Reviewing: Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #5) by Chris Grabenstein

Read time: 2 minutes

Book Blurb:

In the fifth installment of the wildly popular Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series, the stakes are higher than ever. This time, the game isn’t just about riddles and wacky challenges—Mr. Lemoncello himself is designing an epic puzzle hunt to find the one lucky winner of the coveted Titanium Ticket. The prize? A chance to design your own game with the legendary Mr. Lemoncello. But when new players Simon and Soraiya step into the competition, the challenges go beyond logic and creativity—they reach into the past, unearthing painful secrets. The ultimate puzzle: what matters more, winning… or doing what’s right?

Let’s talk about the book:

A different narrator brings fresh energy. Kirby Heyborne steps in with his own style, and while it’s distinct from past performances, it fits the bill for the zany, puzzle-filled world of Mr. Lemoncello. This installment introduces two fantastic new characters: Simon, with his exceptional ability to notice what others miss, making him the perfect candidate for solving wild puzzles; and Soraiya, a loyal friend and brilliant, logical partner. They fit seamlessly into Kyle Keeley’s world, even though Kyle, Akimi, and the usual gang only pop in briefly. The core values remain front and center: honesty, friendship, and integrity always take precedence over winning.

What sets this book apart from earlier entries is its emotional depth. Amid the wordplay and logic puzzles, there’s a raw moment when Simon learns the truth about his parents’ deaths. The contrast between his grandfather’s blame-filled version and Mr. Lemoncello’s heartfelt explanation is quietly powerful. Simon’s ability to absorb the truth without bitterness and see the bigger picture becomes a touching study in perspective and forgiveness.

Simon’s emotional maturity is remarkable for someone his age, accepting loss, understanding the truth, and refusing to place blame for an accident. This shift reflects how the series has evolved: from lighthearted, game-loving pre-teens to teens navigating complex, heartfelt themes.

The shift away from Kyle and Akimi feels bold, letting Simon and Soraiya carry the torch with values of integrity and friendship. This isn’t just a game anymore; it’s a story about growing up, and I’m here for it. A fresh twist on the Lemoncello universe, with new voices, new puzzles, and a deeper emotional core, makes The Titanium Ticket a worthy addition to the series.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely. Longtime fans will enjoy the clever challenges and Easter eggs, but the emotional beats give this one extra resonance. New readers could jump in here and still find both fun and meaning. Add this to your TBR for a puzzle-filled adventure that remembers to care about its characters.

What do you say?

Did this story’s emotional layer catch you off guard, or did you see it coming from the first clue? And between Simon and Soraiya, who would you team up with to take home the Titanium Ticket?

Book links:

Amazon CA
Goodreads
Follow Chris Grabenstein on his author page

Series books in order of reading (Incl. review links):

Mr. Lemoncello’s very first game (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #0.5) – Read full review here
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s library (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #1) – Read full review here
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #2) – Read full review here
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #3) – Read full review here
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #4) – Read full review here
Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #5) – Read full review here
Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #6)