Nov. 10: Bookstore, local author team up for 2nd kid escape room

November 7, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

After a successful first kids escape room event last fall, Bridgeside Books and local author Aaron Starmer have teamed again for another mystery to solve on Sunday, Nov. 10. 

Based on and named for Starmer’s latest middle-grade mystery, the Fall Festival Fiasco begins at 3 p.m. and tickets are needed in advance. 

Book cover image

The bookstore will be the setting for a scavenger hunt escape room for 25 young detectives to explore to solve puzzles, find clues, and solve a mystery using math. 

All of the clues and puzzles for this event are new this year and connected to the story in “Math Mysteries: The Fall Fiasco.” The latest story is set at Arthimos Elementary with returning fourth-grade Prime Detectives investigating missing fall festival tickets that leave a pie-eating contest in jeopardy. Along the way, a “suspiciously humongous pumpkin” figures into the tale, according to the publisher’s preview. The young detectives lean on their arithmetic, geometry and logic skills to solve the mystery. 

In addition to the Math Mystery titles, Waterbury resident Starmer’s other books for young readers include the “Locker 37” series and “The Riverman” trilogy.

Geared for kids ages 8-12 who enjoy puzzles, riddles, brainteasers and adventure stories, the Sunday bookstore scavenger hunt mystery should take 25-45 minutes to solve. Afterward, Starmer will hand out a copy of his new book to each kid detective. 

Tickets are $12 and include the book. Adult participation is required and parent/adult companion tickets are free with the purchase of one or more kid tickets. More information and tickets at  bridgesidebooks.com/events/27455.