The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni is a hard book to classify. It has a whole lot of everything - brutal murder, haunted dolls, demons, and conspiracy theories. The closest analogues I have for this book are National Treasure or The Da Vinci Code.

Mike Brink is a savant who acquired the ability to quickly parse puzzles after a traumatic brain injury ended his football career. Now a puzzle writer with a degree from MIT, he finds it difficult to resist a challenge. When he receives an invitation to look over a puzzle written by Jess Price, a woman serving 30 years in prison for murder, he can't resist the challenge. What unfolds is a complex journey that jumps from a prison in the Adirondacks to 1800s Prague to a haunted old mansion in New England. The puzzle Mike Brink is trying to unravel may be bigger than he ever imagined - big enough to hold the secret of eternal life.

I found this book a little frustrating. It felt like a big mashup of books and I struggled to connect with the Kabbalah/golem/cosmology pieces of this book. The ending was predictable and kind of frustrating. I know that a lot of work went into the puzzles included in the story, but the story itself felt slightly underwhelming. I enjoyed this and read it quickly, but wouldn't go out of my way to read it again.

Thank you to Danielle Trussoni and Random House for this ARC through NetGalley. The Puzzle Master will be available for purchase June 13th, 2023!

Based on the description, I thought I would really enjoy this book. I imagined it to be a fast paced page turner which may be why this book was not for me. The beginning of the book sucked me in, but as the plot continued to thicken I started to lose interest. I have never read a book like this one, and I think there are people who would absolutely love it! However this book was not for me.
For me, there were too many different storylines and side characters to follow. I found the part of the story set in past fascinating, but the present story line not as much. I really struggled to get through this book. I think I expected more of a puzzle aspect where to me that seemed to be more of a side piece. I do think this was a very intricately written and well thought out story but ultimately it was a little too complex for me.

A huge thank you to netgalley and Random House for this arc!

After a football game leaves Mike with a Brain injury he finds he can solve puzzles that other can’t. So when he asked to help a women in jail that hasn’t said anything in awhile he decides to help her. She draws a puzzle that will unlock a mystery. This was a Interesting book with puzzles and mysteries. I did get a little confused out Times. If you enjoy puzzels and figuring out mysteries this books for you

Mike Brent is the Puzzle Master. After a high school sports injury results in acquired savant syndrome, he sees patterns in everything and has a sort of synthesis. He adapts and makes his living constructing puzzles and solving them. One day, he receives a letter from a psychiatrist at a women’s prison that contains a scrap of a puzzle and a plea for help. Thus begins a labyrinthine tale that involves creepy dolls, succubi, Jewish lore and cyberpunk villains.

A fun read. Recommended.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review!

I’m not quite sure how to feel about this book. The blurb that was posted alongside the book to get readers to request it caught my attention right away. However, I don’t think the blurb accurately captured what the book was truly about. The beginning of the book was very interesting, but then we were suddenly hit with a very religious turn that I did not expect or appreciate. For a book that claims to be full of puzzles, there certainly was not a lot of puzzle solving, at least not in the sense that I was expecting. There were times that felt like you weren’t figuring out the clues on your own, you’re just being told what things mean in some info-dumping chapters. The ending seemed rushed and ended abruptly; the build-up throughout the book came to a disappointing conclusion for me. Since I did finish the book, there must have been some redeeming qualities, but none specifically come to mind when figuring out what my thoughts are for this book.

As someone who loves puzzles, this was an easy read. While it is hard to reference this book without thinking of The Da Vinci Code, this book stands alone.

Mike Brink suffered a brain injury resulting in a real life savant condition that allows him to solve puzzles in a truly amazing way. In doing so, he gains a reputation and is asked to meet with Jess Prince, who is in prison for murder, and may provide the most difficult puzzle for yet.

Great read that I highly recommend.
Bonus points for a dog named Conundrum!

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni is a thriller that follows Mike Brink, a young man with acquired savant syndrome after a traumatic brain injury as he gets pulled in to a mystery spanning over 100 years and following various family members who become pulled in to the puzzle, some against their will..

The strength of this book is the main character, Mike Brink, and how the POV travels back in time to explore the way that the God Puzzle has followed and tormented those who discover it for decades. However, I think the books strengths end there. The "solution" to this mystery involved a lot of info dumps in the form of letters or past diary entries that read as if they are written directly to Mike to tell him what he needs to know, rather than being written by people actually living with the puzzle.

This book starts off by focusing on the God Puzzle and the mystery of what happened to a woman accused of murdering her boyfriend who has not communicated with anyone since the crime occurred 5 years ago. However from that point it delves into Jewish mysticism, demons, and spiritualism. It seems that this book had a lot of ideas about where to take the mystery, to the point where it is difficult to keep all the different elements of it straight, especially when the first half of the book is incredibly slow to get to the meat of the book.

I also was very uncomfortable with the relationship between Mike Brink and Jess Price, the prisoner he is supposed to be helping. It felt forced and had a bit of a weird power dynamic.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. However, I do think that there are people who would love this book, those who are into the DaVinci Code and enjoy thrillers that focus on mysticism and demons.

"No puzzle constructor would create a system that couldn't be solved. The whole point is to connect, through time and space, with a solver. Connection is everything."

So many genres blended into one dynamic package.

The positives; this book was fast-paced, with short chapters that ended on cliff hangers-- laced with tense energy throughout. Mike Brink is a charming and unique main character, one that you can't help but root for from the very first few pages. The reader is then introduced to a wide array of friends, foes, and multiple timelines in the 67 chapters that follow. There were many twists and turns, some predictable and some very intricate and clever. Overall, this book definitely held my attention and I think might be a great choice for someone who enjoys their mysteries mixed with supernatural forces.

In my opinion, one of the main downsides of this book was that there was actually too many genres in one. Trussoni painted a narrative of the history of religion, supernatural dolls, puzzle masters, and computer coding into an almost too contrived story. This might be enjoyable for some, but to me, by the the time we reached the conclusion, it really started to feel like a reach. The mixture of topics and genres require constant explanations, and I've seen other reviewers also bring up that some of the descriptions of the puzzles and the history of the hidden names of God/Shem HaMephorash etc were a bit arduous and distracted from the main plot.

I also had a personal pet peeve about how the character of the pet dog was portrayed. Even though this book was fiction, it really rubbed me the wrong way seeing misrepresentations about healthy diets and even just day-to-day care for dogs. He claims he loves that dog but continued to abandon it pretty much throughout the story, claim dachshunds need 'carnivorous diets' (they do not), and then uses terms like emotional support animal and service dog interchangeably. Last but not least, without giving anything away, the romance subplot was really unnecessary and not fleshed out adequately in my opinion.

All that said, this book was a 3.75 star read for me. I can see how maybe I was not the target audience for this, and even so, I couldn't put this book down once I started, so I still think many people will love it. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this fascinating book!

This was a gripping page-turner of a read! For fans of The DaVinci Code, The Puzzle Master is a fun mix of puzzle solving, Jewish mysticism, and history (with a slight touch of fantasy). Trussoni delivers all this in a twisty plot that unfolds from the perspective of the main character, letters and journals.

Highly recommend!

Suspenseful, intriguing and mind-bending, The Puzzle Master is a seductive blend of mystery, horror, the supernatural and the psychological. A thriller that has a little bit of everything while navigating a labyrinth of ciphers, clues and mysticism. Danielle Trussoni has crafted a stimulating journey of human discovery within a quest for justice and love.

Mike Brink is an expert puzzle constructor and solver, the result of a brain injury sustained while playing high school football that left him with the rare ability to see the world differently than anyone else. It’s this unique talent that brings him to meet Jess Price who is serving a long prison sentence for murder and has drawn a complex puzzle that no one understands. Immediately Brink is transfixed by this puzzle and by Jess herself, creating an obsessive desire to solve the puzzle and help Jess prove her innocence. Kicking off a pursuit that brings Brink into a world of ancient Jewish mysticism, cutting edge technology, and the pursuit of immortality. All of which puts him in direct conflict with a wealthy and menacing billionaire, resulting in danger at every turn. But Brink won’t let anything stand in his way of solving this cryptic puzzle and saving the alluring Jess Price.

Equal parts entertaining thriller and mental stimulation, The Puzzle Master takes the reader beyond the present-day physical world we know and into the art of the possible. Looking at both past spirituality and future planes of existence. How the enigma of eternal life can conceivably be solved by unlocking the puzzles of the past. It’s a deep and provocative narrative wrapped within an entertaining story featuring a damaged but likable protagonist’s search for justice, affection and righteousness. A fast-paced thriller with elements of history, faith, Sci-Fi and the age-old tale of a good guy trying to outwit the bad guy…and hopefully win the heart of the girl at the end. It’s an enchanting tale that will test your mental capacity for the extraordinary while providing hours of twisting enjoyment. A perfect novel for those who wish to be thrilled and challenged at the same time.

This book has so many things that I like: a protagonist with a special skill for creating and solving puzzles, secret societies, the supernatural and occult steeped in religious history, a little science fiction, but towards the end, it all gets muddled and confusing. The writing is excellent, and I truly enjoyed reading this book, but I wish the parts came together as a more cohesive product by the end. I'll leave out spoilers that might explain this better, but I'll sum up by saying that I recommend this book with reservation. Each element is well presented and engaging, which made it a worthwhile read.

In "The Puzzle Master," Trussoni skillfully weaves a complex and captivating tale that explores the fascinating world of puzzles and human connection. This thrilling novel takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the mind of Mike Brink, a brilliant puzzle constructor who possesses an extraordinary ability to solve puzzles due to his acquired savant syndrome. This unique premise sets the stage for a story filled with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is the depth and authenticity of the characters. Mike Brink is a protagonist who tugs at your heartstrings, as you witness his struggle with isolation and the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury. The author delves into Brink's psyche, allowing readers to empathize with his challenges while also marveling at his exceptional puzzle-solving skills. The introduction of Jess Price, a mysterious woman imprisoned for murder, adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. The evolving relationship between Brink and Price is portrayed with nuance, adding an emotional depth that elevates the storyline beyond a simple puzzle-solving adventure.

The plot is intricately constructed, offering a series of interconnected enigmas that gradually reveal a larger mystery. The author's meticulous research shines through as the story takes readers to diverse settings, ranging from an upstate New York women's prison to nineteenth-century Prague and the secret rooms of the Pierpont Morgan Library. These vividly described locations not only serve as backdrops but also become integral parts of the puzzle-solving process.

The true highlight of "The Puzzle Master" is the incorporation of the God Puzzle, an ancient cryptic prayer circle created by Abraham Abulafia. This enigmatic element adds a spiritual and philosophical layer to the narrative, exploring profound questions about humankind, technology, and the future of the universe. The author expertly combines history, mysticism, and modern technology, creating a thought-provoking blend that keeps readers engaged and eager to unravel the secrets within the pages.

The prose is elegant and polished, showcasing the author's skill at crafting vivid descriptions and maintaining a brisk pace throughout the story. The writing style strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity, making the book accessible to both casual readers and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the author's ability to build tension and suspense is commendable, ensuring that the reader remains on the edge of their seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.

"The Puzzle Master" is a delightful blend of puzzle-solving, suspense, and human drama. It successfully combines the intellectual challenge of solving intricate puzzles with a deeply emotional exploration of human connections. Whether you're a fan of thrillers, mysteries, or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, this book is sure to satisfy. Prepare to be enthralled by the genius of Mike Brink and the secrets he unravels, all while pondering the enigmatic nature of life itself.

I didn't know what to expect from The Puzzle Master. It is the first book I've read by Danielle Trussoni and I was pleasantly surprised. The first question when I read a book like this is would I like to see the main character again. The answer is yes! Mike Brink is as fascinating a character as the book proves to be. It's a thriller which makes you think. It's engaging and has a satisfying conclusion. The Puzzle Master brilliantly blends the horror and thriller genres. Thank you to Random House & NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The first half of this was veering to the 5-star range and then... well... it gets disappointing. The whole "God Puzzle"/Jewish mysticism thing didn't do it for me. Bad enough that none of the relationships felt real, and that Jess' journal does a lot of heavy lifting in terms of an info dump, this feels like two books badly blended.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

From the moment i started reading “The Puzzle Maker” I immediately thought of multiple Dan Brown books. Specifically the Robert Langdon books written by him.

Mike Brink is a puzzle solver and maker. After Mike suffered a traumatic football injury, that he could have had much worse of an outcome, he sees puzzles and patterns differently then before. Writing crossword puzzles, that he is well known for, he is summoned to visit a killer. This killer, Jess, won’t speak but they think it will do her good to meet Mike. Not only that but they are also hoping that Mike can solve a puzzle that she has drawn.

I enjoyed the puzzles and seeing Mike solve them. If you like mystery’s and are fond of Dan Brown as stated before I would recommend checking out “The Puzzle Master” by Danielle Trussoni.

What a unique read! In this novel, our main character Mike experienced a football injury that turned him into a puzzle savant. He's called in to the prison by Jess Price's psychiatrist to solve the puzzle she has drawn. The set-up for the story in the first several chapters is very well done. From there, the story takes off into more of an adventure story. Aside from the puzzle piece, I think this would make a very good movie. It has some haunted house and creepy doll elements, which almost seem like a horror movie, but I'd say it leans more toward action movie overall.

Mike is an interesting character. We don't really get a lot of time with Jess since she doesn't talk, but I think in a movie version you can do a lot with flashbacks to show her character more. These two vibe toward the end of the book, but other than the commonality of puzzles, I'm not sure there is much more to their relationship.

There were two aspects of this novel that brought it down for me. One: There was a bit *too* much action. Two: I wasn't very interested in the Kabbalah aspect. It went over my head.

I think those that like the Davinci Code would like this book. It is a nice blend of history, religion, creepiness, action, and puzzles.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Puzzle Master.
After a bad accident Mike Brink has the insane abilities in solving puzzles. He makes his living submitting crossword puzzles and is a bit of a celebrity.
When he receives a message to meet a notorious killer he is interested in why he would be called but he goes anyway.
He meets the young woman who is a convicted killer and her counselor brings the two together.
Why because this woman holds a secret that only Mike can solve and her life depends on it. And by helping her is he in danger too?
Good book. Sometimes wordy but a solid mystery
3 stars

Mike Brink has become famous for his unique ability to decipher the un-decipherable, courtesy of a brain injury he sustained years ago. He can see complex numeric patterns, remember them with exquisite precision and solve them easily. But his skills are tested as never before when he’s summoned to an institutional prison to help unravel an ancient and dangerous mystery. An inmate patient has drawn a cryptic puzzle that requires Brink’s skillset to decipher. The lines between reality, ancient prophesy and mysticism blur as an age-old curse is about to unravel existence as we know it. The level of danger goes through the roof while the terrible truth emerges, and the bad guys always seem to be one maddening step ahead. The story is quite complex and multi-layered, but the reader is drawn into it nonetheless. The fate of the world hangs in the balance with this nailbiter of a tale!

The Puzzle Master, by Danielle Trussoni, is a perfect summer read. Not too demanding, but very compelling with one action scene after another. Think DaVinci Code: short chapters that always end on a cliff-hanger so you keep telling yourself "just one more"

*Everything* happens in this novel, which would be ridiculous in the real world, but makes for an entertaining read. Take this one to the beach, stretch out and enjoy.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Mike loves puzzles and turned a hobby into a career. He is called to a prison where a prisoner who won't talk draws something for him to solve.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.