Mostly straightforward but with few thorns among the write-ins…
Month: November 2021
Inquisitor 1726: Character Assassination by eXtent
Fabulous puzzle from the eXternal/Serpent duo. Complex rubric: In 13 down clues, a letter has been omitted wherever it occurs and must be reinstated before solving the clue. These letters spell out the … Read more >>
Independent 10962 / Wiglaf
A puzzle from Wiglaf today. Tuesday is usually theme day in the Independent series, but I can’t see anything in the grid that fits the bill. Perhaps Eimi’s puzzle yesterday hijacked … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,616 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28616.
Guardian 28,615 / Pan
Pan starts the week for us with a generally straightforward and enjoyable puzzle. As usual with this setter, there are smooth and witty surfaces throughout and some neat constructions. I particularly liked 10ac … Read more >>
Independent 10,961 by Eimi
Eimi provides our Monday challenge today. Those who don’t enjoy political comment in their crosswords may want to give this one a miss.
Guardian Quiptic 1,150/Carpathian
I surmise that Carpathian had her Mary Poppins outfit on when compiling this one, because it’s Practically Perfect. A fine Quiptic that ticks all of the boxes for an entry-level puzzle. And, ça … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,955 by STEERPIKE
My first Steerpike puzzle, though I see this setter has been blogged a couple of times by others.
Independent on Sunday 1,657/Kairos
Chewy, occasionally very chewy. Although it was one of those where when I came to write up the blog I wondered why I had found it so tricky. Solving crosswords is … Read more >>
Everyman 3,919
The Observer crossword from Nov 21, 2021.
Every now and then I unexpectedly struggle with the weekly Everyman puzzle.
This was another example.
Azed 2,580 Plain
A gentle Azed.
Independent 10,960 by Rodriguez (Sat 27-Nov 2021)
This puzzle kept me pretty busy. The solve was quite hard. I was happy to get 1A immediately, and about half the answers in place over about half hour. But the rest took … Read more >>
Guardian 28,608 / Paul
A typically fun and enjoyable prize puzzle from Paul – thanks! Across 7. Mushroom bake’s filling consumed by Muslim (8) SHIITAKE [b]AK[e] = “bake’s filling” in SHIITE = “Muslim” Definition: “Mushroom” 9. Quiet … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,953 by BRADMAN
BRADMAN dishes out one of his tougher puzzles today to end the workweek.
Guardian 28,613 / Brendan
It’s Brendan rounding off the week in characteristic style. I’m always delighted to see Brendan’s name on a puzzle, especially when I’m blogging it, but it also gives me a 1dn feeling, knowing … Read more >>