Review: The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni

Title: The Puzzle Box

Author: Danielle Trussoni

Year published: 2024

Category: Adult fiction (thriller)

Pages: 336

Rating: 4 out of 5

Location: (my 2026 Google Reading map): Japan

Summary: 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.

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.

Review: I always enjoy reading books set outside the US because I feel like I learn something about another country, people, or culture. This book definitely did that as it is rich in Japanese history and culture.

Some novels are character-driven, and some are plot-driven. This one is definitely plot-driven as we follow the main characters on a mad chase throughout Japan as they try to solve the mystery behind the Dragon Box Puzzle before the deadline. While we do learn a bit about the main character, Mike, we don't really know much about the other characters. Knowing this ahead of time will surely make this read a better one as you won't expect deep characters.

The story itself is fun and intriguing. I like puzzles (I play Wordle, the mini Crossword, Strands, and Connections each morning) and this book is puzzle-oriented for sure. The characters are in a race against time (and AI) to find the puzzle and solve it to get to the prize inside. They aren't even sure exactly what the prize is, only that the Japanese Emperor wants it.

I was satisfied by the ending because everything isn't perfect. There are some loose threads, some unfinished business, and some unknowns. I like that.

Challenges for which this counts: