Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies

by Denise Sutherland

The cryptic crossword world…explained 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. Using worked examples and clear explanations, the book guides the reader through the common and not-so-common clues that can be used to decipher even the most confusing cryptics, and includes practice puzzles to put your new skills to the test. Cryptic crosswords have emerged as one of today's most popular brainteasers, and Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is the one-stop resource for becoming a puzzle pro.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

204 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Manny]

[Phillip Berrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book I had always considered solving the cryptic version of crosswords an arcane art; something that I had to rely on my subconscious brain for, as I would quite often get the word right but not be able to understand why. However, now that I know the logic behind the writing of these clues I am a much happier chappy.

For what it is, this is an excellently written book. As someone trying to come to grips with the solving of cryptic crosswords I found the explanations and examples clear, and the progression through the different types of clue types easy to understand.

However, I must warn you that you will not be able to master all cryptic crosswords simply by reading this book. As the author points out, this is because all cryptic crossword creators have their own unique style, preferences for clue types and commonly used hints (which you need to learn). So, while I believe I have a good appreciation of the author's style for creating her cryptics (and was able to solve all the puzzles in this book), I have yet to master the cryptic in the local paper, which is by a different creator.

Also, please note that the author is very approachable and provides added value to the book through her website where she has regular postings about crosswords and other puzzles.

I recommend this book to anyone like me who wanted to find out more about these intriguing puzzles.

Caveat: I am a friend of the author, but that doesn't mean she can't still teach me (and you) a thing or two.

[James Traxler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, I read the pocket edition, which is a cut down version, I believe.
This was a great insight into how those darned cryptic crosswords work!
For years I've had an inkling that there was some way to get into the club and know how to solve 'em. And sure enough there is. This explains all!
Nicely done explanation here.

[Denise Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've wanted to write for years, and I'm so thrilled that it's finally come to fruition! I wrote the first draft in 10 weeks. Ten very full on weeks!

[Denise Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheer madness, i wrote this book in 6 weeks O.o
Very happy with how it's turned out, it's a cute little pocket-sized book!

[Alexandra Daw · Rating 5 out of 5]

see my review here https://gcbooks.wordpress.com/2018/04...

[Darragh Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

[Phillip Berrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I finally finished this book. It took me a while, but what you have to understand is that, as well as reading the text, I did all of the cryptic crosswords as well.

This is a companion book to 'Solving Cryptic Crosswords for Dummies' by the same author, which I have also reviewed. In this book we get to put our newfound knowledge to the test with three different grades of crosswords. As could be probably expected, as my skills got better the puzzles got harder and vice versa. And, it was literally only the last puzzle where I threw in the towel over the last five words, which were not part of my vocabulary.

So, now that I've had all this practice, has it improved my efforts with the cryptic crossword in the local paper. The answer is 'yes' but, as I said in my review of the previous book, every puzzle writer has their own style. So, whereas I have become very familiar with the author's style and improved generally, it doesn't mean I have mastered the local cryptic. That will take time and experience.

My main gripe is that I don't understand why the publisher published these two books as one. There was some repetition in the second book which could have been avoided and the addition of the puzzles to the first book would have made it more complete, in my opinion. Perhaps they thought that a book of puzzles would perhaps sell better in its own right to crossword enthusiasts. But I don't think this would be the case considering the title. No self-respecting crossword enthusiast is really going to buy a book 'for dummies', in my opinion.

Finally, I must end with a caveat and a thank you. First, the author of this book is a personal friend and second I need to thank her for introducing me to the mysteries of cryptic crosswords.

Thanks Denise.

Happy puzzling.