I met author Gina Holder at a Writer’s Conference in Hot Springs Arkansas. Although we couldn’t talk long, I was impressed by her in so many ways. She was kind and friendly, which resulted in both of us waving our writer nerd flags to bond right then and there. Whether you are a reader or a writer, or both, most of us enjoy meeting someone who shares our passion for words. The Puzzle Within, the first book in The Game Masters Series, has attracted quite an audience, including me.
A missing girl. A deadly puzzle. And a game someone is determined to win.
FBI agent Arizona “Ari” Powers is desperate for a second chance after a case nearly destroyed her career. Hoping to prove she still belongs in the field, she accepts what should be a simple assignment: help protect the ambassador’s rebellious teenage daughter.
But simple isn’t in Ari’s vocabulary.
Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist turned Diplomatic Security Service analyst, has his own demons. Since his wife’s murder, he’s devoted his life to uncovering the truth behind her death. Babysitting a volatile FBI agent and a spoiled diplomat’s daughter is the last thing he needs.
Then the girl vanishes.
When Bridgette disappears from a pop-up escape room, Ari and Nick are thrown into a chilling mystery game where every riddle uncovers another dangerous secret. Cryptic clues lead them across the city, drawing them deeper into a sinister plot tied to a decades-old betrayal.
Someone is forcing them to play.
With Bridgette’s life hanging in the balance, Ari and Nick must decipher riddles, chase hidden codes, and confront the painful truths buried in their pasts. But the mastermind behind the deadly puzzle has planned every move, and failure could cost far more than their careers.
In this gripping Christian suspense thriller, faith may be the only key powerful enough to unlock the truth.
Can Ari and Nick solve the puzzle before time runs out, or will the final move of the game cost them everything?
Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of twelve 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, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles.
Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews.
Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their “GetPubbed” contest’s grand prize.
Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.
I loved The Puzzle Within! I’m looking forward to reading Gina’s newest release. Thanks for sharing about her book on your blog!
Thank you, Deena. I’m excited that The Puzzle Within will be the first book of the Scrivenings Press 99 cent Book Club and I can’t wait to read her new release associated to this series.