Quick Synopsis

Two sisters. A lost imperial treasure. The world’s greatest puzzle master has twenty-four hours to solve the most dangerous mystery of his life . . . or die trying.

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

The Puzzle Box is the second novel in Danielle Trussoni’s Puzzle series. However, you can read this novel as a standalone book since Trussoni does an excellent job detailing the characters and their backgrounds. I always fear that when I read the next installment of a series at least 1 year after the previous one that I will have difficulty remembering the necessary details. However, that was not an issue here at all.

In The Puzzle Box, protagonist and puzzle master Mike Brink is invited by the Japanese imperial family to solve the legendary Dragon Box, a mysterious 19th century puzzle that has remained unsolved for over 150 years. Others have attempted to solve the box only to perish during their efforts.

Once again, Trussoni has written a well-researched novel with an intriguing and intricate plot. For the most part, The Puzzle Box is a fast-paced story that will keep you guessing. Some may describe this series as a unique Dan Brown-type novel, filled with adventure, suspense, thrills, and culture.

What I loved most about The Puzzle Box was the great deal I learned about Japan and its history. Trussoni incorporated Japanese history and culture into the story in a manner that keeps you interested and never makes you feel like you are being beat over the head with it.

The weakest part of The Puzzle Box is the character development. Brink’s character fell pretty flat in this novel, and I was not particularly invested in the story based on the characters. In addition, this second installment expands on a relationship mentioned in the first book, but it remains unclear what the relationship adds to the story or how Rachel fits into everything.

Overall, The Puzzle Box is an enjoyable quick read that will hold your attention and keep you guessing. If you are looking for a novel that diverges from the usual thriller template, I recommend this series.

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