Agentzero

Nothing difficult here, but I admire how Armonie makes it all seem so effortless. As usual, the clues have excellent surfaces that read naturally. Across 1 OFF THE MARK dd 7 MACE M[ark] … Read more >>

Apologies for the late blog; a little short on time today.    Not a lot to comment on; I have a weakness for reverse anagrams, so I liked 18 across. Across 1 PEDIGREE … Read more >>

This was a very quick solve, but the usual smooth concise clues from Armonie.  I thought 11 down and 20 down were particularly good. Across 1 LONG SHOT dd 5 SCARCE SCAR (deface) … Read more >>

This Neo puzzle didn’t take too long, although I learned a new word (14 across). No complaints and some clever clues. Across 1 ACADEMIA ME reversed in ACADIA (Atlantic Provinces).  Whence the Cajuns … Read more >>

Nothing too difficult here, except that the explanation for 21 down eludes me.  As usual, Armonie’s clues pack an amazing amount into very few words. Across 1 NOONTIDE *(TO DINE ON) 5 CROOKS … Read more >>

I thought this was an excellent puzzle, with a lot of inventive wordplay. Across 1 PLUMBAGO P (power) LUMBAGO (backache) 6 MERLIN R[ight], L[eft] (both sides) + I (one) in MEN (people) 9 … Read more >>

One of my favourite FT setters, Armonie always has clues with clean, natural surface readings. Maybe a few too many old chestnuts (11 across, 16 across, 18 down have been seen more than … Read more >>

This is at least the third year running that “Courtier” has posted a puzzle with a timely theme.  Presumably it is one of the usual setters using a different pseudonym.  Any guesses?  I … Read more >>

Some clever clues here from Crux.  As seems usual for me lately, there is one clue I haven’t been able to parse:  19 across.  I’m sure it’s something clever that will elicit an … Read more >>

A fairly quick solve.  I’m unsure of the explanation for 12 across.  A good variety of clue types; I thought 16 across was amusing. Across 1 CARRY OFF dd 6 GLANCE N[ougat] in … Read more >>

Unusual, but pleasant, to see a theme in a Tuesday FT. For a moment I was afraid that a few clues would leave me in limbo, but I did a jig when the … Read more >>

Some clever ideas from this setter, but also several clues that I had issues with (or, perhaps, that I misunderstood). Across 1 GOOD-FOR-NOTHING GOOD (honesty) FOR NOTHING (to no avail).  How is “honesty” a definition … Read more >>

A good puzzle from Armonie.  As alwyas, the clues are concise and generally have smooth, natural surface readings.  I wasn’t excited about any of the two-word anagrams but I particularly enjoyed 3, 10 and … Read more >>

Another collection of devious clues from Neo.  I am unfortunately stumped on two of them; I am sure help will be forthcoming shortly.  And it was, from Rishi (inside two minutes!) and Eileen.  … Read more >>

A new setter, I believe. Welcome!  A very nice debut.  This was slow going for me, perhaps because I am unaccustomed to the setter’s style.  However, many of the clues struck me as … Read more >>