The Chambers Book of Cryptic Crosswords: 100 Entertainingly Challenging Cryptic Crossword Puzzles Paperback – November 7, 2017

American cryptic fans have it hard, since there are few to none books of American cryptics. So we have to buy English ones. But many, such as the London Times cryptic puzzles, use lots of clues and words which make sense if you are up on English geography and English rugby and football clubs.The Chambers entry does not have this problem. I've done a quarter of the puzzles so far, and while hard they are relatively simple for Americans to do. Chambers of course publishes the dictionary which is the go to source for English puzzles, so they are quite qualified to do a book.American solvers looking for more puzzles to do should check this book out. Nice job, Chambers.

The clues make sense but are quite challenging

If you are American and new to cryptic crosswords, I'd advise you to look to some other authors who write specifically to American audiences. This is because in this book (and others produced in Britain) use a lot of regional phrases, geography references, and unfamiliar word usages that are chiefly used in the UK. Also, British cryptics tend to use a lot more "filler" words to make the clues sound more natural. It's easier to get started with American cryptics which don't use as many (if any) filler words.If you're a seasoned cryptic crossword solver, then go for it. My main complaint is that some clues are so convoluted that they can only be solved AFTER you've figured out the word, an sometimes not even then.

Too British. I love British things, don't get me wrong! But these puzzles are definitely for someone who's grown up in British culture. I wouldn't recommend to anyone outside it (I'm American, well-educated, and already a cryptic puzzles fan).

Note: It helps to be English. I hope Book 2 comes out soon.

Very challenging esp. because of the different turns of phrase and spellings in British English vs. American English. So much fun!

I received this book as a birthday gift. The puzzle format is juvenile and nothing like a real crossword of any type other than perhaps what a teacher might use for students to work on a spelling list. The clues do not follow any of the rules of a normal cryptic crossword and are in fact like those of a normal crossword. Most answers cross with only one other answer. There is no answer key which every other crossword puzzle book would include. Many of the clues are duplicated from puzzle to puzzle. Altogether a very big waste of anybody's money.

Very good, challenging puzzles. Fairly clued, that’s always a plus. Looking forward to next volume.

I have sent positive feedback for this seller, Greener Books. Excellent customer service.

The puzzles were challenging, which is good. My only criticism is that the answers were not parsed.

Prompt delivery and product as advertised

This product was just what the person receiving the gift wanted. And it was very enjoyed.

Brilliant for cryptic crossword lovers like myself and good value.