Self-Esteem Boosting Benefits of Puzzling for Kids

Did you know that puzzles are great for kids self-esteem? Solving puzzles such as crosswords is a great activity for kids to not not only help them  learn; it also helps them boost their self-esteem and mental fitness.  Best of all, it can often happen quite subconsciously, because they are having too much fun to […]

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Double Definition Cryptic Clues

by Denise Sutherland Double definition cryptic clues are a favourite of mine. They are deceptively simple. They can really confuse you, if you’re searching for the usual wordplay clues, but in fact they are quite simple. They are pretty much exactly what they say — two different definitions for a single word. These clues are […]

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Interesting Facts About Crosswords

There are many interesting facts about crosswords. They really do have a fascinating history.  Here is just a small selection of  about these ever-popular puzzle games. Add these facts about crosswords to your general knowledge.   We are sure there are more fascinating facts about crosswords out there. If you come across some, please let us […]

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Solve Codewords and Become a Morphologist

Do you like the idea of being a wartime code-breaker in Intelligence? All very hush-hush, with a constant air of intrigue and mystery; working through the clues logically, piece by piece.  Then the codeword is probably for you. It is also very satisfying to know that you are actively honing your spelling skills and boosting your […]

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The Long and Short of Cryptic Abbreviations

by Denise Sutherland One of the keys to cracking the cryptic code is learning about abbreviations. We setters use abbreviations in our clues all the time. They are used to ‘clue’ letters individually, or sometimes in pairs or triplets. Here’s an example. Say I am writing a clue for the word CICADA. One of the […]

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The Mysteries of the English Language

by Annie Carlin A great benefit of solving word puzzle games is that you improve your vocabulary.  You often come across words you have never heard or seen before Isn’t it great to learn what they mean and be able to use them correctly in a sentence? The enigma of the English language Here are […]

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The Dementia Driving Dilemma

by Annie Carlin & Catherine Eagleson It’s an issue which will confront us all at some stage.  When should we (or our parents) stop driving because we have become unsafe? The Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia and Driving Guide for Families and Carers profiles a sad but interesting story about Geoff and his gradual decline as a […]

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Anagram Clues

by Denise Sutherland One of the most common types of cryptic crossword clue you’ll come across is anagram clues. In these sorts of clues there is — as is usual with most cryptic clues – a definition, and some wordplay. The definition is a regular definition for the answer word. So, for example, say if […]

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Solve puzzles in a virtual setting

A library used to be a place that simply offered resources mostly in print format.  Not anymore.  It is now a technological hub of the universe, where a variety of electronic resources are provided to patrons.  Online puzzles is just one example.  When patrons solve puzzles in a virtual setting, they need to be able […]

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A Shakespearean Spelling Bee

At the Clue Detective Puzzle Agency we always love playing with words in a variety of ways. Imagine our delight when we came across this of words,  all invented by William Shakespeare.  We invite you to take a step back in time, and see how the Bard contributed to our language today. One of the […]

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