THE GRIMLORE GAME, by Kalyn Josephson, Delacorte Press, Sept. 22, 2026, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A orphan must solve a family mystery in order to win her grandfather’s inheritance in The Grimlore Game, by Kalyn Josephson.
SOLVE THE PUZZLES. SURVIVE THE GAME.
Orphan Kit Devlin knows two things for sure about her scheming relatives:
1. They’re cursed, with someone doomed to croak every three years like clockwork.
2. They only care about one thing: themselves.
When wealthy Grandpa Amos dies, all the Devlins come running to his manor for their piece of the inheritance—only to find a mysterious magical game instead. Whoever solves the riddles will win his fortune. But everything is not what it seems, like the misfit cousin with secrets to hide and the crimson-eyed cat who only talks to Kit. As the clues stack up, Kit learns there’s more to the family curse—and her connection to it—than she ever suspected. If she wants answers, she has to survive the game… and win. —Synopsis provided by Delacorte Press
The Grimlore Game is a cozy fantasy/mystery that’s being billed as The Inheritance Games for middle readers.
And that’s not far off. There are all sorts of twists in this fast-moving mystery. From a family curse to hidden puzzles and talking cats to hidden memories, there’s something for everyone.
The story follows Kit, an orphaned (by the curse) girl who has been bounced from family member to family member following her father’s death. She hasn’t been thrilled with any of her living situations, and just wants something permanent.
Kit is surrounded by family members who don’t really care for family other than to show off wealth. But then she meets Harlow, a cousin who’s terrified of pretty much everything. Together, Kit and Harlow learn the value of family both biological and found.
In The Grimlore Game, author Kalyn Josephson has crafted an accessible and compelling story that should appeal to a large cross-section of middle readers. It’s a fun read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
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