Hi, Jon here from Busy Bat. Thanks to everyone who’s suggested we create some Crossword Puzzle books, we’re on it!
We love puzzles as much as you do – but until recently, it’s been all about the Word Search. You can check out all our latest Word Search puzzle books HERE.
Back to crossword puzzles!
Busy Bat is now in the ‘research’ phase for creating some Crossword Puzzle books.
And we know you’re going to love them.
I adore this part of the creation process, who doesn’t like sitting down with a great puzzle book?
We’re researching what makes a GREAT Crossword Puzzle book, buying a bunch of puzzles and (the real fun bit!) spending some quality time doing these crosswords.
So why this article? Well, to keep you all updated on what we’re creating. But also to share our thoughts on some of the BEST Crossword Puzzle books for sale today.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article will give Busy Bat a small affiliate commission. But this doesn’t affect the independent review of these books (or the book cost!). Any commissions help us create new puzzle books, for you!
You can find our reviews of the Crossword Puzzle books we have researched below, but first, a question! Why Crossword Puzzles?
Why Crossword Puzzles are Good for You?
Crossword puzzles are fun and keep your brain sharp. But finding the right crossword book is essential.
The best ones feature puzzles that:
Vary in difficulty
Engage with interesting clues
Explore diverse topics
These features ensure puzzles are fun and challenging.
What about doing puzzles online?
You can of course do puzzles online and on any number of digital devices. But there is something very special about the feel of holding a puzzle book in your hand. Not to mention the satisfaction of pencil on paper.
Best Crossword Puzzle Books for Sale?
Let’s take a look at 3 books that I recommend you give a try.
Each crossword book offers puzzles that will engage your mind, perfect for unwinding in the evening or giving your brain a workout in the morning.
For each book I’ve included a summary with a ‘Show more‘ link if you want to expand the review. There’s also a direct link to the book on Amazon so you can check it out and have a look at the customer reviews. And get your copy!
3 in 1 Collection Crossword Puzzles Book
This one caught my eye straight away!
A crossword puzzle book that combines 3 separate books into one collection. A great bundle that caters to puzzlers who want Easy, Medium, or Hard-level crosswords. This makes this book suitable for someone who wants to pick their next puzzle difficulty. Or share the book with the family!
A crossword puzzle book that combines 3 separate books into one collection. A great bundle that caters to puzzlers who want Easy, Medium, or Hard-level crosswords. This makes this book suitable for someone who wants to pick their next puzzle difficulty. Or share the book with the family!
Another aspect that stood out was the design of the puzzle book. Very puzzler friendly.
Each puzzle is placed with clues on the left in a large, easy-to-read font, and a sizable 15×15 puzzle grid on the right.
Extra-large print and the generous US letter print format, is also a bonus. Especially if you struggle with small print, like me!
Need a sneek peek at the solutions? Large type solutions are included at the back of the book. This should be an assumption in all puzzle books, but is not always the case. Not a problem for this 3 in 1 collection though.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the Pros and Cons that summarise reviewer comments on Amazon.
Pros:
Difficulty Variety : Perfect for all levels, from beginners to crossword wizards. Large Format and Print: Easy on the eyes. Makes for a comfortable puzzling experience. Extensive Content: With 120 puzzles, this book doesn’t skimp on content.
Cons:
Bulky Size: The large format is great for readability but can make the book a bit cumbersome to handle. Especially if you’re on the go. Limited Themes: The book has various topics. But more diversity in puzzle themes could cater to an even broader audience.
Customer reviews are always a bit subjective and I didn’t find an issue with the book size. But if you’re looking for something more pocket sized, then check out the second book on this list!
An excellent collection of 3 books of different difficulty levels
$14.74
New York Times Calm and Breezy Mini Crosswords
This one is more compact than the previous book but no less fun.
I wouldn’t call it ‘pocket-size’, that’ll be quite hard to find especially if you want to see the font. But it’s suitable to pop into a hand or beach bag and ‘grab’ on the go.
This puzzle book has 150 crosswords which are great when you have a few minutes spare. Think break at work, waiting for an appointment, or on the bus! These are ideal, and fun
This one is more compact than the previous book but no less fun.
I wouldn’t call it ‘pocket-size’, that’ll be quite hard to find especially if you want to see the font. But it’s suitable to pop into a hand or beach bag and ‘grab’ on the go.
This puzzle books has 150 crosswords which are great when you have you a few minutes spare. Think break at work, waiting for an appointment or on the bus! These are ideal, and fun.
The design is very unique. Each puzzle is built around a 5 x 5 square grid, allowing quick puzzle satisfaction.
I found most of the clues easy (ish!), with a few puzzles being a bit more challenging. But as I moved through the book, I noticed my crossword completion speed increasing. Consistency is the key and your brain will thank you!
So what about some of the Pros and Cons based on other customer reviews?
Pros > Great time killer! Decent puzzles too. > Fun and quick mini puzzles. > Pocket friendly crossword.
Cons > The puzzles are beginner level. > Ok to pass the time when you’ve got nothing better to do! > The print is huge so there are very items across or down.
For me this book is great if you want a more managable crossword puzzle book. They’re easy (again, ish!) but that’s the idea, you should be able to complete them quickly.
Worth a look. For the next review, I found something really different!
It’s amazing that this publisher has been going since 1924, and still going strong. They must be doing plenty right! This crossword puzzle book caught my attention being #21 in the series and with superb customer reviews. They’re ideal if you want a challenge but not a headache!
It’s amazing that this publisher has been going since 1924, and still going strong. They must be doing plenty right! This crossword puzzle book caught my attention being #21 in the series and with superb customer reviews. They’re ideal if you want a challenge but not a headache!
The book includes 300 crossword puzzle of different sizes, both short and long.
The type is a good size and should stop most peoples eyes getting tired and, a huge bonus…the pages are perforated so they can be teared out easily and worked on individually.
So what about some of the Pros and Cons based from our opinion and that of other customer reviews?
Pros > Good selection of Medium and Hard puzzles. > Perforated pages which is great for grabbing your next puzzle (on the go!) > Ideal as a gift or to keep to yourself!
Cons > Some customers said that the occasional puzzle can be a bit too tough! > Some limited customer comments about poor editing. We didn’t notice this and majority of comments dispute this! Possibly an earlier edition of the book? > Limited customer comments about the whole of the book not being perforated. Again, we didn’t see this.
Overall I found this book to be a great buy. There was a minority of customer reviews stating editing and perforating issues but suggest these were isolated to early editions and possibly the occasional publishing error. Something the author can’t really be help accountable for.
In 1924, Simon & Schuster published its first title The Cross Word Puzzle Book; Created by the best contemporary constructors—and edited by top puzzle master John M
$11.84
Summary
These 3 Crossword Puzzle Books should get you started on your next puzzling adventure.
Found another crossword puzzle book that you would like adding to this list? Get in touch.
