The Librarian's Almanaq (Almanaq Puzzlehunt Books)

Well where do I start... about 9 months ago, actually. And it’s still not finished - in fact, I’ve admitted defeat and it’s heading for the recycling bin. I’m a BIG fan of puzzle books, but this one is just “too” American to stomach. I’ve dipped in and out for months, trying to convince myself I’ll enjoy this one, but I’ve just not got there. It seems (in my opinion) that the author is a clever guy, but he knows it and sadly has come across slightly condescending in the way that the instructions are written. Some of the puzzles seem like good ideas, but my knowledge of US sayings/phrases/sports personalities/politics/tv shows/kids books/cities/states etc etc is sketchy to say the least, but some of the knowledge needed for this book is borderline encyclopaedic.All in all, I really tried to like it, but for me it sadly didn’t deliver.If you do decide to try this book - bear in mind what other reviews have said; you can’t sit and complete it on a train/bus, you’ll need a LOT of space set aside for it!

I bought this book as a Christmas present for my wife who loves solving puzzles, particularly logic puzzles. We worked on it together and I'm happy to say we just completed the final part of it this evening. It gave us several hours of fun and challenging puzzle-solving spread over 7 evenings.The process involves (carefully) destroying the book but the design of the puzzles is extremely clever and the eventual solution is very satisfying.Puzzlers on this side of the Atlantic (e.g. the UK) will need to allow for a small amount of US-based thinking when solving some parts but none of it was too obscure.This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a puzzle experience that goes far beyond just filling-in number and letter grids.Great fun.

After two days spent trying to solve the first puzzle, we've realised looking at online reviews that several pages in this book have not printed properly so are only showing half the images! I'm sending it back but we'll see if they accept it, since I had to tear all the pages out in order to play the game! What a waste of time!!!!Update: Just received a replacement copy and sadly - same problem. Sigh.

The problems with printing only seem to have affected early editions but check if any pages are strangely blank before starting the puzzles. Which are pretty tough, hard but fair and requiring very careful reading! Both my wife and I like puzzles and this took around 20 hours to complete which is extremely good value for money. We also made liberal use of the almanaq website which provided essential (but not sufficient!) hints. There's a sequel out very soon and can't wait to try it. If you really enjoy tough puzzles, can use Google to search and don't give up easily then it is highly recommended.

Confused? you will be. This is not for the single player so don't be fooled, nor can you sit in your chair or on the train and entertain yourself, so don't think of it as being a book to pick up after Journal 29 has left a whole in your life. I sent this straight back.

Unlike other books like this I found this one to be more structured and less of a mystery. It was very follow the rules and don't do things you haven't been told to do then have fun and explore

Keeps you thinking and very absorbing

Perfect for couples looking for something fun that is non-screen related.