This was a fabulous read! I enjoyed the story being told from two main point of views, Pippa and Clayton, while also viewing events in the past and present. In the present, 25 year old Clayton is tasked with finding out who his birth parents are upon the death of the woman who loved him and raised him as if he was her own upon her death. As Clayton follows various puzzle clues, he learns a lot about life, family, developing different types of relationships and connections. In between Clayton's solving puzzles and narration, is the lovely story of Pippa Allsbrook, with it's highs and lows, and how she developed and came up with the fabulous Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers, an interesting group of all kinds of individuals that are interested in creating and solving various types of puzzles. Initially, Pippa is the only female in the group, and it's Pippa who discovers a newborn Clayton in a hatbox literally at the Fellowship's doorstep. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it

"The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" by Samuel Burr is a heartwarming and whimsical novel that explores the power of friendship, belonging, and the unique bonds that connect people.

The story revolves around Clayton Stumper, a young man who has been raised by a group of eccentric enigmatologists at the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers since he was abandoned at birth. Clayton's life takes a significant turn when Pippa Allsbrook, a beloved crossword compiler and maternal figure in the commune, passes away. Before her death, Pippa leaves Clayton with a final puzzle: to uncover the mystery of his parentage and prepare for a life beyond the walls of the Fellowship.

What follows is a delightful and often humorous journey as Clayton sets out to unravel the secrets of his birth and discover his place in the world. Along the way, he forms unexpected friendships, faces challenges, and learns valuable life lessons. The novel beautifully portrays the theme of found family and the idea that sometimes the people we choose to surround ourselves with are just as important, if not more so, than our biological families.

Samuel Burr's writing is charming and filled with whimsy. He creates a vivid and endearing cast of characters, each with their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Clayton's growth and transformation throughout the story are heartening to witness, and readers will find themselves rooting for him at every turn.

At its core, "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the joy of discovering where one truly belongs. It reminds us that family is not solely defined by blood but by the connections we forge with others who understand and appreciate us for who we are.

This novel is a delightful and uplifting read that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile. It's a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the sense of fulfillment that comes from finding your people, no matter your age. If you're in search of a feel-good story that celebrates the beauty of human relationships, this book is a wonderful choice.

I want this book for book club. It is such a fun quirky story. I loved it. I loved the characters. I wish the puzzle make group existed
So I could Join.

What a fabulous story. young adult Clayton is tasked with discovering where he actually came from following caretaker Pippa's death. As Clayton follows clues he learns a lot about life, family and connections.
Interspersed between the puzzles and narration is the story of Pippa Allsbrook and how she created the wonderful Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers, an interest group bringing together persons of all kinds interested in creating and solving puzzles. As the only woman at first, Pip is a fearless leader and it she who adopts Clayton when he is found abandoned in a hatbox. Fun to read- an absolute pleasure!
If you love a puzzle, a crossword or a cozy, this is a book for you! #TheFellowshipof Puzzlemakers #SamuelBurr #VintageAnchor