This is an enjoyable story for those who love puzzles, mysteries, or stories of found family. There are some math errors that hopefully are fixed in the finished copy!

Usually I enjoy a slow, character driven story. Clayton is such an interesting character. But.

This plot moves at a snail pace. There are puzzles and mystery-solving throughout, but not quickly-moving.

If a cosy character find-yourself read is high on your list, this could be the one.

Quaint and appealing, this narrative is one that goes down easy, and for many, that is exactly the guarantee they seek. A feel-good story with aspirations also to tease the brain, but it's far more successful at the former than the latter.

If gentle escapism is the aim, it succeeds. The flip side is that if you aim for general likability, there won't be a lot to make it memorable. The characters are designed to be quirky, but they are well sanded down.

To my quibbles: There is no shortage of novels that celebrate puzzling in various forms, and if you are going to go there, the brain-teasers need to be ones in which readers can play along and ones that bring reward, or at very least satisfaction. Also, a personal peeve: I'm ever weary of dual-timeline narratives that don't need to be. I can't imagine I'm alone in this.

Strong readalike for Sara Nisha Adams, Phaedra Patrick, Rachel Joyce, Freya Sampson, and Elizabeth Berg. Readers who want pleasant people to hang out with for a time will be satisfied. Those who prefer a bit of sharpness or complexity would need to calibrate expectations.

I really enjoyed this heartfelt story, even if it ways at time predictable. As a puzzle lover, the book was a warm dip into a world I enjoy, and was a refreshing break from more edgy reading. I saw another reviewer describe it as a "book hug" - precisely!

An intriguing story, told through two timelines, a bunch of eccentric characters and PUZZLES! What's not to love? I had a great time following the mystery along, from the hat box to the.... you'll see ;) Recommended for all lovers of puzzles, crosswords and mysteries!

This is a sweet story. It's told in two timelines, which I especially love when there's an elderly or deceased character so we get to see them young. The puzzle aspect is nice too - the mystery of the main character's birthmother mixed with the more typical, everyday puzzles invented by the puzzlemakers.

I love a gentle European mystery that isn't insulting to my intelligence, and this really hit the spot.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I purchased for my library and shared with some of our book groups.

I was looking for a feel-good book and this was it. The book follows the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers - started as a group of puzzlemakers that turned into so much more. As the youngest member of the Fellowship, Clayton has been given puzzles to figure out that will unlock his past - but also give him a path to the future. This is an adorable book that bridges generations of people and shows that a little kindness can go a long way. The ending felt a bit rushed and didn't tie things up as well as I had hoped (for one of the main reveals, it felt like it glossed over a major piece of it), but otherwise it was a fun read.

Fellowship of the puzzle makers

This was a very enjoyable read! It did take me awhile to get into it but once I did I really didn’t want to put it down.
Clayton Stumper was abandoned at birth on the steps of The Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers and was raised by a group of smart and eccentric puzzle makers. When Clayton’s adoptive mother dies, he realises she’s left him a final puzzle for him to uncover his parentage.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the POV switched from the past to the present so you can get a clearer picture of what had happened.
I loved Clayton and Pip. And the relationship they shared, and how Pip leads Clayton to discover himself.
This was a very lighthearted and easy read.
Thanks to netgalley and Vintage Anchor for the arc!

This clever mystery was told in 2 timelines.
Pippa, the main character creates puzzles and forms the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, puzzle experts who create different kinds of puzzles - anagrams, crosswords, word ciphers, mazes and cryptics. who meet weekly at a pub. Eventually, the move into an old mansion and form a commune. Pippa remains the president and takes the major responsibility for maintaining the building and generally problem solving for the group. Although they represent different types of puzzles, it is not a competitive group, and the author describes each unique character.
However, one day the ceiling collapses and Pippa is left to figure out a way to solve it and allow the commune to continue in the house. The group pulls together and demonstrates the power of friendship.
The second story involves Clayton Stamper, who as an infant, was left on Pippa's doorstep in a hatbox. When Pippa dies (at age 89), she leaves clues for Clayton to figure out in order to find his birth parents. The book is sprinkles with clues and the reader can uncover the mystery along with him.
This was a heartwarming story with ingenious puzzle clues, a variety of interesting characters, and some lessons along the way.
My only objection was the format of the NetGalley proof as it was difficult to read, and did not flow easily. I hope that he actual book is clearer and the chapters are more clearly defined. I do appreciate the ARC provided to me by NetGalley and Doubleday. These opinions are my own.

I went into this book with zero expectations, and I was so surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I really needed this book.
It’s such a heartwarming story, it feels like a sigh of relief.
If you like reading about puzzles, multiple perspectives, little adventures, characters that will steal your heart, lgbtq representation, powerful women, finding love, friendship and family, please read The fellowship of the puzzlemakers. It’s great.

I was so absorbed in the story. And even if it felt a tiny bit cliché sometimes, it really is a book to lose yourself in. Who doesn’t want to go on a quest and solve little (or, in some cases, record-breaking) puzzles? This book will make you want to keep on reading, to find out what has happened, to find out what will happen next. The fact that it switches from Pippa’s to Clayton’s perspective very often, makes it even more exciting to read.

Neil and Clayton have my heart. Their characters and their relationship felt real.
Pippa is an icon. Nancy is an icon as well.
Earl is a sweetheart, Hector someone I did not understand until the very and of the book. I wish could come to one of the Fellowships fayres…

I was fortunate enough to be granted this e-book by Netgalley, and I assume that’s why I found some mistakes in it. The layout wasn’t right, sentences breaking off everywhere. Plus, I’m Dutch, and nobody says “zich voortmaken!” out of the blue. And some descriptions of Amsterdam were a bit off. Aside from that, I’m so glad I got to read this book. It really was a treat.

Thoughtful and inspiring story of love, friendship, and the families we can choose to create. The book also offers a bit of mystery, a healthy dose of wit and a great respect for puzzlers of all kinds. I loved the way it presents people of different generations and backgrounds supporting and caring for each other.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publishers via NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While I appreciated the central themes of this book, such as finding your place and the importance of community, and the interactive puzzles throughout, the writing felt somewhat distanced from both the plot and the characters. The story alternates between Clayton's present-day POV and his adoptive mother Pippa's past-POV. More focus on the present day would have been beneficial. Although it was interesting to see the creation of the Fellowship, those sections occasionally dragged. More time in the present would have allowed Clayton to develop more agency as a character. Alternatively, a past POV following Clayton from his early years would have helped flesh out both Clayton and the other Fellowship members.

As it stands, I never really connected with the characters, and the emotional beats didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to. The ending felt anticlimactic and not entirely earned, given how much it was built up.

I wanted a narrative that showed more than told, inviting the reader into the Fellowship. While I appreciate what the book tried to do, it ultimately wasn’t for me.

That said, *The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers* offers a fabulous story where young Clayton, following the death of his caretaker Pippa, is tasked with discovering his origins. Through following clues, Clayton learns about life, family, and connections. Interspersed between the puzzles and narration is the story of Pippa Allsbrook, who founded the Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers. As the only woman at first, Pippa is a fearless leader who adopts Clayton when he is found abandoned in a hatbox. The narrative is fun and an absolute pleasure to read.

The book is a joy to read, with Pippa as the founding member of a family formed not by blood, but by shared interests. When Clayton is left on their doorstep as an infant, Pippa designs her final puzzle for him to solve upon her death, leading him to discover much about himself and his birth parents. The personal lives of the other Fellowship members are also explored, each unique and interesting.

Despite some elements I didn’t enjoy, I hope to read more books by this author and highly recommend *The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers*. I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily submitting this review.

Sweet book of an elderly group of puzzlemakers who live together and adopt a baby found on the doorstep. The story alternates between the puzzlemaker's founder and the little boy as an adult trying to find his mother.

This book was a very beautiful story of friendship and a craft that 2020 brought back during covid. I would recommend this book to others.

I was utterly charmed by this novel, and oh so so so so deeply desire for this to be a film - with the right actors and settings this could be one of the top films ever made and I'll die on that hill. The puzzles?? Creighton Hall?? The relationships?? The PUZZLES? Ugh, it'd be amazing.

This had a now & then narration; now showcasing Clayton trying to figure out who he is in the world without his adopted mother, Pippa; and the then showing how Pippa came to found The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers and how she became Clayton's family (as did the rest of the Fellowship, but don't even get me started on that because I'll cry).

There were a lot of side characters here, some more enjoyable and fleshed out than others - but I really didn't mind. The ones that needed to be full were, and the ones that weren't were still delightful.

I really liked how the end all came together, even if (by that point), it wasn't wholly surprising. Definitely recommend this cozy, lovely, wonderful novel.

(Also, I didn't get many of the puzzles throughout but it didn't dampen my enjoyment.)

Some quotes that I loved:

A good friend should build you up, she always used to say. They should help you become the best version of yourself. In that sense, forging a friendship was akin to finding a soulmate.

"But the trick, young man, is to find the person who loves you the way you love them. The way you deserve to be loved. Because, in the end, ..." Her hands were clasped around his again. "Love is all that matters."

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ / 4.63

Rating each element of the book out of 5★
Characters ★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★
Writing ★★★★
Plot ★★★★
Intrigue ★★★★
Logic ★★★★
Enjoyment ★★★★★
Pacing ★★★★
Dialogue ★★★★

★ did not like / ★★ it was okay / ★★★ liked it / ★★★★ really liked it / ★★★★★ loved it

What a lovely story!

THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS is a smart and uplifting story about the power of friendship and the puzzling ties that bind us.

The book is a dual timeline between twenty-six year-old Clayton and Pippa Allsbrook, the founder of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, and the guardian who discovered a baby Clayton on the doorstep of the fellowship who ends up raising him. After Pippa's funeral, Clayton, one of the last remaining members of the fading fellowship, begins a journey to reveal the answers to Pippa's last puzzle -- the mystery of his parentage and what he needs to prepare him for life beyond the walls of the commune.

As Clayton begins to work through the clues, he uncovers something even the Fellowship have never been able to solve—and it's a secret that has the potential to change everything.

In a touching and smart story of found and real family, different kinds of love, identity, and of course, puzzles. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I did, it was hard to put down. It kept me guessing and working alongside Clayton to uncover clues, and it pulled at my heartstrings. The moments between Clayton and Neil were especially tender. I loved what this book was selling, and it's a story I would definitely read again. Will definitely be getting a finished copy of the book to see the puzzle design elements included as part of the chapters -- it was hard to enjoy that part of it in the ARC, as it wasn't formatted to finished copy design.

Loved this book! Sweet with a great cast of characters and a unique, smart premise.

Thank you to Doubleday and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS is out now!

This was cute and heartwarming! A nice light read for when you don’t want something too intense. Would recommend for puzzle fans!

Title: Unraveling the Mysteries: A Review of "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers"

"The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" is a delightful journey into the realm of mystery and intellect, where puzzles serve as the keys to unlock hidden truths. Authored by the enigmatic mind behind the pseudonym "R. Cipher," this book is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of puzzle creation.

From the moment you turn the first page, you are drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems and every clue holds significance. The narrative follows a diverse group of individuals, each possessing unique skills and perspectives, as they embark on a quest to solve a series of interconnected puzzles scattered across time and space.

What sets this book apart is its seamless blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving. As the characters unravel the mysteries laid before them, the reader is invited to participate in deciphering codes, solving riddles, and piecing together cryptic messages. It's a truly immersive experience that challenges the mind and sparks the imagination.

One of the most impressive aspects of "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" is its intricately crafted puzzles. Whether it's unraveling the enigma of an ancient artifact or decoding a cryptic message hidden within a painting, each puzzle is meticulously designed to test the reader's logic, creativity, and attention to detail. Yet, even the most challenging puzzles are presented in a way that feels accessible and rewarding to solve.

Beyond its entertainment value, the book also offers valuable insights into the art of puzzle creation and the psychology behind solving them. Through the characters' experiences, we gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication required to construct puzzles that are both challenging and fair.

While "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" is undoubtedly a celebration of intellect and wit, it also explores deeper themes of friendship, perseverance, and the power of collaboration. As the characters navigate through obstacles and setbacks, they learn that sometimes the greatest puzzles can only be solved by working together.

In conclusion, "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" is a masterfully crafted tale that will captivate puzzle enthusiasts and curious minds alike. With its clever puzzles, engaging narrative, and thought-provoking themes, it's a book that invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery and unravel the mysteries that lie within. Whether you're a seasoned puzzler or simply looking for an engaging read, this book is sure to leave you craving for more.

This is two stories: Pippa, the brilliant but self-doubting head of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers; and Clayton, the son she raised after finding him on the doorstep. When Pippa dies, Clayton goes on a journey of self-discovery to find his biological parents.
For me, the romance subplots were what kept me engaged. I actually found Clayton a little unbelievable and his quest to be somewhat cruel. I loved having an older protagonist in Pippa, but I would have liked to see more of her brilliance. I did expect more whimsy and less handwringing from her.
The central mystery worked well for me. A little convenient in some spots, but that's part of the coziness. A sweet little story for a rainy weekend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Vintage Anchor/Doubleday for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely book. I think it lost a little something in translation to my ancient Kindle Keyboard as far as the puzzles go, but I loved the characters and the story and the writing. This is a split time narrative, as Clayton finds his way through the last puzzle from his adoptive mom, Pippa, who created the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers. This one is thoroughly enjoyable and very readable. I'd recommend buying a paper copy so you can try to work out some of the puzzles with Clayton.