portrayal is both sensitive and realistic, shedding light on the complexities families face when dealing with long-term illness. Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition are particularly poignant and relatable, resonating with readers who might have similar experiences.
• Memorable Quotes:
• "It isn't rectangular like a normal door, but instead is shaped and painted like a little house." This one is memorable for me because I have a shed in my backyard painted like a smaller version of my house. In the front yard, I have a Little Free Library painted like a miniature version of my house. After reading this book, I want to do that to my door!
• "I'm learning that sometimes the best way to look at something is the hopeful way—even if it isn't the most practical."
• "Life throws curveballs sometimes. We can't always plan, can't always predict. But maybe, just maybe, with hard work and a little luck, we'll be okay."

Personal Opinion
I give THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS four and a half stars, rounded up to five. My only issue was the single line in which Sarah’s friends encourage her to lock her parents out of her laptop. That would not fly in my house, and by this point in the book, these kids should know better. Despite this, it’s a great book. Lindsay Currie masterfully blends thrilling adventure with heartfelt moments, making this book a compelling read from start to finish. The realistic portrayal of Sarah's dad's chronic illness adds a layer of authenticity that many readers, especially those facing similar challenges, will find deeply moving. As a parent with a chronic illness myself, I found Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition particularly touching and wondered if my own daughter has similar emotions.

Conclusion
THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is more than just a thrilling adventure; it's a story about friendship, resilience, and the importance of hope. Lindsay Currie's latest offering is a must-read for middle-grade readers, offering both excitement and valuable life lessons. Whether you're a parent, librarian, or teacher, this book is an excellent addition to any collection.

Join Sarah and her friends on their quest to crack the codes, find the treasure, and escape the house. You won't be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids, Sourcebook Young Readers, for sending this book for review consideration. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheMysteryOfLockedRooms #LindsayCurrie #EscapeRoom #FunHouse #MiddleGrade

An amazing mystery for middle school and upper elementary students. Students will be engaged from the very first day.

Seventh graders, Sarah, West, and Hannah love puzzles. They call themselves the Deltas after the type of
puzzle. Their skills and abilities balance each other well and help them to solve escape room puzzles
together. Because of this, Sarah feels like she finally belongs. Things aren’t going well, however, for her
family. Sarah’s father has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and can’t work. Her mother is working
two jobs and struggling to make ends meet. When Sarah finds out her parents are facing foreclosure on
their house, the Delta decide to take on their biggest puzzle of all, a decades old mystery. Built in the
1950s, legend has it an abandoned fun house hides a treasure known as the Triplet Treasure. To find the
Treasure, the triplets set up a serious of nearly impossible puzzles and clues to solve. To this date, no
one has ever found the treasure. Can the Deltas make history and find it? Can Sarah save her family
from having to leave their house?

The plot is well-developed, engaging, and full of twists and turns. The characters are likable, authentic,
and relatable to. The world building is well done and easily draws readers into the Deltas’ world. Fans of
adventure, mystery, scavenger hunts, puzzles, realistic fiction, and friendship stories will want to pick
this one up. Recommended for most library collections

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

A fun middle grade story about an escape room and 3 friends who try to find the treasure within. I was expecting this to be like Lemoncello’s Library but with escape rooms. It was a good story with a good message about friendship, doing the right thing, and resilience, but not especially memorable.

Awesome middle grade read with a new theme - escape rooms! Three 12-year-old friends who share a love of escape rooms bond together to help save one friend's house and prevent her from moving. In order to do this, they break in to a long-abandoned, but never opened fun house, which local legend says contains a hidden treasure. They embark on the ultimate escape room, with strategy, treasure and friendship in the fore front of their plans. This is a can't miss!

4⭐️

☠️ The adventure and danger of The Goonies meets the wacky whit of Wonka. The Deltas overcame fears, maximized their strengths and persevered through some major challenges together, all in the name of friendship.

💪🏽 I love the way the characters work together, allowing each one to have their moment and put their skills to work. They uplift each other, balance each other, and best of all never give up on each other. These are the types of friendships we all need. The ones worth fighting for.

📖 While this is definitely a Middle Grade book, I found myself immersed in the escape room adventures as an adult reader. It’s a great book for building middle grade reading stamina, and has a very feel-good “character growth” kind of ending. I highly recommend reading this along with your Middle Grade kiddos as a fun adventure together.

🍿 I love the imagination of each room, and could totally see this concept being made into a movie. Seeing these rooms would be fascinating. Well done to the author. 👏🏼

#LongLivetheDeltas

Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebook Kids, and Lindsay Currie for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

What a find and engaging middle grade read!

Three friends who love escape rooms team up in this adventure story about finding hidden treasure in an abandoned 1950's funhouse.

I know this author usually writes horror stories for kids, but I actually really enjoyed this detour into mystery-thriller. It was a really unique concept with some Willy Wonka + Goonies energy that I found smart and engaging. I loved following along as Sarah, West, and Hannah journeyed through the different fun house rooms and worked together to solve puzzles. It was fast-paced and intriguing. And I really admire how well mdidle grade authors -- including Lindsday Currie, handle heavy background topics in their stories, deftly and accessibly handling complicated family situations, health and financial concerns, and other political and world topics.

A really enjoyable read for adults and young readers!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Young Readers and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Sarah and her two friends, together they are the Deltas, love to complete escape rooms. They know exactly how to work together as a team to finish the most complicated rooms. So, when Sarah's family is faced with an eviction notice, it only makes sense to attempt the most challenging escape room ever - a mysterious funhouse that promises a treasure to anyone who solves it. The thing is, the funhouse never officially opened, and everyone who has tried to solve it has failed. One person was even arrested for trespassing! With so much on the line, Sarah knows her crew can solve it because if they don't, Sarah is moving away. Currie knows how to keep readers turning those pages. Each funhouse room is a completely different kind of challenge, and readers will enjoy the description of the rooms, the puzzles they hold, and how the Deltas tackle each new twist and turn. As they work through the puzzles, the weaknesses and fears of each friend come to the surface. Their friendship and understanding of each other will be tested and may determine just how successful they are.