Fantastic follow Up to the first. The characters are developing, and things are not perfect for them, but they work through their issues and look out for each other Look forward to the next one.

Lindsay Currie (The Girl in White, Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, What Lives in the Woods, my favorite Scritch-Scratch and other scary books) takes a second break from her middle grade horror titles to give those same readers another action-adventure book set in escape rooms with The Deltas. In The Mystery of the Locked Rooms, Sarah, Hannah and West, a trio of middle school kids whose combined set of skills makes them the area’s top competitors in defeating even the hardest of escape rooms, take a little break from their usual challenges and break into an abandoned house in search of lost, hidden money. The three are successful and not only are some of their own financial woes lifted, but an heir to the fortune, William, is located and he begins to complete the dream of a distant relative to create a unique escape challenge set in an entire house. This second book picks up after William has completed The Delta Games house and Sarah, Hannah and West continue assisting whenever possible. But William seems stressed about something, all three Deltas are keeping secrets from one another and a new escape house is opening and they are tricked into helping the mysterious owner with the grand opening.

Just like the series opener, Currie’s vivid imagination and gift with words allows readers to feel like they are actually working their own way through difficult riddles, rickety staircases, disappearing floors and hidden doors. In each room, the threesome find that their usual smooth way of working together is a little off and it’s not until they begin to share some unsettling truths with one another that they are able to beat the almost mean Mystery Mansion. The House With No Keys is a great friendship story along with being a unique action adventure and is highly recommended for strong 4th grade readers through grade 8. Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. There is a bit of a developing romance between West and narrator Sarah but it is limited to a little hand-holding, brief hugs and an arm across her shoulders.

K, 8 year old boy: “I loved it! I especially loved how Sarah loves West. I also like how Hannah used the clues to solve the puzzle. I really like that her nickname is Banana. And I hope the author writes a third book where they go through the house they are building.”

G, 6 year old boy: “I really like the parts when they are in the turtle room and the infinity room. And I think the author should write a third book about the house they are building. I hope it’s really good. Because this book was SO good. I love this book the author just made.”
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Mom, (age redacted): The House with No Keys was such a fun book to read aloud to my boys. However, it was too good because they never wanted to pause the book. When I had to take a break from reading to do mom things, my 8 year old had no trouble picking up reading where I left off. The story is exciting and unpredictable. You truly don’t know what is going to happen in the next escape room or in the story itself. It kept us guessing. Great book for all ages: it covers topics like the importance of teamwork, never giving up, taking chances, embracing change, friendship, listening to and trusting yourself, and working hard in school and to help contribute to your family. While the first book (which was also 5 stars) focused on friendship, this book also touched on romantic feelings. My kids love love so it was exciting (and totally appropriate) for them. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating real life but sensitive topics into the books, while being kid appropriate. The topics led to great family discussions about hardships that other kids and families face. Needless to say, we were big fans of book 1 and 2 in the series and are really, really hoping for a third! Excellent writing! We are big fans of this author!

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I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Currie brings back her Deltas to explore a completely different escape games home. Sarah, West and Hannah start the book by challenging themselves to a new room that uses all of their abilities to escape. This launches the story when an unknown game designer offers them the opportunity to take on an entire home they have designed. The overall tone is nasty and the designer manipulates them into playing. Each has their own reasons for wanting the prize money but they don't share that right away. I appreciate the continued character development for these three and love seeing how their friendship evolves and remains steady. However, I don't feel the same sense of adventure as the first book. I love how they pit themselves against the challenges but didn't care for the mean edges. The resolution feels a bit forced for the happy ending but I always want to believe this is how it would work in reality.
Middle grade readers will love processing the puzzle rooms along with the Deltas and may see solutions first. Looking forward to the next book.

This review is from my fifth grade daughter:

I read the book The House With No Keys. I loved it so much! I love to write and read in all types of genres and I loved this book because it really brought Sarah, Hannah and West to life. My favorite room that the Deltas go in is the Egypt room because I find Egypt very interesting and cool although the s’mores room sounds really cool. (MARSHMALLOW STAIRS 😍!!!!) I think that West and Sarah would be a really cute couple (Sest = West & Sarah), but I guess it would have to be a long distance relationship if West gets into the fancy school. Thank you so much for the advanced copy, I really appreciate it!!! Deltas forever😊

Lindsay Currie does it again. What a sequel! These three characters are so much fun to hang out with. I love seeing their friendships evolve and be tested as the novel goes on. Lindsay Currie does emotion so well. I also love the high-tech version of the fun house in this book to change things up from the first book. The pyramid room was my favorite! Highly recommend for readers who loved The Mystery of Locked Rooms. And, if you haven't read that one yet, go go go!

This is the second book in the series. I loved this book as much as the first one! The characters are well-developed and the story is great! Highly recommend!

“House with No Keys lives up to the hype. It’s fun, mysterious, and a perfect fit for any middle school library. Long live the Deltas!”