Sit Down with Suspense Sister Gina Holder

Kristen here. It's my pleasure to interview our very own Suspense Sister Gina Holder about her latest release, The Escape Game. She's giving away one e-book copy of her book, so be sure to read to the end to learn how to enter.

What sparked the first seed of this story—an image, a question, a character, or a “what if” moment?

The first spark of this story came when I learned about the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. The home (now a museum) was owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester, the creator of the Winchester rifle. A fortune teller convinced poor Sarah that if she ever stopped construction on this home, the spirits of those killed by her husband’s rifles would come to haunt her. I thought that would make for an interesting setting for a story, without the haunting.

Did any real‑life location, person, or experience quietly inspire elements of the plot or setting? If so, how?

This is a continuation of question number one. The setting of the Ives Mansion in the story was based on a blending of the Winchester Mystery House and the James J. Hill House, also a personal residence turned museum, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The website for Hill House includes a virtual tour that I referenced repeatedly while working on the story, including the dragon sconces and the dust chute. I wouldn’t say it quietly inspired it, though. 

If you could step into one scene from the book—not the dangerous ones—where would you go and why?

Well, I guess it would have to be a scene from either the beginning of the story or the end if I wanted to avoid the dangerous ones. I think I would enjoy hanging out with Demi and her friend Maddie either at the puzzle store Demi owns or at Demi’s house. The women’s interactions were a lot of fun to write, and I think they’d be a hoot at a game night or something.  

What’s one part of your daily routine that quietly fuels your creativity or keeps you grounded? 

This may be silly, but I keep a mock book cover on my desktop screen, and whenever I’m stuck, I stare at the image of my main character and ask what she wants me to tell about her story.

What’s one theme in this book that reflects something you’ve personally wrestled with or learned in your own life?

Several of this book’s themes hit very close to home, which I believe contributed to it being so difficult to write. I had to dig deep inside myself. One of these themes is accepting change and moving on with your life when things change. I’ve never liked change and still struggle to accept change in my life.

Change can definitely be hard, and I'm sure many readers will relate to that struggle. What are you working on now?

I am currently writing The Missing Piece, book #3 of The Game Masters series. This book follows Ginny Clarke, a passionate activist, and homicide detective Freddie Hood as they track down Cipher, the serial killer connected to the murder of Ginny’s best friend.

Sounds intriguing! Where can your readers learn more about you?

Readers can find me on Facebook and Instagram @storiesbygina. I also have a website where I share book reviews and author interviews, https://storiesbygina.com. This is also where readers can sign up for my newsletter.

Thank you, Gina, for sharing your time and story with us! Keep reading to learn more about Gina and how to win an e-book copy of The Escape Game.

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.

She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.        

Connect with her on social media:

Blog: storiesbygina.com

Facebook: facebook.com/storiesbygina

Instagram: @storiesbygina

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gina-holder

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17074375.Gina_Holder

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gina-Holder/e/B074HC9SHX

Now, here's more about The Escape Game.

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Gina is giving away one e-book copy of The Escape Game. To enter the drawing, leave a comment and include your email address.