Dean Rivers' Conundrums, Riddles and Puzzles isn't your typical mystery. It throws you right into the deep end alongside Alex, a journalist known for debunking frauds. Alex is invited to the remote, bizarre estate of the legendary and reclusive puzzle-maker, Elias Finch. Finch has built his life's work into his home: a living, breathing labyrinth of riddles, mechanical contraptions, and logic traps. His final challenge? He's gone missing inside his own creation, and he's left a trail of puzzles as the only clues to his whereabouts—or his fate.

The Story

The plot is a straight shot of adrenaline for your brain. Alex, with a small group of other 'guests' (each with their own secrets), must navigate rooms that are puzzles themselves. One chamber might require solving a riddle to open the door. Another might have a floor that's a giant chessboard. The stakes feel real because the house itself seems alive and not always friendly. As they go deeper, the puzzles stop being just games. They start to reveal hidden messages about Finch's past and the real reason they were all brought there. The central mystery shifts from 'Where is Finch?' to 'What is he trying to prove, and what happens if we solve his final puzzle?'

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it made me feel smart and included. Rivers doesn't just describe the puzzles; he often lets you try to figure them out alongside Alex. When Alex had a breakthrough, I found myself cheering. It's that interactive feel that's so rare. Beyond the mechanics, Alex is a great guide—sarcastic and doubtful, which keeps the story grounded. The book cleverly explores ideas about obsession, legacy, and how we use games to hide our true intentions. It asks if a puzzle is a gift, a test, or a weapon.

Final Verdict

This is the perfect book for anyone who misses the feeling of a Saturday morning brain teaser, but wants it wrapped in a gripping story. If you're a fan of shows like The Crystal Maze or novels with a 'game-like' plot, you'll be hooked. It's also great for mystery readers tired of standard procedurals and looking for a fresh, intellectual twist. Fair warning: you might get the urge to start designing puzzle rooms in your own home after reading. A fantastically clever and immersive read.