THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS

Penelope Keith and Russell Tovey embody the warmth of the protagonists in this charming novel told from dual perspectives. Tovey narrates with emotional vulnerability and an inquisitive tone in portraying Clayton Stumper. The lovably old-fashioned 26-year-old unravels the final mystery left by the legendary puzzle maker Pippa Allsbrook, who raised him in her later years after he was abandoned at birth on her doorstep. Penelope Keith lends a spirited voice to the scenes from Pippa's perspective, which explore her youth as a talented crossword maker in the male-dominated field and her unlikely path to raising Clayton. The sole weakness is the interactive puzzles included throughout the story, which are challenging to follow in the audio format even with the balanced pacing. Otherwise, this is a rich, captivating adaptation. C.J.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2024]