The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr

As a baby, Clayton Stumper was left in a hatbox on the steps of a most unusual institution: The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, an eccentric group of puzzle fanatics led by esteemed crossword compiler Pippa Allsbrook. Now in his twenties, Clayton sets out to solve the mystery of his own identity while navigating friendship, love, and a very human longing for connection.

The novel’s dual timeline follows Clay’s search for self-discovery in the present day, alongside Pippa’s early life and the story of how she came to establish the Fellowship. Balancing eccentric humour with genuine poignancy, Samuel Burr’s debut is tender, engaging, and full of charm. The characters are quirky without ever slipping into caricature; they feel layered, flawed, and vividly alive — and you can’t help but care what happens to them.

Clay’s journey is a timely reminder of the importance of kindness, connection, and community. Joyous, big-hearted and uplifting, this is a real gem of a book — one I’d recommend to anyone looking for a feel-good story about identity, family, and puzzles. I can’t wait to see what Samuel Burr writes next.

Richard