Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the eARC! This book was incredibly well written, it grabs your attention from the start and it holds it very well. The characters are rounded and have you rooting for them and genuinely caring about what happens. It follows Mike as he goes to Japan to solve a mysterious puzzle and there’s many forms of danger around every turn. The plot was fantastic and an absolute hook till the end. I cannot wait for more from this author!!

These books are so fun! I liked this one more than the first one -- I thought the mystery was easier to follow and there were fewer supernatural elements. I wish the books had more paper/visual puzzles though. Much of this book was reading that Brink moved the puzzles boxes in the right way, which is a little boring to read since we can't see it. This would make a great movie/TV adaptation though. Hope the series continues!

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and author Danielle Trussoni, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for October 8, 2024.

"One must aspire to be as swift as wind, as gentle as a forest, as fierce as fire, as unshakable as a mountain."

I read Danielle Trussoni's The Puzzle Master (which is the first book in the Puzzle series) early in 2023 and loved it. So of course, when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the author's second book in the series The Puzzle Box I jumped and shouted, 'Pick Me'!

One of the highlights for this reader in reading this author's work, is her meticulous research into the subject matter of which she is writing. Her latest offering, The Puzzle Box is set in Japan, where the author lived for two years as a high school English teacher in a village called Yoshii-machi in Fukuoka prefectures in Kyushu, on Japan's southern-most island.

Trussoni's writing is difficult to slot into any one genre. This story, like the first, has elements of mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, science fiction and suspense. But The Puzzle Box also incorporates elements of Japanese culture and historical significance, religion, Japan's imperial family and the Imperial Household Agency. On paper, it sounds like a lot to keep track of, but it really isn't. Although, I would suggest you suspend your disbelief and go with the flow, to maximise your enjoyment.

The story begins - Ise Grand Shrine, Japan, February 23, 2024 - The Year of the Wood Dragon. Every twelve years, (in the Year of the Dragon), the Japanese imperial family invites one master puzzle solver to open the legendary Dragon Box, a mysterious 19th century puzzle box that has remained unsolved for over 150 years. Legend has it that the box has 72 moves before it opens successfully. Compounding this difficulty is the fact that only two people know how to open the box, and both have died without telling a soul what was inside, or how to open it.

Our protagonist, Mike Brink, has a gift for solving puzzles. He has what's called acquired savant syndrome, which is a rare (there are fewer than fifty documented cases of acquired savant syndrome in the world), but real, medical condition in which a normal person acquires extraordinary cognitive abilities after a traumatic brain injury. Brink is blissfully unaware of how much his life will change as a result of a visit by Sakura Nakamoto, who presents him with an opportunity to travel to Japan to solve the puzzle of the legendary Dragon Box. Brinks’ attempt will take him across the breadth of Japan and will see him pit wits against an adversary who is cool, clever, and cunning. I'm loving the growth of Mike Brink as a character and how he is now learning to navigate life with the injuries that have left him with a damaged nervous system, insomnia, and synaesthesia.

The only question left to answer now is, will Mike be able to open the Dragon Box, or will he too die trying?

I have only one bookish quibble, and it's about a returning character - Jameson Sedge. Not wanting to spoil anything for future readers, I'll just say this: his return was a bit far-fetched, even for this reader to believe.

I had fun reading this one and learning about Japanese culture and history, and I have been doing quite a bit of supplementary reading on these subjects which has proved to be very enjoyable. I think both of my children will be getting puzzle boxes in their stockings this Christmas!

With sincere thanks to the author, Danielle Trussoni for the much appreciated arc via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

#ThePuzzleBox #Danielle Trussoni

This time the new enigma takes us to Japan. Through mysteries within mysteries, and in a race against the clock, Brink will test himself and meet enemies known to readers of the previous book as Jameson Sedge and friends who will help him along the way as Sakura.
Only with the first chapter has already managed to enthrall me and have me trapped in the reading without being able to stop and enjoying each page.
Great characters and a backstory with a mythical puzzle box for this action-packed thriller with a touch of science fiction that I'm sure will please fans of the genre.

Every twelve years, in the Year of the Dragon, the Japanese imperial family invites one master puzzle solver to open the legendary Dragon Box, a mysterious 19th century puzzle box that has remained unsolved for over 150 years. The box contains a secret powerful treasure that more than one faction would kill to acquire. The caveat: everyone who has attempted to solve it so far has died trying. The box is boobytrapped in multiple fashions, and if it is opened by force the treasure is destroyed. Our MMC and puzzle solver, Mike Brink, is a neurodivergent genius with acquired Savant Syndrome, an extremely rare condition in which the brain responds to a traumatic injury by spectacularly increasing its cognitive abilities.

This book was so entertaining and thrilling to read; I really enjoyed the scattered graphics of the puzzles throughout! You know a book is good when it sends you down multiple research holes as you read; I kept pausing to look up aspects of Japanese history and legends and read about known cases of Savant Syndrome. This is the second book in a duology (series?) but works very well as a standalone. There were some sci fi elements along with parts of the ending that seemed to go slightly off the rails, but still very much a five star read.

Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for this ARC!

I received The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni as an advanced copy from NetGalley. I could not inhale this book fast enough! This is a sequel to The Puzzle Master (which I also loved), but it can be read as a standalone book. This book is an action packed mystery mixed with some historical fiction. This is a book about a man with a special disability that came on when he was playing football growing up. Now he is well known for his special abilities to solve almost any puzzle. He is taken to Japan to try his hand at a special puzzle box that has not been opened for centuries. Anyone who has tried to open this box has died. Will he be able to open it or will it end in his death?
I would highly recommend. Danielle Trussoni is a wonderful writer and does such a great job at tying in a country’s history and culture to the mystery.

This is the second novel in a series following the character Mike Brink a puzzle savant — there are references to characters from the previous novel but depending on the person one could enjoy this story without the background knowledge but knowing the background was definitely helpful.

I really enjoyed this fast- paced novel full of adventure and packed with a good blend and balance of Japanese culture , history and background interwoven into the story centered around the puzzle Dragon Box — the book has an underlying message of a hopeful wish that Japan will change its views and treatment of women and also change the laws to allow princess Aiko to become Empress. Though there are points where one needs to accept some fantastical situations— it was a fun read and Mike Brink is a great character. Reminiscent of Dan Brown’s novels a tip of your toes thrilling adventure novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC. This is my honest review .

What starts out as an ordinary day for puzzle-genius Mike Brink takes an unexpected turn when he’s presented with the opportunity to solve the legendary Dragon Box in Tokyo, Japan. Thought to contain a great treasure from a turbulent time in the country’s history, the current emperor of Japan is eager to see what lies within the puzzle box. While Brink certainly has an extraordinary mind, so did all the individuals who have attempted the puzzle before – and they all died trying.

But the imperial family is not the only party interested in the box’s contents. Two sisters with their own family legacy at stake find themselves at odds in the fight to control the treasure. Brink will traverse Japan with his wits and allies to assist him, but will he have what it takes to outwit the tricks, traps, poisons, and other deadly surprises that he encounters?

This story starts out strong and doesn’t slow down. In addition to the puzzle elements, I really enjoyed learning more about Japanese culture and history. This is an excellent follow-up to the author’s first book in the series (The Puzzle Master). While there are some references to the first book, a reader could enjoy this one all on its own without any problem. Fast-paced and exciting, this book will have you flipping through the pages to find out what’s next!

A suspense filled story that had me guessing what was going to happen next through out the whole book. A book that reminded me why I love thrillers so much and of the Robert Langdon series. I did read this before knowing about the first book, which I now need to get. I loved the Initial D reference (it’s a favorite anime of mine). I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read this; it gave me a look into a culture I’m not familiar with and I enjoyed learning about it.

STAND UP AND GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE for this one. Truly such an awesome story packed with rich history, interesting plot twists, and a race against time to solve what could be the most complex (and most important) puzzle of all time.

This book could have been gimmicky with a premise of “finding a secret treasure” but let me tell you it wasn’t like that at all. I learned SO much about the history of Japan, Japanese culture, and the art of puzzle-creation in this book! Double win that it was informative and enjoyable.

I highly recommend you grab this book when it is released - it’s sure to become popular!

Thank you NetGalley for a pre-release of The Puzzle Box.

Wow! This is the BEST book I’ve read in a long time. In fact, this book leaves The Da Vinci Code in the dust. In book 2 of this series, the puzzle master faces the most complex and dangerous puzzle known to man. This puzzle box fights back. Does he survive? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Note: It’s helpful to read book 1 before reading The Puzzle Box. Otherwise some of the characters, plot line, and book 1 references won’t make sense to you.

Highly enjoyed the 2nd Mike Brink book and would love to hear a 3rd is on its way!
Intriguing settings, multi-narrative, while seamlessly conveying the reader though an interesting and witty perspective to solve much more than a Dragon Puzzle box. Very interesting and creative series and I enjoyed how this book played off the first one.

As expected, Danielle does it again. This book not only has beautifully written character who truly show a human depth, but also an enjoyable plot with twists and turns. Not only is the story engaging, it keeps you thinking and truly invested in the characters. I highly recommend!

Mike Brink has savant syndrome, resulting from a traumatic brain injury when he was a football player. Following the accident, he starts to develop an affinity for puzzles – the “impossible,” the better. It becomes a bit of a problem when he is invited to attempt the most complex, most deadly puzzle of all time – The Dragon Box. His desire, chasing the high from solving intense puzzles, ultimately prevents him from declining such a challenge.

The Puzzle Box is technically the second book in a series, however it does constantly reference events in the previous book to allow standalone readability (*I have not read the first book). The plot references real historical figures, events, and objects, which sparked a further interest in supplementary reading to see how much of the information falls in line in a “historically accurate” way. Despite the mystery and thriller narratives, we do see more thought-provoking, borderline heartfelt philosophy along the way as well.

The writing style is fast-paced, yet it maintains that air of suspense. Certain parts of the book have illustrations, mostly to visualize the puzzles and patterns the characters encounter. The book introduces a lot of Japanese words and an explanation provided by the characters regarding the terminology and its significance to their current situation. However, in relation to the previous book’s events, it lacks a bit of show and tell which can make the book feel a bit “info dump-y” in some areas.

Character-wise, a number of names are tossed around; some characters appear once to contribute to Mike Brink’s seemingly-impossible goal. Others only exist in memories. The main focus overall points towards the recurring characters of Brink, Sakura, and Sedge. The array is still a diverse line-up, but I found that a lot of the characters aren’t as memorable, despite their contributions to the movement of the story.

Mike Brink is the primary narrator, so we often see glimpses of his thought process. Other characters are given specific chapters to narrate, allowing the readers to stay in-the-know of how the plot is progressing where Mike Brink is absent. Seeing glimpses of the “antagonist’s” point of view or inner thoughts can disrupt the mystery or the suspense at times. Being in the dark, however, tends to be better for this genre.

Overall, I would recommend this to puzzle enthusiasts. Bonus points if you’re into Japanese history. You might also benefit from reading the first book prior to diving into the second book. Despite the few “obstacles” here and there, I still enjoyed rifling through the pages in a bid to uncover all the answers to questions we encountered along the way. Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the copy!

In "The Puzzle Box," Danielle Trussoni seamlessly blends the allure of ancient mysteries with the adrenaline of a modern-day thriller, creating a reading experience like no other. She also skillfully crafts a sequel that not only lives up to the excitement of her debut novel, "The Puzzle Master," but also stands tall on its own. While familiarity with the first book enriches the experience, Trussoni ensures that newcomers won't feel lost in this high-octane adventure.

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.

Central to the story is the main character, Mike Brink, whose journey is both thrilling and deeply human. Trussoni deftly avoids the pitfall of turning Brink's disability into a mere plot device, instead imbuing his character with authenticity and nuance. He is moving dangerously close, however, to the trope of the "magical" character whose disabilities are framed as superpowers—so caution should be taken in sequels.

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.

One thing that makes this book unique are the intricate puzzles steeped in Japanese history, offering readers a fresh and captivating point of view. These puzzles not only drive the plot forward but also serve as windows into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

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. Whether you're a fan of thrillers, sci-fi, or cultural exploration, this book offers something for everyone. With its engaging plot, likable characters, imaginative villains, and immersive setting, "The Puzzle Box" is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping literary adventure.

Thank you to Random House for providing me with an advance reader copy for review.

Mike Brink’s quest to open The Dragon Box launches him on a breakneck adventure across Japan, from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the pristine forests of Hakone to historic Kyoto to an ancient cave in Kyushu. In the process, he discovers the power of Meiji’s hidden treasure, and– more crucially– the true nature of his extraordinary talent.

The description enticed me to read this book. I enjoyed the book, was kept engaged for the most part. I would recommend reading.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this advanced readers copy. I loved the first book in this series so when I saw the sequel I was super happy to get it. This was a really fun ride. I didn't love it as much as the first, but main character, genius puzzle solver, Mike Brink, is back with another unsolvable puzzle that only HE can possibly talker. This time he must go to Tokyo, Japan, and it's a wooden puzzle box. Will he solve the puzzle and live to tell the tale? The history of the puzzle box added to the suspense of the story.

I was unaware that this was a sequel until I finished it, however I found it works just fine as a standalone and wasn't confused at any point in the story. I'm a history nerd and I'm fascinated by Japanese culture, so I loved that this novel felt like a journey across Japan. I adore a good puzzle and found myself stopping to try to solve every one alongside him. The plot was engaging and kept me on my toes, however, the danger never really felt eminent because the characters found their way out of every sketchy predicament so easily. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing though because it translated to a fairly stress-free reading experience. It may just be a result of not having read the first Mike Brink novel, but I didn't feel as if I ever truly got to know the characters and as a result, I didn't develop strong feelings towards them and it wouldn't have crushed me if any of them were to meet their demise. All in all, this was a fun book that I would recommend!

The Puzzle Box continues the story of Mike Brink, who has Acquired Savant Syndrome after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Once again, Danielle Trussoni does not disappoint: I was hooked from page one. My only criticism is that I have to pause reading to do a little side research. Her books are always so fascinating and packed with topics I know nothing about: Japanese history, puzzle boxes, the Onna-Bugeisha! Thanks to @NetGalley for the advance copy and @DanielleTrussoni for her imagination, creativity and mad writing skills. I can't wait to buy the hardcover and share with friends.
Kathyann

Just as with The Puzzle Master, I enjoyed The Puzzle Box immensely! Ms. Trussoni in my opinion, is the female Dan Brown of the 21st century. Her stories centered around Mike Brink and his puzzle solving super power take us on journeys around that world that leave you simply breathless. The story is so immersive that you feel the myriad of emotions that Mike experiences as he encounters situation after situation, clue after clue. This is turn starts the movie in your mind that as mentioned earlier, is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code..

The story this time centers on Asian folklore and culture whereas the first book, The Puzzle Master centered on Judaism. Each story provides the reader with an in-depth exploration and explanation that is the framework of both understanding and intrigue. This aspect of book writing is one that is not easily nor readily done by other authors, and is Ms. Trussoni’s niche that puts her in a class all her own.

I eagerly anticipated reading this novel and was richly rewarded with another great storyline. This firmly entrenches Ms. Trussoni as an auto-buy author for me from here on out. KUDOS!