Solving time: 29 minutes
I found it quite a challenge today and a suitable warm-up for the new Listener due in a wee while. Am a bit baffled about parsing 9 down, my guess is shown, but I think I’m wide of the mark.
ACROSS * = ANAGRAM CD = CRYPTIC DEF R = REVERSAL
5 ELLIPTICAL I’LL PLACE IT*
8 OMIT (V)OMIT
10 STUN NUTS (R) See MAST in Chambers.
12 TERAHIKI New fish on me, thanks to Mrs Bradford.
14 BICARB BARB about I + C (chemist’s first)
15 CARRIAGE TRADE REGARD IT A RACE* Another new phrase on me.
17 BRUISE B + RUSE with I inside.
18 ALSATIAN AL(L) + SAT IN (demonstrated) with A inside
20 DISHWASHER DISH + WAS HER(E)
22 RUIN I inside RUN
23 ERDA Hidden answer. Erda was a German goddess and mother to Brunhilde.
24 CARNATIONS R + NATION inside CAS(E)
DOWN
1 VIENNA V + I + ANNE (R)
2 OTIC TO (R) + I + C
3 BLOOD BATHS H inside BLOOD BATS (Vampires)
4 FOCACCIA C + CIA after AC + OF (R)
6 LETTER CARRIER Character (LETTER) + Infected person CARRIER
7 CARDIOGRAPHER CARD (Wit) + OR RAGE & PHI *
9 INCARCERATION I + N ( I note) + CARE RATION with C inside
13 ITINERANCY IN IT (*) + ERA + C in NY
16 RAILHEAD RAIL + HE + A D
19 TURBID TUR (R) + BID
21 ROAD A inside ROD
And so, gentle reader, I’m off for an appointment at Listener Towers……
9 down puzzled me too but I came to the same conclusion as you. RATION seems closer to ‘restrict’ than ‘restriction’ however. Enjoyed it as always from Phi – plenty of variety.