I didn't realize it at first, but this was obviously not the first book it what is a multi-book series. That being said, it does not work as a stand-alone book. I'm sure characters are more fleshed out if you read the earlier books, and it would be unfair to fault the author for my not having done that. However, I can say that - even for a cozy - I found the plot line in this book to be weak, and the pacing sluggish. While I was able to slog through it, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.

Tempest’s family construction company takes on a dream project: transforming a house into a detective-themed library. When a murder occurs during a pre-opening event, Tempest must solve the crime before it impacts the library’s launch—and before someone else falls victim.

This book is a puzzle in novel format. The murder mystery is too elaborate to be believable, but it’s fun if that’s what you’re looking for. There’s not much of an emotional journey for the characters, who seem pretty interchangeable. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Reading Gigi Pandian's THE LIBRARY GAME is a bit like watching a magic show, hints, clues, puzzles, misdirection, and a cute rabbit, Abracadabra. Something there is that doesn’t like a . . . library — what? How could anyone not like a library? There’s mischief afoot, escalating with a dead body, or was it? It’s up to Tempest, friends, and family to investigate, while trying to stay out of the way of the the police investigation and their intrusive neighbor, Mrs. Hudson. Efforts are fueled by Grandpa Ash’s delicious cooking because one needs fuel to do good work.

Please note that this ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I could say that I enjoyed this one, but the honest truth is that I struggled to finish it. It felt like an adult version of Nancy Drew (which, don’t get me wrong… I loved when I was a kid). It had the makings of a good whodunnit: a murder, a secret library, BOOKS (I love books!) but it ultimately fell a little flat for me and I felt myself felling bored through it all. I would recommend this to someone who likes more of a cute/feel good vibe that still has some aspects of a mystery.

3/5 stars.

"The Library Game" by Gigi Pandian offers a refreshingly original take on the cozy mystery genre. The concept of a company dedicated to constructing unique buildings, particularly libraries with hidden staircases, rooms, and passages, is quite inventive. While the writing may not reach the highest literary standards, it effectively serves its purpose of engaging readers in an entertaining story.

At one point, the author references Nancy Drew and the four main characters laugh about their resemblance to the fiction group of crime-solving friends. But this novel does indeed strike me as a kind of adult Nancy Drew adventure. It gets a little corny in places, but this is intended to be a fun book, I believe, even if it is a murder mystery.

I believe The Library Game may have been preceded by one or more books involving at least some of the same characters. Its a good light read, and I would be interested in seeing others by the same author.

This book was like a game of clue, in the best way! If you enjoy mystery and suspense The Library Game is a must read.

I didn't realize this was part of a series when I requested it. While it was ok, it just wasn't great. I may have enjoyed it more had I read the other books in the series first. The characters weren't very relatable to me and the mystery was just not believable.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Book 044 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

One star because it features libraries and Librarians.

It started off fun (great narrator btw), felt like it plateaued for a bit in the middle then picked right back up towards the third end of the book.

First one from the series that I read/listened and that's due to its title.

One or split into two sitting kinda read.

I received a complimentary copy of both the ebook and the audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I received The Library Game from Netgalley for my review.

When a murder mystery dinner and themed escape room at a new local library goes awry, Tempest and her friends try to figure out what happened. This is a fun, quick read. I was guessing the whole book about what could have happened and still wasn't right. This is book 4 in the Secret Staircase Mystery series but I read it as a stand alone and felt the whole story was still there. If you are a book lover of mysteries and detective work, give this book a read.

In this fourth installment of the Secret Staircase Mysteries, Tempest is working with her father and the rest of the Secret Staircase construction crew to renovate a home into a mystery library. As a way to highlight the new venture, they are hosting a murder mystery event. But when things go wrong and a real murder occurs, will Tempest and her fellow Abracadabras be able to solve the case?

This book has the same fun characters and family interactions from the first three, with a new cast of characters who are part of the renovation and mystery game. I didn't enjoy this one as much as book three. The additional characters were a little flat to me, and the mystery itself felt like it was really grasping at straws to make any connections before the final big reveal of the culprit.

Overall, this series is a fun concept for a cozy mystery set, but if the series is to continue with a dedicated following, the mystery aspect itself will need to have a much stronger construction (no pun intended) to keep readers engaged.

I love this series so much! Tempest and her friends and family are always fun. I enjoyed this mystery very much. It seemed impossible to solve, but I always knew Tempest, Ivy, Sanjay, and Gideon and her family would work out the solution. This entire series is highly recommended. I suggest starting from the beginning, but this book can be read as a standalone.

The premise definitely sounded interesting. I didn't realize this was part of a series. I think readers would enjoy and relate to this book more if they read them in order. I did like small-town library/setting, as well as the wide variety of characters. I never felt super connected to any of them, however, and perhaps that is because I hadn't read the prior books. Sadly, things fell a bit flat with the mystery. Clues were quite obvious. Also, I thought this was supposed to be a "locked room" mystery, but most of the action took place outside of that. While I did enjoy some elements, it missed the mark for me overall.

This was a cozy mystery. I haven't read the other books and while it says it's a standalone book, I felt like there were a lot of references that must have been from the other books.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy of this library mystery. This review is my personal opinion.
I will admit I was a little lost at first in reading this book until I went back and read that this is the 4th book in this standalone series. Although the author did reference enough from the previous books to catch the reader up quickly. Construction to the Gray House Library has been ongoing and a dinner and mystery theater production is planned to garner more interest in the library. It is dress rehearsal night and everything is planned to go off without a hitch. But that was before a murder was committed! Tempest Raj and the rest of the characters that make up the Secret Staircase Construction Company, must determine who is recreating a murder mystery plot that includes a disappearing corpse! With murder, misdirection and a number of twists this turned out to be an enjoyable cozy.

This is a sweet cozy mystery that is big on atmosphere and light on suspense and thrills. The characters are colorful and entertaining, and the magic element will appeal to lovers of the fantastic. I must admit it is not my cup of tea (or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a whimsical tale), but I think it will find its proper readers--the story flows well, and the characters are easy to root for (or against, as the case may be). For readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with elements of magic and small-town romance and friendship, this one should appeal.

The Library Game is book 4 in Gigi Pandian's Secret Staircase Mystery Series, but it's easily read as a standalone novel.

Tempest Raj and her family's company, Secret Staircase Construction, have been hired to convert historic home, Gray House, into a mystery library. Although the renovations are still in progress, the owner is hosting an interactive murder mystery play and literary themed escape room to highlight the library, as part of the town's annual summer stroll event. During one of their final dress rehearsals, in which Tempest and some of her friends are taking part, one of the actors winds up dead, and the group of friends must find the culprit so that the play and opening of the escape room can go on.

I really enjoyed this locked-room/closed-circle mystery. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters in Tempest's friend group. What made the mystery even more interesting was that there were no outside suspects, and almost all of the people who were suspects were seemingly nice people, with no obvious problem with the deceased, which made the mystery more difficult to solve.

I also enjoyed the magical elements…not supernatural magic, but stage magic…which was a refreshing twist since there are many cozy mysteries out there with supernatural magic themes. I enjoyed the way the logic of setting up an illusion of magic was used to help explain the mystery of both the death of the actor, and the side mystery of the burglary of the other library.

I think any lover of cozy mysteries will enjoy The Library Game, and I will be looking for more books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“The Library Game” by Gigi Pandian
A Good Mystery
This was an interesting mystery. Alas, I had a really hard time keeping myself engaged; so I skipped several chapters. I don’t think it was the story’s fault, but just life got in the way of challenging my mind to discover the mystery of who, why, how, etc.. before the author would clue me in. Happy Reading ! ! Enjoy the mystery.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. The Library Game by Gigi Pandian is a delightful and engaging mystery that combines elements of library settings with intriguing puzzles. The story follows the protagonist, a librarian, who is thrust into a complex situation involving hidden treasures and long-buried secrets. Pandian’s writing is accessible and fast-paced, making it a quick and enjoyable read for mystery lovers. The characters are well-developed, and the library setting adds a cozy, yet suspenseful atmosphere. Overall, The Library Game is a charming blend of adventure and intrigue, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of history.

"In The Library Game, Tempest Raj and Secret Staircase Construction are renovating a classic detective fiction library that just got its first real-life mystery.

Tempest Raj couldn't be happier that the family business, Secret Staircase Construction, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Known for enchanting architectural features like sliding bookshelves and secret passageways, the company is now taking on a dream project: transforming a home into a public library that celebrates history's greatest fictional detectives.

Though the work is far from done, Gray House Library's new owner is eager to host a murder mystery dinner and literary themed escape room. But when a rehearsal ends with an actor murdered and the body vanishes, Tempest is witness to a seemingly impossible crime. Fueled by her grandfather's Scottish and Indian meals, Tempest and the rest of the crew must figure out who is making beloved classic mystery plots come to life in a deadly game.

Multiple award winning author Gigi Pandian masterfully weaves wit and warmth in the Secret Staircase Mysteries. Readers will delight in the surprises Secret Staircase Construction uncovers behind the next locked door."

Oh, I know there's a risk I could be murdered, but can I get an invite to the dinner and escape room?

A fun bookish mystery with a magical twist! The Library Game is a delightful mix of mystery, magic, and literary fun. Turning a house into a detective-themed library is the perfect setting for an escape-room-style whodunit, and Gigi Pandian makes great use of secret passages and clever illusions. The impossible crime kept me guessing, and the book is packed with fun nods to classic mysteries. Some parts felt a little over the top, but that’s part of the charm. A must-read for fans of locked-room puzzles and bookish adventures!

Thank you Gigi Pandian, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!