An Evening with Samuel Burr in Conversation with Joanna Cannon - Birmingham

Join us for a brilliant evening with Samuel Burr to celebrate the publication of his debut novel, ‘The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers’! Clayton Stumper has grown old before he’s grown up. Abandoned at birth in a commune of puzzlemakers, he must follow a series of clues to discover his secret past. But first he must find his place in the outside world. A gloriously uplifting, nostalgic, and wonderfully puzzling novel, perfect for fans of ‘The Thursday M**der Club’ and ‘Lessons in Chemistry’. Samuel will be in conversation with Joanna Cannon, author of ‘A Tidy Ending’.About the BookClayton 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 AuthorSamuel Burr studied at Westminster Film School and is now a freelance TV executive, developing and producing popular-factual shows including 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 debut novel, THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS, which was acquired by Orion Fiction in a highly competitive eight-way auction.Samuel’s writing was shortlisted for Penguin’s WriteNow scheme and in 2021 he graduated from the Faber Academy. In his spare time, he volunteers for elderly charities Age UK and Re-Engage. He lives in London with his partner Tom and their cat Muriel. He has always been old at heart.Reviews“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. Hugely uplifting, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is a wonderful story full of kindness, intelligence and warmth” – AJ Pearce“Utterly beautiful, such a wonderful story told with kindness, elegance and understanding. I am genuinely devastated to leave Pip and the gang behind! An explorations of identity, belonging… and love. I absolutely adored it.’ – Joanna Cannon“Three cheers for The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr – 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.” – Jancie Hallett

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Waterstones, 24-26 High Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom