This collection investigates the structural complexity and linguistic dexterity required to solve the cryptic crosswords featured in The Sunday Times. The author, Barbara Ann Hall, curates a selection of puzzles designed to challenge the reader's lateral thinking and vocabulary. By presenting these puzzles in a structured format, the book serves as both a training manual for aspiring solvers and a rigorous test for experienced enthusiasts.

The book is regarded as a standard resource for those seeking to engage with high-level cryptic puzzles in a portable format. Its clear layout and inclusion of solutions make it a functional tool for both practice and self-assessment.