In this sponsored episode, we're joined by puzzle writer John Bromels, who created the Hive: The Race to Save Time puzzle hunt, inspired by the new sci-fi novel Hive, book 1 of the Madders of Time series by best-selling author DL Orton. Check out the details below for dates and how to play.

John shares all the details of how he crafted this puzzle hunt to accommodate puzzlers of all skill levels, and how he leveled the playing field when it comes to winning the puzzle hunt cash prizes. Making it a sweepstakes instead of a contest means you don't have to be the fastest to solve. He also tells us a bit about the book Hive, and all the pop culture references that make it appealing to puzzle hunt enthusiasts.

Today's game is Sci-Fi Movie Mashups, where the titles of popular sci-fi movies have been combined with common phrases or names to create a new title. Then in a surprising twist, John reveals that he had prepared a puzzle for us, but it was stolen, and he recruits our help to figure out the culprit behind the stolen puzzles.

Thank you again to our episode sponsor DL Orton and Hive: The Race to Save Time puzzle hunt.

Based on the new Madders of Time series by bestselling author DL Orton.

• Registration opens May 1, 2025
• Hive: The Race to Save Time runs from May 16-26, 2025
• Over $1,000 in Prizes, winners determined by sweepstakes.
• Purchase of the book or free alternative method of entry registration is required to participate, but the e-book will be available for just 99 cents while the hunt is running.
• Visit Hive: The Race to Save Time website for more details.

Production Credits

Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira

Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law

Produced by Theresa Piazza

Supported by Lisa Spira

Edited by Peih-Gee Law

Music by Matt Farthing

Logo by Theresa Wagner