The compulsion to solve puzzles that cross his path draws an expert puzzle maker into a mystery of historic proportions in Danielle Trussoni’s The Puzzle Master.
Enduring a brain injury in his late teen years that altered how he sees the world, Mike Brink is able to see and solve patterns in a manner that others aren’t capable of. Parlaying his ability into creating puzzles Brink has had a successful career as an expert puzzle maker (and solver), which is a reason his name is written on a perplexing puzzle by a woman, Jess Price, who is incarcerated for a strange murder she’s thought to have committed at Sedge House. Called to the prison to solve the puzzle, Brink arrives and quickly finds himself deeply drawn to Price, in addition to the need to understand the puzzle. Unable to let this enigma go, Brink soon becomes involved in something much more complicated and far reaching than he could have anticipated, garnering the attention of powerful people, as the culmination of the work of a Jewish mystic, a Parisian porcelain dollmaker, and Jameson Sedge, who determinedly pursues a path toward immortality, results in an outcome with shocking implications.
Told through the perspectives of two men, the letter of another, and the journal of one woman, a tale laden with hints of conspiracy and a heavy layer of secretiveness is revealed that has sweeping implications for the world’s future. Ambitiously including aspects of the religious, artistic, scientific, and mysterious, the story moves at a relatively quick pace but was slowed at times by lengthy, though interesting, descriptions of characters’ pasts as it tried to incorporate a bit too much, diluting detailed focus of the concepts raised. Though the characters are reasonably fleshed out, when referring to them in the text it’s done interchangeably using their first or last name and this inconsistency comes across as an odd choice (or sloppy editing). The world presented in the novel incorporates the pandemic, mentioning it periodically throughout, anchoring the story in contemporary reality a way that didn’t feel necessary, especially when considering the more supernatural elements presented in the latter portion that create a more surreal drive to the adventure.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The plot of this book is both fast paced and intricately crafted, with detailed and descriptive scenes of puzzles and those solving and crafting them. It's got a touch of mysticism and roots in religion, and I think this is one that is going to be a hit with all of those who were swept up in The Da Vinci Code and have been seeking something that similarly combines a high stakes quest with religion and cryptography/puzzles.

I've read a lot of books, but I've never encountered any quite like this! It has all the action of a good Indiana Jones movie with an original story that completely captivated me from the very first page.

I was spellbound by the author's incredible gift of storytelling that kept me intrigued from the very first page to the last.

Strap in for a wild ride. You will need to pay attention to all the details to stay in the game. Mike Brink creates puzzles and is good at solving them. What happens to Jess is a puzzle that is difficult to solve. The plot is a marvel and comes complete with pictures of puzzles. Take a ride as the characters try to solve an ancient puzzle on the mystery of life. Knowing who to trust will be difficult and there are surprises right up to the very end.

I like the idea of a thriller that explores puzzles. The main character is great at creating and solving puzzles, and is tasked with helping an inmate that has a very intriguing puzzle. It turns out that the puzzle is way more complex that anything that he ever encountered, and strange things start to happen to avoid them getting together to discuss the puzzle. While it may be forced a some points - a famous puzzle master being called to a prison and actually driving 5 hours just to see a puzzle?? - the story is actually interesting and has a nice suspense that keeps going until the end.

Mike Brink went from a football star to a puzzle constructor via a traumatic brain injury, but he feels isolated from other people. Jess Price is serving thirty years in prison for murder and hasn’t spoken since her arrest five years before. She draws a puzzle her psychiatrist thinks will explain her crime, so Brink is asked to solve it. This develops into an obsession with Price and the meaning of her silence. At the heart of it all is the God Puzzle, a cryptic ancient prayer circle created by the thirteenth-century Jewish mystic Abraham Abulafia. There may be more powerful forces at work than Brink realizes.

The reader is drawn into the mystery of it all just as Mike is. Jess drew him in with an incomplete cipher and a message that her former therapist was killed for what he knew. Then we see her diary from before the killing, and its layers of mysterious events and the creeping sense of something sinister; it doesn't help that there really is a group keeping watch over Jess in the prison besides the guards. Because she reached out for help, Mike's caught up in the mess. He is chased from the prison to locations nearby, and it comes down to the Puzzle Jess had seen at the house years ago.

The information in the book is fascinating. Mike sees symbols, numbers, and ciphers in a different way, which allows him to build the puzzles in the New York Times or in books. We get glimpses of the ciphers and mathematics from his point of view. We also learn about porcelain, golems, and dollmaking in the 1600s as well as Jewish mysticism. It's a religious conundrum at the heart of the prayer circle, a means of understanding the True Name and meaning of God, which can unlock the power of life and death. Add in the financial backing of secret groups, and it's a conspiracy sitting out in the open just waiting for a puzzle master with synaesthesia to help solve it. I love the layers within the story, how we find the physical mystery as well as the metaphysical, and it all comes together at the end. A fantastic and thinky book to curl up with in the evening.

This started out so good. Pulled me in right away - the mystery of a puzzle! It reminded me so much of Dan Brown's books. And then the conspiracies happened. I don't know why, but the doll/golem theme just didn't do it for me. Especially with certain ideas that felt icky - jew rabbis bringing an evil soul into this world, I don't know, maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

And then it felt a bit confusing. Different timelines, different conspiracies. In the end it fell flat for me.

The beginning of this book really sucked me in, we meet Mike and Connie as they are driving to meet an inmate at a women's correctional facility who has drawn a strange puzzle, and solving puzzles is what Mike does.

Jess will only talk to Mike, and when he leaves the meeting he is definitely intrigued enough to stick around and see where this puzzle will lead. We get to see a flashback of the events at Sedge house that got Jess put in prison, and I would definitely have read this as its own story. It had this creepy could be a haunted house feel, and with the weird things Jess experienced, and the dolls, omg the dolls! is there even more to say?

As Mike tries to unravel the mess he found himself in, and the weird connection he feels with Jess the plot does move forward slowly but all the reveals we get had me wanting to keep going to see what was going to happen next. Most of the big moments happen toward the end and with all the build-up we got some things did feel a little anticlimactic, and I thought the romance between Jess and Mike didn't make sense. But all the puzzle-solving and the mystery behind what happened at Sedge house really kept me invested and I did love how all of that played out.

I would definitely read more by this author in the future

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

Much has already been said about the premise and structure of this book, so I won't rehash it. I was especially intrigued by the puzzle aspect of the storyline, and I found it a bit light. It seemed to be more discussion about how puzzling affected the character, and I was hoping for more actual puzzles and the solving process. The book also could have benefitted by editing one or two characters or storylines and improving the pacing.

Despite that, I enjoyed the story and characters and would recommend it to someone looking for a slow burn thriller that crosses genres.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for a free copy of #ThePuzzleMaster by Danielle Trussoni. All opinions are my own.

The Puzzle Master is a very interesting mystery that’s a mix of The Silent Patient, a bit of Pinocchio, and a religious mystery all into one. The story follows Mike Brink, a man who has acquired savant syndrome and is brilliant with puzzles. He is called to a prison to try and help a young woman in jail for killing her boyfriend who drew a unique puzzle. From there, we go down a rabbit hole about this puzzle and what happened to the boyfriend. We go all the way back to early 1900 Prague and we learn about this puzzle and this doll and Jewish folklore.

I enjoyed this story a lot. It had a lot of complex ideas and religious history that I was not expecting. The writing was very good and it kept my attention for a topic that I’m not very familiar with. It also threw in some doll horror and a lot of action as well. It reminded me of the Silent Patient a bit with the relationship of the patient and outsider. There were a lot of interesting twists and a lot of action as well. It was a fast paced book that kept me guessing. This story was very ambitious and covered many topics.

I did get a bit lost in the middle and it did seem very long. I would have preferred maybe a little less ambition with the story and everything it covered. The ending was very open which i don’t tend to enjoy.

This was a very unique mystery that wove together a lot of different things. I recommend to other mystery readers who enjoy unique mysteries.

Thanks so much to netgalley and Random House for the arc!

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni #thirtyeighthbookof2023 #arc

CW: death, murder, creepy dolls, dognapping, golems

After an accident, Mike developed sudden acquired savant syndrome, and now he is a genius puzzle solver and constructor. So when he’s summoned by a prison doctor to solve a puzzle drawn by a convicted murderer, he is intrigued. Almost immediately he is drawn into a dangerous situation where the supernatural comes into play.

I enjoyed this book, but I had a hard time suspending my disbelief at certain aspects of the story. The puzzling was also over my head, but that didn’t take away from them. The mystery behind a missing doll was actually pretty interesting, and I was caught up in the pace of the novel. The plot moved fast and was a quick easy read. The ending was a little weird and I can’t tell if it’s leading to a sequel. I didn’t love the romance subplot. I thought it unnecessary and unrealistic and it didn’t add anything to the story. Overall though, this was a pleasant read.

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the advance copy. (Pub date 6/13/23)

There wasn’t much I disliked about this Da Vinci Code-esque read. What I did find perplexing was the ending. I thought there would be some unexpected twist. There wasn’t. To me that would have made this story even better.

If you enjoy action packed stories with a ancient supernatural mystery twist and an adorable canine friend of the protaganist as well as complicated puzzles then this is for you!

“…his concept of God was identical to the concept of scientific reality I had described. God was, he said, light. Not metaphorically. Not abstractly. But literally all of the attributes we associate with photons of light—a ubiquitous presence that moves freely through space and time, an energy with the creative capacities to generate life on a molecular level—these are the qualities of the creative power we know as God.”

This was a complex but engaging read. It kept me 9n the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters relatable. I found myself thinking that I could be friendswith some and even understand their decision making. Even after reading, I found myself thinking about the characters and the different situations. Having a easy read that doesn't ask much of you is okay. Sometimes you need a book that challenges you and leave an indelible mark on you. I was lucky enough to read the previous book by the author and enjoyed it very much. So this was on my anticipated list.

#THEPUZZLEMASTER
#NETGALLEY
#DanielleTrussoni

Thank you Random House for the ebook review copy of the The Puzzle Master, and PRH audio influencer program for the audiobook copy (which is a great way to really get into the pacing of this book). I loved this book! It's been a while since I read anything quite like this, indeed reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code but also some long ago favorites like The Westing Game. It is cognitive science with puzzles and mystery, a surprisingly fast paced for me read despite being filled with twists and turns and intricate connections. This is a great read for fans of the noted books and also for anyone who wants something a little different this summer, a welcome change up from traditional beach reads.

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Puzzle Master" by Danielle Trussoni, and let me tell you, it's a book that fans of the "Da Vinci Code" and Stephen King will absolutely adore. This captivating novel seamlessly blends religious information with a thrilling mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

One of the aspects that immediately caught my attention was the structure of the book. The chapters are short yet packed with unexpected twists and turns, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Trussoni's skillful storytelling kept me engrossed, eagerly turning pages to unravel the secrets hidden within.

What truly stood out for me were the actual depictions of the puzzles in the book. It added an immersive layer to the reading experience, making me feel like a part of the adventure.

Now, I have to be honest here. While I thoroughly enjoyed "The Puzzle Master," I could have done without the romantic aspect. Personally, I felt it wasn't necessary for the plot and could have been omitted. However, I do understand why it was included and its potential appeal to other readers.

What intrigued me even more was the ending, which alluded to the possibility of a series. It left me eager and excited for what's to come, as I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Trussoni has laid a strong foundation with "The Puzzle Master," and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds in future installments.

Overall, "The Puzzle Master" was a highly enjoyable read that I would recommend to any fan of gripping mysteries and religious intrigue. I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I was SUPER excited to read this book & even more excited to get an ARC! 😱 Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing!!

This book started off sooo strong and I couldn’t put it down until about 60% into it and then unfortunately it just fell off the shelf a little for me.

This book is about Mike who after a trauma has the unique gift of acquired savant syndrome, and the ability to solve and create puzzles instantly, which has deemed him the “Puzzle Master.”

Everything changes when Mike is summoned to a New York state prison where an inmate accused of murder is asking for help to solve a puzzle. This inmate doesn’t speak or interact with anyone (insert all The Silent Patient feels here) except Mike.
Here he finds himself in over his head when he learns that everyone who has interacted with this puzzle has died a terrible death.
When Mike finds a diary of the incarcerated patient, he starts to learn the truth of what happened that heinous night that landed Jess, the inmate, in prison, even though there were many more individuals involved than anyone initially thought. (insert How to Sell A Haunted House vibes).

I feel like the story line and plot was definitely there but it was a slllloooowww burn that didn’t really follow through. (for me)

The history and past story lines were a little too slow and dragged on a little too much for me. There was a LOT of Hebrew religion & reference that were WAY over my head, especially when I was just expecting puzzle solving.

It took a huge supernatural turn, which I wasn’t expecting at all. That may be fine for a lot of readers but that was where it kind of fell flat for me. It all seemed very plausible and likely until then.

The last 30-40% of the book just seemed way too out there and not at all what I was expecting & then I found I was forcing myself to “just finish it already.”

The plot was definitely intriguing and I think the writing was great, it just didn’t hold my attention at all toward the end.

This wasn't my favorite -- it felt a bit like it was trying to be the next The Da Vinci Code with elaborate puzzles and religion and one (extra)ordinary person to solve a puzzle and a crime . . . but it was too elaborate, it had too many moving parts and it just wasn't very fun. I found myself skimming toward the end to just finish it. Hope you have better luck!

The Puzzle Master comes out next week on June 13, 2023 and you can purchase HERE.

Puzzles are composed of patterns. They are meant to be solved. There is always a predetermined order, and there is always a definite answer. With skill and perseverance, you will always complete a puzzle. Games are won, often by luck or random circumstances. There's an element of chance. You can have all the talent and determination in the world and never win a game. There's a big difference.

This book is a powerhouse of genres and it is very intricately written, pay attention to EVERYTHING! Mike Brink suffers a traumatic brain injury and somewhere in his recovery he acquires the ‘savant syndrome’ making it possible for him to create and solve complicated puzzles. This is a true syndrome but extremely rare. Jess Price has been sentenced to prison for 30 years for a murder she may or may not have committed. She has not spoken since being incarcerated. Until now. Jess creates a complex puzzle and writes Mike Brink’s name on it. Brink is brought in to solve this puzzle and the rest of the story is a race against time to find the answer. I’m not sure I was the right audience for this book but if you love a thoroughly researched story with lots of clues and red herrings to keep track of then you will enjoy this one. Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on June 13, 2023.

I found this novel to be slow reading (lots of thinking and rehashing) and one of the most fascinating I’ve ever read. The protagonist, Mike Brink, was a “normal” teen age athlete when he received a very serious injury in a football game. When he awoke, he had acquired savant syndrome, a rare medical condition in which he acquired extraordinary cognitive abilities. His gift was puzzle solving. In this story, the puzzles he works with are ancient and stem from religious beliefs. I was absolutely amazed at the intelligence and learnedness of many of the characters and the exceptional was the author melded them together. Thanks to Net Galley and Random House for an ARC for an honest review.

A gifted puzzle maker is drawn into the case of a young woman convicted of a brutal murder.

Mike Brent was a talented high school quarterback when an on-field collision left him with a severe brain injury. His life changed course as he realized that he was able, in fact driven, to identify patterns and solve complicated puzzles in ways that others cannot. It is a unique talent, but the injury has also made it difficult for him to make human connections. Mike has created a career creating and publishing puzzles that are intricate and challenging, and lives a quiet, regimented and solitary life. When he is contacted by a psychiatrist working at a nearby state prison who asks him to meet with Jess Price, a young inmate who was convicted of a brutal murder five years earlier and who has not spoken a word since she was found at the scene of the crime, Mike’s first instinct is to say no. He’s never met Jess, and doesn’t see how he could help her situation. Then he finds out that Jess has drawn a complex puzzle and is known to be a follower of his own work, and he is intrigued enough to meet with her. When he does, he finds that puzzle to be an irresistible challenge and also feels a connection to Jess that is as intense as it is unexpected. Mike is soon drawn into a race to pursue the solution to a centuries-old quest; there are powerful forces who want the solution for their own reasons, and Mike isn’t sure whether he is working with or against them. Add in a creepy old house, a highly sought after porcelain doll, Jewish mystics and a golem….can Mike use his unique brain to find the correct answers for the right reasons, and in doing so clear Jess’s name and save his own life?

As I read The Puzzle Master, elements of the story brought to mind other books I have read by different authors. The medical condition which Mike Brent developed as a result of the football injury, known as acquired savant syndrome, has some commonalities with the synesthesia that the protagonist in David Baldacci’s Memory Man books experiences. A doll that may or may not be possessed by a malevolent spirit pops up in numerous books and movies in recent years. Shadowy groups of powerful and/or wealthy people looking to clues left behind centuries ago to find wealth or power….perhaps you’ve heard of The DaVInci Code, or the Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry. That said, I found the book to be an interesting and enjoyable read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Readers who are fans of the series I’ve mentioned would likely find this tale to their liking, as would those who like a little gothic twist to their thrillers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group for the advanced reader’s copy of The Puzzle Master. .