The Escape Game
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face. With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal. Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?
- ISBN: B0GTX8621Q
- Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Interview with Gina Holder 2026
I’ve been telling stories since I was a little girl, maybe not always for the right reasons, but I’ve always had a vivid imagination. I was around the age of twelve when I became serious about being an author someday. ????
What did you learn while writing this book?
That I still had some things in my life that I needed to release and people I needed to forgive. It was a hard book to write and hit close to home many times.
What is the toughest part of writing in your genre?
The puzzles! Keeping the puzzle elements interesting and exciting but still believable.
If someone were to look at your Google search history (all for research of course!), what types of things would we find?
Well right now, you’ll find a whole lotta websites connected to promotion as I launch The Escape Game into the world.
But back when I was writing the story, you’d find articles about crafting escape rooms, locations of escape rooms around the world, the map of Two Harbors, MN (the inspiration behind Silver Falls), research on imminent domain, and the virtual tour of the James J Hill House in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Lake Superior.
If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?
I don’t drink coffee, but if I could meet up with one author who I admire it would be Tracie Peterson. Although, I’m pretty sure I would be so star-struck, I wouldn’t be able to talk.
What’s your go-to drink while writing?
Just water. ????
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Have patience and allow God to open doors in His timing.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my family watching movies or playing board games. I also enjoy cooking, playing the piano, and reading.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
It’s an ever-growing list, as you know. The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano, Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill, Claire Holloway is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong, and The Scorpion Thief by Jaynre Tromp.
What can we look forward to next?
The Missing Piece, book #3 in The Game Masters series, will release in May of 2027. This book tells the story of Ginny Clarke, a passionate activist, and homicide detective Freddie Hood as they track down the infamous serial killer Cipher connected to the murder of Ginny’s best friend.
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