diff --git a/mu4e/mu4e-utils.el b/mu4e/mu4e-utils.el
index 3946c043..3b43396e 100644
--- a/mu4e/mu4e-utils.el
+++ b/mu4e/mu4e-utils.el
@@ -253,6 +253,7 @@ trying an exact match."
     (while (not chosen)
       (message nil);; this seems needed...
       (setq choice (read-char-exclusive prompt))
+      (if (eq choice 27) (keyboard-quit)) ;; quit if ESC is pressed
       (setq chosen (or (member choice choices)
 		     (member (downcase choice) choices)
 		     (member (upcase choice) choices))))