Sphere signs Lewis’ 'fiendishly clever' debut puzzle book The Museum Heist

Sphere has signed The Museum Heist: A Mystery Agency Puzzle Book by writer, actor and director Henry Lewis.

Cath Burke, deputy managing director of Little, Brown Book Group and executive publisher at Sphere bought world rights from Marilia Savvides at 42MP, with Tig Wallace, senior commissioning editor at Sphere non-fiction also working on the publication. The book is scheduled for release in hardback on 9th November 2023.

The Museum Heist: A Mystery Agency Puzzle Book is described by the publisher as an interactive book where murder mystery meets escape room-style puzzle solving, in an epic adventure for all the family.

It goes on: “Readers will be able to put themselves to the test, follow the story and work their way through a whole host of challenges – from deciphering clues at crime scenes and searching for hidden pieces of evidence in the pages – to satisfy their inner detective. There will also be interactive elements within the book that will take the mystery to a whole new level.”

Burke said: “The Museum Heist showcases Henry’s creative mind and will allow us to bring the fiendish fun of an escape room to readers everywhere. Working individually or with friends, The Museum Heist will be the ultimate gift for puzzle fans this Christmas.”

Savvides added: “Henry has created a clever and delightful experience for readers with The Museum Heist. I’m so excited to be working with him and the Sphere team on this gorgeous book, and can’t wait for it to be out in the world.”

Lewis is a writer, actor and director best known for his work in comedy. Henry’s West End shows have earned him five Olivier Award Nominations. He and his co-writers went on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy for “The Play that Goes Wrong”, which has been running in the West End since 2014. He is the artistic director of comedy company Mischief.

He co-hosts the ITV riddle-based quiz show “Riddiculous” and has co-created a magic show with Penn & Teller, performed for King Charles’ Birthday and his stage work has been performed in over 40 countries. Lewis is also the creator of The Mystery Agency, a series of award-winning escape-room style puzzle boxes.

He said: “The Mystery Agency has been an incredible adventure since we launched the business in 2020. I am excited for the publication of our very first book, The Museum Heist. If readers have half as much fun solving it as I’ve had creating it, they’re in for a brilliant time."