The Puzzle Box is the second book in the Puzzle series. Having read the first book, The Puzzle Master, I was already familiar with the main character, Mike Brink, so I was interested to see how his unique intellect was developing. In this book, Mike Brink, is tasked to solve a 150-year-old Dragon Box puzzle that promises great reward if unlocked but also significant loss for failure. This was a captivating adventure into the secrets and the mystique of the Japanese culture and I really enjoyed the fast-paced action that gave me all the exciting feels of The Da Vinci Code, Indiana Jones, and The Mummy! I look forward to further installments in this addictive series!

Two sisters fighting for opposite sides to get the hidden treasure. Mike Brink is a puzzle master brought to Japan to solve the Dragon box he has 24 hours to complete the challenge. I liked that this journey was also about him discovering about himself and how to be content. He faced many obstacles along the way and it was fascinating to learn more about Japanese history and culture.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

The cover summary of this book drew me in. Adventure, puzzles, and subterfuge. This book delivers those things but at the expense of poorly developed characters and a cloggy plot.
The main character’s abilities are so overblown and drawn out early on in book that he was not even likable, just kinda annoying. If he can solve a puzzle by looking at it, then what’s the point?
The lacking character development, plot, and pacing gave this book the feel of a fanfic on puzzles.
I really wanted to like this book, but the narration was distractingly wordy in the sense of tell, not show. In effect pulling me out of the story.
All in all I give this book 3⭐️s

Loving the first book, I was excited to read this second installment, but found myself disappointed. I love the character of Brink, his brain injury and the gifts he now has, but the book felt very repetitive, telling the reader over and over Brink needed puzzles like he needed air and water. While I loved the idea of a puzzle box so difficult it had the capacity to kill the solver, I was unable to stay interested in all the Japanese history, it felt like an an ongoing history lecture, making the book feel flat. So I look forward to the next in the series with a different topic.

into this sci-fi novel was an unexpected journey for me. The fusion of action-packed sequences with deep Japanese cultural heritage drew me in more than I anticipated. The story is a complex puzzle, one that remained unsolved for 150 years, and following the protagonist's relentless pursuit of answers was nothing short of exhilarating.

The main character, a man with an extraordinary ability to unravel puzzles, is fascinating. His mind works like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly navigating through layers of mystery and intrigue. But it’s not just his intellectual prowess that stood out to me; his journey of self-exploration added a rich, emotional depth to the story. The barriers he faced weren’t just external threats but internal ones as well—barriers of the mind, soul, and heart. It’s in these moments of introspection where the novel really shines, revealing the vulnerabilities that make him more relatable, more human.

What I found particularly engaging was how the narrative weaved traditional Japanese elements into a futuristic setting. The blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, created a unique atmosphere that felt both familiar and alien at the same time. It’s a story that challenges the reader, not just to keep up with the twists and turns but to think deeply about heritage, identity, and the passage of time.

Overall, this book surprised me in the best way possible. It’s more than just a sci-fi thriller; it’s a multi-layered narrative that kept me guessing and reflecting long after I turned the last page.

More addictive and suspenseful than the first volume, Mike Brink is back. This time, the puzzle master travels to Japan to solve a centuries-long mystery that affects the Imperial family. The problem with using a genius as a main character is that any writer, smart as they have to be to construct a plot, is only human. The challenge is to reflect an almost superhuman mind without dumbing him down while making him relatable to readers. In this case, Trussoni nails it. It is clear how superior Mike’s intellect is, but he is also grappling with issues that could be applied to normies like us. Mike is not the only recurring character here, some old friends and foes are back, along with a new cast of allies and enemies. I was really intrigued by the mystery itself, and the challenge to solve it was very entertaining. I also enjoyed the international setting. I’ve never been to Japan but reading about their palaces and temples in the snow, made me long to board the first flight to Tokyo. It seems like there may be another novel after this and I’m already adding it to my TBR.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Random House.

Ever since a high school football accident left Mike Brink with an altered brain, he has become world-renowned as a creator and solver of puzzles. He is especially intrigued by ancient Chinese puzzle boxes so when he is given the opportunity to try and solve the ancient Dragon Box puzzle, he throws caution to the wind and heads off to China. It is only after he gets there that he discovers that the last seven people to attempt opening the box died in doing so. Paired together with one of two sisters who may or may not be trying to sabotage his attempt, Mike is suddenly doubting his ability to come out of this challenge alive. With plenty of twists and turns, the action never stops while Mike not only pursues the keys to the puzzle box but is in turn hunted down by those that want what is contained in the box. Edge of your seat action take readers right to the end.

The Puzzle Box' is a great read, full of mystery and intrigue. It's the second book in a series featuring Mike, who has acquired savant syndrome that makes him a master at puzzles. Even though I didn’t read the first book, I had no trouble diving into this one. Mike is invited to Japan to try and open the mysterious dragon box, and chaos ensues. The story kept me hooked from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good puzzle-filled mystery.

Evidently this is the second in a series about Mike Brink, puzzle-master, but I completely missed the first one. Luckily, that did not matter. I'm sure reading the first one will add depth to the story, but it was not necessary at all. The characters were fully explained and the action flowed logically.
Mike is invited to Japan to open the legendary (and believed mythical only) Dragon Box, a 150-year-old puzzle box that supposedly contains the greatest treasure of the Japanese Emperor. Those few who previously attempted to solve it disappeared. The same day he is invited, Mike's psychologist, on the brink of curing his puzzle-savvy brain injury, dies mysteriously. And the games begin.
This exciting thriller is very Da Vinci Code, but with puzzles instead of art. International intrigue. Female samurai. Ancient conspiracies. Murder and mayhem. A lovely service dog. What's not to like? It holds up quite nicely and makes for a fun story. Recommended.

This is an eloquently written novel, that takes the reader on adventure thru Japan on a quest for ancient treasure. It was spectacular and I could not put it down. I learned so much about puzzle boxes and the History of Japan. It's a little history, a little mystery all rolled up into a great book.

The Puzzle Box is a unique story about a man Michael Brink who has savant syndrome and can solve puzzles in a matter of seconds. He's invited to Japan to solve a nineteenth century puzzle that has been unsolved for 150 years. It was during a volatile time in Japan when a samaurai class became no more and Emperor Meiji put in a dangerous secret that only he and the sadistic constructor Ogawa know about but they both before they could tell a soul. I loved this story and thought it was so clever and I will definitely read more of Danielle Trussoni's work.

The Puzzle Box
By: Danielle Trussoni
Pub date: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Random House

5 🧩 🧩🧩🧩🧩

My 💭 thoughts:

This novel is packed with action, puzzles, intrigue, danger, high stakes and dangerous situations. I did not realize this one was 2nd in a series. I have never read anti g like this! I enjoyed the mention of the Rubik’s cube as I played with the cube for many hours with no success. I do love solving puzzles and escape rooms so this one was right up my alley.

Thank you to the author as my colleagues and I at @thrillerbookloversthepulse was able to read an early copy.

#thepuzzlebox, #danielletrussoni, #randomhouse, #thrillers, #thrillerbookloversthepulse, #pulsepoints, #thepulse, #stamperlady50

Mike Brink returns in this stunningly choreographed mystery puzzle set in Japan. As before, Jameson Sedge is trying to take Brink down, using henchmen to execute his AI plans. Brink himself is at a precipice, trying to decide if he'll undergo a treatment designed to slow his brain down, back to before the accident, but cannot stop himself from trying to solve the century-old puzzle box for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Set primarily over the course of one night, the speed is breakneck and you can't stop reading. Thankfully, the Sedge problem is not overcome so we must be getting a third installment. Cannot wait!

Wow, this was such a fast paced and action packed read. I’m not a puzzle person myself but this was just so fascinating. The whole traumatic brain injury to savant angle with Mike which made him the ultimate puzzle master to the locations all around japan that they went to while they are trying to find the treasure of the dragon puzzle box before the moonlight is gone was just so interesting. I really loved the pacing which just kept you on the edge of your seat and the discourse on AI and how dangerous it is and the all-powerful group behind trying to find the jewel who are after Mike as well since they think he is the only one who can unlock the power behind the artifacts they are collecting. I love the character growth that Mike had while on the journey to locate the dragon puzzle box when he finally realized what he needed to do to be able to live with his condition and that he realized that he will never be normal and that is okay. Just an awesome read, his dog Connie is great and I can’t wait to see what Mike and co get up to in the next one.
Thanks to Random House and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

It truly was a joy to be puzzling again with Mike Brink and Connie. Expect more twists, turns and mysteries for our favorite puzzle master in The Puzzle Box. We start in New York City, travel to Tokyo and end up all around Japan. I loved the little cultural nuggets Trussoni infused into every chapter. There was a lot of lovely Japanese culture to bite into. As usual, Trussoni takes her readers on a mind bending adventure across the natural and supernatural worlds.

One of my top books of 2024! This book has everything!! Culture, puzzles, mystery, and fighting! If you are a fan of DaVinci Code, this is the type of story you will LOVE! Danielle Trussoni used to live in Japan and during that time she learned a lot of the Japanese culture. She draws on the most fascinating history and uses that to create a book that is exciting but also feel like it could all really happen! The Puzzle Box is a must for any reader looking for an adventure filled with poison darts, hidden caves, and clues!

The second book in the Mike Brink’s series is set in Japan. Every 12 years, the royal family attempts to open an intricate puzzle box. None of the puzzles Mike attempts to solve are easy, but this one may be deadly.
Lots of intriguing background about Japanese history in this book. Even though when I started it, I felt certain that Mike could solve this puzzle challenge, at times I thought he was destined to fail. No spoilers. You will have to read this book to see if Mike succeeds.
I really think you will enjoy this book more by reading the first book (The Puzzle Master). I love puzzles, and along with Mike, a main character that I’ve been rooting for since the first book, this was such an engaging read.

"The Puzzle Box" by Danielle Trussoni is filled with mystery, Japanese folklore and, of course, a puzzle. It's no ordinary puzzle - it's the Dragon Puzzle - an ancient Japanese box puzzle that belongs to the royal family. It holds an ancient secret and no one has ever been able to solve it. Every 12 years in the Year of the Dragon, the emperor invites someone to try to solve the puzzle but no invitee has ever survived the invitation. Enter Mike Brink, the puzzle master - will he be able to solve the puzzle or will he die trying? If you enjoy puzzles, folklore and mysteries, you will enjoy this book and learn a lot during the journey. Perhaps like Mike you will solve the puzzle of what you need to live your best life.

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.

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. I can safely say I have never read a story like this one. The plot is so unique and intriguing.