Independent 8472/eXternal
My first time blogging a puzzle from eXternal. Tricky in places is the executive summary here, I think. Some inventive cluing; just one or two I didn’t like that much. Overall a very … Read more >>
Pierre
Everyman 3503/November 24
Another good’un – as always – from Everyman, containing just one phrase with which I was unfamiliar. And a small typo in one of the clues. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 732/Hectence
I am a bit late on parade this morning, partly because I found bits of this quite tricky. There were certainly a good number of genuinely Quiptic clues to get you going, but … Read more >>
Independent 8454/Quixote
Another sound and accessible Monday puzzle from Quixote. A good mixture of clue types, with everything clearly indicated, even for the less common words. I know that the Monday Indy puzzle is popular … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1238/Poins
An enjoyable and largely accessible IoS puzzle from Poins. His cluing style can border on the intricate, but there’s nothing wrong with that as long as everything is clearly signposted, as it is … Read more >>
Everyman 3500/3 November
A special edition puzzle from Everyman this week. Lorraine wasn’t able to blog this one, so you’ll have to put up with me two weeks running. I’m happy to help, especially since … Read more >>
Everyman 3499/27 October
Another well-constructed, accessible puzzle from Everyman. A couple of clue types that this setter doesn’t often use in today’s offering. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 728/Beale
Oh dear. I’m in danger of turning into Mr Grump. This is the second puzzle I’ve blogged this morning that I haven’t liked much. I’m a big fan of the Quiptic and keep … Read more >>
Independent 8436/Alchemi
I didn’t really enjoy this one as much as I have previous puzzles by Alchemi. I found it a bit clunky, with some dubious cluing and less than elegant surfaces. That could just … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1234/Poins
I enjoyed this Poins puzzle. Some quite intricate cluing, but all fair. And a bit of bestiality thrown in for good measure. Possibly the reason that the cluing is intricate is the large … Read more >>
Independent 8418/Quixote
Another fine Monday puzzle from Quixote in the usual style, although he does seem to have been rummaging about in his unusual words drawer this morning. There’s one I’m not entirely sure about. … Read more >>
Everyman 3495/29 September 2013
One or two little niggles when I was writing up the blog, but overall another sound as a pound Sunday puzzle from Everyman. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 724/Pan
Well done to Pan – this Quiptic hit the spot, for me at least. Clear cluing, no obscurities, friendly grid and nothing to frighten the children (well, maybe apart from 23dn …) … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1230/Nitsy
Can’t remember seeing a Nitsy puzzle for ages. Took me a while to get into it, mainly because I hadn’t done one of his for a long time and I always take a … Read more >>
Independent 8400/eimi
Someone was remarking the other week that we hadn’t seen an eimi puzzle for ages. This was a good ‘un, but those sleepwalking into it and expecting the usual easyish Monday morning fare … Read more >>