“Mystery Royale” by Kaitlyn Cavalancia is a magical, locked-room mystery that combines fantasy with a high-stakes competition set in an eerie Hamptons estate, which creates a very unique and engaging plot. With a murder to solve, a mysterious inheritance at stake, and magic lurking in every corner, the story is packed with tension and plot twists that will keep you hooked from the start.

The story centers around Mullory Prudence, a 16-year-old girl trying to make ends meet while caring for her ailing grandmother. When she starts receiving strange letters connected to her missing mother, she is drawn into the dangerous game of the late Xavier Stoutmire’s will. Mullory and six others are invited to his estate to compete in a "Mystery Royale," with the winner walking away with two billion dollars, valuable properties, and Xavier’s magic. The magical elements—from waffle-scented letters to dark family secrets—create a vivid backdrop for a complex mystery full of intrigue.

The characters, while initially hard to connect with due to their emotional outbursts and conflicts, grow throughout the story, becoming more nuanced and relatable. Mullory’s character arc, in particular, stands out. Her determination to provide for her grandmother, alongside her gradual unraveling of the mysteries surrounding her mother’s disappearance, make her a compelling protagonist. The book does provide multiple points of view, which can be confusing at times, especially at the beginning. I’m horrible with names, so it took me awhile to figure out the different perspectives and what was going on, but this also allows you to piece together the puzzle in ways the characters cannot.

The Stoutmire family’s history is tangled with dark secrets and twisted alliances, and as the characters try to solve the mystery of Xavier’s murder, the stakes grow higher. From poisoned tea to hidden magical abilities, the danger intensifies as the game progresses. Mullory’s burgeoning romance with Lyric Stoutmire adds a touch of sweetness to the tension-filled story, though it remains subtle and secondary to the primary plot. I really liked this little bit of romance as it didn’t take away from the plot and it helped lighten up the tension at times, which was greatly appreciated.

Fans of locked-room mysteries, particularly those with a magical twist (which seem to be becoming more and more popular right now), will appreciate the family drama and dark fantasy. Though the book wraps up the central storyline, it leaves enough room for a follow-up, making it clear that Mullory’s journey—and the strange magic of Xavier Stoutmire—is far from over. Overall, “Mystery Royale” is an entertaining, atmospheric read perfect for fans of Knives Out-style mysteries and fantasy lovers alike. It’s a story filled with danger, secrets, and the ultimate question: who will survive to claim the fortune?

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book reminds me of “The Inheritance Games” but with magic. It has twists and turns. At first,Mullory was getting on my nerves but as the story progresses; she gets more bold and starts trying to solve the mystery. The book keeps you guessing until the end.

I have really gotten into the Fantasy genre lately and this book was so good. The characters are amazing.

Growing up with her grandmother, Mullory Prudence didn't know anything about magic just "the strange" which her mother always said to run away from. Only now at 16, the strange will not go away and Mullory has a chance to win an inheritance that would buy a house for her and her grandmother as well as help Gran with her medical needs. Mullory is one of two that are not family members competing for the right to win Xavier Stoutmire's inheritance and magic, but she will have to compete against his family members who will play to the death to win. Along the way there are family secrets to uncover, allies to make, and a budding romace between Mullory and a Stoutmire. Will Mullory make it to the end of the week and will she be able to solve the murder before time runs out?

This story kept my interest and kept me reading to find out whether Mullory would make it to the end. The multiple point of views was off putting at times, but it did allow the reader to gain more information than the characters to help solve the mystery. I would put this in a middle school library.

When Mullory gets a magical invitation to attend the reading of a will, she never expected that her mother's neuroses were real. She'd always been told to run from the strange, but when the strange finds her, she is drawn into a contest to win money and magical powers that could change her life forever. But how will Mullory compete against members of a family well-versed in magic, and why was she invited in the first place.

Fast-paced, full of puzzles, intrigue and dime-store villains, Mystery Royale offers a treasure hunt for believers in the darkside of magic. An unexpected ending leaves the reader wanting more.

Kaitlyn Cavalancia’s Mystery Royale is a captivating blend of mystery, magic, and high-stakes suspense that hooks you from the very start. Sixteen-year-old Mullory Prudence is an instantly likable protagonist, juggling her responsibilities at home while being pulled into a world of enchantment and danger. When mysterious letters begin appearing and invite her to the mysterious Stoutmire Estate, Mullory is thrust into a game that promises a life-changing inheritance—but the cost of winning might be even greater.

The setting of Stoutmire Estate is lush with intrigue, filled with grand parties, enchanting illusions, and dark family secrets lurking around every corner. Kaitlyn creates an atmosphere that is both magical and menacing, where trust is hard to come by, and everyone’s a suspect. The colorful cast of characters—from the enigmatic Whitaker to the estranged Lyric—adds layers of tension and suspicion, making each interaction feel like a clue waiting to be unraveled.

At the heart of the story is the mystery of Xavier Stoutmire’s murder, which keeps you guessing until the very end. Mullory’s quest to solve the puzzle is full of twists and turns, and her wit, curiosity, and determination make her journey both thrilling and heartfelt. As she navigates the dangerous game, she also grapples with questions of trust and loyalty, making her character growth just as gripping as the mystery itself.

With every page, Kaitlyn delivers unexpected twists and revelations that keep you on edge, ensuring the suspense never wanes. Just when you think you’ve figured out who to trust or who might be behind the murder, another secret is uncovered, making this a truly unpredictable and exciting read.

Mystery Royale is a masterful blend of magic, mystery, and intrigue, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Kaitlyn Cavalancia has crafted a page-turner that’s perfect for fans of thrilling mysteries and magical worlds. Mullory’s journey will keep readers spellbound until the very last page.

This who-done-it mystery includes magic, family drama, intrigue, and a twist ending. I thought the book did a good job with the mystery story, but I wanted to know more about the characters, especially Mullory's mom.

This was something like a Knives Out with magic.

Veeeery twisty and darker than I anticipated. I enjoyed the multiple POVs. The world building/ magic systems was a little light for me, but there was A LOT going on so you don't really notice in the moment. I wish that we got a little more insight into Lyric's mom, but many of the characters were well fleshed out.

I enjoyed this one and recommend for mystery lovers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for an early copy for review.

I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one setting because it was so good and I could not get enough of the characters. I really loved the characters the author created and there journey that they took. The story was fast paced but detailed where I felt immersed but not bored. I will be recommending this book to all of my family and friends.