Puzzling Escapes Trapped in the Bookstore

In the historic part of town sits a quaint little bookstore, Athena Booksellers. When you get caught in a sudden downpour, you and your friend David duck inside. Only a few minutes later, everyone has disappeared and the doors are locked. With no way of contacting anyone outside, you must solve the puzzles scattered around the bookstore in order to escape.

Inspired by the popularity of escape rooms, Puzzling Escapes Trapped in the Bookstore locks you inside after closing time. As you read this book, you'll need to collect clues and solve logic puzzles in order to advance through the story and escape the building. You're accompanied by your friend David, who can help whenever you get stuck on a puzzle. Everything you need to get out is included in the book. There is no strict time limit for completing the book. However, if you would like the added pressure of a ticking clock, feel free to set a timer.

The Puzzling Escape series for adults is perfect for a cozy day at home, to take on vacation, or to give as a gift. Look for more books in the series.

• IMMERSIVE ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE: These interactive adult activity books combine captivating storytelling with challenging logic games, inviting readers to engage their minds and solve mysteries to "escape" from each book's unique setting. Perfect for fans of escape rooms, mystery or detective puzzles.
• UNIQUE FORMAT & DESIGN: Spiral-bound with tabbed dividers for easy navigation between puzzles, hints, and solutions. Includes a pocket for storing perforated clues and objects you collect along the way. Smaller trim size is easily transportable for on-the-go entertainment.
• BRAIN TEASERS & LOGIC PUZZLES: Enjoy a wide variety of puzzles including codes, riddles, pattern recognition, and deduction challenges. Perfect for sharpening critical thinking skills while having fun. Instructions provided at the beginning to get you started on your adventure, hints along the way if you choose to use them and solutions if you aren't able to complete a puzzle along the way.
• SOLO OR GROUP PLAY: Designed for teens and adults, play on your own for a cozy night in or gather friends and family for a collaborative escape room game.
• GREAT GIFT FOR PUZZLE LOVERS: Ideal for fans of escape rooms, haunted house mysteries, or mystery puzzle books for adults. A unique gift for birthdays, holidays, or anyone who enjoys interactive mystery games.

Instructions:

Once your adventure begins, do not move to the next section until instructed. Each puzzle has a unique keyword used to find hints, solutions, answer checks, and conclusions. Every puzzle answer is a three-digit number from 000 to 999.

HINTS: If you get stuck or aren't sure how to begin, look up the puzzle's keyword in the Hints section. Entries are listed alphabetically by keyword and provide helpful clues and guidance without giving away the full solution.

SOLUTIONS: If the hints aren't enough, look up the puzzle's keyword in the Solutions section. You'll find the correct answer and an explanation of how to solve the puzzle. Always try the Hints section first. After reading a solution, continue to the corresponding Conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS: After solving a puzzle, look up its keyword in the Conclusions section to discover what happens next. Never skip a Conclusion. You may discover important objects or clues needed for future puzzles.

ANSWER CHECK: Think you've solved a puzzle? First, find your three-digit answer in the number list to get a Table ID. Then find that Table ID in the keyword table. If the word in that cell matches your puzzle's keyword, you're correct! If it doesn't, try again, use a hint, or check the solution if you need more help.

Keri Ruediger is an illustrator based out of Dallas, Texas. Her primary medium is digital, which she has been practicing for 20 years. Her creative focus centers on capturing emotion and weaving compelling narratives into her artwork. Keri's experience in the art field includes contributions to books, annuals, puzzles, various tabletop games, and mobile gaming projects.

Beth Martin writes science fiction novels and escape room style-puzzle books. She has her degree in mathematics, enjoys all things numbers, and is always up for a board game. Other hobbies include playing the piano and making quilts. Although she's terrible at video games, she loves watching her husband play. When not writing, she can be found petting her two fluffy cats and chasing her two kids.

Cottage Door Press is an independent publisher of high-quality children's books. Our books are designed to spark curiosity in the littlest readers and fan the flames of lifelong learning. We understand children deserve our respect. That's why we always select artwork and stories that encourage caregivers to "read up" to their little ones--exploring interests together, learning together, and giving their young minds room to grow.

We also believe in creating stories that reflect the boundless possibilities of all children. We hope to create books that inspire little ones to connect, encourage them to dream, give them cause to celebrate, and allow them to see themselves beautifully reflected in the stories they read.

To bring these beautiful stories to life, our diverse and talented staff collaborates with authors and illustrators from all backgrounds and nationalities. We have also partnered with multicultural brands and literacy organizations to make sure our books reflect and reach as many little ones as possible.