The Puzzle Box

Author: Danielle Trussoni

Genre: Adventure, Thriller, Mystery

Series: Follow on form the Puzzle Master

Publisher: Random House

Date Published: 2024

Book Length: 336

Format :E book

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: 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.

The box was constructed during one of Japan's most tumultuous periods, when the samurai class was disbanded and the shogun lost power. In this moment of crisis, Emperor Meiji locked a priceless Imperial secret in the Dragon Box. Only two people knew how to open the box--Meiji and the box's sadistic constructor--and both died without telling a soul what was inside or how to open it.

Every twelve years since then, in the Year of the Dragon, the Imperial family holds a clandestine contest to open the 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.

But Brink is not just any puzzle master. He may be the only person alive who can crack it. His determination is matched only by that of two sisters, descendants of an illustrious samurai clan, who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure.

Brink's quest launches him on a breakneck adventure across Japan, from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the pristine forests of Hakone to an ancient cave in Kyushu. In the process, he discovers the power of Meiji's hidden treasure, and--more crucially--the true nature of his extraordinary talent.

My Thoughts: The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni is the sequel to The Puzzle Maker and falls under the adventure, thriller, and mystery genres. Although this is the first book I've read by Trussoni, I was immediately drawn in by the striking cover and, of course, the title—I'm sold on any book that has the word "puzzle" in it.

I loved the main character, Mike Brink, but I also really connected with Rachel Appel. Their relationship is rooted in friendship and trust, which deepens as the mystery unfolds. Despite their differences, they've formed a strong bond built on mutual respect, which Trussoni makes entirely believable through her superb writing. From the very beginning, I found myself rooting for both of them.

As I continued reading, the story became more and more compelling—it gripped me and wouldn’t let go. This was a book I didn’t want to end. Trussoni’s prose flows beautifully, almost like dancers moving gracefully across the page. The tension builds with every chapter, adding to the excitement.

For me, this book had it all: mystery, intrigue, action, and a captivating mix of historical elements with present-day events. It’s a true page-turner. If you're a fan of Dan Brown or Steve Berry, this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend it!