Independent 11,020/Bluth
A thoroughly enjoyable romp around the latest political shenanigans with Bluth. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved it; and will warn you here that once Bluth had started to put the … Read more >>
Pierre
Guardian Quiptic 1,158/Hectence
Hectence on good form this morning, with a Quiptic that was well-constructed and fairly clued, and which would have been a good challenge for the beginner. There were a few that took me … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,665/Tees
Tees has produced the Sunday Indy crossword for us this week, but I’m afraid that my blog of his puzzle is a terse one. This is the first time that Tees and I … Read more >>
Independent 11,002/Shabbo
Shabbo made his Indy debut on 1 June 2020 and has contributed since to both the daily and Sunday versions. This was very much in line with the previous offerings: tightly clued, one … Read more >>
Everyman 3,926/9 January
Another solid and tractable puzzle from Everyman to accompany my Sunday morning coffee. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,156/Anto
There’s no escape from Anto today, since he’s also compiled the cryptic in the paper. This at least looked like it was written specifically as a Quiptic offering. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,154/Pasquale
A textbook Quiptic from the Don. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions are underlined Across 1 Reveal end … Read more >>
Independent 10,984/Monk
A rare chance for me to blog a Monk puzzle – he doesn’t often crop up on a Monday. I found this a medium difficulty puzzle (there’s one clue I’m not sure of, … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,661/Hoskins
If you’re going to have a less than serious Crimbo-themed puzzle, who better to put i/c than Hoskins? I am usually to be found in the Bah! Humbug! camp when it comes to … Read more >>
Everyman 3,922/12 December
My colleague John introduced last week’s blog with the sentiment that the puzzle there was one of the best Everyman offerings that he’d had on his watch. I thought this one continued in … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,152/Anto
I have been known to preface my Quiptic blogs with a remark along the lines of ‘I’ll be recommending this to newer and less experienced solvers’. I won’t be doing that today. There … Read more >>
Independent 10,967/Quince
A new Indy setter in Quince, I think, so welcome to him or her. A pleasing and well-constructed puzzle, but rather chewy for a typical Monday, I would aver. More importantly, especially with … Read more >>
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 >>
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 3,918/14 November
I enjoyed this one from Everyman, with a couple of clues that I particularly liked. One or two queries that I’m sure contributors will help resolve. And for those collecting such things, the … Read more >>