Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned veteran of cryptic crosswords, you can always learn more and have fun solving new cryptics. Here’s our list of some of the best cryptic crossword books. Feel free to let us know if you have a favourite that you think we should add to the list!
The Times Big Book of Cryptic Crosswords Book 1: 200 World-Famous Crossword Puzzles
Challenge yourself with this set of cryptic puzzles from the most famous crossword in the world compiled by the Times Crossword Editors.
Following in the tradition of The Times’ authoritative, highest-quality, challenging cryptic crosswords, this latest collection offers an enjoyable and stimulating way to while away your free time and exercise the grey matter with intriguing clues and complex wordplay.
Addictive, taxing and compelling, this book is packed with 200 high-quality puzzles chosen by former Times Crossword Editors.
The Telegraph Big Book of Cryptic Crosswords 10
In 1925, the Telegraph was the first quality daily to publish a crossword; here is the latest collection. Utterly addictive and entertaining, these fiendish puzzles are perfect for those who wish to pit their wits against the nation’s best cryptic setters.
Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies
Even expert crossword-solvers struggle with cryptics. The clues can often seem nonsensical, mysterious and infuriating, but finally cracking them is immensely satisfying. Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is designed to help even the most casual crossword lover master these mental feats of gymnastics. Packed with clear explanations, helpful hints, and practice crosswords, the book explains how to approach these problems in a clear and logical manner, providing hints on identifying the different kinds of clues and tips on how to solve them.
The Guardian Cryptic Crosswords 1: A collection of more than 100 perplexing puzzles
The Guardian‘s cryptic crosswords are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people every day. Test your powers of linguistic deduction and lateral-thinking against 120 classic cryptic crosswords from the Guardian‘s extensive archives, with the first book in the new Guardian puzzle book series.
Rewording the Brain: How cryptic crosswords can improve your memory and boost the power and agility of your brain
In this entertaining and essential book, cryptic crossword guru David Astle explains how your brain responds to and benefits from attempting these crosswords. A growing body of research suggests cryptic crosswords are the ideal workout for your brain, and Astle shows how regular training of this kind can be fun as well as fundamental.
If you’ve always been intimidated by cryptic crosswords, fear not! Rewording the Brain is an accessible guide to developing and sharpening your puzzle talents. Novices and expert solvers alike will gain plenty of cryptic insights. There has never been a better time to start solving, nor a better teacher than the legendary DA.
Daily Mail Big Book of Cryptic Crosswords Volume 7
A bumper collection of cryptic crosswords from the Daily Mail, ranging from easier puzzles for novices to fiendishly tricky crosswords for seasoned puzzlers. With over 400 puzzles, this is the ideal compilation for any cryptic crossword-lover.
Mungo’s Cryptic Crosswords: From The Saturday Paper
Be delighted, be infuriated, be inspired – but above all be entertained! This is the ultimate puzzle book- a year’s worth of Mungo MacCallum’s cryptic crosswords from The Saturday Paper, plus a preface from the maestro himself.
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