I received a digital advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese, Perigee is a very logical, scientifically minded kid. They want to be a scientist when they grow up, and approach everything from that mindset. But they’ve noticed, or rather observed, how their father seems to be struggling with things these days. Surely Perigee can come up with a way to fix this! So they arrange for a trip to visit their father’s estranged mother, in hopes that rebuilding family connections will help him. Once the two of them arrive, though, they find the house is… strange. It’s full of strange rooms and secret passages, and it seems to be… alive? It’s also not thrilled to learn that Perigee’s grandmother is planning to sell it soon, and the family finds themselves forced to solve various riddles in the house in order to survive. But maybe, Perigee considers, connection is the thing that will get them all, house included, through this.

This is a good kind of middle grade novel: sweet and weird.

I quite liked Perigee as a protagonist! Basically, show me a plucky, clever kid, and I’ll have a good time reading. And Perigee’s given some depth, in that they make mistakes and are forced to approach things in new ways, allowing them to grow. It’s also quite moving to see the bond between father and child, as Perigee discovers that things like mental health can’t be solved easily, and that it’s a journey that requires lots of work. And I love seeing a nonbinary character living their life comfortably, surrounded by support. Their father is not only accepting, but he’s proud of having a queer kid, and it’s so sweet.

As for Perigee’s grandmother, she’s a very interesting character, prickly and stubborn and at first something of an antagonist. But as time goes on, and we learn more about her backstory, it’s clear that things aren’t so black and white. And I ended up really liking her and how intelligent and creative she is. I wish we could have seen a bit more of that side of her, but what was present was good. As for the house, the other main character, it’s fascinating to see the scenes from its point of view. It’s something of another antagonist, something of a friend. I liked the layers to its personality. And Lily, Perigee’s friend, is sweet and cool and a good addition to the cast.

The puzzles too were so clever. I want to wander through this house, discovering secret passages (though maybe not when the house is actively trying to trap the humans within). The setting is rich with detail, with the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie manor house, with a magical touch. Or maybe it’s closer to the house in Clue. Either way, a delightful place.

In the end, Puzzleheart is a good time. A great assortment of characters, a wonderful setting, and sweet themes work well together. The themes of forgiveness, working through grief and depression as a family, and taking responsibility for hurting others are so lovely, and written perfectly for the intended audience. The adventure is fast-paced, and while there are some high stakes, it’s nothing that most kids couldn’t handle. And the combination of magic and reality is perfect. All in all, an excellent little book!

Puzzleheart is available now!