The House With No Keys

The Delta Games #2

by Lindsay Currie

This sequel to the New York Times bestselling book The Mystery of Locked Rooms follows the beloved Deltas as they race to complete the most challenging escape room they've ever faced...and confront their fears in order to save their friendship.

When a strange invitation shows up in Sarah's backpack, the Delta's learn that their favorite funhouse, The Delta Game, is about to get some serious competition. The "Mystery Mansion" is opening just miles away and the ominous and cryptic owner has invited Sarah, West, and Hannah to come test it on opening day. It claims to be the biggest and best escape house ever, and based on the photos of gleaming rooms filled with high-tech puzzles, it just might be.

What's more, the kids have been offered a ten-thousand-dollar prize if they escape the house. For some reason, West and Hannah seem very interested in the cash prize, but the three friends are torn because they really don't want to be a walking advertisement for a competitor to The Delta Game. After all, that funhouse changed their lives, Sarah's life especially.

But maybe the only way to keep the funhouse, and their friend William Taters in business, is to accept the invite to this new Mystery Mansion, escape it in record time, and show just how lame and easy it is by comparison. The trio arrive at the mansion on opening day, armed with their "fortune favors the bold" attitude. But they quickly learn that nothing is as it seems . . . and unfortunately this time, not everyone plays fair.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery

248 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 30, 2025

About the author

Lindsay Currie is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of mysteries for young readers, including the Delta Games series and It's Watching, She grew up on Nancy Drew and loves a good twisty tale. When she's not writing, Lindsay can generally be found looking for an adventure of her own. She loves researching forgotten history and recently relocated from Chicago to a 220 acre farm in downstate Illinois where she finally gets to see stars every night, and take hikes every day.


Coming soon: THE HOUSE WITH NO KEYS (October 2025) and X Marks the Haunt (February 2026)!​​ For more details on Lindsay's upcoming books, please visit the My Books tab at the top of the page.

To find out more about Lindsay, please visit her website at www.lindsaycurrie.com. Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayncurrie Instagram: @lindsayncurrie

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The House With No Keys is the sequel to the Mystery of Locked Rooms, and I would highly recommend reading these books in order.
This book was so much fun, just like book 1. We follow the Deltas as they take on a challenge to beat a new mysterious escape room in a new fun house called Mystery Mansion. When the trio of friends receive a mysterious invitation to beat Mystery Mansion, it becomes evident that this new escape fun house has been created as some serious competition to the escape house they love. The three decide to accept the challenge and are determined to beat the house. But whoever created Mystery Mansion is sneaky, underhand, and full of trickery, and the house itself isn't so much fun as dangerous. As the friends work together to win, we learn more about them, their friendships, dreams, and personal challenges too.
My favourite room in this book was the pyramid room, and I loved the clever technology used to add realistic effects to each room.
I love these books and was fascinated with the new high-tech escape house. I'd love to give an escape room a go myself one day.

[Zoe Ortizo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert* I'm very excited because this is my very first book review, By Zoe.O
(9 yo).This book was amazing, literally. I sat there reading for 2 hours straight and my mom was like you can stop reading right now, but I said "Shoo Shoo". But why, because the Egyptian room was extremely exciting. Especially because the secret scene. I would usually say my, favorite character but I love them all, each one is so different, but how, Sarah is excellent at decisions for the deltas, West has an amazing memory, Hannah is very outgoing. But the most exciting part, but not my favorite part was, when the three of them finished "Mystery Mansion" and the prize. wasn't even the real 10,000 dollars it was blue, like what! The best, best part was the ending, because each character got what they have wanted from, sharing there secrets.

[⛅ Sunny (sunnysidereviews) ⛅]

I just read the first book in the series and was pleasantly surprised -- can't wait for this one too!

[Kadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

K, 8 year old boy: “I loved it! I especially loved how Sarah loves West. I also like how Hannah used the clues to solve the puzzles. I really like that her nickname is Banana. And I hope the author writes a third book where they go through the house they are building.”

G, 6 year old boy: “I really like the parts when they are in the turtle room and the infinity room. And I think the author should write a third book about the house they are building. I hope it’s really good. Because this book was SO good. I love this book the author just made.”

Mom, (age redacted): The House with No Keys was such a fun book to read aloud to my boys. However, it was too good because they never wanted to pause the book. When I had to take a break from reading to do mom things, my 8 year old had no trouble picking up reading where I left off. The story is exciting and unpredictable. You truly don’t know what is going to happen in the next escape room or in the story itself. It kept us guessing. Great book for all ages: it covers topics like the importance of teamwork, never giving up, taking chances, embracing change, friendship, listening to and trusting yourself, and working hard in school and to help contribute to your family. While the first book (which was also 5 stars) focused on friendship, this book also touched on romantic feelings. My kids love love so it was exciting (and totally appropriate) for them. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating real life but sensitive topics into the books, while being kid appropriate. The topics led to great family discussions about hardships that other kids and families face. Needless to say, we were big fans of book 1 and 2 in the series and are really, really hoping for a third!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
😁😁

[Rachel Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one in the series and I use it every year as a read aloud for my 4th graders. I was so excited to learn there was a sequel, but a part of me was also worried that the second book wouldn’t live up to the first one. Well that fear was quickly squashed as this sequel hit it out of the park!! Adrenaline rush from start to finish as I tried to figure out along with the characters how to get out of each room. My students are going to be so excited to learn that there is a second book!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Currie (The Girl in White, Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, What Lives in the Woods, my favorite Scritch-Scratch and other scary books) takes a second break from her middle grade horror titles to give those same readers another action-adventure book set in escape rooms with The Deltas. In The Mystery of the Locked Rooms, Sarah, Hannah and West, a trio of middle school kids whose combined set of skills makes them the area’s top competitors in defeating even the hardest of escape rooms, take a little break from their usual challenges and break into an abandoned house in search of lost, hidden money. The three are successful and not only are some of their own financial woes lifted, but an heir to the fortune, William, is located and he begins to complete the dream of a distant relative to create a unique escape challenge set in an entire house. This second book picks up after William has completed The Delta Games house and Sarah, Hannah and West continue assisting whenever possible. But William seems stressed about something, all three Deltas are keeping secrets from one another and a new escape house is opening and they are tricked into helping the mysterious owner with the grand opening.

Just like the series opener, Currie’s vivid imagination and gift with words allows readers to feel like they are actually working their own way through difficult riddles, rickety staircases, disappearing floors and hidden doors. In each room, the threesome find that their usual smooth way of working together is a little off and it’s not until they begin to share some unsettling truths with one another that they are able to beat the almost mean Mystery Mansion. The House With No Keys is a great friendship story along with being a unique action adventure and is highly recommended for strong 4th grade readers through grade 8. Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. There is a bit of a developing romance between West and narrator Sarah but it is limited to a little hand-holding, brief hugs and an arm across her shoulders.

While aspects of the trio’s relationships might be a little less clear if this book 2 is read without reading the series opener, both can stand alone.

Thanks for an eARC, NetGalley and Edelweiss and print arc, Lindsay Currie.

[Katelyn Bocarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms! I read it in one sitting and it is one I know my students will definitely enjoy. It will be added to my library as a soon as it is released! Thank you to Lindsay and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Nikki Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deltas ARE BACK! This sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms is just as intriguing and exciting as the first, but with a sinister twist in the background. A new escape house is opening, Mystery Mansion, and the Deltas have been given a challenge to be the first ones inside. This challenge also comes with a price, participate and win showcasing that nothing can stop the Deltas, or lose and risk damaging the reputation of The Delta Game. Sarah, West, and Hannah have to use all their knowledge, skills, and experience to solve every riddle because the creator of Mystery Mansion plays by a different rule book and they all agree that it seems a little “cheat-y”. Will they solve all the puzzles in time? Will they save the Delta Game? Can their friendship survive the changes coming their way? You’ll have to read to find out!

I absolutely cannot WAIT to share this book with my students! This is such a fantastic sequel AND it included a Goonies moment that had me grinning from ear to ear! Love this author, love every single book that she writes, LOVE THIS SERIES and I just need more! Long live the Deltas!

Thank you so much to Source Books and Lindsay Currie for this ARC!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

One year after the events in The Mystery of Locked Rooms, the Deltas (Sarah, Hannah, and West) now work for William Taters running that very same escape room house, renamed the Delta Game. The prize money from that adventure helped get Sarah’s dad needed treatment for his chronic fatigue syndrome and catch her parents up on their mortgage so they weren’t forced to move away. Everything is going great, even if Sarah is confused by her growing feelings toward West. But things change after they receive a mysterious letter from someone named C.K. Goodson inviting them to test run a new escape room house near their beloved Delta Game. If they win, they'll receive $10,000. Both Hannah and West are acting like they need that money for something, though Sarah doesn’t know what those reasons might be. Hesitantly, the Deltas decide to accept the offer in the hopes of proving Mystery Mansion to be no match for the Delta Game. As soon as the timer starts, the Deltas realize Goodson wasn’t fully honest with them. These high tech rooms are like nothing they’ve ever experienced - there is actual water in the Turtle Room and real sand in the Egyptian Room. It looks like Sarah, Hannah, and West will need to be honest with each other about the secrets they’ve been keeping in order to beat the game before the clock runs out. The main characters cue as white.

In this second book of The Delta Games series, Currie has the Deltas tackling first crushes, new academic opportunities, and the hard lesson of learning you actually loved something you chose to give up. As with The Mystery of Locked Rooms, these tweens learn that they’re stronger together while allowing each of them to play to their own strengths. While a sequel wasn’t needed, The House With No Keys does allow some of the original plot points on friendship to be expanded, and it was nice to see what happened with the triplets' house. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah and her friends West and Hannah are back after their thrilling adventure in The Mystery of the Locked Rooms. The Deltas are still helping William out at the house, especially since he has started hosting birthday parties, but he seems oddly tired and distracted. When the group is at a local coffee shop, they get an invitation to C.K. Goodson’s Mystery Mansion. This new venue, only twelve miles from William’s, offers them a challenge with a $10,000 prize. Each of the kids has a use for the money. West wants to apply to the exclusive private school, Everblake. Hannah wants to take ballet lessons again, but because she dropped out, her parents want her to pay. Sarah’s family is still struggling with her father’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and extra cash would mean she wouldn’t have to work as much but would still have some pocket money. The Deltas also are ALWAYS up for a new escape room. This one looks challenging, and the group even has to sign a waiver to participate, which is fairly standard, so they give it only a cursory look. They have to leave their phones and bags, which is a little concerning, but the puzzles start right away with rhyming clues. They have to choose their route, and decide on the shortest one, which is probably the most challenging. They have to solve word puzzles, deal with magnets, and even have to fish! There are tunnels, an Egyptian room with sand, and a lot of similarities to the designs that the Steins created for William’s house. Throughout the process, the kids have moments of sharing their experiences; one room even asks what their desires are, and West mentions really wanting to go to the private school, and Hannah wants to resume ballet. Sarah, however, lies and says she wants a dog, when she would really like West to be her boyfriend and is afraid of losing both of her friends to their new activities. There are clever moments, like figuring out how to finish a go-kart race at the same time, and getting out of the infinity room. Even though they escape in time, things don’t end they way they want them to. Who is the C.K. Goodson, and how has she REALLY developed her puzzles? Can the Deltas figure this out and save William’s business?
Strengths: Like the first book in the series, this is quite well constructed; I can only imagine the wall of maps and sticky notes that go into planning this intricate plot. The personal challenges that the kids face are realistic and developed throughout the story, giving some background structure to the escape room activities. These are all very fun and clever, just like in the first book, and have plenty of perilous moments with the lights out, potential drops into water, and some evil antics by C.K. Goodson.
Weaknesses: It took me a while to remember Sarah’s name, and since she’s the narrator, it’s not mentioned right away. Also, I can’t really explain how much I personally hate games. I couldn’t help but think that the children would be spending their time better doing robotics, ballet, or working!
What I really think: While I am not a fan of puzzles (just yesterday, a student brought the graphic novel version of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library to show me, and asked me to solve a rebus!), many of my students are. Currie’s horror books have a HUGE fan base in my library, so I’ll definitely purchase this sequel for them, as well as for readers of Richards' Survive this Safari, Gerber’s The Liar’s Society, Cavalancia's Mystery Royale, Hunter, H. D. Futureland series, Brandt's Exit Nowhere. and Reese's Puzzleheart.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
In this second book of the Delta series, Sarah, Hannah, and West are still working will William in his escape room house. The trio, who love escape room, recieve an invitation to C.K. Goodson's Mystery Mansion, which is set to opening somewhat near William's. If they can complete the challenge, they can win $10,000, and each of the trio needs the prize money (though they are keeping why a secret) and decide to participate. Once arriving for the challenge, they have to sign a waiver, which they are used to, and barely glance at the fine print, which they soon regret. (It's a threat to William's own escape house but that's all I'll say).
There are a wide variety of challenges (go kart races, fishing, word puzzles, magnets, and even sharing secrets, that are so well-written, the reader feels like they are experiencing the action as well. The plot is evenly paced, and even though it's been quite a while since I read the first one, I think I enjoyed this one even more. I had forgotten most of the first book, but still was able to enjoy this one so if a student reads this one, first, they can still figure out what's going on.
I will definately purchase a couple of copies of this one.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This is an exciting and fun sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms- The Delta Games. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as the first, but I most definitely couldn't read it fast enough. The Delta trio is at it again, with high stakes and a lot of mystery.

When the escape room heroes are invited to be the first to attempt a new fun house in a neighboring town, things seem a little off. They are worried that it will be too much competition for their friends funhouse to survive so they decide to go and prove to the world that the flashy new place is no match for them, their friendship, their dreams, or the Delta Games funhouse they all work at.

They find out that the $10,000 prize, the flashy new place, the owner, and the rooms themselves are not all for fun. Not everyone plays fair, you have to face your fears and have faith in your friendships to really survive, and that working together really is the only way to get through life's challenges. Life brings a lot of changes, but friendships don't have to be one of them.

I'm a fan. I can't wait to share it with my students and maybe try another escape room myself!

Thank you NetGalley for the early eBook to read and review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Currie brings back her Deltas to explore a completely different escape games home. Sarah, West and Hannah start the book by challenging themselves to a new room that uses all of their abilities to escape. This launches the story when an unknown game designer offers them the opportunity to take on an entire home they have designed. The overall tone is nasty and the designer manipulates them into playing. Each has their own reasons for wanting the prize money but they don't share that right away. I appreciate the continued character development for these three and love seeing how their friendship evolves and remains steady. However, I don't feel the same sense of adventure as the first book. I love how they pit themselves against the challenges but didn't care for the mean edges. The resolution feels a bit forced for the happy ending but I always want to believe this is how it would work in reality.
Middle grade readers will love processing the puzzle rooms along with the Deltas and may see solutions first. Looking forward to the next book.

[Susan Lefman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Delta Game has been open for about a year, and we once again join the Deltas (Hannah, Henry, and Sarah) along with William, the grandson and nephew of the creators of the legendary Triplet Treasure. Together, they’re busy managing room bookings and birthday parties while enjoying their success as escape room champions.
But their comfortable routine is shaken when an invitation arrives from C.K. Goodson. The challenge: escape the infamous Mystery Mansion within the time limit to win $10,000. The catch: if they fail, the Deltas risk not only their pride and reputation but also William’s standing as the master of escape room tricks and puzzles.
The group soon finds themselves facing new challenges both inside and outside the game. The trio navigates personal struggles, such as first crushes, shifting friendships, and school changes; while William battles his own distractions and secrets.
A thrilling follow-up to The Mystery of Locked Rooms, this story delivers suspense, humor, and heart. Perfect for upper–middle grade readers and mystery lovers alike.

[Bookish2theMax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*spoiler*Wes and Sarah are so cute!*spoiler*
This was such an amazing, amazing book! The Mystery of Locked Rooms (the first book in the series) was amazing but this one was just as if not even more amazing! The plot and characters are so well thought out and executed. This is for anyone who likes mystery’s, escape rooms, or lots of fun! I could feel the characters emotions as I was reading. The escape room was really cool and the rooms were so well thought out.
The only problem I had was that Sarah makes some assumption that the kids that go to Everblake are snotty or something without even knowing them.
Also the timeline with the antagonist in the story doesn’t really make sense to me. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent sequel to the first book and I once again loved the evolving relationships of these three characters. Hannah, West, and Sarah all have their distinctive traits and I loved completing this escape house with them. The mystery solving skills all three bring all have unique strengths, yet all share the desire to finish honestly and as a team.

This is a fast-paced book that I never wanted to put down. The built in time crunch to solve each room builds in a tension I could feel. I would recommend readers read these books in order as there is a lot of past history that will make book two even more enjoyable, although the past interactions from book one are expertly woven throughout book two as reminders and never felt like a huge dump of retelling.

[Megyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

This book is the second in a series where we follow a group of kids who love escape rooms. In this one, they are invited to go to a competitors new escape mansion. When they get there, they realize that not everything is at it seems.

I love this author and I really liked this one as well! The characters were all relatable and I loved seeing the different relationships between everyone. We also had some problems and situations that I think other kids will relate to.

The escape rooms were really interesting and fun to read about as well. The story unfolded nicely and kept me interested throughout.

I would recommend!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay Currie has done it again. The Deltas are back for another adventure but this time someone is trying to spoil their fun. Can the Deltas escape in time? Only time will tell- 2 hours to be exact! And what’s going on with West and Sarah? Bring on all the clues in this second installment of Mystery of Locked Rooms. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Sarah, Hannah and West in their next adventure.

[Jenni Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Currie does it again. What a sequel! These three characters are so much fun to hang out with, and I love seeing their friendships evolve and being tested as the novel goes on. Lindsay Currie does emotion so well. I also love the high-tech version of the fun house in this book to change things up from the first book. The pyramid room was my favorite! Highly recommend for readers who loved The Mystery of Locked Rooms. And, if you haven't read that one yet, go go go!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a sequel to The Mystery of Locked Rooms wasn't needed, I appreciate that there is one for readers to see what happens to the triplets house and for Currie to continue the exploration of friendship and accepting your strengths and weaknesses. The House with no Keys was an exciting ride... even if the logistics of the Mystery Mansion don't always make sense.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by Sourcebooks Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Icard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counting books in my reading challenge that I copyedited or proofread, when they're available here on Goodreads for me to add in a timely manner (several I've worked on already exist and are being repackaged/rereleased by a publisher). It's only fair. It's a damn lot of reading I'm not including otherwise.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks Young Readers and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is the second book in The Delta Games series. It has more riddles, more challenges, more nonstop adventures, same great characters, and lots of fun for any adventure lover out there. Can’t wait to share this volume with my students while am anxiously awaiting the next one.

[Lindsay Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased, for sure, but I've loved every moment of writing this series and these characters. The Deltas are special to me, and I'm so grateful to get more time with them. Get ready for more riddles, more challenges, and maybe even a first crush ...


LONG LIVE THE DELTAS!

[Suzze Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great middle grade book in the Delta series. (Hope there’s a third coming,) I’ve never done an escape room, but did road rallies (clue hunts) for many years so love solving clues and puzzles. Excellent series.

[Taryn Souders · Rating 5 out of 5]

“House with No Keys lives up to the hype. It’s fun, mysterious, and a perfect fit for any middle school library. Long live the Deltas!”

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and clever sequel!