If you are a fan of puzzles and mystery or life and death stakes games give this a read! I went into this story blind and had a fun time reading so I would recommend you do the same!

Our main character Mike has an extraordinary skill set. After experiencing a brain injury at a younger age he has since been able to see the universe in a completely different way.. he can see patterns and correlations and solve the hardest of puzzles and equations without breaking a sweat.

When he is personally invited to solve the world’s hardest, most deadliest puzzle .. The infamous Dragon box.. he finds it impossible to say no. Everyone who has tried before him has failed and lost their life in the process. There is a lot more at stake than first meets the eye and he is in for a journey of self discovery as he takes on the worlds hardest challenge.

There is lots of suspense and tension throughout so get some good snacks and be prepared to settle in for the ride!

Thank you to Danielle Trussoni and Random House publishing for the EARC!

An extra special thank you to Danielle for joining us in our book club meeting and telling us all about the inspiration behind the story, her writing process and what we may potentially see in the next book instalment! It was SO fun talking with you and getting to know you!

Only one person can solve the mystery of the Dragon Box, and that person is Mike Brink.

If you read Danielle Trussoni's previous novel The Puzzle Master, then you'll know who Brink is. If you didn't read it, like me, don't worry. The Puzzle Box (Random House) does a good job of introducing Brink's backstory so you don't feel like you're missing out. I received a free e-ARC to review.

This story takes Brink from New York to Japan where he is tasked with opening the revered and mysterious Dragon Box. There's a secret inside this box that can only be opened under certain circumstances. But it's not only the Emperor and Empress who want the secret revealed. There's another group looking to steal the secret for themselves.

This was a fast-paced story that did include images of the puzzles that Brink had to solve. So if you wanted to, you could potentially try to solve them yourself before moving on with the story. (I did not try!)

If you're a fan of puzzles and stories such as The Da Vinci Code, then you'll enjoy reading about the history of Japan and rooting for Brink to solve all the different puzzles.

3.5 stars

🔍 From the very first chapter, this mystery thriller had me hooked! The writing is so captivating that it’s impossible to put down! ✨

The story follows Mike Brink, a genius puzzle master 🧩, as he unravels the mystery behind a 150-year-old ancient box, created for the Emperor of Japan. The twist? This box can only be solved once every 12 years, during the Year of the Dragon 🐉... and those who have tried before? They never returned. 😬

But Mike’s mind works differently than anyone else’s. So the real question is: can he solve the impossible? 🤯

In this action-packed mystery, you'll be surprised at every turn! While it's a standalone, part of an interconnected series, I do wish I had read The Puzzle Master first to know more about Mike's fascinating background. That said, this book stands well on its own, and I really enjoyed it—though it’s not my usual pick! 📖✨

Wow! This is such a well-researched and entertaining read! It is the second in a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I was fascinated by the mind and abilities of the main character Mike Brink and learned so much about Japanese history and tradition. I was on the edge of my seat with tension as the characters race through the gorgeous landscape of Japan. Highly recommend!

Rating 5⭐️

Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC and MB Communications & Random House, #partner, for the advanced copy of The Puzzle Box in exchange for my honest review.

Last year, I picked up a copy of The Puzzle Master after seeing rave reviews for it and I fell in love with not only the concept of the plot but also with the main character, Mike Brink. I wanted more and was so happy when I heard another Puzzle book was coming out and dare I say this second book was even better!

While you can absolutely read The Puzzle Box as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the previous book to really get a feel for who Mike Brink is. Yes, the author does give just enough backstory in this latest book to get you up to speed, but I feel you will have a much better picture of just who he is and why he is the right man for this quest if you do read The Puzzle Master.

Now…let’s talk about this new one. I think one of the main reasons I loved this one more is because of the puzzle itself – it just appealed to me more. The idea of a centuries old puzzle box that has remained unsolved for over 150 years and those who have tried ended up dead? Tell me more! Plus, there is the Japanese culture and even bits of history that are woven into the story. So many rich descriptions of places, royalty and even the food!

This is an action-packed, high stakes read that is full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. I also loved that it reads very visually. I felt that I was able to see very clearly what was happening as I was reading this one, that’s how vivid the writing was.

I hope this is not the last we’ve seen of Mike Brink and his amazing puzzle-solving ability!


Audio thoughts: I paired the audio with the print when I saw that Edoardo Ballerini was narrating this one. He did an amazing job with the voices, making for an excellent listening experience. Having the print book on hand allowed me to see the puzzles when they were drawn into the book.

The Puzzle Box is the most delightful mix of ancient mystery, modern day action and endless adventure, making this one of the most fun reads of the season.

@danielletrussoni is really nailing it with this series. Mike Brink is a fantastically flawed lead character, whose quest to solve the 150 year old puzzle without being killed in the process, is just so fun to read.

This might be one of the most atmospheric stories I’ve read this year and I absolutely loved the incredible detail which transports you right into the heart of Japan. The high octane adventure is perfectly paced and I flew through this book in one afternoon, just so I could see if Mike would come out on top.

No spoilers, but this is one of the best mystery thriller adventure series going right now, and if you haven’t jumped on board, now’s your chance. You won’t regret it.

Many thanks to @mbc_books for inviting me on this tour and @danielletrussoni I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!

I must start by saying that this author is now firmly entrenched on my favorite author’s list! I loved “The Puzzle Master” (the first book in the Puzzle series) and I loved “The Puzzle Box” even more!

This book is complex and compelling, focused and fascinating, and anxiety-inducing to the max! I absolutely loved the intricate puzzle boxes and how the main character, Mike Brink, handles them. These aren’t simple puzzles, but rather life or death situations and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book! The tension and intrigue were intense!

I especially loved the setting! Japan wasn’t just the location, but rather a character itself. I was completely immersed in its history and lore, and I loved how everything was connected to the present. Having been to Japan myself, the author’s detailed descriptions made me feel like I was on a return trip!

This story had a very satisfying conclusion with just enough left unresolved to hopefully mean we will get another puzzle book very soon! I’m 100% ready for many more Mike Brink adventures!

Oh, I can’t forget that cover ! It is absolutely, positively exceptional!

This is an immersive, exciting, and anxiety-inducing thrill ride! I’m totally fangirling here, but I absolutely loved the book! If you enjoy puzzles, mystery, history, intrigue, and suspense, then you should ABSOLUTELY read this book!

Thank you @netgalley, @randomhouse, and Danielle Trussoni for sending me an eARC and a final hardcover of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book is written in the vein of Dan Brown books, and I loved it. It was more personal, with a mystery and conspiracy that is bigger and more interesting. Seeping with history and historical secrets. The ending kind of felt a bit of unticlamatic, but still a good wrap up. Cannot wait for more of Brink and his adventures.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for my review copy.

If you want a book that is action packed, suspenseful, filled with puzzles and some historical fiction elements, this is your book. I loved the storyline and the characters so much. This one took me on a ride. I wasn’t expecting the AI elements but I enjoyed them, and it also terrified me!

I have never read a historical thriller, so this was new to me. But the Japanese culture was explained so well and the details of this book were insane. I really don’t know how I could picture a puzzle box and each step Mike was making. Danielle Trussoni has a true gift of description.

I started this one as an ARC on my kindle and transition over to audio. I highly, highly recommend the audio. Edoardo Ballerini narrates this one and he does a fantastic job. I was sucked in! He is one of my favorite male narrators.

What I loved about the book was its adventurous spirit, fast pace and of course the setting: Japan! Mike Brink suffers from synesthesia and has perfect recall which gives him super powers! He is known as a puzzle master and is the only person capable of opening a sinister Japanese puzzle box. I loved Mike's character and definitely want to read book one, The Puzzle Master, to learn more about him.

The story is very intense and is a whirlwind of action. The puzzle box was created by a master with twisted mind, and the box itself is a sadistic enigma. Even with Mike's astounding abilities, it's a contest of mind against the ancient puzzle. The side story adds a modern twist to the novel where AI villain is also interested in obtaining the contents of the box, adding another battle for the MCs: humans against cutting-edge technology.

This was a clever and intriguing read that carries an important message: finding a path to contentment. The audiobook was well-narrated and I would definitely recommend reading The Puzzle Master first to understand the characters better.

"Rehearse your death every morning and night. Only when you live as though already dead will you find freedom."

The Puzzle Box was one of the most intelligent, best-researched books I've read this year. Several stories are running through the story. The first is Mike Brink, who has acquired savant syndrome, the result of a sports injury that left him with amazing thought processes that enable him to see the solution to a puzzle in his mind. He constantly seeks harder puzzles to solve, needing the challenge to quiet his mind. The second: the current-day Emperor of Japan has summoned Mike to Tokyo, where his challenge, should he accept it, is to open a puzzle box that has stymied (and killed, through boobytraps and poisons) all of the puzzle masters who have tried open it over the past 150 years. The third story is the history of the Puzzle Box, its significance to society at large, and the people who will do anything to own what's inside.

Although the author acknowledges the real puzzle masters who constructed the puzzles that appear it in the book, it's unclear whether they were built to her specifications or she built her story around actual puzzles. Either way, I was mesmerized by her ability to bring together the layers of her imagined Puzzle Box and weave it around a complex cultural history. Even though I read this before reading The Puzzle Master, I was able to read it as a standalone.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this very satisfying advance reader's copy.

Yep! I absolutely ADORED this second part of The Puzzle Master series!

I wish I had more time to read, because this would have been read in one or two sittings. It was so hard to put down!!

The first book in the series was great, but the AI stuff at the end confused me. This book makes more sense of that and now I am completely invested in this story!!

I love the way Mike Brink’s mind works, and I love that his relationship with Rachel is not mere romance, but a solid friendship and partnership.

As always, the puzzles were brilliant and brilliantly solved!

I love that this is an action-packed, suspenseful, and exciting series and I hope it continues!!

After suffering a traumatic brain injury as a teenager, Mike Brink's brain rewired itself and the result was acquired savant syndrome, giving him remarkable insights into patterns and puzzles. Having made a name for himself as a puzzle master, it is no surprise when he receives an invitation to a competition to solve, arguably, the world's most difficult puzzle box, the Dragon Box, which was created in 1868 to hide a treasure belonging to the Japanese Imperial family. The Dragon Box, full of booby traps and misdirection, can only be solved during the first full moon of the Year of the Dragon. The competition is held in secret, and in 150 years, everyone who has tried to open the box has died trying. Will Brink succeed, not only in opening the box but also in discovering the secret behind it and keeping the treasure from falling into the wrong hands? The story is full of action and suspense, the story line is interesting and unique, and the characters are multidimensional. If you haven't read the first book in the series, you will still enjoy this one but since some of the outcome of the first book are mentioned and it gives a more complete backstory, I recommend starting with The Puzzle Master before moving on to The Puzzle Box.

This book is puzzles within a puzzle and mysteries within a mystery tied together by elements from the past. I love this type of novel that challenges me and also teaches me while entertaining me. It condenses my favorite hobbies into one activity allowing me multitask and get an amazing amount of brain stimulation and relaxation at the same time. Perfect for my ADHD brain and I adore the glimpses into Mike's genius resulting from a traumatic brain injury. The plot is immersive, the pace is fast, and the characters delightful. Danielle Trussoni has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors with this fantastic adventure.

I found the subject of Acquired Savant Syndrome, Japanese culture & the history /solving of the most mysterious & challenging puzzle box (The Dragon Puzzle Box) in the world absolutely fascinating. If you love atmosphere, adventure, suspense, technology and a bit of sci-fi mixed in, you will love this novel.

This can be read as a standalone, I don’t feel like I may have missed much, except maybe more background on the main character, however I will go back & read the first in the series THE PUZZLE MASTER.

On a side note, I loved the references to Hello Kitty, which has been my favorite character since I was a kid & still is.

Favorite Lines:
“Too strong, and you will be challenged. Too kind, and you will be exploited.”
“There is no accounting for how memories drift in the ocean of the mind, or why a particular memory surfaces at a certain moment in time.”
“Move fast and break stuff.”

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House & Danielle for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Majorly disappointed in my feelings on this one, seeing as I really thought the first book in this series was special. I found the history very intriguing in the first book but feel that it served to majorly bog down this story. There was a noticeable lack of character moments here and while the puzzles were fun and engaging to an extent, they could not carry this story for me. I was also not a fan of the other POV chapters. All around really struggled with this one. Not sure if it is just something on my end or the story just didn’t succeed.

was ecstatic when @danielletrussoni reached out about her novel. I'm absolutely fascinated by mechanical puzzles and puzzle boxes (despite being really bad at them). A novel about someone who is amazing at solving puzzles, solving a puzzle could have been a short and dull one but Trussoni managed to add so much adventure and intrigue to it and made it an absolute heart-pounding adventure. It’s also clear that Trussoni took great care in the research and has the highest respect and love for the culture.

Similar to her previous Brink novel, The Puzzle Master, there are also a lot of intriguing characters and histories that we get to explore along with Brink. While the novel is a part of a series, I think this one can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.

Our main character, Mike Brink, has savant syndrome. And it has made him a puzzle master on a different level. So when he’s approached with an invitation to solve the legendary Dragon Box, he has no choice but to get on a plane to Japan. Once Mike is on Japanese soil the adventure begins. The stakes are upped when solving the box can only be attempted once every twelve years. Mike is in a race against time, but there is more than the imperial family after the treasure inside. And the last people who tried to open the box never made it home.

I thought the weaving of Japanese history and culture was done so well. There were aspects to the story that required a lot of information explained. Not once did it feel like info dumping or like I was being taught. All the details I needed were weaved into the story in ways that made sense. I didn’t realize going into this that Mike had a book before, but I will definitely be going back to read it! This was such a well paced thriller. The action, adventure, and danger were built up and I had so fun!


Thank you to Danielle Trussoni, Random House, and MB Communications for the arc. All opinions are my own.

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. These are read-alone books, but reading book one gives insight into the protagonist and his backstory.
Every twelve years, in the Year of the Dragon, the Imperial family holds a clandestine contest to open the Dragon Box. It is devilishly difficult, filled with tricks, booby traps, poisons, and mind-bending twists. Every puzzle master who has attempted to open it has died in the process. The current Emperor has hired Mike Brink to open the box. Brink navigating a maze of clues, realizes that there are powerful forces at work that he cannot escape. It is an addictive thriller in which humankind, technology, and the future of the universe itself are at stake.
Trussoni doesn’t just give us a thriller – she serves up a history lesson with a side of cultural immersion that’ll make you feel like you’ve lived in Japan your whole life. The Dragon Box is a window into Japan’s soul, created during a time when the country was turning itself inside out.
In the Dragon Box itself, every move could trigger a trap, every solution could lead to more questions. It’s maddening, it’s exhilarating, and it’ll make you look at every puzzle you encounter from now on with a mix of excitement and terror.
Trussoni crafts intricate, multi-layered challenges throughout the story, which are as beautiful as they are deadly. You’ll find yourself trying to solve them right alongside Mike, and it is so much fun and an absorbing read.
Who Should Read This?
• Puzzle enthusiasts who like their brainteasers with a side of mortal peril
• Thriller fans looking for something fresh and mind-bending
• Anyone fascinated by Japanese culture and history
• Readers who enjoy characters with extraordinary abilities facing extraordinary challenges

The Puzzle Master was fun twisty and entertaining. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first book The Puzzle Master, they are both well-written and engaging. I gave this book 4 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of this smart, intriguing thriller by Danielle Trussoni, the second book in this series, following The Puzzle Master. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Mike Brink had a traumatic head injury and then developed a rare condition known as Acquired Savant Syndrome. This condition allows him mental superpowers - he can solve puzzles, memorize information, that mere mortals cannot. He has now been tapped to open the Dragon Box for the Japanese Emperor. This box has remained unopened for 150 years. It's not only impossible to open, but has proven deadly to all who have tried.

While you could enjoy this one as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading The Puzzle Master first so that you can an introduction to Mike and his superpowers. This book is fascinating and not only incorporates Mike's puzzle-solving abilities, but Japanese history and culture, as well as a scary AI presence that will definitely have you rethinking your online status! Mike has Sakura has his guide to the puzzle, and her family issues are complex and still present. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book - a wonderful series!