Y’all this book was so fun, and exactly what I needed! The Escape Game by Melissa Meyer and Tamara Moss is a YA “thriller” suspense/mystery novel that just released last week on April 7, 2026. This story follows four teens – Sierra, Carter, Adi, and Beck – as they go through a reality competition TV show centered around escape rooms. Sierra was on last season, and she’s trying to figure out who murdered her sister (Alicia), during the last season). Beck is trans, ever the optimist, and wants to design escape rooms in the future. Carter is a web influencer who’s cartoon avatar Kick it Carter is more outgoing, spunky, and put together than Carter in real life – who is shy and definitely more of a behind the scenes sleuther. And finally Adi, who’s mother is a has been Hollywood star, still trying to get her day in the limelight, when all Adi wants to do is read books.

This team of 4 work together to get through each week’s escape room, and the stakes are higher because someone known as The Real Game Master is posting additional clues online about Alicia’s murder – and claiming to know who the killer really is.

Though the page count is kind of on the higher side, there was no point in this story that dragged. The multiple POVs helps as well as the puzzles in the escape rooms. I felt like I could envision each room, and it was fun trying to solve the puzzles alongside the team. There is drama, a little bit of a romance, and lots of twists and turns throughout the book. And it sounds like maybe we will have a part two!?!!

If you’re looking for something a little quirky, that can pull you out of a reading slump, I would highly recommend this book. I’ve read other books by Melissa Meyer, but I don’t think anything by Tamara Moss, and this met or exceeded my expectations from an author perspective. Definitely a fun read – 5 stars for the creativity, fast paced, quirky characters, and unique setting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!