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Cracking Codes and Cryptograms for Dummies

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The fast and easy way to crack codes and cryptograms

Did you love Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol? Are you fascinated by secret codes and deciphering lost history? Cracking Codes and Cryptograms For Dummies shows you how to think like a symbologist to uncover mysteries and history by solving cryptograms and cracking codes that relate to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, the Illuminati, and other secret societies and conspiracy theories.

You'll get easy-to-follow instructions for solving everything from the simplest puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers using secret codes and lost symbols.

Over 350 handcrafted cryptograms and ciphers of varying types Tips and tricks for cracking even the toughest code Sutherland is a syndicated puzzle author; Koltko-Rivera is an expert on the major symbols and ceremonies of Freemasonry

With the helpful information in this friendly guide, you'll be unveiling mysteries and shedding light on history in no time!

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

46 people are currently reading
180 people want to read

About the author

Denise Sutherland

11 books10 followers
Denise has studied biological sciences, chemistry, graphic design, and indexing. She is a professional puzzle writer. She has 10 puzzle books in print, including four titles in the For Dummies series.

Denise was born with hip dysplasia, and has had a lifetime of hip problems. She joined forces with UK orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Sophie West, to write A Guide for Adults with Hip Dysplasia. The book took two years to write. Denise also did all illustrations and graphic design, as well as the index, and her business published it.

Her latest books, Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies, and a companion volume of crosswords, Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies were released internationally in August 2012. She is a weekly guest on ABC NSW radio, talking about cryptic crosswords.

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5 stars
24 (31%)
4 stars
24 (31%)
3 stars
20 (26%)
2 stars
5 (6%)
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3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Beatriz.
121 reviews19 followers
June 20, 2020
So, this is was a really good book for people who have none or only the vaguest of ideas of basic code breaking. There's a very nice short explanation of different types of codes and cryptograms at the beginning and then we move on to the puzzles, which together form the messages for three conspiracies. Difficulty level was okay, for most of them a little patience was all that was needed.
I did however find about three errors in the puzzles, and at least one instance of where the puzzle solving was not done exactly as explained in the book.
I'll admit I left about 5 treacherous puzzles unsolved, but did all the others.
Profile Image for Lisa Llamrei.
Author 18 books53 followers
July 7, 2015
A great introduction to the science of cryptography. This book gives an overview of the history of cryptography and tips for cracking various types of ciphers. There are three "conspiracies" for the reader to uncover by deciphering the codes, Hundreds of puzzles to work on. It was a lot of fun.

Lisa Llamrei,
author of "Reflection of the Gods".
2 reviews2 followers
Currently reading
January 27, 2011
It's a lot of fun so far. I've always loved trying to crack cryptograms and codes, and I'm really enjoying the combination of history, how-to, and puzzles.
Profile Image for Ben.
2,734 reviews228 followers
September 6, 2022
Let's Get Cracking

This was a pretty great book on cryptography and code cracking. I enjoyed the different techniques as someone who is amazing at patterns and algorithms.

I would recommend this for those interested in cyber security too.

4.0/5
Profile Image for Dave.
82 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
Finished the reading portion, still working on the puzzles, and will be for awhile.
Profile Image for Jessica.
38 reviews32 followers
June 17, 2015
Definitely an interesting and informative read for people interested in cryptography, espionage, or simply puzzles of any kind.
26 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2016
Good introduction to crytography with many opportunities to practice the concepts.
Profile Image for Hind Tayeb.
9 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2022
most of it is cyphers and codes exercises, pretty fun
30 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2023
A book I glance at when I attempt to do cryptograms.
146 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2018

The fast and easy way to crack codes and cryptograms


Did you love Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol? Are you fascinated by secret codes and deciphering lost history? Cracking Codes and Cryptograms For Dummies shows you how to think like a symbologist to uncover mysteries and history by solving cryptograms and cracking codes that relate to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, the Illuminati, and other secret societies and conspiracy theories.


You'll get easy-to-follow instructions for solving everything from the simplest puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers using secret codes and lost symbols.



Over 350 handcrafted cryptograms and ciphers of varying types
Tips and tricks for cracking even the toughest code
Sutherland is a syndicated puzzle author; Koltko-Rivera is an expert on the major symbols and ceremonies of Freemasonry

With the helpful information in this friendly guide, you'll be unveiling mysteries and shedding light on history in no time!


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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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