Here are some hints: They're all Canadian, and they're all found in Cross-Canada Crosswords, a collection of 26 engaging and whimsical brain-teasers with a distinct maple flavour from Calgary-based crossword designer Gwen Sjogren.

Most crosswords appearing in Canadian newspapers and puzzle books originate in the USA, and it shows in the spellings and cultural references. Cross-Canada Crosswords is for those who know that football has three downs, wouldn't expect to find alcohol in a Nanaimo bar and recognize that Sjogren's relentless puns betray her puckish sense of humour.

Every crossword is sprinkled with references to the Great White North. Themes include Canada's entertainment exports, peacekeeping, talk-show hosts and, of course, hockey. But you don't have to be Canadian to enjoy these crosswords. Several puzzles offer non-Canadian themes, such as British authors, cacti and movies.

High-quality puzzles (and paper stock to match) make Cross-Canada Crosswords the perfect gift for crossword lovers across—and up and down—Canada.

Praise for the Cross-Canada Crosswords series:

"Cross-Canada Crosswords is...appealing not only for its Canadian content but also for its witty humour and challenging clues. This book is highly recommended... for the crossword enthusiast."
—Resource Links, October 2005

"They are clever, funny and Canadian in spelling and content"
—K. Joan Hebden, Chronicle-Journal

Gwen Sjogren is one of Canada's top designers of crosswords having created over 700 puzzles and published eleven books. She has authored O Canada Crosswords Books 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 as well as the Cross-Canada Crosswords series. Her connection to her fans and ease of describing how she develops the clues makes her a natural fit for call-in shows and she's been featured on CBC Radio, CFAX Radio, CTV Morning Live and Breakfast Television. With a passion for puns and popular culture, and the discipline of her English degree, Sjogren injects an element of fun into every challenge. Her puzzles are imaginative and fun and will challenge novice to experienced solvers. Hailing from Ontario, she now resides in Calgary, Alberta.

Gwen Sjogren's profile page