Book Smart Kate

by Danielle Trussoni (October 8, 2024) Thank you, @prhaudio, for the advanced listening copy of one of my most anticipated reads of 2024! #prhaudioinfluencer

Mike Brink returns in this thrilling follow-up to The Puzzle Master! After a traumatic brain injury in high school, former football star Mike was left with an extraordinary ability to perceive patterns and solve puzzles like no one else. Now celebrated worldwide as one of the greatest puzzle masters, he’s presented with a once-in-a-lifetime challenge—an invitation to Tokyo to attempt to unlock the Dragon Box, an artifact that has remained sealed for over 150 years, despite others risking, and even losing, their lives in the process. Once every twelve years, a puzzle master is secretly invited to try their hand at this legendary box, but most vanish without a trace. Torn between his drive to solve the ultimate puzzle and his sense of self-preservation, Mike embarks on a high-stakes race against time through Japan. To succeed, he’ll not only need to outwit deadly adversaries but also confront a deeper, more elusive mystery beyond the Dragon Box itself.

Mike Brink is hands-down one of the most intriguing thriller protagonists I’ve come across in years. His genius for puzzles is matched by the toll it takes on him—his relentless mind is both his gift and his curse, depriving him of sleep and peace. The Puzzle Box is best enjoyed after reading The Puzzle Master, as key characters and plot points build directly on the first book’s foundation. The good news? Both books are phenomenal! And for those who love a great pet sidekick, there’s an adorable dachshund named Conundrum who adds charm to the adventure.

The audiobook, narrated by the talented Edoardo Ballerini (who also narrated All the Colors of the Dark), is 9 hours and 42 minutes at 1x speed. Ballerini’s narration adds depth to the suspense, making this a must-listen for any thriller fan. Highly recommended!