This book was a bit different than my typical reads so I was excited to try something new. It was a pretty light hearted mystery, though there is a death it wasn't presented in a graphic or gruesome way. I found it to be a bit slow up until the last 15% or so of the book and found myself having a hard time going back to listen up until that point. The main character Tempest is enjoyable, however some of the elements of her character are over the top for me, mostly regarding the magician aspect. This could be because I haven't read the first 3 books in the series, but I didn't realize it was part of a series until after listening. I do think it holds up as a standalone book, but there very well may be some aspects that would be more believable and exciting with the previous 3 for context.
I am an elementary school librarian so the title intrigued me, but the library in the books definitely wasn't a traditional one.
The narrator was excellent! The recipe at the end was also a fun surprise, and sounds delicious to boot!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy of this book.

This was my first book by this author and I’m hooked. Even though this is part of a series, it is good as a standalone book. There were so many twists and turns, misdirection and confusion in this locked room mystery. I am interested in more books by this author and would recommend it for mystery lovers.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

(3.75 stars)
The fourth book in the Secret Staircase mystery series is another delightful locked-room mystery. This time the family-owned specialty construction company doesn’t figure into the story very much, but the talents of the former magician, Tempest Raj, definitely does. Tempest and her friends are putting on a show that is an escape room/murder mystery dinner play. It’s being staged in Gray House, which was a private home filled with classic mystery novels that is being turned into a library - if the town council approves the plan. The show is supposed to be part of the town’s Summer Stroll festivities. But when one of the actors is found murdered, will the show be able to go on?

There are several characters to keep track of, but if you’ve read at least one of the previous books, that won’t be an issue. The main “players” include Tempest’s friend and possible future boyfriend, Gideon, a talented stone carver; Sanjay, her magician friend who bills himself as the Hindu Houdini; Ivy, who runs the existing local mystery-themed library, and more. As usual, Grandpa Ash provides delicious-sounding food! (Don’t miss the blackberry crumble cobbler recipe at the end of the book.) And Abra, Tempest’s pet rabbit, makes a couple of appearances.

The locked-room aspect was well done, as always. Do we actually see what we think we see? In addition to the mystery, there’s an emphasis on family and friendship, which I always appreciate.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated by Soneela Nankani, who once again did a great job with the many characters and accents.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you @NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for the ARC. I did not know this was a series before reading this book, now I need to go back and read them all. This was such a fun mystery and adding the setting for a murder mystery party was perfect. Tempest makes secret staircases for houses and especially Libraries. She plans to unveil a new house turned Library with a murder mystery show, but the murder turns real. A must read.

This was my first time reading a book by Gigi Pandian. The Library Game is the fourth book in the series, but it read like a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book so much I want to back and read the other books in the Secret Staircase Mysteries.

Our protagonist Tempest works for the family business Secret Stairway Construction where she designs hidden libraries and secret passages. At the end of a job building a library, the owners want to celebrate a murder mystery party, however thing go awry preparing for it

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. The narrator Soneela Nankani was wonderful, and kept me engaged in the story. I highly recommend this book, it's filled with great and diverse characters and kept me guessing the whole time. 4.5 stars

Fun mystery to get into. The characters were relatable but mysterious enough to keep the reader guessing. I liked the idea of actors/magicians playing a “trick” in order to get the reader off the perpetrators trail. When you find out the truth at the end of the book it feels like you should have known all along but the distractions worked! This was a fun whodunnit to read if you like to keep guessing throughout the story!

Although this is the fourth book in the series, the descriptions I read suggested that it could be enjoyed as a standalone, and I completely agree! I absolutely loved it. The story was fun, engaging, and kept me guessing throughout. Now, I'm excited to go back and read the first three books to see how it all began. This was a great read, and I look forward to more from this author!

Soneeela Nankani's performance added to the story!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoy this series. Gigi has put together both a great cast of characters and two terrific plot elements--secret staircase construction and various characters' backgrounds in illusion.

While I quite liked the plot of this fourth book in the series, there were moments where I was like, "That is just over-the-top!" And not in a good way. But I should have trusted Gigi. The plot element I objected to was addressed later in an entirely satisfactory way.

Listen, no one reads cozy mysteries for literary sophistication. They're fun, comfy, and entertaining. That's what you'll get here. Keep 'em coming, Gigi!

By this fourth novel, I am fully invested in this series featuring former illusionist Tempest and her family's Secret Staircase construction business. For this installment, we get a complicated locked room mystery, which I absolutely love. This eclectic cast of characters now feel like old friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed how this story included some twists that seemed impossible. All-in-all, a very fun and entertaining novel - I'm looking forward to #5!

The fourth book in the series, and it's a series I enjoy.

This time Tempest and the Secret Staircase construction team are renovating a library, that will be home to detective fiction. Soon enough, they are embroiled in their own mystery to solve, as they attempt to host a murder mystery dinner and an escape room game.

All of the usual characters return, including grandpa Ash with his delectable food, Ivy, Gideon and Sanjay. The characters are likeable, and there is plenty of humor sprinkled in amongst the mysteries. I particularly enjoyed the addition of the nosy neighbor who keeps the crew on their toes!

Literary references abound as we attempt to solve a murder.

A book about libraries and books is always of interest to me, and this was fun with Tempest and the crew.

I listened to the book, and most of the earlier ones in the series, and was impressed, as ever, by the narrator who does a wonderful job with the voices of the characters, and the general sense of wonder that the book evokes.

I actually listened to an advanced copy of the audiobook. Tempest Raj's family business, the Secret Staircase Construction, has been hired to turn "Gray House" into a library. The house is already filled to overflowing with classic mystery and fictional detective novels. Though the renovations are far from over, the new owner is eager to host a murder mystery dinner complete with an escape room and local actors. However, before the night of the party, Tempest finds herself with a real murder that seems impossible to solvectually listened to an advanced copy of the audiobook. Tempest Raj's family business, the Secret Staircase Construction, has been hired to turn "Gray House" into a library. The house is already filled to overflowing with classic mystery and fictional detective novels. Though the renovations are far from over, the new owner is eager to host a murder mystery dinner complete with an escape room and local actors. However, before the night of the party, Tempest finds herself with a real murder that seems impossible to solve.

THE LIBRARY GAME is the 4th book of the Secret Staircase cozy mystery series and reads perfectly as a standalone. Magicians Tempest, Sanjay, Ivy, and Gideon have been working on transforming a home into the “Gray House Mystery Library,” including a dinner/escape room combo for the grand opening. During their rehearsal dinner, the lights go out, a body is found, and then a body is lost. This cozy mystery is filled with intrigue and charm, making it a perfect read for mystery enthusiasts.

The first part of the story takes place in a locked room (house) scenario, followed by the magicians navigating the illusions and intricacies of the murder during the subsequent days. The story is steady-paced, with plenty of twists and clues falling into place and filled with references to mystery book lovers. And for those who have a sweet tooth, Grandpa Ash shares his mouth-watering Blackberry Crumble Cobbler recipe at the end, adding a delightful culinary element to the mystery!

For those who crave an immersive experience, the audiobook of THE LIBRARY GAME, narrated by the talented Soneela Nankani, is a delightful treat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with the audio copy of THE LIBRARY GAME in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time reading Gigi Pandian, and despite this being the 4th book in the series, I am now intrigued about the previous three books and eager to explore more of the Secret Staircase series.

“In retrospect, uttering the words “What’s the worst that can happen” aloud is never a good idea” - quote spoken by Tempest.

All of the main characters are back, Tempest, Ivy, Gideon, Sanjay, grandpa Ash and more.

In this episode they are in the process of transforming a home into a “Classic Mystery” library.
Before the opening, however, they have planned a dinner with a mystery escape room as part of the town’s summer stroll.

Two days before the dinner things start to go wrong!!

A rehearsal is underway when the lights go out - and the night ends when one of the members of the cast is found dead! Yet when the police finally arrive - the body had disappeared! Even magicians Tempest and Sanjay are stumped.

They will need all of the team’s skill and perhaps a little bit of their own “misdirection” to untangle this one!!

I have enjoyed all of the books but this one has the most twisted plot.

This is #4 in the series and you really do have to read the books in order to understand the characters' relationships.

As always a delicious recipe from “Grandpa Ash” is included at the end. The Blackberry Crumble Cobbler sounds absolutely delish!!

I was fortunate to have the physical book and the audiobook.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss and the audiobook through NetGalley and MacMillan audio. Publication date is set for March 18, 2025.

It was my pleasure to read, listen and review this title. A great addition to the series!

In this fourth novel in the Secret Staircase Mysteries, a home is converted to a detective-focused fiction library, and as part of its grand opening, its owner is holding a murder mystery dinner/escape room combo. However, an actor in the production is found dead, indicating that someone amongst those putting on the grand opening has nefarious plans. I hadn’t realized this was a sequel when I started reading it, but I didn’t feel like I needed to have read the previous books to understand this one. It was a decent mystery, though I wish I had paid better attention to details in the initial scenes (as well as the many character names) given how much of the book revolves around the characters talking through different theories. While it seemed somewhat long on conversation, short on action, I still found it entertaining. I imagine if I had known the characters better through the earlier books it would have affected my reading experience. 3.5 stars

A twisty murder mystery that constantly keeps you on your toes and unsure who's to be believed. I was constantly engaged and trying to figure out who was the culprit. It's also super funny and keeps the banter going.

Title: The Library Game
Author: Gigi Pandian
Series: Secret Staircase Mystery #4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 3.00
Pub Date: March 18, 2025

I received complimentary eARC and ALCs from Minotaur Books (a division of St. Martin's Press) and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Amusing • Lighthearted • Unsurprising

📖 S Y N O P S I S

There's a body in the library—and everyone is a suspect.

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.

💭 T H O U G H T S

A library renovation combined with a murder mystery dinner and a literary themed escape room - these are the elements that made me immediately added The Library Game to my list of 2025 anticipated releases. What I failed to realize until I had started reading was it is the fourth installment in the Secret Staircase Mystery series. Oops.

Like so many of the cozy mysteries I pick up, I absolutely adored the small town community and the old house turned library setting. Tempest's character is certainly interesting and entertaining, yet at times it feels like the author has made her too eccentric. I did, however, appreciate the diverseness of the cast. The heart of this book really is the relationships between the characters, and I may have missed out of some of that relationship building not having read the previous books in the series.

When it comes to the mystery element, it was pretty simple to figure out whodunit. In my opinion, there were too many clue and rather than subtly inserting throughout the narrative, they were so in your face that it disrupted the overall flow. My interest level also shifted erratically while reading, as opposed to remaining consistently invested.

I tandem read the audiobook, narrated by Soneela Nankani, along with the digital copy. While the audiobook helped speed up the reading process, there is nothing about it that really stood out. The narration is fine and did the job. I know cozy mysteries don't always have a lot of emotion, yet I felt that was lacking in the voicing of the story.

The Library Game is meant to be a locked room mystery, however, much of the action takes place outside of the locked-room. It has so many elements I adore, yet how they come together just didn't work for me. Maybe if I'd have had more context from the previous books, it'd have been a better experience. Cozy mysteries are not my go-to genre, so it's quite possible people who love cozies will enjoy this a lot more.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• escape rooms
• books about books
• cozy mysteries

⚠️ CW: death, murder

This is the first time I have listened/read anything by this author. I am always look for new authors for our small town library. I love the idea of secret and hidden places in a house, that is what intrigued me.

Tempest is working for her Dad's company Secret Staircase Construction Company. Her current job is for a homeowner that wants to hold a murder mystery party and an escape room. Things go awry and there is a dead body that disappears. This book goes through the process of elimination of locked room murders until they find the culprit.

This was a 4 star review for me. I received the free ARC from #Netgalley and the author Gigi Pandigan. The story was incredibly well written as far as the plot, the reason this wasn't a 5 star review is the actions in 2 times were incredibly stupid and ill thought out. I.E the characters not taking their cellphones in and then getting locked in with no contact to the otuside world. The story starts with the main characters praticing for a locked room style play to benefit a new business getting started. The other weird thing the characters did was leave a potential dead or at least unconcsious body all along and every person trooping to the kitchen. I will read the other books in this series and hope this is an isolated minor issue with this one book.

The Library Game
A Secret Staircase Novel
by Gigi Pandian
Narrated by Soneela Nankani
"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."
As always, my reviews are of the audio version of this book. As a rule, I listen at 70% speed or less as this makes it easier to hear details without needing to rewind as often. If things get tedious, I generally speed up.
Present in all of my reviews will be notes marked by an asterisk. These are pretty much just random thoughts I have, ignore them if they are annoying. I tend to think out loud...or in writing.

I have been burned by Tempest and Co in the past, *see review of A Midnight Puzzle* but I'm going to give them another go.
One of the things I disliked about the previous book was the fact that EVERY male Tempest encounters seems to be considered a possible love interest...by Tempest, that is. Girlfriend needs to check out Tinder already.
Aside from that, so far, Tempest is much less annoying than in the previous book. This is a hopeful sign.
The tale was dragging a bit, but got much more interesting at about 15%.
*Note: I dislike the term "lizard brain". My lizard is quite smart, her name is Cleo, she's a 20 yr old Mack Snow gecko. That's the only one I have.
It's going a little wonky now. About 3 minutes past the point I just said it had gotten interesting.
I'm a bit concerned as all the fairly logical, book loving adults involved are now on some kind of trip involving ghosts. Not actually, at least, they're just imagining them so far. I can't abide a ghost-y story unless I know what I'm signing on for.
There does seem to be a bit of fabricated drama, but maybe it'll pass. These are performers, after all.
I'm getting a feeling that, aside from some fairly mild language, this could be a pretty good YA book. I mean, they're grown ups, but if that wasn't clearly implied in the book, you definitely couldn't tell.
Thankfully, in this installment, there weren't as many accents to keep straight which made me enjoy this one much more than the last. I believe there were about five distinctly different accents in the last and it really detracted from my enjoyment and made things very chaotic.
All in all, it was a good cozy with an original protagonist. I, at least, have never encountered a book centered around magicians.
The ending was somewhat dragged out, with Tempest accusing every single character before the reveal, but it WAS a cozy, after all.
I may check out the next in the series as they seem to be getting better as I go along!
As always, thank you to NetGalley for allowing me early access to this audiobook in exchange for a (brutally) honest review!

This was fun! This is book 4 of the Secret Staircase series but may be read as a standalone. This locked room mystery kept me guessing and was extremely entertaining. This is definitely a book for book lovers. Taking place in a library will connect with bookaholics. Tempest is a magnetic main character who drives the plot and kept me engaged. The narration adds a layer of suspense and mystery. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.