A fun activity book for true crime lovers -- filled with trivia as well as 10 other types of puzzles! So wonderful variety. I will definitely be buying a paper copy of this book when it is published. I like that there are explanations up front on how to play the puzzles because some of the types were new to me. I look forward to expanding my repertoire of puzzles and like that the topics are true crime.

Thank you to Netgalley and Zeitgeist for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has super fun and engaging activities like sudokus, crosswords, questions, and so many other types of puzzles all for true crime lovers. I think this is such an interesting twist on an activity book and I love it.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

If you enjoy true crime novels and enjoy puzzles as well this is a fun book! I enjoyed the variety of puzzles offered, as well as the themes of the puzzles. I am a huge true crime fan so it was fun to see puzzles based on actual true crime cases and stories.
This would be a fun gift for the true crime fan in your life!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an Advanced Digital copy of this book. I thought this was a very creative book for those of us who love True Crime and puzzles. I really enjoyed this and think many more people will enjoy it as well!

True Crime Trivia & Activity Book is a well curated collection of trivia and factoid based puzzles on true crime cases curated and written by Lana Barnes. Due out 10th Sept 2024 from Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a nice collection of varied puzzles, around 150 in all, and of varying difficulty, from mild to fiendishly obscure. The puzzles have some tie-ins to historical crimes, and are also enhanced by black and white illustrations and photos. The puzzles themselves include cryptograms, acrostics, logic (grid) puzzles, futoshiki, kakuro, magic squares, crosswords, and straight trivia quizzes (with some fascinating tidbits) as well as several other types.

Answer keys are provided in the back of the book.

Five stars. Charming and interesting. A good choice for puzzle mavens as well as true crime fans.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so much fun. Definitely need a paper copy though, it just doesnt work on an ereader. The puzzles were real thinkers but not impossible. Will definitely be buying it when its released.

Lana Barnes has curated a brilliant collection for any fan of True Crime and solving mysteries. The topics includes covers everything from heists, catfishing, fraud, cults, and abductions.

The puzzles in this book are brilliant at flexing the brain to improve memory, logic, and reasoning. The book includes instructions on how to solve all of the types of puzzles, which includes Crosswords, Sudoku, Cryptograms (my personal favorite!), Acrostics, Logic Grids, Futoshiki, Kakuro, and Magic Square puzzles. If you don't like one kind of puzzle, there are still plenty of other options for you. There is also a solution bank in the back of the book so you can check your answers (not for cheating or clues at all, right?). Between the puzzles, Barnes also includes trivia about well known true crime stories, which is fun for any fan of trivia.

It would be an excellent book to get someone who has a lot of time on their hands. Whether it is an older person who wants to have brain puzzles everyday, or someone who is stuck inside due to illness or travel, this would be excellent. It would also be brilliant for someone who is really busy. Each puzzle is fairly quick to solve, so it provides a break in a busy day to sit down and focus on something that's not chaos.

This is a book filled with puzzles of all kinds relating to serial killers. It looks like a fun book for true crime fans. It's full of interesting tidbits about killers you might be interested in. I plan on buying the book and doing the puzzles.

This book is so cool! This is definitely something that I would want to purchase and use. I love all the trivia and the different activities that encompass this book. As someone who really loves true crime, this is a super fun book to work through.

This is a massive book of many puzzles related to the topic of true crime and is recommended to those who enjoy puzzle books. This collection contains a wide range of puzzles of all sorts and will keep one busy for hours and hours.

The collection includes trivia questions, crosswords, logic puzzles, sudoku, and mazes. It also includes facts about true crime and investigations.

Be sure to purchase either a hard copy or a writeable file like a PDF for the completion of the puzzles.

This has some nice little puzzles and trivia that are very good for true crime fans! It has a good variation of kinds of puzzles and tidbits of trivia.

This is a really fun puzzle book for anyone who loves true crime!

The trivia and puzzles are so much fun!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this ARC! Lana Barnes' "True Crime Trivia & Activity Book" is an engaging and unique compilation for fans of the true crime genre. With over 250 trivia questions and a wide variety of puzzles including crosswords, cryptograms, and word searches, this book offers both entertainment and education. The trivia and activities cover a broad range of topics, from serial killers to art heists, and aim to respect the subjects by avoiding sensationalism. It's a perfect gift for anyone interested in true crime, providing hours of intriguing and thought-provoking challenges.

I. Am. Obsessed! If only I could print this out as a pdf and actually complete this! I can't wait for it to come out, I am certainly going to be buying it! I l feel like there is a true niche for this kind of stuff, in a world where everyone wants true crime!

True Crime Trivia & Activity Book delivers on its premise: a fun book of different puzzles varying in difficulty surrounding the subject of true crime. I enjoyed how the puzzles were organized in the book; they were interspersed throughout the pages rather than grouped by puzzle type.

This is a fun book for when you're in the mood to puzzle, roadtripping, or on a plane. Highly recommend to those who are interested in true crime and feeling the thrill of solving puzzles and problems!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun book.
The title is self explanatory. Great book to do on your own or have friends help you.
Love the cover and the details inside.
I recommend having this as a go to book when waiting for appointments and lunch break.

I absolutely intend to purchase this activity book when it releases. I loved all the puzzles and trivia questions. This would make for a fun game-night option. I would also make the perfect gift for a true-crime enthusiasts.

This is so cool, combing true crime and puzzles! I enjoyed this a lot. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy.

I love this! I already ordered a physical copy. There is a wide variety of puzzles, easy to difficult. Very engaging! So many topics, from heists to serial killers. If you love puzzle books, definitely check out this one!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the ARC.

‘True Crime Trivia & Activity Book’ by Lana Barnes is a fascinating dive into the world of true crime. It combines trivia, puzzles, and activities, making it an interactive and engaging way for true crime enthusiasts to test their knowledge and learn more about infamous cases.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

The accuracy of the trivia and information presented in the book seems well-researched and reliable. While I can’t verify every single fact, the content appears to be drawn from credible sources and well-known cases, making it a trustworthy resource for true crime fans.

Perspective: ★★★★★

The perspective of the book is both intriguing and respectful. It balances the macabre nature of true crime with sensitivity towards the victims and their stories. This thoughtful approach makes it suitable for a wide range of readers who are interested in the genre.

Relevance: ★★★★★

True crime has surged in popularity in recent years, with podcasts, documentaries, and books captivating audiences worldwide. This activity book taps into that interest, making it highly relevant and appealing to today's readers who are fascinated by real-life mysteries and criminal cases.

Engagement: ★★★★★

The book is highly engaging, offering a variety of activities such as crossword puzzles, word searches, and trivia questions that keep readers entertained and challenged. The interactive format encourages readers to think critically about the cases and details presented, enhancing their engagement.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability of the book is excellent, with clear instructions and well-organized content. The trivia questions and activities are easy to follow, making it accessible for readers of all ages who are interested in true crime.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★

Readers are likely to thoroughly enjoy this book. The combination of intriguing trivia and fun activities makes it a delightful read for true crime enthusiasts. It’s a great way to pass the time and learn more about fascinating criminal cases.


‘True Crime Trivia & Activity Book’ by Lana Barnes is a captivating and enjoyable resource for anyone with an interest in true crime. Its well-researched content, respectful perspective, and engaging activities make it a standout choice for readers looking to delve deeper into the world of true crime. Whether you’re a seasoned true crime aficionado or a curious newcomer, this book offers a fun and informative way to explore the genre.