Always one of my favorite authors, she doesnt disappoint with this one. Keeps you guessing till the end. Looking forward to her next endeavor!

Danielle Trussoni is the author of the Puzzle Master, which I loved. This book, The Puzzle Box, is the second in the Puzzle series.

From GR:
It is the Year of the Wood Dragon, and the ingenious Mike Brink has been invited to Tokyo, Japan to open the legendary Dragon Box, a mysterious nineteenth-century puzzle that has remained unsolved for over 150 years.

I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of the ARC. I have rated this book based on the summary.

I was really excited to learn there would be a new book featuring Mike Brink. He is just too good of a character to spend on just one novel. Brink is unique among the fictional mystery-solvers and deserves a series, just so long as the author doesn't end up making him superhuman.

The good news is that readers don't need to be familiar with THE PUZZLE MASTER (first book) to thoroughly enjoy this one. I believe THE PUZZLE BOX is an even better novel, and a great way to get introduced to this character and swept along in his adventurous journey.

The puzzles are compelling. Old adversaries return, more dangerous than the first encounter. There is character growth and a hint of more to come. I was a little disappointed by the ending, as not everything was explained or resolved to my satisfaction. However, the main story is how Brink solves the puzzle and that is more than enough to please me.

Thanks to NetGallery and the author for providing me with an advanced review copy. Also, thanks to The Librarian's Husband Book Club on Goodreads for introducing me to this author and making it possible.

I really wanted to like this one. The concept was just so intriguing, but the writing fell a little flat for me. It felt very slow and repetitive at times. I also realized halfway in there was a book before this one, so that might have had something to do with my dislike of it.

I wanted to really like this, similar to how much I liked the other book in this "series", the Puzzle Master, but I just didn't. I was glad to see familiar characters, but they were the only thing that really gelled for me in this story. I found myself struggling to finish this book and not engaged with the new characters or plot lines. Thank you to Edelweiss+ and NetGalley for the ARCs.

The Puzzle Box is a mind-bending, enthralling adventure filled with mysteries and intricate puzzles. Though it is a sequel to Danielle Trusonni's bestseller, The Puzzle Master, it can be read independently.

The main character's portrayal is captivating. Mike's unique way of thinking - from synaesthesia to patterns - is amazing. The inclusion of elements like the Akashic records added an extraordinary dimension - a reminder that we are spiritual beings in human form (and not the other way around).

This book is a must-read for Japanophiles. It delves into the history of Japan's Imperial family, the origin of the Dragon Box, and women in samurai clan. The story transitions from Mike's journey to Japan and the beginning of the puzzle-solving to an exploration of Japan's forests and caves.

The first half of the story focuses on Mike's journey to Japan and the start of the puzzle-solving, with the Dragon Box set to be opened on the first full moon night of the Year of the Dragon - a once-in-twelve-years opportunity shrouded in deadly attempts and conspiracy theories. The second half takes readers through Japan's forests and caves, from the puzzle master's ancestral home to Emperor Meiji's land, offering a visual treat.

Filled with beautifully patterned puzzles and symbols, the book is sure to keep its readers engaged till the end. The mystery behind the Dragon Box and Mike's destined involvement is masterfully interwoven.

I found myself turning the virtual pages of my Kindle, unable to put it down. Each scene is vividly etched in my mind, and the book reads like a movie. The storytelling and character portrayal are exceptional, making this one of the best books I have ever read!

Gotta love a unique thriller! Although I didn't realize this was the second book in a series I really enjoyed this one

3.25/5 for me for this fun puzzle, mystery book!

Overall this was an adventure that kept the momentum going throughout the book. The plot was intriguing and strong. The puzzle sequences were riveting and tense enough to really capture the essence of a thriller. The character development throughout the book left a bit to be desired. For example, one of the characters is introduced within the first 10% of the book but isn't seen until the later half of the book with little to no notice. Some of the friendships felt forced and I wished there were just a few more pages describing some of the interactions that lead to friendships with characters who had just met for the first time.


Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Danielle Trussoni for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is right up there for fans of books like the Da Vinci Code, with its blend of puzzles both modern and historical, steeped in the locations the protagonists visit, and all wrapped up in a pseudofantastical mystery.

I had a lot more fun with this than I thought I would, especially since the puzzles aren't the "solve along with the characters" sort - aside from the very first puzzle, they're all presented either visually completed, or described as Mike solves them. This is partly helped by the frenetic pace, since the main mystery itself has to be solved within about 12 hours so everything is very action-packed for a book about solving puzzles, and it's very fun watching everything fall into place and new clues be revealed.

Unfortunately a lot of it starts to fall apart when you think about the overarching plot - a mysterious faction (literally called "the faction" who somehow managed to have ties to the main previous villain, the daughters of the inventor of Bitcoin, one of whom also goes on to be the best friend of the imperial princess as she grows up but was also raised in the states, a faction that somehow knew about the Dragon Box and what was in it when no one else did and meticulously put together a plan across decades but also their day-of plan was...really bad? And then there's the puzzle master Ogawa, who built all of these puzzles, and the ones in the first half track with what we're told about him and his motivations, the ones later seem to feel more like whatever the plot needed them to be, rather than anything that actually fits. How would a blind man be able to utilize the position of the full moon, much less precise timing down to the minute (not to mention that the speed of travel in modern day versus the end of the Meiji era differs vastly). I also wish we'd gone a little more into Meiji's motivations for creating the puzzle - why hide it with a trail that /could/ be solved?

At the end of the day, the puzzles are fun and watching everything fall into place has a certain satisfaction, but once that passes, you're left with more questions than answers and they're not the questions I think Trussoni wants us to be asking.

Ever since I read the Angelology series by Danielle Trussoni I had wanted to read some other of her works.

I can say that I was gladly entertained by The Puzzle Box where Mike Brink is to solve one of the most ancient puzzles of the Japanese empire, a puzzle that has been attempted by some others in the past just to find themselves dead by this rather deadly box.

If no person has ever been able to get to the final part of the puzzle, how can Mike overcome such obstacles? In addition to all that, Mike also has to deal with an old enemy, Jameson Sedge who he thought dead.

Will Mike and friends have all what is needed to come out victorious during this short journey through palaces, natural scenery, history and all that is to take place during the year of the Dragon.

If adventure, mystery, history and suspense combined all in one are part of your inner self you can be sure you'll get to have quite an enjoyable time.

Set against the backdrop of Japan, "The Puzzle Box" takes readers on a thrilling journey through a carefully woven tapestry of mystery, thriller, and sci-fi. The narrative unfolds as a heart-pounding race against time and adversaries, punctuated by unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Japanese setting in the book serves as more than just a backdrop; it's a character in its own right. Trussoni invites readers to unravel the intricacies of Japan's past and present, where each clue uncovered is a step closer to unlocking the mystery at the heart of the story. Her vivid descriptions transport readers to Japanese palaces, temples, and the serene landscapes of rural Japan, creating an immersive experience.

Amidst the adrenaline-fueled action, "The Puzzle Box" also explores themes of growth and self-discovery, as Brink navigates the complexities of his own identity and new personal challenges in his life in the face of adversity.

With a plot as intricate as its puzzles, 'The Puzzle Box' is a literary enigma that will keep you guessing until the final page. It’s a superbly crafted novel that seamlessly blends genres while delivering a thrilling and emotional reading experience.

Full disclosure: this is a sequel, which I didn’t realize when I picked it up. I actually don’t know that starting on book 2 impacted my reading much, since some of the back story was filled in through the book. I think if I had read the 1st book first, I would have been annoyed about all the plot points that were filled in but since I read them out of order, it was helpful.

With that being said, I LOVE puzzles and games of all sorts, and even though this wasn’t the type of puzzle mystery where the reader can solve along with the characters, I really liked being swept along with the journey. The villain was like something out of James Bond or Mission Impossible– so sinister (in the best possible way)! I think the characters could have been developed a little more fully– Mike especially didn’t seem as multi-dimensional as he should have for a main character– but the plot was compelling enough to distract me from “meh” character development. This is such a minor complaint, but the author referred to characters with their full name SO OFTEN, it got annoying. I know when you say “Mike” you’re talking about our main character; you don’t need to use his full name at the start of every dang chapter!

Another Mike Brink page turner from Danielle Trussoni filled with twists and turns and the right amount of historical context. It’s been a few years since Mike Brink faced the greatest puzzle of his life, going up against Jameson Sedge and freeing Jess Price. Mike is trying to move on with his life quietly making puzzles for the New York Times and engaging in puzzle competitions when they appear. His doctor may be on the edge of a breakthrough in helping mike alter his brain chemistry, and lead a normal non-puzzle obsessed life, when Mike is given the puzzle opportunity of a lifetime. Sakura has been sent by the emperor of Japan to present Mike with a puzzle box, once the box is solved Mike will be eligible for a chance to try and open the fabled Dragon Box Puzzle created by legendary puzzle box creator Ogawa for Emperor Meiji. The box can only be attempted every 12 years during a full moon, and it is rumored that everyone who has tried to open the box has died. His desire to solve puzzles and the real-world dangers have Mike torn, but ultimately, he gets on the plane to Japan for this unique opportunity. What happens after is true to form page turning action. The puzzle challenges mike both physically and mentally, but he’s not the only one who wants to see the puzzle opened. There is a secret group called the Faction that is following Mike’s every move and trying to get the prize first. The reader is taken on a trip through history, but real-world social commentary is interspersed into the plot creating a fun and faced paced environment that spans centuries. I still think fans of Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code and National Treasure will love this series.

I really liked this book. There was a very interesting premise to the story. I love mysteries and puzzles so this book really intrigued me. I didnt realize that it was a 2nd book in a series about Mike Brink who is a Puzzle Master. Since his accident, his mind allows him to find solutions to many of the world's puzzles. He has been invited to Japan, to open the Dragon Box, created over 150 years, during a time of shogans and Samurai. Every twelve years someone attempts to open the Dragon Box. So far, no one has succeeded. Mystery surrounds this box, so when the Imperial family of Japan requests that Mike try to open the box, he found he could not refuse. This is an adventure you don't want to miss. It can be a stand- alone, but yiu might want to read the 1st book in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this story. I give this book a 4 out of 5.

I read The Puzzle Master a few months ago, really enjoyed it, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that a sequel was in the works. Mike Brink is a fascinating character to read about, I love the mini puzzles throughout the books, and the fast-paced, time sensitive nature of the plots. I mentioned this in my review for the first book as well but The Puzzle Series is perfect for fans of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series.

There was a couple of elements that didn’t work for me as well in The Puzzle Box: the writing was heavy on the ‘telling’, light on the ‘showing’, Rachel’s presence in the book was very limited and I was a little confused as to why she was included at all, and given that the story takes places over a very short amount of time (I believe about 72h start to finish), the pacing of the plot felt slow and dragged out.

This is the second puzzle book but it could be your first with writing that moves you into a world that combines the past, present and future.

Mike Brink has the biggest challenge of his life as a puzzle master. He heads to Tokyo to meet with the emperor and empress of Japan. He feels he has no choice but to accept the challenge of unlocking the Dragon Puzzle Box that was created in the late 1800s. The timing is imperative. It must be open during the first fall of the moon; the Year of the Dragon.

Six attempts have been made to open the box and each has ended with a painful death. If Brink picks up the box and a lever is pushed the wrong way, he can lose a body part or simply die of poison. This is a puzzle that feels like a beast; a machine that was created to kill with dangers waiting to be solved.

You can almost feel the energy of the author’s writing the words with quick thoughts, moves and a sense of where she wants the reader to go with the ultimate prize in completing the puzzle. What if he backs off knowing he could die? Danielle Trussoni keeps the tension and pages in motion with her clever writing. If there’s one book that makes you feel like your heart beat is accelerating, this is it with the twists and turns. It can bend your mind and throw you into a head storm while Brink tries to solve the puzzles. He has help, of course, which makes it even more exciting.

Trussoni tends to take you deep into the unknown. There was a lot for me to digest about the Japanese ancient culture and mysteries besides the settings with different landscapes. This book was fast paced with some words that weren’t familiar such as “transhumanism.” Thank goodness for Kindle that makes it easy to glance at definitions. It’s a human face which can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations especially by means of science and technology.

I’m sure Trussoni, like Dan Brown’s book, “The Da Vinci Code,” will be getting all kinds of speculations of the meaning with the contents. Will she be keeping up the pace with another puzzle book? If so, I will be anxious to read it. She has put in the time with careful research to make the story as believable as it can be.

My thanks to Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of October 8, 2024.

The Puzzle Box: A Novel is book two in Danielle Trussoni's Puzzle series. Every twelve years, the Imperial Family of Japan invites puzzle masters to Japan to open the Dragon Box Puzzles. In the year of the Wood Dragon, it was time for Mike Brink to try to open the Dragon Box. However, Mike Brink was one of many who wanted to open the box. Will Mike Brink win, or will the twin sisters achieve their aim? The readers of The Puzzle Box will continue to follow Mike Brink to discover what happens.

The Puzzle Box is the second book I have read by Danielle Trussoni, and it continues my engagement with the main character, Mike Brink. I love how Danielle Trussoni includes the puzzles within her plots. I engaged with the story and the characters of this book from the first page. I like Danielle Trussoni's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Puzzle Box is well-written and researched. I like Danielle Trussoni's description of the settings of The Puzzle Box, which complemented the book's plot.

Mike Brink, “The Puzzle Master” (and the name of the first book in what now will be a must-read series for me) returns and is being enticed by the Japanese Imperial family to participate in an exclusive contest. Every twelve years, in the Year of the Dragon, someone is confidentially invited to try to open the imperial “Dragon Puzzle Box,” a 19th century heirloom that holds a tremendous secret of some sort, that reportedly could change the fate of Japan. Not even the current Emperor is aware of its contents. The last two people (and a too curious messenger) who tried to open the box died trying. Mike had heard only legends and rumors of the Dragon Box, but now he’s presented with the ultimate enigma. For Mike, his puzzle solving savancy is like an insatiable hunger — he had been trying via therapy to curb it, but this challenge cannot be ignored. However, the puzzle box maker was quite the sadist, wanting contestants who tried to open the box annihilated.

Trussoni creates a spectacular tableau, steeped in Japanese culture, traditions and myths, as Mike teams up with Sakura, an imperial messenger also with savant abilities but questionable motives, to solve the mystery of the box. There are also returning characters from the first book: Rachel, now his confidante; the influence of the dead cyber villain, Sedge (plus his alive henchman); loyal dachshund Conundrum (Connie); and the ever trustworthy Bic 4 color pen.

You’re rewarded with the thrills and chills of Mike just turning a lever or inserting a tile into a slot — mundane actions that, in this book, could suddenly produce a torturous death. It’s a terrific and intricate plot (although we could have done without the annoying Sedge/Putney again), that will give you the highs and lows that Mike experiences. 5 stars! Please bring him back again!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Few eye colors are described; the puzzle maker’s blindness does play a big role.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But patterns of sunflowers and chrysanthemums are bewitchingly meaningful. Sakura’s name also means “cherry blossom.”

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

I didn't realize that this was a second book in a series so this was my first introduction to Mike Brink. The puzzle concept is very intriguing. I enjoyed the Da Vinci Code esque book for the most part. However, it became a little too 'You are the chosen one. This is your destiny' for me. I also didn't understand the point of Rachel tagging along. She didn't add very much to the quest besides some well timed transportation.

I enjoyed the writing and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni is an exhilarating ride that combines intricate puzzles, historical intrigue, and a race against time. Set in Japan during the Year of the Wood Dragon, the story follows Mike Brink, a neurodivergent puzzle master with an extraordinary talent. Invited to solve the legendary Dragon Box, Brink's adventure takes him across Japan, encountering danger and mystery at every turn.

Trussoni's novel is a masterful blend of suspense, history, and culture. The puzzles are brilliantly crafted, and the backdrop of Japan adds depth and richness to the narrative. The characters are compelling, especially the determined Brink and the two sisters with their own stake in the treasure hunt.

Fast-paced and thrilling, The Puzzle Box is a must-read for fans of adventure and mystery. Trussoni has delivered a novel that is as complex and captivating as the puzzles within it. Highly recommended!