Mike Brink is a puzzle master invited to Japan to open the legendary dragon box. The competition is held every 12 years, in the year of the dragon. Every puzzle master who has attempted to open, the box has died trying. Now this quest will send Brink across Japan, but he needs to be aware that not only are there, booby-traps, and poisons, but there are two sisters, determined to open the box before him.

This fast-paced thriller will leave you wondering about the true motives of those who want to see the box opened.

Why Jackie loves it

Trussoni writes fast-paced, page-turning thrillers that are extremely smart. If you love The Da Vinci Code, you will love this mystery thriller as well. I did not know what was going to happen next but each twist and turn was believable.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni
Rating 3/5 Release date: October 8, 2024

The Puzzle Box is the second in the Puzzle series. Mike Brink a celebrated genius puzzle constructor who is invited Japan to open The Dragon Box Puzzle. The Dagon Box is a nineteenth century puzzle that has remained unsolved for over 150 years. No one who has gone on to solve the Dragon Box has survived. Will Mike Brink be the first to solve this box?

The Puzzle Box is a highly researched book with lots of technological themes, intricate puzzles and Japanese culture. My favorite part of this book was learning about Japan. The author made me feel like I was visiting Japan. The description of the Japanese scenery was so vivid that it made me want to hop on a plane for a visit. One negative of the book is it required a ton of concentration on all the little details to follow the puzzle. All the information thrown at the reader felt a little overwhelming at times. But overall it was enjoyable with lots of action and twists.

Danielle Trussoni’s latest thriller, The Puzzle Box, takes us on a mind-bending ride through modern Japan, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology to make your head spin. It’s a sequel that lives up to its predecessor, “The Puzzle Master,” which I enjoyed, too.

What an exciting ride! "The Puzzle Box" moves from the moment the book begins and doesn’t let up until the very last page. This was my introduction to both author Danielle Trussoni and her Puzzle book series, and I had no idea it was the second book in a series until I was well into it. The best part? You don’t have to read "The Puzzle Master" to dive into "The Puzzle Box"—it stands strong on its own.

The story is quite an adventure. We follow Mike Brink, a man whose unique ability to see puzzles and patterns stems from brain damage he suffered earlier in life. He’s invited to solve the Dragon Box, an ancient and deadly puzzle no one has managed to crack. But as Brink digs deeper, he realizes that the puzzle isn't the only danger lurking around him.

I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves an adventurous story packed with intrigue and mind games. If you enjoy characters with sharp intellects navigating high-stakes mysteries, add "The Puzzle Box" to your reading list right now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another adventure for puzzle master Mike Brink who is invited by the Japanese imperial family to solve the mysterious Dragon Box. However, it's not just the imperial family interested in the contents, but also another faction who wants to use it for their own agenda. Mike and his new ally Sakura must solve the puzzle before the full moon is over. Overall, a fast paced mystery with an engaging history and setting.

Absolutely loved this book! Wonderful complex characters. I love Brink! Inspirational story, very entertaining and informative. This intriguing book will capture you on the very first page and keep you intent on getting to the ending! I could not put it down. This is a real page turner and a must must read!

In the very rare instance where the second is better than the first, this one blew me away!
This book is so mentally simulating and kept me on my toes the entire way through. I had so much fun reading this one. I loved learning about Japanese culture and am looking forward to expanding on my reading with Japanese history! Thank you so much for my copy!

When I requested The Puzzle Box on NetGalley, I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series. After finishing it, I went back to read the first book, but I’m happy to say that even without that context, The Puzzle Box is incredibly easy to dive into. Reading the first book will enhance the experience, but it’s not a requirement to enjoy this one.

As someone who loves puzzles and riddles, I found The Puzzle Box incredibly intriguing. The story was not only engaging with every task Mike Brink tackled, but also in unraveling the deeper mystery behind the Dragon Box and the grand adventure he embarks on. This book offers a perfect mix of action, mystery, culture, and adventure, and I was hooked by the way the Dragon Box itself became such a compelling and mysterious centerpiece of the story. The excitement and intensity surrounding it were palpable.

I also appreciated how the novel kept me questioning every character’s motives, especially as the plot developed. Even near the end, I wasn’t entirely sure who could be trusted, which made the journey even more thrilling. The balance between history and modern technology was masterfully executed, particularly as both elements explored the concept of power and those who seek to keep it for themselves.

The tech-genius villain, who had transferred his soul into a digital cloud-like presence, added an extra layer of fun and suspense. This heightened the sense of being constantly watched, which kept the tension alive throughout the book. It was a great twist that added to the chase and overall adventure, making me never quite sure when the characters were truly safe.

I originally planned to read this book alongside the audiobook and, while I didn’t manage to do that this time, I’m still planning to go back and listen to the audio version because I know it will enhance the experience even more. The Puzzle Box is sure to entertain and captivate a wide range of readers.

I was very excited to get approved for this book because I loved Mike Brink's first story, The Puzzle Master. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same way about this book. In The Puzzle Box, Mike has a dangerous adventure across Japan to solve the Dragon Box. I didn't get sucked in and invested into the story. While I realize opening the Dragon Box had to be conducted in a short amount of time, it made the story feel really rushed. I am not sure how everything could have happened in that short amount of time. I also didn't like Rachel's character being added to the story 3/4 of the way through. I think she should have been there from the beginning or not at all. Overall I did like the story but was expecting a bit more.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni presents an intriguing premise filled with mystery and supernatural elements, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I struggled to engage with the story, ultimately deciding not to finish the book.

From the outset, the concept of a mysterious puzzle box promising to reveal dark secrets is compelling. However, I found the pacing to be slow and the plot meandering, which made it difficult to stay invested. The characters, while richly developed, often felt overshadowed by lengthy descriptions and complex narratives that detracted from the excitement.

Despite Trussoni's lyrical writing style, I found myself bored rather than captivated. The moments of tension were few and far between, leading to a reading experience that felt more like a chore than a thrill.

While The Puzzle Box may resonate with some readers who enjoy deeply layered stories, I personally struggled to find the motivation to continue. I ultimately rated it two stars, as I believe it has potential but did not meet my expectations.

It took me a bit to realize that this book is the second in a series. I went in thinking I'm about to read a stand-alone mystery, only to realize I was starting in the middle. Yet, I was able to follow the story, which is props to the author!!

This book had elements of mystery entwined with so much history, sending the reader on an adventure through ancient Japan and I absolutely loved that. It was a page turner and I breezed through it, very eager to see how it ended and this didn't disappoint!

Puzzles, races against time, and conspiracies are usually my jam. I went in to this book with high hopes. Unfortunately, the character of Mile Brink dashed all those hopes. I just could not connect with him - his character was flat with repetitive dialogue and it completely took away any interest I had in the story. Some may really like this, but it wasn’t for me. Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read and review this book.

This is an interesting series but maybe I'm not smart enough to read them even though I like puzzles and do a few every day. The affliction/miracle of Mike Brink is a bit hard to take at times. This was twisty as usual but after a lot of build up, the ending was very abrupt. Too abrupt for my taste. Still a solid series!

The Puzzle Box comes out next week on October 8, 2024 and you can purchase HERE.

But Cullen was right. There was something about Mike Brink that exhilarated her. He was more than a friend and more than the subject of her work. He inspired her. He made her believe in things that she hadn't believed in for a long time. He made her see that the here and now was awe-inspiring, magnificent. That there was a place in the world for her. He gave her faith. She believed, with all her heart, that Mike Brink had come into her life for a reason. He was her friend and collaborator, the focus of her work. Their relationship was unique, a once-in-a-lifetime connection, and she wanted to protect it from anything that might alter or taint it. Including love.

Thank you PRHAudio for an ALC, and to Netgalley, Random House for an eARC.
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This is such a well crafted story filled with mystery, Japanese history, puzzles and intrigue. I adored Mike Brink, our neurodivergent main character - a puzzle master you will adore! Highly recommend!!

Did not finish at 20%

I have seen many glowing reviews of this book, and I am genuinely sad that it is not for me. I am intrigued by the mystery proposed by the plot, but I am unable to accept the main character's exceptional skills. I know that savantism is a real condition and have known an individual who had a variety of it. However, the type of savantism portrayed in this novel was just completely unbelievable for me. When the main character was able to memorize the Japanese dictionary within half an hour, I knew it was time for me to throw in the towel.

The Puzzle Box is a masterful piece of writing. Mike Brink is a great character who learns as much about himself as he does about the puzzles he solves. I loved this book and watching Mike and Sakura work very well together and I enjoyed their story. A really great read!

The Puzzle Box is an excellent action thriller!! It can be read as a standalone. The premise hooked me immediately. Mike Brink (renowned puzzle master) is invited to Japan to open the old Dragon Box for the Emperor. Everyone who has tried to solve the puzzle before him died in the process. Conundrum (Connie) the dachshund is my number one favorite character, but Brink is a close second. This is a fast-paced and high stakes adventure, but it is also an immersive historical royal mystery and I really enjoyed it!

The Puzzle Box is the second book in "THE PUZZLE" Series and I enjoyed this one as well. Mike gets to go to Japan to open the legendary Dragon Box,which is a puzzle that has been unsolved for a very long time. The Imperial family has held a clandestine contest to open the box every twelve years, in the Year of the Dragon and now that time has come. This box takes a lot to solve in order for it to open but nobody has been successful at getting it open and have died trying. Now it is Mike's chance to try to open this puzzle box but hes not only in on his to try to solve, hes up against two other sisters who think this box can change things.

I thought this was a fun read and I had fun getting to explore the puzzle challenges this book had. I think many will enjoy this one!

As much as I loved the first book in this series, The Puzzle Master, I enjoyed The Puzzle Box maybe even a little bit more. As we get to know Mike Brink and learn about his incredible abilities, the series becomes layered. There really are some series that can be read out of order and enjoyed, but this is one that should be read in the correct order to really understand the backstory. I loved the references to Japanese culture in The Puzzle Box, and the rush to solve it makes this book a rollercoaster ride, of which I loved every single page. No spoilers, but, with this way this one ended, I already need more Mike Brink in my life -- and, of course, Conundrum.

I devoured this book in one day and it ended a nearly two week reading slump, so I’m absolutely declaring it as a must read book.

The protagonist, Mike Brink, has acquired savant syndrome after a traumatic brain injury making him one of the best puzzle masters in the world. He is invited to Japan to attempt to open the legendary Dragon Box. Each previous attempt has ended in the death of the solver, so the stakes are high.

What Mike doesn’t realize, is other factions in Japan are willing to kill for the priceless Imperial secret locked in the Dragon Box, setting off an action packed 24 hours of danger across Japan.

This rip-roaring adventure thriller includes a neurodivergent hero, DaVinci-Code style puzzles, two sisters caught between duty and family legacy, and death hanging over every move. I loved the propulsive pace, the interwoven snippets of the past, the immersive Japanese setting, and the shocking twists!