The Escape Game: Read an Excerpt + Enter to Win

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Escape Game by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Escape Game 
Series: The Game Masters 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: May 5, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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? 

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

Book Excerpt

“I found something.” 

In a heartbeat, Liam crouched beside her. “What? Where?” 

She pointed at the numbers, whipped through the possibilities, then matched each letter to its corresponding number. “G—N—I—T—N—I—A—P—E—H—T—D—N—I—H— E—B. Behind the painting.” 

Liam blinked, eyes wide. “That was fast. How did you do that?” 

“It was a simple A1Z26 cipher.” 

“Sure, but how did you recognize it so quickly?” 

Demi stood and faced the elderly gentleman’s portrait above them, popping her shoulder. “Dad and I spent a lot of time working through puzzles and riddles. I’m familiar with most types of ciphers, and my IQ is …” She let her words drift off. He didn’t need to know that. “Let’s put it this way. My IQ would make Einstein jealous.” 

Liam covered his mouth and coughed. The space around his collar flushed. “Impressive.” “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound arrogant. You asked.” 

“That should make escaping the Mystery House a breeze.” He gripped the edge of the frame. “Sorry, sir, for the intrusion.” 

The portrait swung outward on invisible hinges. 

Something clicked, and a burst of air whooshed past her cheek. A sharp sting pricked her skin. Her hand flew to her face. 

Thunk! 

Three darts embedded in the wall across the room. 

She lowered her wet palm. Blood. Her leg strength threatened to give way. Dread washed over her like ice floes on the Great Lakes. Her lungs seized, and her voice squeaked. 

“This isn’t a game.”

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.

She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. 

 

She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles. 

 

Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews. 

 

Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their ""GetPubbed"" contest's grand prize. 

 

Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

Connect with Gina by visiting storiesbygina.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card and a copy of The Escape Game (eBook or paperback, Winner's Choice)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!