CRIMESEARCH

Think of this as a word search that works like a casefile. Each of the 120 puzzles in this crime-themed volume presents a investigation to close, so solving the grid is only the first step. Cases fall into three groups: homicide, where you pin down a culprit, a location and a weapon; heists, where you track the planners, hideouts and goods taken; and espionage, where you expose double agents, rendezvous points and intended targets.

Each case follows the same routine. You search for the listed words, work out which one on the list has no place in the grid, and read the leftover letters to uncover a short hidden message. That message points to a decoder code, which unlocks the final piece of evidence. Step-by-step instructions and worked example cases open the book, and full answers appear at the back so you can check your reasoning.

Once you have finished the book, you can download a free bonus file called the Classified Master Case. It asks you to gather encrypted clues from the answers to selected cases in the book, then piece them together to reveal a hidden link between the crimes. The book is aimed at adults and older teens who enjoy word searches, detective themes and screen-free puzzles, and it also suits people looking for a gift for a birthday, holiday or trip.