Solve this! Check out these 4 new-age puzzles to challenge yourself

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There was a time when puzzle books sat by the bedside, ready to be dipped in and out of. Now, they have developed personalities. The Sudoku grid is no longer just boring old numbers; it's a plot device for you to solve a mystery.

The new wave of puzzle books leans into themes. So you're not just filling blanks; you're decoding relationships, retracing crime scenes, even travelling without leaving your chair.

Turn detective

If Sudoku was noir, this would be it. These books combine classic grid logic with narrative clues. They place suspects, motives, and timelines. You solve through each grid like you're conducting an interrogation. It's immersive, and oddly cinematic for something on paper.
Book Name: Murdoku: 80 Murder Mystery Logic Puzzles; Murdle: Solve 100 Devilishly Devious Murder Mystery Logic Puzzles
Price: Rs 400-Rs 1500
To Buy: amazon.in

Squeeze up with boo

These books turn relationships into playable formats. Expect a mix of word searches, prompts, and light logic puzzles designed to be solved together. They work best when you lean into them; it's less about getting the right answer, more about what comes up along the way.
Book Name: The Couples Activity Book; The Big Activity Book
Price: Rs 500-Rs 1200
To Buy: amazon.in

Skip the trip

Part crossword, part a tour of the country, this format turns geography into something you piece together, clue by clue. Cities, food, and history - each hint works like a tour guide and also brushes up your knowledge about India. It's not quite travel, of course, but for a curious mind, it holds your attention in the same way a good itinerary does.
Book Name: Exploring India with Crossword Puzzles
Cost: Rs 190
To Buy: amazon.in

Darna zaruri hai

Most puzzle books are designed to calm you down; this one does the opposite. Killer Puzzles leans into the horror theme, blending crosswords and word searches. Each page feels unpredictable and keeps you alert like a good horror film. The bold, pop-art horror aesthetic keeps pulling you back in.
Book Name: Killer Puzzles (series)
Price: Rs 700-Rs 1200
To Buy: amazon.in