Cranium-Cracking Cryptic Crosswords: 2018 edition - Paperback

by Tony Chesterley (Author)

Here for your delight is a brain-bending collection of cryptic crosswords for puzzle mavens who relish this ingeniously addictive mental pastime. Unlike the conventional crossword clue, a cryptic clue contains a straight definition of its answer along with a roundabout description using wordplay - perhaps an anagram, word reversal, homophone or word within a word - cleverly disguised to look like a run-of-the-mill phrase. For example, the answer to "Remote tumbling space rock (6)" would be METEOR, an anagram of "remote" that means "space rock." Cracking the clue-writer's code offers mental stimulation far beyond that of the everyday crossword.This update to the original 2012 compendium features an expanded introduction plus dozens of new clues for your entertainment. So grab your pencils, crank up your cranium and enjoy the lexical carnival within!

Author Biography

Tony Chesterley has savored cryptic crosswords since his days in college. He draws inspiration from the many venerable constructors who have amused U.S. puzzle buffs with this addictive form of crossword invented in the British Isles. With a style and erudition that befits American solvers, Tony strives to write crosswords that are both wily and entertaining. His alacrity for deceptive definitions and grammatical ambiguity is sure to keep even veteran solvers guessing: Outrageous rates tacked onto initial cost bug consumers (9) May rock spread in ephemeral deposit? (7) San Diego team clips Bears defense (6) Rogue parasites eating at finger (9)