A Midnight Puzzle

A Secret Staircase Novel

By: Gigi Pandian

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

"Nankani executes a lovely Scottish lilt and makes each voice easily distinguishable in conversation"—AudioFile on Under Lock and Skeleton Key

In heroine Tempest Raj, modern-day queen of the locked room mystery Gigi Pandian has created a brilliant homage to the greats of classic detective fiction.

Secret Staircase Construction is under attack, and Tempest Raj feels helpless. After former client Julian Rhodes tried to kill his wife, he blamed her "accident" on the home renovation company’s craftsmanship. Now the family business—known for bringing magic into homes through hidden doors, floating staircases, and architectural puzzle walls—is at a breaking point. No amount of Scottish and Indian meals from her grandfather can distract Tempest from the truth: they’re being framed.

When Tempest receives an urgent midnight phone call from Julian, she decides to meet him at the historic Whispering Creek Theater—only to find his dead body, a sword through his chest. After a blade appears from thin air to claim another victim, Tempest is certain they’re dealing with a booby trap… something Secret Staircase Construction could easily build. Tempest refuses to wait for the investigation to turn to her or her loved ones. She knows the pieces of the puzzle are right in front of her, she just has to put them together correctly before more disaster strikes.

Multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian and her sleuth Tempest Raj return in A Midnight Puzzle, where an old theater reveals a deadly booby trap, secrets, and one puzzle of a mystery.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

©2024 Gigi Pandian (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Pandian triumphs again… with this fiendishly clever, intricately constructed whodunit. It’s another home run from a major talent.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Be warned, this book will have you turning pages well past midnight."–Vivien Chien

"A Midnight Puzzle has troublesome relationships, family secrets and—of course!—a bamboozling impossible crime.”–Catriona McPherson

Another great secret staircase mystery!

Love this series so much, and this latest book did not disappoint!
Artful storytelling , colorful characters and rich culture make this a fabulous read!
Gigi Pandian always brings her best when writing these wonderful stories A+
The narrator does a wonderful job and is always on point.

The mystery is fantastic!

I love the story. Gigi Pandian never disappoints. The intrigue of the mystery always fascinates me. The storytelling is always great. Thanks for such great listening pleasure.

5 stars

A Midnight Puzzle is an entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters and a well written plot. I look forward to the next book.

Kept me entertained

Just as I was getting to a point where I wasn’t sure what was going on next and maybe losing a little bit of my enthusiasm you would throw in some great information and add to the story. Truly enjoyed this book.

Excellent plot twists

Unique characters, but still relatable. I’m really enjoying this series, and have preordered book 4!