Independent 8146/Radian

Radian has given us a pleasant crossword today themed largely around 16ac, which is connected with many of the clues. I have my doubts about 15dn, although perhaps I have it quite wrong … Read more >>

Guardian 25,800 – Puck

Found this very tricky, but really enjoyed the various uses [and non-use] of the interlinked clues. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to parse 1dn yet – would appreciate any help. Edit: thanks to … Read more >>

Financial Times 14,159 – Dante

Monday Prize Crossword/Nov 12 After two Monday Prize Crosswords that got me on the edge of my seat, this Dante puzzle was really plain sailing. As always, definitions are underlined wherever possible and/or … Read more >>

Independent 8,145 by Dac

My apologies for being late.  I am standing in for Bert and Joyce who are on holiday this week and I have accidentally managed to get two blogs for the same morning, neither … Read more >>

Financial Times 14,167 by Monk

A tough puzzle from Monk as always, but everything is there waiting to be found once one figures out where to look.   Very enjoyable, thank you Monk. BURNS NIGHT is hidden down the sides of the grid.  … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,799 by Orlando

A pleasing crossword; I had to hunt about for an entry point (or, rather, entry points; I solved three or four clues before getting any that intersected), but it all came out in the end, after several “How did I not see that in the first pass?”es.

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Inquisitor 1255: Last to Go by ___

Preamble: Several clues contain words to be extracted before solving. These surplus words fall into 6 consecutive blocks of 4, each block providing material to define two further words: one of each pair … Read more >>

Financial Times 14166 Phssthpok

A tricky puzzle, with clues requiring the solver to break them in the appropriate places, eg. 17a, 19a, 24a, and 5d.  But all fair and enjoyable.  Thanks to Phssthpok.  Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

Independent 8,144 / Punk

It is Tuesday today so there is normally a treat in store for solvers of the Independent cryptic crossword. Today was certainly no exception. This puzzle gets full marks from me for flair … Read more >>

Guardian 25,798 – Tramp

Very challenging and entertaining puzzle with some very clever clues. Better stop here in case I incur the wrath of this setter who did not take kindly to my comments last time Hold … Read more >>

Guardian 25,797 / Brendan

When I opened my paper this morning to find Brendan’s name on this puzzle, rather than the expected Rufus, with a fair number  of inter-connected clues, I wondered whether I was in for … Read more >>