AKA Associates, Inc.

AKA Associates, Inc.

www.akabooks.com

Synopsis: One of the most popular and widespread recreational pastimes, a crossword is a word puzzle that usually takes the form of a square or a rectangular grid of white- and black-shaded squares. The game's goal is to fill the white squares with letters, forming words or phrases, by solving clues which lead to the answers. In languages that are written left-to-right, the answer words and phrases are placed in the grid from left to right and from top to bottom. The shaded squares are used to separate the words or phrases.

Three new collections of crossword puzzles by Charles Preston (who is the Crossword Puzzle Editor of USA Today and Dow Jones's National Observer for over a decade, as well as a distinguished crossword puzzle expert who has compiled more than 100 puzzle books) are now available from AKA Associates for dedicated crossword puzzle enthusiasts.

"Classic Crossword Puzzles: Features 100 Favorite Puzzles: Volume 1" (9780998832210, $9.95, PB, 126pp) is a new collection to challenge the most cunning crossword connoisseur. These puzzles are both challenging and edifying. These puzzles combine intriguing vocabulary with clever clues to test your knowledge on a wide variety of subjects including classical themes and contemporary pop culture. From boats and literary excursions to outer space and culinary adventures, "Classic Crossword Puzzles" will provide many hours of reasoning and repose.

"Crossword Puzzle Treasury: Features 100 Entertaining Puzzles: Volume 1" (9780998832227, $9.95, PB, 126pp) is comprised of mind-bending puzzles in an entertaining collection are the same size as those found in daily newspapers--making it ideal for those who don't have time to solve a large puzzle but still love a challenge. They combine intriguing vocabulary with clever clues to test your knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. From "Let's Party" and "Plenty of Fish to Fry" to "So Long!" and "Sty-lish Phrases,"--"Crossword Puzzle Treasury" will provide many hours of enjoyment.

"Quote Acrostic Favorites: Features 50 Rewarding Puzzles: Volume 1" (9780998832234, $9.95, PB, 70pp) comprised of 50 favorite acrostics that reveal wise and witty sayings on lessons learned, enjoying life, and the value of experience, crossword enthusiasts will enjoy cracking the clues in the word column; transferring them to the diagram; and discovering quotations from people like Dave Barry, Lord Byron, Willa Cather, Pat Conroy, Gloria Steinem, and more. Of special note are the puzzles on such diverse topics as "Freedom at Last," "No Guess Work Here," and "Observations"!

Critique: An absolute 'must' for all dedicated crossword puzzle fans, these three simply outstanding collections by a true master game maker is unreservedly recommended and a guaranteed source of hours upon hours upon hours of challenging entertainment--and will leave crossword enthusiasts looking eagerly toward the next volume in each of these three truly exceptional collections!