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
Book Excerpt
A low, dog-like growl echoed, and Liam’s hands stilled. “Uh, Demi?”
She’d had no reason to expect a wild animal—until now. “I hear it.”
Her pulse raced. Was it real? Or an actualization of the Salphae story? Should they proceed? Where else could they go?
A moment later, the growling stopped, and the silence stretched thick and prolonged. She and Liam shared a wordless exchange.
He scratched his whiskers. “Is it gone? Or was it fake?”
Demi shifted from one foot to the other. “Should we push on or find another way out?”
“Another way?” He raised an eyebrow.
Demi cringed. She was trying as hard as he was to determine how much of this ludicrous game was genuine danger and how much of it was psychological warfare. It wasn’t
like she’d visited here before. If they continued, they might be torn to shreds. Or they could stay here in relative safety while Lizette laughed, mocking them for letting recorded sound
effects frighten them.
Demi folded her arms and planted her feet. “I vote we find another exit.”
Face the beast only when they’d verified they had no other options.
“That’ll waste valuable time. It’s probably a dog. I say we go for it.”
“And if a bloodthirsty creature waits in the next room? What then?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Liam’s comment knocked her off kilter. “What did you say?”
That mischievous, swoon-worthy smile returned. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve come face to face with a wild animal.”
“Oh, sure.” He’d probably fought off a possum digging through his trash can.
“I’m serious.”
“Fine. I’ll bite. What happened?”
“I was traveling the Drakensberg Mountains by jeep. My group stopped to camp overnight. I woke up around midnight with a need to relieve myself.” Liam blushed. “Sorry, I forgot this story wasn’t suitable for mixed company.”
“It’s okay. I want to know what happened.”
“I left camp and walked out about sixty meters to dig a latrine. When I finished my business, I looked up, and two golden eyes caught my flashlight’s beam. We sized each other up, then a leopard stalked away. The next morning, we found nine-centimeter pawprints circling the camp.”
After holding her breath through Liam’s story, Demi exhaled. “Uff da. The worst thing I’ve ever faced was three loose dogs at the bus stop. They jumped on me, and I kept shouting, ‘They’re going to bite me.’ Maddie’s mom said, ‘If they were going to bite you, they would have done it by now.”
“And now you’re afraid of dogs.”
He was astute. “They were friendly, but …” Dogs terrified her. Especially ones she didn’t know.
Liam squeezed her shoulder. “Wait here. I’m going to open the door.”
“What?” She shook her head. “No way. I’m coming with you.”
She clutched his arm and closed her eyes. Her pulse pounded in her throat.
The handle squeaked, and the metal hinges creaked.
What danger awaited them on the other side?
More in This Series
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.
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write
The Escape Game?
Gina: After I first heard of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, I started thinking about a mansion transformed into a crazy escape room with deadly traps.
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Gina: Technically, it took about four years. I came up with the concept quite a while back. But literally, it took me about nine months to a year.
Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?
Gina: I had a lot of fun imagining the ancient myths that some of the puzzles are built around. Some I made up, and others are taken from real myths. LOL! Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Escape Game?
Gina: My favorite quote is:
“If this god of yours were real, he would name himself?”
“He did. I AM THAT I AM. That’s the God I serve.”
Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Gina: When I was about twelve years old.
Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?
Gina: Let’s be totally silly—I can touch my tongue to my nose.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Gina: I am between books right now, trying to focus on my next book. But I just finished reading Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson.
Q: What is your favorite genre to read?
Gina: I have two favorites—historical romance and romantic suspense. I love them both equally. I think.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
Gina: My favorite hobby is reading. And collecting books.
Q: What is your favorite season and why?
Gina: My favorite season is Fall/ Autumn. I love the crisp feeling in the air after the hot summer and the beautiful colors of the leaves.
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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