Scavenger Hunt

Workaholic Caitlyn Nylo, the narrator of this clever thriller from Lamia (The Raven), believes she’s the most qualified of her late father’s five children to take over the games company he founded, of which she’s the CEO. As she says of her siblings, “Being useless runs in our family just as much as loving toys does.” After her father’s funeral, the five are summoned to his office to watch his video will, in which he tells them he has one last game for them to play. The winner will get the $20 billion family fortune. Reluctantly, they set off on an elaborate augmented reality scavenger hunt across New York City. After one brother dies, the other players receive a video of his death. They’re now faced with the sobering realization that losing the game means losing their lives. Caitlyn sets out to discover the identity of the elusive games master who’s controlling their destinies. Lamia explores family relationships and game theory as the action speeds to the exciting conclusion. This punchy and often witty novel will appeal to the game-player in everyone. (June)