Detective’s Notebook

Format guide

Printable or Digital Number Puzzles: Which Format Suits You?

Both formats use number elimination, but the way you mark candidates differs. Pick the format that matches where you solve and whether you want to work with a pen.

The Hidden Number Files puzzle book cover by Steve Lewis

Choose the printable PDF for paper

The 30-puzzle PDF is designed for printing and writing on by hand. It includes ten Gentle, ten Standard and ten Fiendish puzzles with solutions. You can open it on a screen to read, but it is not a fillable form with tappable boxes. Budget for paper and ink if you want a working copy.

Choose an interactive tablet book for tapping

The single 100-puzzle digital book mixes all three levels. The three-book bundle gives you a separate 100-puzzle book for Gentle, Standard and Fiendish. The HTML format lets you cross out numbers, mark clues and save progress locally in your browser. It is intended for individual tablet or computer play.

  • Free browser sampler: five puzzles (one Gentle, two Standard, two Fiendish).
  • Printable PDF: 30 puzzles at £3.99.
  • Mixed tablet book: 100 puzzles at £6.99.
  • Three tablet books: 300 different puzzles at £12.99.

Try before choosing

Use the five free online puzzles to decide whether the number-elimination method is enjoyable. This also tests how tapping the register feels on your tablet. The printable edition uses the same underlying reasoning but a different way to record your work.