12 best quiz and puzzle books

Quiz and puzzle books are the ultimate mix of fun and brain-boosting challenge — ideal for anyone who loves a bit of mental gymnastics with a side of entertainment. From crosswords and word searches to logic puzzles and quirky trivia, these books are guaranteed to keep your mind sharp, improve your problem-solving skills, and offer a satisfying sense of achievement with every challenge solved. They can also be incredibly versatile: they make a perfect quiet solo activity, a fun way to break the ice on long journeys, or a lively addition to family gatherings.
With the festive season fast approaching, puzzle and quiz books make excellent stocking fillers, easy to tuck in alongside chocolate, and with a much longer shelf-life than a pair of socks. They’re guaranteed to keep everyone entertained on snowy afternoons or around the Christmas table, sparking conversation and the type of friendly competition that festive days are all about. Fun, engaging, and educational, they’re a gift your brain (and your loved ones) will thank you for.
What are the best puzzle books for adults?
Murdoku is where Sudoku meets Sherlock Holmes—a puzzle-lover’s dream with a playful, criminal twist. Each colourful grid drops you into a mini murder mystery, where every chair, cat, or chessboard could be a clue. With 80 beautifully illustrated crime scenes to investigate—from bakeries to casinos—the fun never runs out. The puzzles start simple and build to truly head-scratching challenges, ideal for cosy winter evenings or post-Christmas-dinner brain workouts.
What about the latest crossword puzzle book?
Interactive puzzle books to enjoy
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Frequently asked questions
What are puzzle books?
Puzzle books are collections of challenges designed to make you think, from crosswords and word searches to logic puzzles and riddles. Some are purely for entertainment, while others sneak in educational titbits. Perfect for a rainy afternoon, a long train ride, or a cosy coffee break, puzzle books will give your brain a playful workout while keeping boredom at bay. Think of them as snacks for your mind.
Are puzzle books good for your brain?
Absolutely! Puzzle books aren’t just fun — they give your brain a workout, too. Crosswords, logic puzzles, and riddles engage memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. They can improve focus, mental agility, and even creativity, all while feeling like play instead of work. Regular puzzling has even been linked to keeping your mind sharp as you age. So next time you pick up a puzzle book, know you’re exercising neurons while having a blast—brain gains with zero gym membership required.