The Scotland Yard Puzzle Book: Crime Scenes, Conundrums and Whodunnits to test your inner detective

by Sinclair McKay

Pit your wits against the brilliant minds of Scotland Yard, from the bestselling author of Bletchley Park Brainteasers, Sinclair McKay. The mist sits low and thick just below the London sky line... Big Ben looms in the distant darkness... A lone figure, overcoat pulled tightly around him, is walking with purpose, pipe in mouth, hat sitting low on his head. An amber light shines out from a lamppost. Mystery hangs heavy in the air...
There is no image as timeless and fascinating as that of the 19th Century Scotland Yard detective. Their to uncover the crime and bring the criminal to justice, simple. But their work involves some of the hardest problem-solving imaginable and requires the highest levels of mental agility. Can you solve the puzzles these feats of detection have inspired? Since it opened its doors in 1829, Scotland Yard has used the science of detection to solve the most macabre of murders and catch the most audacious of thieves. The Scotland Yard Puzzle Book takes a look through the history of this famous institution and recreates some of the most complex conundrums its detectives have ever faced. Technology can now shine a light on some of the most difficult cases, but the analytical mind needed to crack the clues remains as essential as ever. Do you have what it takes to be a Scotland Yard detective?

Genres: Puzzles, Nonfiction, True Crime

272 pages, paperback

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Sinclair McKay writes regularly for the Daily Telegraph and The Secret Listeners and has written books about James Bond and Hammer horror for Aurum. His next book, about the wartime “Y” Service during World War II, is due to be published by Aurum in 2012. He lives in London.
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Reviews

[Bertie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some easy, some challenging, a few just too tricky but great morning coffee accompaniment.

[EAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a LOT of fun - a hybrid between the history of Scotland Yard and a puzzle book - McKay has done an amazing job of bringing historical context around solving puzzles and mysteries. I really enjoyed how the book was organized; the puzzles became increasingly complex as we move forward in the history of detective work. You might feel like you can be among the brilliant puzzle solving minds at Scotland Yard when you finish this book!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good, some not so good puzzles mixed with short sections on the History of Scotland Yard. Parts are well written, while others parts seem to be missing a conclusion - left on the editor's floor?

Worth it for puzzle enthusiasts who want a few challenges, but there's better out there.

[Kathryn Quincey, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great puzzle book

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great puzzle book which really tests you!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a lot of fun tackling this book and the sections at the start of each chapter was a welcome insight into a history of detectives and crime.