Escape rooms meet storytelling — the essence of EXIT: The Book
, by Nick Jones,
3 min reading time
If you’ve ever enjoyed the adrenaline of an escape room or the satisfying challenge of a well-crafted puzzle, the EXIT series may already be familiar. EXIT: The Game built a reputation as an “escape-room in a box,” encouraging players to cut, fold, decode, and solve their way out of a scenario. With EXIT: The Book, the same spirit is reimagined for solo readers. Instead of a multiplayer tabletop setup, each book turns the reading experience into an interactive narrative, where turning the page may involve solving puzzles, interpreting clues, or physically manipulating parts of the book.
What’s new — recent releases worth a look
Two of the newest additions to the EXIT: The Book series are generating excitement among fans:
EXIT: The Book – The Fairground of Fear A spooky, abandoned carnival acts as the backdrop for this eerie mystery. Guests have been disappearing, exits are vanishing, and readers must unravel a chain of interconnected puzzles to find a way out. The story blends suspense with puzzle-solving in a way that feels like stepping into a haunted escape room on paper.
EXIT: The Book – The Clinic of Shadows Released in late 2024, this title takes a more psychological, suspenseful angle. Readers find themselves navigating a mysterious clinic while decoding clues and tackling layered puzzles that build tension as the truth unfolds. The puzzles are woven directly into the narrative, giving every solution a sense of progress and discovery.
These books continue the tradition of the EXIT franchise: narrative-driven challenges that rely on observation, logic, and curiosity.
Why EXIT: The Book works — more than just puzzles
Interactive reading
EXIT: The Book blurs the line between reading and gameplay. Readers participate actively—solving riddles, interpreting symbols, and completing tasks that move the story forward. It’s a more tactile and mentally engaging experience than simply turning pages.
A blend of narrative and logic
Many puzzle books focus solely on riddles, but EXIT books tie each puzzle to the overarching story. Your solutions matter because they advance the plot and reveal new layers of the mystery. This gives the reading experience a sense of purpose and momentum.
Perfect for solo enjoyment
While traditional EXIT games are great for groups, EXIT: The Book is intentionally designed for individuals. It makes for an excellent choice during travel, quiet afternoons, or any moment when someone wants to engage their mind without gathering a group or setting up a board.
Accessible yet challenging
The series balances accessibility with satisfying difficulty. Younger readers can enjoy the structure and adventure, while older teens and adults will appreciate the more intricate puzzles and narrative depth. This makes the books approachable for a wide range of skill levels.
Who these books are for
EXIT: The Book appeals to readers who enjoy:
Puzzle-solving integrated into storytelling
Escape rooms, mystery novels, or interactive adventures
Portable entertainment that doesn’t require additional components
A reading experience that demands engagement and rewards curiosity
Whether you’re an escape-room fan wanting a solo version of the experience, a mystery lover looking for something new, or a puzzle enthusiast craving a fresh challenge, the EXIT books are an exciting option.
The momentum continues
With the release of The Fairground of Fear and The Clinic of Shadows, the EXIT series shows no sign of slowing down. The ongoing development of new stories and increasingly clever puzzle mechanics suggests that 2025 will bring even more innovation from the EXIT universe. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, now is a great time to explore the latest entries and rediscover the thrill of problem-solving through story.
