Customer Reviews

The Times Jumbo Cryptic Crossword Book 7: 50 Challenging Cryptic Crosswords (Bk. 7)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm a crossword fanatic and was turned on to cryptic or "British" crosswords a few years ago. They add a new twist to the concept, which is enjoyable, and adds a great deal more challenge, however, not enough of them are published in the States. Most come from England and some of the references in the clues are rather obscure, answers usually in British slang or referring to British persons. I have had to cheat a lot (look at the answers), and sometimes I still can't figure out how the clue refers to that particular answer. I'd try one of the Mensa cryptic crossword books (they have 2 now), or the one published by the New Yorker magazine. It's nice to have a challenge, but when its too hard, its just frustrating. I don't think I will buy another edition by this publisher.

I love cryptic crosswords, for me there aren't enough being created. However, I speak American English, as distinct from British English. Since these cryptics stretch the use of language to begin with, the ones created for British publications are virtually indecipherable, due to slang, usage and spelling differences.

Fine fullfilment, good product. I would purchase from this vendor again without any hesitation. This review requires six more words.

The whole point of these puzzles is that they are hard. There are a few Britishisms it's useful to know... A "duck" in cricket is a zero, therefore usually an "O" when found in a clue.

These puzzle are SO MUCH BETTER than any of the American ones... the New Yorker ones were definitely too easy. I liked the "with a twist" formats of the Harper's and Atlantic ones, but the clues were not hard at all. These make you think harder. (It would be helpful, though, if they explained some of the more puzzling or abstruse ones.)