The Puzzle Box

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The world's greatest puzzle master sets out to solve the most dangerous enigma of his life-or die trying-from the New York Times bestselling author of The Puzzle Master, hailed as "thrilling" by David Baldacci 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, in " this breathlessly paced and nail-bitingly suspenseful" (Booklist) novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Puzzle Master, hailed as "thrilling" by David Baldacci. "This rip-roaring adventure thriller is an escapist puzzle box of delights- a neurodivergent hero, an unsolvable mystery, and death hanging over every move."-Catherine Steadman, author of Something in the Water " An astounding sequel . . . This clever and satisfying novel cements Mike Brink as an action hero for the ages."-Publishers Weekly, starred review 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.

Reviews

A fun, DaVinci Code-style blend of puzzles, mysticism and high-octane action.People

Trussoni has been a horror fiction star since 2010s Angelology. This follow-up to 2023s The Puzzle Master makes clear shes bigger than any genre. Cant wait for the movie.Bethanne Patrick, CultureWag

The Puzzle Box isnt just a worthy sequel to The Puzzle Masterits a game-changer. Trussoni takes everything that made the first book great and amplifies it. The stakes are higher, the puzzles more intricate, and the danger more immediate.The Bookish Elf

Youll hit the ground running in this rip-roaring adventure thriller that sends you across the breadth of Japan in search of ancient answers. Trussonis novel is an escapist puzzle box of delights: a neurodivergent hero, an unsolvable mystery, and death hanging over every moveyoull whip through the pages. . . . A book, itself, as intricate and surprising as a puzzle box.Catherine Steadman, author of Something in the Water

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni is a mind-bending, enthralling adventure filled with mysteries and intricate puzzles. I found myself turning the virtual pages of my Kindle, unable to put it down. Each scene is vividly etched in my mind, and the book reads like a movie. The storytelling and character portrayal are exceptional, making this one of the best books I have ever read!Rekha Rao, The Book Decoder

The Puzzle Box is a rare treasure: a gorgeous and immersive exploration of power, sisterhood, and culture wrapped in an addictive page-turning adventure filled with royal secrets and mystery. Set in Japan, this novel tookme on an adventure like Id never experienced before. I was up all night turning the pages following these unforgettable characters. . . . A must-read!Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and The Leftover Woman

Who should read Danielle Trussonis latest Readers of breathless adventure in the Dan Brown vein; readers of literate, sophisticated book-club fiction; readers of boldly plotted brainteasers (think classic Agatha Christie, but more provocative); readers who love storytelling so fresh and original that it resists labels. So, who should read The Puzzle Box In a word: everyone.A. J. Finn, author of the New York Times bestselling The Woman in the Window and End of Story

Trussonis ingenious Mike Brink returns for the challenge of a lifetime in this superb sequel to The Puzzle Master. . . . Even better than its predecessor.Library Journal, starred review

A smart, captivating novel about unraveling secrets.Kirkus Reviews

The book can be read as a standalone, which means new readers can jump right in, although its highly likely theyll then want to circle back and read the earlier book. A first-rate thriller. More, please!Booklist

Author Bio

Danielle Trussoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Ancestor, Angelology, and Angelopolis, all New York Times Notable Books, and The Puzzle Master, chosen by The Washington Post as one of their Best Thrillers of 2023. Her memoir, Falling Through the Earth was selected by The New York Times as one of the Top Ten Books of the Year. Trussoni is a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop and winner of the Michener-Copernicus Society of America Fellowship, and her work has been translated into more than thirty languages.