Recently one of my coworkers reviewed Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G. Griffiths as author and illustrator. I was interested in it as this coworker and I have one of two things happen when a book is talked about by the other: We both love it. Or one of us hates it. There’s not much in-between. That same day I saw the review for the book and they talked about it in other places, was the same day I received an email with an online reader copy attached.
Due in September 2025, this book is going to be another book of extremes for most people. Yet, it was one of the few books I enjoyed but did not feel as passionate about it as they did. With that said, the story is bittersweet, a cozy mystery and has a classical element to it. It did not feel “American” in the writing style, but a good, old fashioned European folktale. The idea is Fox receives a letter. He does not remember the last time he received one. Well he does, but he rather forget. The letter sends him on a journey with a magical treasure at the end.
It seems simple enough, but there is a maturity to things as well. It is an all ages book as you can adapt it to fit the reader or listener. There is not the usual “action hero adventure” to it, but the mystery is its own action. Everyone will relate to the surface story (a mystery and something we’d rather forget about) but there are personal elements embedded for each reader on a personal note. I felt there was a hint of Fox’s memory he wanted to forget had a shading of more than friends with the other character we meet at the end. Yet, it is also a situation we all have found ourselves in, or will someday: the fight with the best friend.
The colors are darker, but not shadowy. They are earthy tones, heavy on browns and tans, with a few areas of color that add to things. It is hopeful, but somber as we read about Fox and his journey. I was in between on this read. Therefore, I really recommend it as it is an experience book that should be read by most, it is an emotional book that makes you think and it is just a nice moral story without being too pushy about that lesson.