In this exciting sequel to The Puzzle Master, puzzle savant Mike Brink tries to solve the secret of a 19th century puzzle box, following clues all around Japan. An exciting chase, beautiful descriptions of Japan, lots of trivia highlight this wonderful novel. That fans of Dan Brown and Steve Berry will enjoy opening.

Thank you Random House for an ARC and PRH Audio for an ALC!

In this sequel to The Puzzle Master, we jump right back into the brilliant mind of Mike Brink and his acquired savant syndrome. While this is a sequel, I think it can be read as a stand alone. Danielle Trussoni brings us unique puzzles that Mike has to solve to save his life in this story. I’m amazed at the research that must have been required to be able to write these stories. While I greatly enjoy doing puzzles of all kinds, there is absolutely no way I could ever come up with one nor explain in writing about them! My heart was racing at various points while he was trying to solve the puzzle box!

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
The Puzzle Master
Puzzles of any kind
Neurodivergent rep

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC of this title.

This book gets all of the actual puzzle competition stuff it uses as flavor just wrong enough that it gave me an eye-twitch, as someone who enjoys that stuff and came to this book at least partially because of the mention of puzzles on the back matter. I feel like the author overheard all my major critiques about the character in the first book ("he's a puzzle savant who went to MIT and yet _never_ encountered/participated in Mystery Hunt? did she do ANY research here?") and then proceeded to do one (1) Google search and half-read the results.

On an actual-plot level, the book devotes multiple chapters to describing the protagonist solving mechanical puzzle boxes, a process that does not provide particularly riveting prose. There's also a LOT of shinto/general Japan-splaining that made me feel like it was the book equivalent of one of those Netflix shows that assumes you're watching it while you scroll on your phone and loudly repeats major plot points at you every five minutes.

The book doesn't end so much as it feels like the plot pauses, realizes the book is 90% done, and proceeds to very quickly make the antagonists come over to the main character's side and sweeps any other resolution under the rug. "Wait, that's _it_?" shouldn't be how the audience responds to how you end your thriller.

All this aside: this is aiming for airport-book Dan Brown-knockoff ridiculousness and hitting it, and I'm absolutely not the audience for that. YMMV.

4.5 rounded up!

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. One wrong move and Brink will face death, but he isn’t the only one who desperately wants the puzzle solved.

THE PUZZLE BOX by Danielle Trussoni is the sequel thriller to THE PUZZLE MASTER, but I found that it can be read as a standalone!

I enjoyed THE PUZZLE BOX immensely - we move from New York to Tokyo and both places were really fleshed out and I felt like I was there in the moment - and the puzzles were extremely clever, while also dripping with history and lore.

This book read like a movie and I could picture every scene in detail and the short chapters kept the story moving at a quick pace!

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book, but this one REALLY stepped up the game for me and was a very fun read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: October 8

I was worried I would have to read the “first” book, The Puzzle Master, to understand this book, but I was entirely wrong. This book can absolutely stand on its own. It is a constant adventure full of puzzling, thought-provoking conundrums. Expect a roller coaster of emotions! It flows well, the pages turn quickly, with no lulls in the pace or the development of plot and characters. The geographical descriptions of Japan had me ready to book a flight to visit. And be ready to dive into some extraordinary Japanese history. I implore everyone to jump into this read!

Our lovable, flawless hero, puzzle master Mike Brink, accepts an invitation from the emperor of Japan to try to open the elusive Dragon Box. Soon, Mike finds himself at the center of a centuries-old mystery, hunting for clues all over Japan - with a surprising foe hot on his trail.

The story is a good one - it makes sense, the clues are logical, things are wrapped up neatly, but with enough questions left for the next book. However, I didn’t feel emotionally invested in these somewhat flat characters, and the tension was missing from what should have been harrowing, dangerous scenes. The answers came almost a little too easily for our heroes, conveniently explained by their backstories; just by chance, one is an expert in exactly the obscure, random concept at hand.

Despite this, I did enjoy the book and finished it quickly. It could also be read as a commentary on the dangers of AI and technology.

While the book works as a standalone, it is the second in a series, and there are some spoilers from the first book, so if the description intrigues you enough, you may want to read that one first. I didn’t write a review for it, but I remember enjoying it more.

This has got the technology of a Marvel movie with this super hero being a puzzle solving savant named Mike Brink. It also has the same action as a Steve Berry or David Gibbins. novel as Mike races around three Japanese cities to solve a century old puzzle to find an artifact for the current Emperor of Japan.

I enjoy solving simple mind teaser puzzle so reading about these intricate puzzles that Mike solves was really interesting. I like the fact that the book illustrates some of the puzzles.

I loved the edge of my seat action that stays consistent throughout the entire read.

Finally, I thought the way the reader gets an insight into how Mike actually feels about being a savant added a depth to this action filled story..

I need to go back and read the first book in the series, THE PUZZLE MASTER. I’ll also bring reading future Mike Brink books.

Mike Brink and his dog Conundrum are back with the hardest puzzle in the world. Mike is being invited to Japan to attempt to solve the Dragon Box - a puzzle that has maimed and killed anyone who has tried to open it. Without his anchor, his therapist, Mike isn't sure what to do but ultimately decides to take on the challenge with the help of many of the people who helped him in his last quest.

If you weren't scared of AI before then this book will make you terrified of it. Brink's nemesis who died in the last book has inserted himself into the computer network. He can track anyone, anywhere through any device connected to the internet.

With the help of his friends and one of the Emperors trusted guards Brink finds himself on a race to complete the puzzle and stay alive with parts of the Faction after him. With the help of Rachel his feminist historical researcher he also discovers the truth about the dragon box and the impact it may hold for the imperial family. Brink also finds himself face to face with an unlikely ally and learns more about himself in the process.

Excellent read. There is a lot of history about Japan and the line of succession intermixed with action and learning more about Sedge, and the Faction. I'm still not sure of what the end game of the faction is. Since the dragon box really only held significance to the Imperial family and Japan I'm not sure how that ties in with the other puzzle that Brink unlocked but I guess we will have to stay tuned to find out.

These are great books with a lot of interesting information.

Being very familiar with neurodivergence, I enjoy reading about neurodiverse characters like the main character Mike Brink. I also enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of the legendary dragon box with its booby traps, complexities, and the deaths it has caused to those who have tried to open it before. The tension and the high stakes along with rich history make for fabulous storytelling and I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

This definitely gave me Da Vinci Code vibes. But Danielle Trussoni leaves her own mark on this unique trope.

I found it to be captivating and addicting. For anyone who likes a good puzzle, this one is for you!

The Puzzle Box is so much more than the story of a puzzle master honing his skills on an “unsolvable” puzzle. It's also a tale of restricting women's power, legally prohibiting their ability to govern. And the broad reach of AI plays an important role in the book as well.
Mike is a puzzle savant, ever since he sustained a terrible brain injury. He is invited to Tokyo, to try, within a time frame of 12 hours, to open the famous Puzzle Box for the emperor of Japan. Mike accepts the challenge, even though he realizes that all the previous puzzle masters who attempted to open the box have died during their attempts.
There is also a faction of assassins who are willing to kill for the secrets the box is rumored to contain. With the clock ticking, and not knowing who he can trust, can Mike succeed where others have failed? And does he truly want to?

My husband and I had just finished Shogun, so my interest in Japanese history was already on fire. I needed more, and this book blew me away! Danielle Trussoni has mastered the craft of creating a story that makes you feel like you're a part of it, while learning an incredible amount of history.

Mike Brink is the neurodivergent hero the World needs, and I will forever follow him wherever he goes. I highly recommend you read this when it releases in October!

Thank you to Random House for the gifted copy of THE PUZZLE BOX by Danielle Trussoni!

THE PUZZLE BOX is the second book in the author’s Puzzle series. The series follows Mike Brink, a man who had a traumatic brain injury earlier in life which changed the way his mind works. Mike now has an affinity for puzzles, both in the creation and the solving. His hyper fixation is sometimes both a gift and a curse, bit it does leave him wanting more challenges.

When Mike is approached by a young woman, a challenge he gets! 150 years ago a puzzle master created a puzzle box for the imperial family in Japan. In the years since, a challenge to open the box is rumored to happen and now Mike knows the rumors were true. The box is complicated and dangerous and no one who has attempted to open the box has survived.

I really enjoyed THE PUZZLE MASTER so I was thrilled when I heard there was going to be a sequel and even more so when I was offered a copy. I really enjoy the character of Mike Brink and seeing the way he approaches things. I also really like the discussions that he has (both internally and with others) about his neurodivergence and how it impacts his view on the world.

This book is fairly information heavy, especially in the first half or so. While there are certainly times of high tension and action, we also get a lot of time really exploring the box’s past and the culture of Japan then and now. I thought the information the author gives us is fascinating and I think it struck a good balance between historical and mystery and thriller with a touch of sci-fi in the mix as well!

While I think you could jump into this book without too much of an issue, there are carryovers from book one that I think wouldn’t hit the same if you haven’t started there. I think the series is well worth it to pick up both books!

The Puzzle Box is a fascinating psychological suspense novel unlike any I’ve read before. I may have originally thought “how exciting can a book about a guy solving puzzles be?” and the answer is “very exciting!”. Rich, layered, complex, and immensely enjoyable; this is definitely a top read of the year. I love the way Trussoni mixes and melds genres.

When I chose this book, I didn't realize it was a serial. That didn't make a difference in the initial enjoyment with the setup. Enough reference was made to the earlier Mike Brink outing that this could work as a standalone. However, had I known it was futuristic with an AI villain, I don't know if I would've picked it up. Still, there was enough material about intricate puzzles to keep me intrigued. Also, it served as a sort of travelogue for Japan which is always interesting.

For fans of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and lovers of Japanese culture and mythology, *The Puzzle Box* offers a fresh and intriguing twist on the puzzle-thriller genre. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s rich history, the book immerses you in a high-stakes quest to open the legendary Dragon Box, a mysterious relic filled with deadly traps and cryptic puzzles.

Mike Brink, our MC, has a unique talent for solving puzzles due to his brain injury, which feels almost supernatural at times. While this concept is fascinating, it also lessens the reader’s involvement in the puzzle-solving process. Instead of being challenged alongside the character, we are often left watching as Brink effortlessly deciphers enigmas that feel too simplistic. This, unfortunately, takes away some of the excitement that comes from unraveling complex riddles.

Nonetheless, the novel remained captivating, delivering compelling revelations throughout. The historical elements and the journey through Japan are richly detailed, making the setting feel alive and authentic. This isn’t my typical thriller, but my fascination with Japanese culture made it a must-read for me. It’s clear the author has lived in Japan and truly understands the world she’s writing about, which brought the setting to life.

Although this is the second book in a series, it works well as a standalone, and the concept was very original! Despite the minor shortcomings in puzzle complexity, the intriguing plot and cultural richness made it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a thriller with a unique, mythological twist.

Thanks to @netgalley for my ADC!

Da Vinci Code stans! People, like me, who have been desperately waiting for the next Robert Langdon novel from Dan Brown, I have good news:

Danielle Trussoni is here to save us all.

Her new novel, The Puzzle Box, is the sequel to last year’s The Puzzle Master—and constantly left me thinking, “This is her love letter to the Da Vinci Code.” She even mentions the Da Vinci Code in it—talking about the cryptex and how Da Vinci never created anything like it—just the fabrication of a clever author.

Then she goes on to one-up Brown in creating a puzzle box so clever, and so deadly.

So let’s dive in…here are 5 things you need to know BEFORE YOU READ.

1, The Story.

Puzzle savant Mike Brink returns to take on his most formidable opponent yet: the legendary and lethal Dragon Box. Owned by the Japanese imperial family, the Dragon Box has largely remained an urban legend within the puzzle community. No one can confirm if it actually exists and if the stories about it are true: That it holds a powerful secret within—and that every person who has attempted to solve it has ended up missing. Then Brink is approached by someone within the Japanese imperial family household to solve it—and we get a very Indiana jones beginning to a fun, fast-paced treasure hunt taking us across the nation of Japan and its history.

2, A great Japanese history lesson

In the Puzzle Master, Trussoni gave us a very extensive lesson in doll making and specifically porcelain creation.

In Puzzle Box, she swaps that for deep dives into Japanese history and religion. I found it all very fascinating—a cultural background I’ve never studied and didn’t anticipate getting when I opened the book.

3, 19th century intrigue

It was the second time I’ve seen her also explore 19th-century historical topics, a somewhat unusual timeframe for authors to explore. So I asked her if she studied this era in world history and she confirmed it.

4, The Puzzle Universe

The inevitable question anyone will ask if they haven’t read the first book in this series, the puzzle master, is: do I need to read it before the puzzle box?

I am someone who has jumped into multiple series mid stream, including Kathy Reichs’s Bones books and Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon books.

Trussoni’s Puzzle series is different, though. She has created something like a Marvel universe, one that you’ll want to start from the beginning on. I can’t explain why because it will give things away. Just trust me. Do yourself a favor and read Puzzle Master, then get ready to want to jump immediately into Puzzle Box.

5, Rating

Both Puzzle books are fast and fun, but I definitely enjoyed Puzzle Box, due to, as I mentioned earlier, its Da Vinci Code quality. We get a real treasure hunt in this one and I loved it. Easily 4 bloodshot eyes out of 5. And I’m pleased to learn she’s fast working on book 3.

The Puzzle Box is the second in a series. However, it can be read as a standalone. The Puzzle books star Mike Brink, a man who develops acquired savant syndrome after a traumatic brain injury while in high school. In Mike, this syndrome manifests itself as an ability to see patterns everywhere thus making him exceptionally talented at solving puzzles of all kinds.

In this mystery adventure story, Mike travels to Japan to attempt to solve a very challenging box puzzle that has resulted in the deaths of previous puzzlers over the years. There are elements of adventure and action. Get ready for suspense, time pressure, and shifting loyalties.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, thrillers, The Westing Game, Indiana Jones, and/or puzzles.

The Puzzle Box is a masterful follow-up to The Puzzle Master! I was so excited to dive back into Mike Brink’s story and learn more about his incredible abilities. The mystique of the Dragon Box and the exploration of Japanese religion and history were the perfect elements for an engaging and thrilling novel.

I love how Trussoni blends symbolism, history, and tradition with the dangers and power of modern technology. The great thing about these stories are the subplots and themes woven throughout the series. The main mystery and puzzles are more than enough to keep the reader engaged, but then there are the stories of Brink’s struggles with his savant syndrome and the larger implications of his knowledge. I’m eager to see what happens next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Really excited to read this one even without reading the first in the series. It was easy to follow and understand. That said, it lost its steam along the way and just kind of stopped in its tracks with a very unsatisfying ending. If the intent was book number 3 will pick up where this left off, it didn’t set it self up for the continuation...