As you all know from the previous review of Killer Puzzles and Bordergrams (see it here), I love puzzles. In case you haven’t seen that review, I’ll repeat I love all kinds of puzzles and I do puzzles all day long, both on my phone and in puzzle books. St. Martin’s Press sent me three very different puzzle books to review and this one is probably my favorite, but all three are in regular rotation.
Have you ever done a cryptic crossword puzzle? Instead of a plain definition, you’re given a wordplay clue that you have to decipher to get the answer. Generally, each cryptic clue contain the definition, the indicator (what type of cryptic it is), and fodder (the letters/words/phrases that give you the ultimate solution). Sounds complicated? They can be. To help you out, Angas Tiernan and Liam Runnalls have written a brilliant introduction book to cryptic clues: Minute Cryptic.
Start from the beginning. No jumping ahead with this one. The introductory pages give you a deep dive into what cryptic clues are and how to solve them. Then, each chapter teaches you how to determine which type of clue you’re looking at and takes you through several puzzles to help you learn how to solve them. Each page is a single clue, with a generous workspace, and the back of the page includes hints. And there are even letter clues, which tell you which hint letter fits in which spot of your solution. There are two “Lucky Dip” sections, where the type of clue isn’t defined for you, so you can get practice determining those types, as well. As you get more comfortable with solving clues, you can try the mini cryptic crosswords.
By the time you finish this book, you will be a master of cryptic clues and you will still find clues that challenge you. There’s even a Mega Crossword at the end of the book. Minute Cryptic puzzles are incredibly fun and clever. If you love them as much as I do, you can also download the Minute Cryptic app for more cryptic puzzle fun. It includes a daily single clue, with hints, a scribble space, and a link to the solution video by author Angas Teirnan, who talks through the clues, giving excellent explanations. They also post the puzzles on their website: https://www.minutecryptic.com/. I even watch videos of other content creators as they work through Minute Cryptic clues (but not until I’ve solved the clue myself, just in case). Hurry up with this one, because More Minute Cryptic will be out just in time for the holidays.
٭٭٭٭٭Highly recommended
Minute Cryptic looks like the kind of puzzle book that fits easily into a busy day. I enjoy crosswords with coffee, but I do not always have time for a Sunday-sized grid. A short challenge can still feel satisfying, especially when one clever clue makes you pause and smile. I was browsing Winston Salem Journal reviews and noticed how much people appreciate content that gives them a quick mental break. This seems like a nice gift for commuters, parents, or anyone who enjoys keeping their brain active. Small puzzles can turn a quiet five-minute pause into a genuinely enjoyable ritual.
I really enjoyed your review of the Minute Cryptic puzzles, George! It reminded me of my own experiences diving into challenging crosswords—there’s something so satisfying about cracking a tough clue. Have you found any particular themes that are especially rewarding? By the way, I stumbled across fnaf 2 recently; it’s amazing how different puzzles can spark creativity in various ways!