About Us

No one knows exactly where Merle N. Sage lives—not even me. His letters arrive without return addresses, written in looping script on parchment that smells faintly of old wood smoke and wild herbs. Some say he’s a retired alchemist. Others whisper he's a time-traveling librarian. All I know is that the stories he sends are unlike anything I’ve ever read—and filled with truth hidden in fiction.

Merle is brilliant, eccentric, and deeply private. He avoids the spotlight, preferring the quiet company of ancient books, forgotten maps, and strange field notes scrawled in the margins of history.

I’m Jeff Bragg, a science educator and  and guardian of the archives of Merle N. Sage. While Merle prefers to remain hidden among dusty scrolls and forgotten shelves, I’ve been entrusted with bringing his stories and discoveries to light…”
As his humble go-between, I receive Merle’s manuscripts and work to prepare them for young explorers—correcting smudged ink, decoding mysterious footnotes, and checking the science (most of it is spot-on, though occasionally wrapped in riddles).

When you read these stories, you’re stepping into Merle’s world—and into the dusty corners of the universe where knowledge and magic meet. 

 The Locked Room Legacy series is more than just a collection of adventure stories—it’s a bridge between imagination and science. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, spark a love for learning, and make science concepts meaningful through storytelling. Each book aligns with middle school science standards, helping students connect academic content with real-world problem solving, mystery, and fun. 

Each book in the series follows Max and Lila, two inquisitive kids who stumble upon a hidden chamber filled with ancient texts and peculiar devices. What they discover inside sets them on a series of science-fueled adventures—where knowledge is power, and every puzzle has a purpose.

The first volume, The Alchemist’s Archives, invites readers into the strange and shifting world of matter. Max and Lila must race against time to uncover the difference between physical and chemical changes—before the room resets itself and their chance to escape is lost.

Every installment in the series weaves together gripping storytelling, hands-on discovery, and real scientific concepts. As Merle N. Sage intended, readers will find themselves unraveling mysteries, decoding clues, and learning through the eyes of two brave young explorers.