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...

Translated into 17 languages and counting, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is an extraordinary story about love and family and what it means to find your people — no matter what age you are.

A free reading guide can be found here.

Truly heartwarming [...] the idea of puzzling as a way to make sense of the world and forge connections with others is celebrated with tenderness.

― THE TIMES

Utterly beautiful, such a wonderful story told with kindness, elegance and understanding.

― JOANNA CANNON

A lovely read - warm, amusing and engaging. There is abundant pleasure on offer here.

― ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

This novel really sings.

― THE OBSERVER

A real breath of fresh air, Samuel Burr's debut novel is one of those rare books that seems to arrive just when it's needed the most.

― AJ PEARCE

Quirky, uplifting and unique.

― THE SUN

A highly original, soul-warming journey into the great puzzles of life and the journey we’re all on to find our missing pieces. Cryptic and uplifting, the story of Clayton Stumper and his mysterious heritage is bursting with humour, humanity and wit. His journey into the secrets of the Fellowship is a delightful treat for puzzle fans and anyone who has a heart.

― JANICE HALLETT

A life-affirming gem.

– HEAT

Bursting with love and hope . . . This is the kind of book the world needs right now.

― JENNIE GODFREY

From crossword clues and codes to the biggest puzzle of all: who we really are. [This novel] is infused with warmth and a sense of community. A joy.

― S.J BENNETT

Samuel Burr has created a delightful conundrum that he unpicks with wit and empathy. A puzzle that's a treat to complete!

― BETH MORREY

Just gorgeous: wholesome, heartwarming, funny, bittersweet and endearing

– BELFAST TELEGRAPH

Smartly plotted and perfectly pieced together - a story to love and treasure.

― HAZEL PRIOR

‘An utterly charming and thoroughly captivating read, and a stunningly assured debut. Prepare to fall in love with the enigma that is Clayton Stumper.’

― S.J WATSON

Clever & layered, a secret that keeps you turning the pages, & most of all real, flawed characters.

― GEORGINA MOORE

Irresistibly charming, devilishly inventive . . . a total treat.

― BOBBY PALMER

‘In The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, Samuel Burr skilfully evokes a unique and unforgettable fictional world. The fellowship is a delightfully inclusive community, which, like the book, bursts with love and warmth and acceptance. I urge you to pay it a visit, yourself.’

― JOANNA GLEN

Fiendishly clever, intricately plotted and beautifully written, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is a classic in the making.

― VERONICA HENRY

A gorgeously quirky read

– GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

A dazzling and unique debut.

― SARAH J. HARRIS

Brilliant, funny, clever, quirky.

― ERICKA WALLER

Full of the most enchanting characters.

― ANSTEY HARRIS

With this book, Burr establishes himself as one of the most important writers of his generation.

― AWAIS KHAN

Very special. It's original, quirky and adorable.

― MATT CAIN

I loved the quirky characters, wit, and mystery all wrapped up in creative puzzles. Such a perfect blend of found family, messages of connection and how important it is not to overlook people. A gem of a book.

― KRISTEN PERRIN

Richly detailed and beautifully imaginative.

― ABBIE GREAVES

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is such an intriguing story of love and family, told beautifully through the medium of play and puzzle-solving. Samuel Burr has done the seemingly impossible and found a whole new way to be funny, wise and revealing about relationships and what a mystery they are.

― KEITH STUART

A big-hearted story of family, community and the joy of human connection. [This novel] pulled me along with its gusto while touching my heart. Lovely!

― SARAH HAYWOOD

Rich with emotion and intrigue. If you enjoy mysteries and puzzles, this will keep you guessing and eagerly turning the pages until the very end

– YOURS MAGAZINE

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is a triumph! An inventive, tender, big-hearted mystery that kept me guessing until the final pages.

― SUSAN FLETCHER

A glorious book. Charming and quirky […] just joyous.

― MATT COYNE

Bursting with joy, this quirky, charming read is so cleverly done, with characters that burrow into your heart

― LAURA PEARSON