Author: Lindsay Currie
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Continuing the puzzle theme, the latest children’s chapter book from author Lindsay Currie is perfect for escape room aficionados. Released in April 2024, The Mystery of Locked Rooms tells the story of a trio of seventh graders who take on their toughest challenge to date: an abandoned funhouse outside of town that is rumored to have a hidden treasure inside.
Sarah and her two best friends, Hannah and West, are so inseparable that they call themselves the Deltas, symbolized in the Greek alphabet by a triangle, one side for each person. Their favorite hobby is escape rooms, and because each member of the group offers their own unique skillset, the three are really great at solving the puzzles. They are riding the high of their latest success when Sarah learns her house is being foreclosed. Even though it is dangerous and scary, the legendary funhouse is quickly looking like the only option for her to help her parents. And of course if she goes, Hannah and West will be right there with her. The trio is soon encountering a flying trapeze, a room of Roman sculptures, a twisty mirror maze, and more! Just when they think they’ve failed, when they’re ready to admit there isn’t a treasure after all, they find one more clue…
Although I think the editing of the writing could have been a little sharper, overall The Mystery of Locked Rooms is an excellent adventure book for middle-grade readers. It’s quite the page-turner, complete with beautiful friendships, great humor, and a fantastically wacky cover to boot. If a kiddo loves puzzles, loves remembering fine details and using creativity and connecting the dots, this book would be perfect for them.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Mystery of Locked Rooms today!
