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A Little Brain Food: My Puzzle Book Recs

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A collection of my favorite puzzle books that keep my mind sharp and entertained. From crosswords to Sudoku to mind-bending challenges, these are the books I turn to when I want a little brain workout — fun, relaxing, and always satisfying.
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Crosswords

 
Shane Murphy profile picture
I keep this crossword book beside my couch for when I just need a moment to unplug and dive into something fun. With 100 puzzles edited by Will Shortz, it starts off approachable but gradually levels up, so you never feel bored — just the right kind ...
New York Times Games Classic Crossword Puzzles (Red and White): 100 Puzzles|Hardcover
 
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Perfect for those laid-back beach-side mornings or slow afternoons by the window — this book serves up 200 easy puzzles from the Times that feel like a breeze and still reward you with that satisfying ‘aha’ moment. I keep it tucked in my tote for whe...
New York Times Games Beach Day Crosswords: 200 Easy Puzzles|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
If you’ve ever finished a daily puzzle and thought, ‘More please…’ this book is your dream. From twists on Wordle, Connections and Spelling Bee to a giant ‘mega’ crossword you can spread out, it’s the perfect mix of challenge and fun. Whether you’re ...
Puzzle Mania!: Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis and More! (B&N Exclusive Edition)|BN Exclusive
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
If you’re looking to dive into hours of solid crossword fun, this 300‑puzzle volume from the legendary Simon & Schuster series is gold. Edited by top constructor John M. Samson, it features perforated pages so you can pull out and solve puzzles o...
Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book #25|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
Short on time but still want that satisfying puzzle fix? This one’s perfect — 150 bite‑sized crosswords from the Times that you can finish in a few minutes, wherever you are. I love flipping to it when I’m riding the subway or waiting for dinner to a...
The New York Times Mini Crosswords, Volume 1: 150 Easy Fun-Sized Puzzles|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
If relaxing with a good puzzle is your version of a Sunday‑ritual, this one hits the spot. With 200 generously sized Sunday‑style crosswords from the Times, I pull this out when I want something a bit grander than a quick daily puzzle — think cozy af...
New York Times Games Sunday Crossword Companion Volume 1: 200 Puzzles|Paperback
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Shane Murphy profile picture
I discovered this one when I wanted a throw‑back to the golden age of Sunday puzzles. This volume gathers 100 Sunday‑size crosswords edited by the legendary Eugene T. Maleska — puzzles that were never before in book form. If you love a page of though...
The New York Times Sunday Crossword Tribute to Eugene T. Maleska|Large Print
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
This one’s my go-to when I want to unwind instead of switch off. Packed with 200 easy‑going puzzles from the Times, it’s the perfect companion for a quiet Sunday or lazy afternoon. Relaxing, satisfying, and just the right kind of brain stretch.
The New York Times Crosswords for a Relaxing Weekend: Easy, Breezy 200-Puzzle Omnibus|Paperback
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Sudoku

 
Shane Murphy profile picture
This book has become my go‑to when I want to unplug for a bit and stretch my brain—over 500 puzzles, from warm‑ups to full‑on Samurai challenges. I keep it on my coffee table so I can pick it up after work or bring it on long flights. Logic games nev...
Big Book Of Sudoku|Other Format
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
This book is my go‑to when I want a deep dive into logic puzzles — over 300 handcrafted Sudoku grids (from easy to very hard) by the experts at Nikoli who perfected the format. If you love stretching your brain with more than the daily quick fix, thi...
The Original Sudoku|Paperback

Logic Puzzles

 
Shane Murphy profile picture
If you love logic puzzles and murder‑mysteries, buckle up — this book serves up 100 devilish mini‑cases where you’re the detective. Read the clues, fill in the grid, deduce the who, what and where. I brought it on a long flight and it kept me hooked ...
Murdle: Volume 1: 100 Elementary to Impossible Mysteries ...
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
This one’s for when I’m craving something beyond the usual crossword—100 clever murder‑mystery logic puzzles that turned my couch into a detective’s den. With clues, suspects, weapons, and crime scenes to work through, I found myself hooked starting ...
Murdle: Volume 2: 100 Elementary to Impossible Mysteries to Solve Using Logic, Skill, and the Power of Deduction|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
I’ve kept this one on my night‑stand as a go‑to when I want a fun, no‑pressure brain‑stretch. With 399 puzzles, trivia and brain teasers geared from ‘warm‑up’ all the way to ‘merciless,’ it’s a workout for my brain that feels like play. Also, I love ...
399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young.|Paperback
 
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If you’re craving something a little different from standard puzzles, this one’s for you: 80 murder‑mystery style logic challenges where you’re the detective. Each scene brings a new twist — from a bakery to a casino, a farm to an opera — and watchin...
Murdoku: 80 Murder Mystery Logic Puzzles|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
This is my go‑to when I want a brain workout that feels like fun—not like a chore. With crosswords, Sudoku, cryptograms, and more (all introduced with tips and challenge levels), it helped me keep sharp and entertained on long flights and lazy weeken...
The Ultimate Brain Health Puzzle Book for Adults: Crosswords, Sudoku, Cryptograms, Word Searches, and More!|Paperback
 
Shane Murphy profile picture
Blind‑Date With a Puzzle
Blind Date with a Puzzle 1000 Pieces
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