Crypto-Lists: Crack the Categorically Clever Codes

I am really enjoying this change of pace from the usual crypto-quotes, much as I love those. There are so many choices ofthemes that I don't mind skipping over some to find lists that appeal. It's surprising how much you learn about some topics and fun to discover all the names your brain has squirreled away from past experience.

I'm more than halfway through the book, and I'm having fun, even when I don't know ANY of the items! (For example, since I don't watch TV sitcoms, I have never heard of ANY of the "TV Bars and Restaurants" (list #61).) With 200 lists, doing one is a great way to take a short break from something else.In addition to the author's instructions and hints, I have several times needed a list of possibilities, usually from Wikipedia. Also, more than letter frequency, I look at double letters, and often at the shortest as well as the longest words. Once in a while, a word never does seem to fit the category, and it turns out it's something regional ("jimmies" on ice cream ?!) or obscure. A few times, I've even had to resort to getting the first item from the answers... Sigh. But it's still all fun.

Overall great but some very specific categories that are difficult if you have no knowledge of them. Ie: characters from a specific movie from the 70s. There is a great feature that the back page gives you a hint of a single letter reveal to help you if you are stuck.

I love this book - I could spend hours doing the crypto-lists. Some of the themes of the lists are a bit obscure, but they are fun nonetheless. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of cryptograms, or decoding.

Is too easy. Fun but once you figure out one word on the list the rest fills itself in . Not much decoding.

Way too many obscure lists:Famous First BasemenMajor league soccor playersCar Talk Staff Members ( I don't even know what that means)Secretaries of State Just to name a few. Only about half the book is doable

It's fun and relevant. Buy it. It will make toilet time something to look forward to.

I had lots of fun with these puzzles! My 12-year-old daughter also had fun helping out. A great book for anyone who likes word puzzles.