The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
PUBLISHER: Orion
- Hardcover (368p) 9781398712300 released 9 May 2024
- Audio (11H 53M) released 9 May 2024
- Digital (361p) 9781398712331 released 9 May 2024
- Paperback (384p) 9781398712324 released 27 March 2025
Find the book on Amazon, Goodreads and Storygraph
🌟 Review Note:
The minute I saw the title The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, I knew I wanted to read it. I didn’t even check the blurb—it just sounded like my kind of book. On release day, I used an Audible credit and had the audiobook ready to go. But life happened, and with other books already on the go, I didn’t get around to listening.
Later, I bought the Kindle version, thinking it might be easier to dip into… but again, it quietly waited its turn. Then I spotted a gorgeous special package from an independent bookshop —complete with the book, bookmark, pencil, and the brilliant yellow tote bag (see photos!). I’d somehow forgotten I already owned it twice, but this time the paperback sat on my coffee table, impossible to ignore.
When it was my turn to choose the next read for the BookFairy Book Club, this one felt like fate. I was delighted to find book group questions inside—perfect! On 1st May, I shared my pick in our WhatsApp group of readers from around the world, and everyone was excited to dive in.
I’m publishing this review on 10th June—the day we all gather to discuss and share our thoughts on the book. I can’t wait!
As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.
About the book
Sometimes finding your place in the world is the greatest puzzle of all…
Clayton Stumper is an enigma.
He might be twenty-five years old, but he dresses like your grandad and drinks sherry like your aunt.
Abandoned at birth on the steps of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, he was raised by the sharpest minds in the British Isles and finds himself amongst the last survivors of a fading institution.
When the esteemed crossword compiler, Pippa Allsbrook, passes away, she bestows her final puzzle to him: a promise to reveal the mystery of his parentage and prepare him for his future.
Yet as Clay begins to unpick the clues, he uncovers something even the Fellowship have never been able to solve – and it’s a secret that will change everything…
About the Author
Samuel studied at Westminster Film School and now works as an author and freelance TV executive. He has developed and produced popular-factual shows including Channel 4’s Genderquake and The Greatest Shows on Earth, BBC Two’s Eight Go Rallying and The Secret Life of Cleaners, BBC Four’s Make: Craft Britain, and the BAFTA-nominated Secret Life of 4-Year-Olds.
A documentary he shot inside a retirement village when he was eighteen years old launched his career in television and inspired his internationally bestselling debut novel, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, which has been translated into 18 foreign languages. Samuel’s writing was shortlisted for Penguin’s WriteNow scheme, and in 2021 he graduated from the Faber Academy.
In his spare time, Samuel volunteers for several elderly charities as a telephone befriender. He lives in London with his partner, Tom, and their cats, Muriel and Bruce.
He has always been old at heart.
Samuel’s Social Media
Facebook: @SamuelBurrAuthor
Instagram: @samuelburr
X: @samuelburr
Website : samuelburr.com
My Five Star Review
I absolutely loved this book. Most of the time, I listened to the story on audio, playing throughout my flat via my linked Alexas – Clayton’s world accompanied me from room to room. When time allowed, I soaked up the sunshine at my window with the Kindle version, thanks to Whispersync. Being able to switch between listening and reading was a joy, and for this story, it felt like the perfect way to experience it.
The audiobook adaptation was flawless. Russell Tovey and Penelope Keith were such inspired casting—utterly perfect voices for the characters. I was swept away by their performances, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever see Russell Tovey on screen again without thinking of Clayton!
The dual timelines worked beautifully. The transitions between characters and timelines were seamless, making the plot easy to follow while still holding enough intrigue to keep me fully invested. The pacing was just right—steady enough to absorb all the clues and layers, yet always moving forward.
One of my favourite elements was the gentle, genuine bond that developed between Clayton and Neil. Their growing relationship was so tender and heartwarming—it felt real and earned.
I also adored the ensemble scenes with the Fellowship coming together to plan the big event. That sense of community, of chosen family, was powerful and deeply comforting. It sounded like the kind of event I’d love to attend myself!
As expected, this book was everything I hoped for and more. I’m glad I own it in all three formats—my paperback is now ready to be lent out to friends, while the audio will be my go-to when I need a calming listen. And I already know I’ll revisit the Kindle version again in the future.
This review may also appear on my social media and selected book platforms. All links are correct at the time of posting.
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