What a very interesting book and remind me of I AG ATH AC.HRI ST.I.E novels. This one reminds me of clue as well. Because this all takes place in this library.That's so called murder mystery , dinner and Escape rooms. Everybody had different ideas and opinions in this book.But somebody did get murdered It was like a game.I had to figure out everything.What the next person?Was gonna do. It was good written and I liked it because it kept me on my toes

DNF :( Could not get into this one, maybe just too cozy for this moment but I wasn't feeling it. Would try again in the future!

The Library Game is the fourth book in the series featuring Tempest Raj, her family's construction business, and her gang of quirky friends. One of her friends is murdered at a rehearsal for a mystery dinner, and then the body disappears. The setting is a soon-to-be-open public library based in the home of a deceased avid mystery collector. This locked-door mystery has many twists, turns, and references to classic mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end.

As each Secret Staircase Mystery is published, the crimes become more intricate (and impossible), the characters more developed and beloved, and the number of architectural marvels I find myself adding to my fictional dream home keeps getting bigger and bigger. In The Library Game, Tempest and the crew are back at it again in another humorous, cozy, and delightful mystery. Full of nods to the locked room mysteries of yore and classic authors of the genre, this case finds the danger hitting close to home as one of them is toeing a teetering line between suspected victim or primary suspect. Can't wait to see where Pandian takes this series next!

With each book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries series, I just learn to love this series even more. The latest installement finds a murder at a newly renovated library with hidden doors perfect for an escape room. When one of the actors in a local trope is found murdered, Tempest and her friends ban together to find the killer.

If you are new to the series, I highly suggest starting with the first book in the series, Under Lock & Skeleton Key. While the books can be read outside of their publishing order, I think the first book is always a good place to start. This cozy mystery series is perfect for readers who want a light dose of murder with a splash of mystery, but don't worry there isn't any gore. I really hope this isn't the last book in the series and we see more from Tempest and her friends.

Thank you to Minotaur and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for review consideration.

Ms. Pandian's latest foray is another wonderful, locked room mystery, featuring Tempest Raj. Tempest is a former stage magician who is now working with her father to create unique rooms for their company, the Secret Staircase Construction company. Spaces are created with hidden features or special features, creating magical and special spaces. This series is such fun and Ms. Pandian is an expert crafter of these mysteries.

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.

Be warned this is part of a series and references prior books quite often. The story can be followed without but I believe some things would have been clearer if I had read the other books. I am not basing my review or my opinions on that though.

Tempest is working to get a new library up and running in the house of Harold Gray. There are plans for a murder mystery show but during dress rehearsal, they end up with an actual dead body. Twists and turns abound as the cast of quirky characters work to independently solve the case so the show can go on.

The characters were fun and quirky, but lacked depth in some areas. There was a strong attempt at a "cozy" vibe that warred with the murder. The book was quite predictable in many ways with only a few questions that needed to be answered. It was enjoyable but not something that will linger.

Thank you to Net Galley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

This is book four and my first foray into the Secret Staircase mystery series. It does a good job of reintroducing characters and recapping previous series events so newcomers can follow along, while giving on,y enough information to entice readers to go back to the series begin to dive in.

The mystery itself is fun, a combination of locked room and closed circle mysteries. The characters are all huge mystery fans and are trope-savvy enough to both get in over their heads and provide readers with fun commentary throughout. I do love the combination of stage magic and architecture that forms the basis of the company Tempest and her friend work for, as well as the overall aesthetic of the series.

Overall a lot of fun, and a nice balance of giving the reader enough clues to figure out who the murderer is, while adding enough red herrings and side trails so those who catch on quickly aren’t bored waiting for the characters to catch up.

Former professional magician Tempest now works with her father and a couple friends at their company, Secret Staircase Construction. Their current project is transforming the late Harold Gray's home into a library/apartment for his nephew Cameron. Fresh off a break-in by an "invisible" intruder at another of their library projects, Tempest is determined to figure it out while simultaneously finishing work on the Gray House in time for the town's Summer Stroll. When a body is discovered during practice for the Stroll's mystery play and Tempest's friend is the prime suspect, she and her friends (and grandparents) are determined to find the truth. This is the fourth book in the series, but I felt like I could follow it enough for it to be a stand alone. The town is charming, but the characters are not fully developed, possibly because there are so many of them. There's unnecessary repetition that got on my nerves. For example, repeating Secret Staircase Construction, especially in the first half of the story. I think more creativity needed to be put into the naming of things, like the companies and libraries. I'm a fan of cozy mysteries, but it seemed pretty obvious who the killer would be fairly early on in the story.

The Library Game is fourth mystery in the Secret Staircase Mystery series. Tempest Raj and Secret Staircase Construction are renovating a house into a classic detective mystery library. It’s almost to show the space to the public, but during the dress rehearsal something goes terribly wrong. When one of the actors for the literary themed escape room turns up murdered and the body disappears Tempest and her friends start looking into it. Will they be able to uncover the secrets behind the murder and disappearance or will the killer get away with it?

I have been a fan of this series from the beginning and enjoy the magic and illusion elements of these mysteries. It is a great twist and very well done. Tempest is a great main character and her friends compliment her perfectly. I was hooked on this mystery from the first chapter and didn’t want to put it down. The fast paced mystery and twists kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t see the conclusion coming. I really hope there are more books in this series because I can’t wait to see Tempest in action again!

Tempest Raj couldn’t be happier with the family business, Secret Staircase
Gray House Library’s new owner is eager to host a murder mystery dinner and literary themed escape room. During the rehearsal, murder occurs. Lots of twists and turns,mayhem and unpredictable events make this a real page turner and a must read!

Gigi Pandian's "The Library Game" is an absolute gem in the world of cozy mysteries. From the moment I picked it up, I was transported into a world full of charm, intrigue, and delightful twists. Pandian masterfully crafts a story that combines elements of mystery, humor, and a touch of romance, creating a page-turner that I simply could not put down.

The protagonist is both relatable and inspiring, with a knack for solving puzzles and a love for literature that resonates deeply with any book lover. The setting—a quaint, atmospheric library—adds an enchanting backdrop that feels like a character in its own right. Pandian's vivid descriptions make you feel as though you are right there in the stacks, uncovering clues alongside the daring detective.

The plot is well-paced, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing until the very end. The supporting cast is equally engaging, each character bringing their own quirks and secrets to the table, making for an entertaining and multi-dimensional narrative.

"The Library Game" is a delightful read that is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone looking for a heartwarming story with a smart, resourceful hero at its core. Gigi Pandian has penned a truly unforgettable tale, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! Highly recommended for a cozy afternoon of reading.

Suspense! Misdirection! A dash of romance!

I’m really just dipping my toes into the cozy mystery genre after reading majority romance for the last 3 years. This was the perfect balance of romance and mystery to give me everything I love.

First thank you to st. Martins press and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars

Synopsis: tempest and her family business are doing great things. They are working on their biggest project turning a private home into a library celebrating famous literary detectives. Her friends are part of it by preparing a murder mystery party for opening night. However a real murder occurs during rehearsals that threatens the library opening unless tempest and her friends can solve the case in time.

What I liked: this is a cozy mystery set in a library celebrating famous literary detectives, how can you not like that? The representation is great with many nationalities and races represented. I also liked the librarian representation too.
One thing that did distract from it was this was more of a tell you instead of show you mystery. I do prefer the show me better and felt that many times we went down a tangent that didn’t necessarily add a lot to the plot.
I was able to pick this up as a stand-alone even through it is a series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Library Game is the fourth book in the Secret Staircase Myster series. It is also my introduction to the series. I was able to step into the book very comfortably. It was fairly easy to understand the relations between the characters and to dive into the story. The Library Game is a locked room type of mystery, which is always fun to try to solve before you reach the end of the book. Tempest is an interesting main character, as well as the secondary characters that gravitate around her. It was a very pleasant read and it makes me want to check out the previous books in the series.

THE LIBRARY GAME by Gigi Pandian
The Fourth Secret Staircase Mystery

Former stage magician Tempest Raj has gone through many challenges and changes recently, but she's content now, working with her dad in his Secret Stairway Construction business. One of their current projects is transforming Gray House into a library. Before they complete the project, it will become a stop on Hidden Creek's summer stroll where visitors will participate in an interactive murder mystery event. But when the disappearance of one of the actors turns into murder, it's more than one impossible crime that has Tempest and her friends perplexed. Someone is toying with them, but who is playing games? Will Tempest be able to solve the mystery and prove that the impossible is truly possible?

An invisible intruder, sabotage, and a missing actor will have you scratching your head as you try to solve the mystery of THE LIBRARY GAME. Is Lucas dead? Is Harold alive? Just who is pulling the strings? Just when you think you have the answer, you realize there are more questions. It's like trying to fight the Hydra!

I really like how Tempest, Ivy, Gideon, and Sanjay work together. True friends, they complement each other and also call one another out. I also appreciate how they use their combined talents and brain power to solve the mystery. My favorite character remains Ash, Tempest's grandfather. Aside from being a font of information and a truly kind person, I wish I lived near him so that I could enjoy some of his food, knowing he would send me cookies if I was having a bad day!

Confounding mysteries converge in THE LIBRARY GAME creating a puzzle reminiscent of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Grab something good to eat and flex your mental muscles to see if you can solve this tricky mystery!

Rating: 4/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

This is book four, but I didn’t know that until I dived in but even knowing that I was still able to understand what was going on, the characters and the plot. I will be going back and reading the other three books, it was that great. In this book you will meet Tempest and her friends. Tempest is working for her family business “Secret Staircase Construction”, they’re transforming a home into a public library that celebrates history’s greatest fictional detectives. Her family’s business makes sliding bookshelves and secret libraries and they’re a huge hit.

A murder mystery is being hosted in the house, they even have an escape room but when doing a test run, a murder happens. Tempest and her friends start to investigate but when Tempest's friend Sanjay is the prime suspect, they all band together to figure out the truth and to prove him innocent. I found the plot to be cute and engaging. I liked the author's writing style a lot. The words just flowed, which allowed for the pace of the book to be perfect. The character development was great, I loved that the author had a diverse character. I think my favorite character was the nosy neighbor across the street and Tempest's grandfather. I loved the action, the drama and all the mystery that was built into this cozy mystery book. I didn’t mind the small amount of romance that was in the book, it was more like a small sub plot line.

I also received the audio to this book, and I really liked the narrator Soneela Nankani. She helped to bring the characters' feelings out and added a new layer to the tension of the murder mystery. I would recommend the book and/or the audio for anyone who loves murder mystery books.

I want to thank NetGalley, SMP and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to review this book.

I've really enjoyed the Secret Staircase Mystery series, because they are so fun to read. I mean, a construction company that literally builds hidden rooms in libraries? Sign me up. I've also really enjoyed that they are not-too-cozy. They're not bloody and gory and horror-y, but they also aren't quite Cabot Cove. This one veered a little too much toward Cabot Cove for my liking (or actually, toward Scooby-Doo), and the mystery wasn't quite as satisfying to solve. But! I still enjoyed reading it and following along with the mystery, and I will definitely continue to read these books.

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.

This is a bit like playing the game Clue! There are lots of guesses, suspects and suggestions, especially with the magician’s equipment and the secret stairs. This just adds to the “whodunnit” element.

I enjoyed the secrecy and the hunt for what the devil is going on. However, there are a lot of characters and sometimes the hidden secret is a bit too easy to guess.

The narrator, Soneela Nankani, did a very good job. Tons of voices in this novel and there is a distinct voice for everyone.

Need a cute tale with a pretty good guessing game..THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.