Set your watch to 30 minutes, because that's how long you have to finish each of these 72 fiendish, timed crosswords. They're created by some of the members of CrosSynergy, a syndicate of a dozen top puzzlemakers. None of their puzzles see the light of day until it has gone through a brainstorming and peer review process; along the way, reviewers weed out obscure or unsuitable words, and if anyone feels that a clue is unclear it's eliminated. That's why the final product is so much fun, so well constructed, and so delightfully challenging to tackle. The intriguing crossword themes include Wedding Traditions, Color Commentary, Giver of Gifts, All Saints' Day, It's No Longer Elementary, and You Wanna Piece O' Me?

Super 30-Minute Crosswords

Humor & Entertainment

Estes, Harvey

Klahn, Bob

Piscop, Fred

Rosen, Mel

Puzzles & Games

Puzzlewright

What better way is there to spend a half-hour than by curling up with a creative and challenging crossword? You’re sure to enjoy many hours of brain-stretching fun with these lively and engaging puzzlers. Each of the more than 70 examples has been designed to be completed in just 30 minutes-but don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re easy. You’ll have to work quickly and correctly if you’re to complete them in the allotted time. This outstanding collection includes such engaging themes as “On the Q.T.,” “DJ Culture,” “Spaghetti Western,” “Fill in the Blanks,” and “To the Shores of Triple-E.” The answers for each are included, just in case you get stuck.

Great 30-Minute Crosswords

Hamel, Raymond

Ashwood-Smith, Martin

Norris, Rich

Salomon, Nancy

Warning: Crossword newbies need not apply! These puzzles are for the maven who wants to boldly go where no one has gone before: into the outer realms of extreme puzzle solving.Legendary crossword creator Bob Klahn has a reputation for the cruelty of his clues, and here he’s devised a wickedly cranium-crushing experience worthy of a superhuman solver. Featuring everything from trivia teasers to witty wordplay, these puzzles will test the mettle of those who find ordinary crosswords laughably easyand want something that actually offers a real mental challenge. Solve in pen at your own risk!

The Wrath of Klahn Crosswords: Puzzles from the World's Toughest Clue Writer

Solvers can begin their cranium-crushing crossword journey with this collection by legendary constructor Bob Klahn. It tests their wits with everything from trivia teasers to witty wordplay.

Absolutely Nasty® Crosswords Level 1 (Absolutely Nasty® Series)

Up for a challenge? Created by the elite members of CrosSynergy, these crosswords have undergone at least two rounds of rigorous peer reviews for quality. So they're brilliantly constructed and delightfully demanding to tackle.

Super Coffee Shop Crosswords