Puppet by Robert Stutt - Available Now
A Debut Novel
Published by Merlin Star Press
The world of TV puppetry is an arcane, funny, sometimes profane one, but amiable puppeteer, James Tait, has finally reached the top.
From slinging dead cow heads at the lion park, to juggling with Russian killers, Jim’s career has been varied rather than profitable, but now his big break has arrived. At least until the police arrive on set and remove Benny Beaver in an evidence bag.
Jim’s contented family life is about to be swallowed whole by scandal, blackmail and murder. But just who is pulling the strings? And is Jim the hero or the patsy?
“I loved it. What an unsuspecting thrill ride in the most unsuspecting circumstance.”
— Alan Doyle, musician, actor, author
“A finely-honed and crackling good yarn that makes you smile even as the knife pushes ever deeper.”
— Robert Mills, producer & director of The Big Comfy Couch
About Bob
Robert (Bob) Stutt has worked in film and television for over 40 years, puppeteering on such shows as Fraggle Rock, the Jim Henson Hour, the Friendly Giant, The Big Comfy Couch, Sesame Park, and as Iggy Iguana on Under the Umbrella Tree.
He’s also written over 300 scripts produced for CBC, CTV, PBS, and Disney, and has performed live everywhere from the street corners of Toronto to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Bob lives in Fredericton, NB.
Live appearances
The Catch Up hosted by Fawn Parker
Reading and signing at Westminster Books, 88 York St, Fredericton.
Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 3:00 pm