Setting this aside at 39%. All of the characters seem like cardboard cutouts and I don't care about the storyline. The only character that is at all interesting is the dog.

A propulsive immersive read that hurtles Mike Brink and Sakura through Japan and Japanese history in a quest to open the Dragon Box for the Emperor. I missed the first book but this read just fine as a standalone. I gave up on trying to solve the various puzzles early on and to be honest, I couldn't visualize the all important and deadly box but that didn't matter because I was all in. Mike's puzzle solving skills are tested mightily even as he must cope with the loss of a friend and a bit of confusion about who to trust. Sakura and her sister Ume are terrific. The scary part is Sedge who is definitely a cautionary tale about, among other things, AI. You'll learn a bit about Japan, Japanese history, and tales in this atmospheric and engaging tale. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers- it's a page turner that surprised me.

If you're looking for a fast-moving thriller that expands on Japanese culture and the life of someone with savant syndrome, The Puzzle Box is for you!

Mike Brink is visited by someone with a puzzle box that functions as an invitation to try to solve the legendary Japanese Dragon Box. He finds himself pitted against two sisters, who are part of a samurai clan, that want to solve it possibly more than him. As he crosses Japan solving the puzzle, he races to find the treasure within the box, and a better understanding of himself.

I find Mike Brink so endearing, and love seeing how he unraveled The Dragon Box. I also enjoyed the rotating POVs and insight into Japanese traditions. Fans of adventurous thrillers will love this one!

When I started this book, I didn’t realize that it was the second in a series. Even though I wish I’d read the first installment first, I feel like The Puzzle Box can definitely be a stand-alone. Meet Mike Brink, the main character, who has acquired savant syndrome after an accident and is now a competitive and professional puzzle master. When he has the chance to travel to Japan to enter the contest of solving the Dragon Box puzzle, the most difficult and dangerous puzzle in the world, he can’t resist. The contest is only held every 12 years in the Year of the Dragon and all competitors so far have died trying. The 150 year-old box is said to hold a powerful secret that the imperial family is determined to secure for themselves. Will Mike be the one to crack the puzzle? Accompanied by his dachshund, Connie, his task takes him all over Japan.
When you think about puzzles, you don’t necessarily think about suspenseful thrillers. Yet this book is just that. It had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. I loved that the author wove in so much of Japan’s history and folklore. I loved the writing style and I loved how the characters developed. I am determined to read the first book of this series and hope that there will soon be another installment with Mike Brink, his BFF Rachel and his dachshund, Connie.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, the Random House Publishing and the author, Danielle Trussoni, for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly enjoyed it, and the above is my honest review and own opinion. The book releases on October 8, 2024.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni brings master puzzle solver Mike Brink to one of his toughest tasks yet- opening the famed Dragon Box in Japan. This book takes readers in a whirlwind of travel throughout Japan and many of its ancient customs and traditions. I have enjoyed both of the Mike Brink books and hope there is another to continue one of the storylines from this book!

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni was a fun and compelling story.
This was such an interesting take on a mystery.
The Puzzle Box is a well- written mystery, with an interesting plot, that leads the reader through ancient history and folklore.

This book was a WILD ride! It's a really unique story;
I've never read anything like it. It reads like a movie and I would TOTALLY watch this movie. I didn't see any of the twists and turns coming, and I loved solving the puzzles right next to Mike Brink. Sakura was a favorite character of mine; seeing the story unfold and learning how she fit into the mysteries was heartbreaking sometimes. The only thing I wish had been different was I wish Rachel had been in the story more! She was great when she was there and would have been such a help. Also, I love Connie.
She's the best doggo. Read this book if you want action, mystery, puzzles within puzzles, family drama, scary Al, and found family!

Mike Brink is a renowned solver of puzzles. One day, he is followed home by someone, who provides him with an invitation to solve one of the most ancient and difficult puzzles ever, the Dragon Box. The catch? No one who has gone to solve the Dragon Box puzzle has ever returned alive.

The book goes back and forth between chapters telling of Brink and Sakura as they travel to Japan and Brink attempts to open the box and chapters telling of a character named Ume, with more characters thrown in later on.

This story was chock full of intricate puzzles and even a little bit of action. You can tell that so much research and thought was put into every detail of this book and that is something that I appreciate. Even though the story wasn't super exciting, it still held my attention really well. Another note, is that the ending seemed a bit lackluster to me. I think I was expecting a way more dramatic ending to counteract the rest of the story.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed the way this thriller combines history with new age technology. I think the uniqueness of Brink’s character was so intriguing. he is impressively smart while still being personable. Rachel and Sakura were wonderful additions to the story as well. This was adventure mixed with a bit of danger and for that I loved it. It takes the reader on a journey around the world from New York to Japan. It had some cultish moments while having the fun of puzzles thrown in. It also taught Brink and readers a valuable lesson at the end which was nice.

Danielle Trussoni is one of those authors I wish everyone would read. Years ago, I picked up a book called The Ancestor, solely because I loved the cover and the creepy vibes it gave me. It was so creative and dark, but also beautiful and mysterious, and I knew I had instantly found a new favorite author!

The Puzzle Box releases this Tuesday and I promise you, just like the Puzzle Master it will thrust you back into a puzzling mystery and confound you to the very last page. Mike Brink, the world’s greatest puzzle master has returned and this time, he must find the key to opening a dangerous imperial treasure box in 24 hours. A box created by a sadistic genius of a puzzle maker so difficult to open - filled with deadly booby traps at every turn - that anyone who has attempted to open it, has died trying. ⁣
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Enthralling and full of nail-biting suspense and thrilling pacing, it’s a puzzle lovers dream reading this book. I felt like I was mimicking every move side by side Mike, traveling through the bustling streets and lush forests of Japan, and solving a legendary mystery with shady characters chasing him down at every turn. Will Mike survive opening the box? And what could possibly be inside that needs to be so greatly protected?⁣
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Brimming with riveting adventure, compelling history, and an exceptionally crafted mystery, it’s a sensational read that I cannot recommend enough!

A solid follow up to The Puzzle Master. The pace is relentless in this as Brink and those he's working with race to solve a dangerous puzzle, and with a replenishing supply of puzzles to solve along the way, I was invested early on. I can't imagine, based on this book, that it's the last readers will see of Mike Brink, and I think that's a good thing.

This was such a fun book! I loved the puzzle-solving trope, which feels reminiscent of Indiana Jones, Davinci Code, and National Treasure. While some aspects of the details of our neurodivergent protagonist were absolutely fascinating, I found that sometimes his inner dialogue could get lengthy. I enjoyed seeing the multiple POVs of the main characters of the story and that you didn't necessarily need to read the first book in order to be able to read this book.

I would have also liked to have seen a little more description of the processes of these puzzles being solved but I think that also adds to the mystique of the main characters incredibly instinctual ability to solve any conundrum (IYKYK).

First off, thank you NetGalley, Danielle Trussoni and Random House for this eARC.

Wow! This book was non stop! I was a little worried that I would miss some things because I didn’t read the first book, but this can absolutely be read as a standalone. This book follows Mike Brink, the puzzle master, as he travels to Japan solve the mysteries Dragon Puzzle. A puzzle that could literally kill you!

There were so many twists and turns to where this book was ultimately a puzzle, but in such a good way. The writing was fantastic, and I loved the dive Japanese history & culture. The plot and characters were so well developed and the books moved a quick pace, but it was still easy to follow. What a great read!

THE PUZZLE BOX, the second installment in Danielle Trussoni's "Puzzle" series, continues the adventures of Mike Brink, the world's greatest puzzle master. While this novel is marketed as a standalone, it relies heavily on the foundation laid by its predecessor, THE PUZZLE MASTER. New readers might feel left a bit adrift, especially in the latter half, making it less effective as an independent story. If you haven't read THE PUZZLE MASTER, you're likely to miss out on key developments and the deeper intrigue that made the first book superior.

One of the highlights of the novel is the deep dive into the world of Japanese puzzle boxes. These intricate devices, filled with secret compartments and diversionary tactics, were fascinating. Readers may find themselves wanting to learn more about these real-life artifacts, like I did and end up falling into a rabbit hole researching them further..and perhaps purchasing one. Or two.

While Mike Brink was a compelling character in the first book, he falls a bit flat in this one. The mystery and suspense around his puzzle-solving ability felt underwhelming. Despite his status as "The Puzzle Master," the solving of the Dragon Box felt too easy, with more time spent on logistics than on actual puzzles. His dachshund, Conundrum (Connie), provided some charm and relief, often outshining the human characters in terms of likability. (Spoken like a true dog mom, right?)

Ogawa, the sadistic constructor of the Dragon Box, was a character you could respect for his craft—albeit grudgingly. The secret to solving the box lay in understanding his twisted nature, and this added some depth to the otherwise straightforward puzzle.

The setting was immersive enough, with readers taken on a whirlwind tour of Japan, from Tokyo to Hakone's forests and ancient caves in Kyushu. The descriptions were decent but lacked the vivid detail that would truly bring these locations to life.

A notable flaw was the repetitiveness in the first quarter of the book, especially with the constant reiteration of Mike’s acquired savant syndrome. This detail was explained three or four times, unnecessarily dragging down the narrative's pacing.

Given the emphasis on the Dragon Box's complexity, the actual puzzles themselves felt lackluster. There was a lot of buildup, but when Mike began solving it, the danger and complexity felt muted. It shifted into more of a treasure hunt around Japan rather than the intense puzzle-solving that made the first book stand out.

Toward the latter half of the book, a subplot emerges that seems to set up the next installment in the series. Unfortunately, this plotline felt out of the author's depth and lacked the finesse to be fully engaging. It would have been better to leave it as a chilling mystery, rather than forcing it as a setup for future books.

While THE PUZZLE BOX has its moments of intrigue, particularly with the Japanese puzzle boxes and historical context, it ultimately falls short compared to its predecessor, THE PUZZLE MASTER. The lackluster puzzles, repetitive writing, and predictable treasure-hunt style plot detract from the potential of this mystery thriller. For those who enjoyed the first book, this installment might still be worth a read, but it’s unlikely to leave you as captivated. I don't plan to continue with the series unless the next book offers something drastically different.

A puzzle that kills if not solved correctly. A brilliant premise that held my interest throughout the book. I loved the setting in Japan and you can tell the author knows the area, which brought an authentic feel to the read. While the plot is detailed, the story is never boring. I did not read the first book in this series (yet!), but had no problem following! I highly recommend for mystery and suspense readers!

Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Puzzle Box.

I read the first book in the series and I liked certain parts of it, but I didn't love it.

I was eager to give the sequel a try and pleased my request was approved.

What I did love:

I love Japan. All things Japan, the culture, the history, the food, all of it was great fun to read.

I liked the enigmatic puzzle box and how its related to the Japanese Imperial family.

I also liked the character of the blind, masterful creator of the puzzle box. A puzzle that kills the person if it's not accurately solved?

Is this puzzle master the Japanese version of Jigsaw from the Saw horror movie series?

What I didn't love:

I'm still not a fan of Mike Brink. I don't dislike him. He just reads like a character the author is trying too hard to make mysterious and interesting.

There's too much telling; so much exposition is crammed into each chapter when a new character appears.

Rachel's inclusion seemed arbitrary since she doesn't show up until nearly the end of Mike and Sakura's quest.

But I think the author included her so Mike had a good friend by his side when he finally solved the puzzle.

Mike's quest is urgent and fast paced yet the narrative feels slow and heavy.

I feel this is partly due to the inclusion of Ume's chapters and the return of the tech billionaire's henchman, as well as the wordy exposition.

I really like the premise of this series, but I'm nowhere near as smart as Mike Brink or a huge fan of puzzles to appreciate the intricacy and ingenuity of the puzzles.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni captivated me with its intriguing blend of psychological thriller and gothic horror. Trussoni's evocative writing pulled me into a dark world filled with mystery and unsettling secrets, making it hard to put down. The puzzle box itself is a brilliant plot device, driving the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and existential dread. I appreciated the depth of the characters, each carrying their own complexities, which added richness to the story.

The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the interplay of myth and reality kept me guessing. However, I found the pacing to slow down in the middle sections, testing my patience at times. While the themes of loss and identity are profound, some of the plot twists felt a bit forced, leading to a resolution that didn’t completely satisfy me. Overall, The Puzzle Box offers a haunting experience that I enjoyed for its atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth, even if it occasionally meandered a bit.

The Dragon Box is a lore amongst the puzzle community. Only two people know how to open the box—the designer and the Emperor Meiji—both of whom passed without giving any hints as to how to open or as to the vital contents of the box.

The rumor is that there is a contest to open the box but no contestants have lived when attempting to open the box. This year’s contestant is one Mike Brink—who has an unparalleled knack for solving puzzles due to an injury he sustained in high school. Brink has solved many complex puzzles before—but is he ready to encounter the Dragon Box…or its contents?

I was introduced to Mike Brink and his puzzle solving abilities last year in “The Puzzle Master.” “The Puzzle Box” is a brilliant sequel, further expanding Brink’s universe. The plot is fast paced and the mystery of the Dragon Box is intriguing. Plus, added bonus for a puzzle junkie like myself—there are puzzles!

I enjoy this series immensely and I can only hope for more Mike Brink in the future!

The Puzzle Box is a follow up to The Puzzle Master. Mike Brink is an awesome character and I hope that we will see him again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.

Thank you to MBC Books, Danielle Trussoni, Random House and PRH Audio for the copies to review and for having me on this tour!

Oh my, this was a fun one to read! I really enjoyed the first book but I think I liked this one a tad bit better! I loved the Japanese culture that was incorporated throughout, and combined with a legendary Dragon Box puzzle that has remained unsolved for over 150 years, this was a fun and exciting ride that started off with a bang and did not stop until it was over. Mike Brink is a savant, and as such, he appears to be the only one that can solve this puzzle, so he is called to Tokyo to do so at the request of the Imperial family. It is not as simple as it sounds, oh and the two people that have tried to open the box before him died. So there is that.

This was incredibly fun to read and to try and figure out along with Brink, who I enjoyed going along for the ride with. The pacing was fast and intense, and I read this in a day as I could not put it down. I loved the audio too, it was excellent and read like an action movie. Overall I definitely recommend this one when it is out next week!