The progression you describe (the protagonist solves a problem in a manner that produces a bigger problem; repeat to finale) is the structure of a lot of popular fiction and movies. It’s the core strategy taught in many screenwriting classes. When the strategy is well done, the action feels like the inevitable result of the protagonist’s choices. When it’s not well done, the action feels like action for its own sake. It’s a shame the format is so glaringly obvious in the book you just read.