I'm not sure if this is the same puzzle. The one I'm thinking of is a square with a picture but it has 9 circles that are out of wack with the background of the picture. Is that it? If so, I try to do the corners first. Turn the circle so it aligns with the background. I think one of them was half light and half dark. So you turn it until the light aligns with the light part of the background picture. It will "lock" into place.
...If that's not the right puzzle, Tell me what chapter you are in and describe the puzzle and I'll recheck my notes. good Luck