Reviews

I picked up The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers thinking it was going to be a cozy mystery, but it turned out to be something a bit different—though no less engaging. Instead of solving a murder, we follow Clayton Stumper, a quirky, 26-year-old who dresses like a grandpa and drinks sherry like your aunt, on a scavenger hunt to uncover the mystery of his birth parents. Raised in the eccentric and fading Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, Clay’s journey is full of puzzles and clues left behind by Pippa Allsbrook, his maternal figure, and a renowned crossword compiler.

The fellowship itself represents the kind of friendships and community many of us dream of creating in adulthood, and the idea of their house functioning like a commune is fun until you meet the various personalities that inhabit it. Unfortunately, Pippa felt more like a stereotype than a fully fleshed-out character, but along with the other members of the Fellowship, she helps bring the house to life with their quirks and eccentricities.

What kept me hooked, though, was Clay himself. He’s compelling—maybe because he’s grieving, maybe because he’s lost, or maybe because he’s so deeply caring toward the others in the Fellowship. Watching him navigate this journey of self-discovery, stepping outside his comfort zone, and unraveling the truth about his past made it impossible for me to bail on this book. The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers turned out to be a heartwarming, though occasionally heartbreaking, story that felt cozy even if it wasn’t the cozy mystery I expected.

jessica1211's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I loved this — an enjoyable read with loveable characters. Although I guessed the 'who is it' ending early, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all. Really looking forward to more from this author.

ninamitu's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

isb_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

curlywiggles's review against another edition

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2.5

I feel harsh giving this review to such a sweet book, but something was lacking for me. The characters were lovely but I wasn't rushing to pick up the book to spend time with them or find out what happened. Its an easy read, a unique concept (I would love to live at the fellowship )but overall just meh.

nonbeanary98's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

charlequin30's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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