Illusionist Tempest Raj has put her talents to work with her father’s construction company, specializing in hidden rooms and staircases. She has also used her talents to solve several murders. The Library Game is the fourth book in this series and Gigi Pandian provides a story filled with illusions, misdirections and a disappearing body. Cameron Gray inherited his grandfather’s home and extensive collection of classic mysteries. The will stipulated that the house should become a library with a home for Cameron in the third floor. Tempest and her friend Ivy have created a mystery play for the library’s opening with a preview scheduled during the town’s summer stroll. At rehearsal Luke, one of the actors, arranges for Tempest’s friend Sanjay to stand in for him. At one point the lights go down. When they come back up Sanjay is gone and Luke’s body lies face down before them. By the time the police arrive, Luke’s body has disappeared. When the body finally makes another appearance, Sanjay becomes a prime suspect so Tempest gathers her Scooby Crew to solve the murder. Tempest, Sanjay, Ivy and Gideon, a sculptor who works with them, may not have a dog to sniff out clues but together they review events and hopefully find a solution.

With her story centered around a library filled with classic detectives, Pandian’s mystery is a fun read for bibliophiles. Tempest’s friends have a close relationship and Ash, her grandfather, keeps them going with his wonderful cookies and meals. There is even a recipe for his mouth watering blackberry crumble cobbler. A petition to stop the library’s opening, a curmudgeonly neighbor who spends her time spying on their activities and a vandal who wreaks havoc without appearing on security cameras provide challenges for Tempest. Murder, magic and a touch of romance make this an enjoyable read. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for providing this book..

Book #4 in the Secret Staircase cozy mystery series. The cast of characters in this series are all illusionists in one form or another. The series is built around a company that adds secret rooms, moving walls, camoflagued staircases and other archetectural additions to make a home a house of magic. In THE LIBRARY GAME, the home is being remodeled to become a library complete with the interesting add ons that they are famous for. Before the grand opening, the library is hosting a mystery game night. The fun is interrupted when one of the actors is found dead. During the excitement that follows, the body disappears and the investigation takes an illusionists twist. The series is unlike any I've seen and the twists, while not hard core, keep you guessing as each chapter introduces a new suspect.

***ARC received from Minotaur Books and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

This is the fourth in the series and while I haven’t read the whole series I think its okay to read as a stand alone. There is some references to things that happened in prior books but that is okay, you don’t really lose anything from this book the story stand on its own. You just miss on how the relationships were established but its okay for me but I know for others they want the whole story. So if you are like me its okay but certainly go back and read the prior three books.

Tempest and gang are setting up a new library. There are quite a few characters that all fit different needed stereotypes. I liked Tempest, I think I probably would have liked her more had I read the first three books that it doesn’t take anything away. I think Sanjay was probably my least liked character, he was loud and annoying and just so over the top. I wish they had pulled him back just a little bit. I can’t really say more about the characters, they kind of come and go as the plot needs them.

I really liked the concept of these small towns with so many libraries and book stores and just surrounded by literature. I loved the idea of these small very focused libraries or stores that only sold very specific genre of books. I want to live in a town like that, it sounds like a wonderful place. Plus how they turn the libraries into little fun places with hidden rooms and staircases, its such fun little details. They bring magic in very practical ways.

The mystery just didn’t work for me. While it had some good misdirection to cast more suspicion on others the longer it went along the less it made sense. Like if you stop and think about it for too long the less it makes sense which I know is not what you are supposed to do in a cozy mystery but I couldn’t help myself. But when the killer is finally revealed I actually felt bad for them and when its all done and everyone gets their happy ending the more I thought about it the angrier it actually made me. Which is weird because its supposed to be happy but I guess it didn’t work for me.

While you would definitely be better served having read the prior three books to get the most out of this book you can still read this as a stand alone. Despite my issues with the murder mystery itself I did like this book and found it a quick and easy read that a could read on a stormy day. People that like cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this book a lot.

This is the 4th installment in the Secret Staircase series. I haven’t read the first 3 books but I was still able to follow along quite nicely in this one. Definitely can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the twists in this locked room murder mystery, where the setting is….a library! An escape room library in fact! I love the nerdy characters and how they refer to classic detective fiction books for possible solution! Thank you @Minotaur_Books for introducing me to this delightful series. Now I have to get books 1-3!

If you love classic detective mysteries, you will enjoy reading The Library Game. I enjoyed reading this book. This is the first book I've read in the series but could have easily been a stand-alone book. The characters are relatable, and the story keeps your attention. I'm going to have to get my hands on the other books in the series as I really enjoyed this one!

Tempest Raj is a former professional magician who was headlining in Vegas until her show was sabotaged, leading her to eventually return home and join the family business. The family business, of course, isn’t anything mundane like running a restaurant or bakery; it’s designing and building spaces that tell a story, frequently including hidden passages, sliding bookshelves, and secret stairways.

Their latest project is redesigning a former residence to be a library featuring thousands of classical mysteries. As part of a neighbor festival, the library is hosting an interactive play, one to introduce the public to the library and some of the unique features Tempest and company have built into it. The dress rehearsal starts off on the wrong foot: one of the actors in the play isn’t available so he’s asked Tempest’s magician pal Sanjay to step in. But when the lights go out and a gunshot rings out – all part of the play – the dead body of the original actor is found on the floor and Sanjay has vanished. Chaos ensues, and by the time the gang has claimed their phones (conveniently locked up in the kitchen so the play has the right ambiance) and the police have arrived, the body is gone – a real magic trick.

What a fun book! I’m a fan of Ms. Pandian’s other books and have read some of the others in this series. I love some of the side characters – Tempest’s grandparents are lovely. I think I’d join their company to be feed some of her grandfather’s meals, too (I loved how he took cookies to the police officer trailing a potential suspect). The addition of the magical elements is terrific, along with the affection and support Tempest has for and from her friends.

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.

The Library Game is the fourth in The Secret Staircase series, but the first I’ve read. It can easily be read as a standalone novel as references to prior situations and relationships that you might need to understand are subtly woven into this work. Despite some clunky dialogue, the characters in the core group of Tempest, her family, and her close friends were engaging and had unique personalities, hobbies, and talents. I struggled the most with my enjoyment of this cozy, locked room mystery because it lacks balance in exploring all possible suspects, to the point that the reveal provided more information about half of the key characters' backgrounds and personalities than at any other point in the book. I found the distinctive explanations of craftsmanship fascinating, though brief. I also thought the explanation of how the circumstances around the murder played out was clever. It was enjoyable, but not a favorite.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this cozy mystery.

The Secret Staircase construction company, with its roots in magical theater, brings a unique twist to a cozy mystery. Friends Tempest, Gideon, Sanjay and Ivy, work together on a mystery play/escape room game gone wrong. I enjoy the multi-generational family (Grandpa Ash’s food!- one recipe included) and I like the insights into building and staging tricks. Like a good magic show, misdirection, illusions and sleight of hand make this mystery a fun puzzle to follow and using classic mysteries to help find a killer are a fun bonus. This can easily stand on its own. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gigi Pandian for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Library Game coming out March 18, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! I love mysteries and anything to do with libraries! I think there was a lot of progress made in the book. I enjoyed the cultural references to being Scottish and Indian. I think it brought an added layer to a really cozy and fun story. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries!

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.

Initially, I struggled to connect with the characters in the book—their familiarity with one another suggested that this might not be the first book in the series, and I was correct. Nevertheless, I persevered and enjoyed this cozy mystery. I am uncertain if this book would have the same impact on those who have not read the previous two books, but if you appreciate nerdy literary references and cozy mysteries, I recommend giving this series a try.

This book is one big misdirection.... in the best way. I love how I never know what's going on and it is such a complicated web to unweave and find the killer. Especially because real illusions are involved and it's hard to tell what's true from what is assumed. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I loved that this book centered around a classic mystery library. There is even a locked room mystery with clues relating to Agatha Christie books, who I love and of course made me smile so much. I also love that Tempest isn't keeping secrets from her family anymore and her grandfather even helps the sleuthing. I was shocked by the ending! And I am rooting for the potential of romance in the future.

The Library Game by Gigi Pandian ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
Pub Date: 3-18-25

Thank you @netgalley, @minotaur_books, and @gigipandian for the opportunity to read this eARC.

A group of friends, family, and a rabbit named Abracadabra come together to solve a locked-room murder mystery. Among the characters, Tempest, her grandparents, and Mrs. Hudson were particular favorites of mine.

As someone who typically follows the rule of reading a series in order, I usually avoid jumping into a book mid-series. However, when I saw this one on NetGalley, I couldn’t resist making an exception. I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed! Now, I’m excited to start from the beginning so I can dive into Tempest’s backstory.

"Tempest knew exactly what her friend was thinking. Ivy Youngblood had been her best friend since childhood, when they’d bonded over their shared love of mysteries. Ivy was the most well-read person she knew, and Ivy firmly believed that the solution to any real-life mystery could be found in the pages of a classic mystery novel or short story."

I received an ARC of this book. I enjoyed this captivating cozy mystery. I haven't read the previous books in the series yet. I liked the friends working together to solve the mystery. I've always enjoyed the concept of secret staircases. A good read!

Can't miss cozy / locked room mystery!

Another enjoyable story from Gigi Pandian. The character development continues apace, building on her previous books and the mystery was compelling and I guessed wrong a dozen times, which makes it more interesting! Her other series are just as entertaining and educating and eagerly await her next release!

I loved this story and right up to the end I was on the edge of my seat! This was my kind of book with nonstop action. There was so much going on and I loved every second of it. If you like a cozy mystery, this one is for you.
I need to go back and read the first three books in this series. Many thanks to the author, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed it!! Hopefully there will be an audio version I can check out!

Tempest and her friends/family are like old friend to me by now since I’ve read this series from the beginning. I’ve enjoyed the character developments and relationships growing. Poor Sanjay, he’s such a hoot normally but he was a worried man this time since he was a suspect. The showdown was tense and I really loved what someone did to the perp! The outcome was a satisfying one, and as all the friends were taking another friend to the airport, I can only wonder what the next book might bring!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Minotaur Books via NetGalley and my opinions are my own.

What a fun cozy read. I really enjoyed this game and book. I was able to get lost in the pages and escape reality while reading.

I'm new to books by this author. While this was not the first in the series, I was easily able to pick up the backstory and enjoy the mystery in this one. I found the main characters likable and fun. The mystery had a good number of suspects and a few reasonable motives. It had enough twists to keep me interested and trying to figure out who was responsible. The ending was satisfactory. I definitely would read more by this author. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This bookish cozy centers on a group of friends who variously work as librarians, magicians, and magical-library-builders (an actual job in a town containing at least two mystery libraries!) and are thrust into mystery-solving when an acquaintance is murdered while rehearsing a mystery play. This was a fun read - I enjoyed the premise, the characters, and the many bookish (and baked-good-centered) scenes.

However, I think I would have enjoyed it all a lot more if I'd read earlier titles in the series. While this is technically a standalone, there were frequent references to the events of (presumably) earlier books, without enough background to allow latecomers to the series to understand. I also didn't entirely buy the ending, which felt arbitrary. Maybe it would have made more sense with a better understanding of the characters / series / world.

3.5 stars, rounded up.