Always good to see Pasquale, or indeed any of Don’s many disguises.
Quirister
Independent 10,135 by Tees
Just what we need to brighten up a dull Monday morning: some sparkling wit from Tees. Among lots of very good clues, I particularly enjoyed the laugh-out-loud puns of 15a, 4d and 13d. … Read more >>
Everyman 3,781
Another week, another Everyman. Some very good clues, some messy ones.
Independent 10,133 by Phi
Phi well up to his usual standard today; nothing obvious, but everything clear enough after a bit of thought. A few unfamiliar words, but the wordplay makes it straightforward enough to derive them. … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,777 by Chifonie
Chifonie provides our Monday morning wake-up call: enough to get the brain working, but nothing too taxing.
Independent 10,117 by Hoskins
Not the easiest puzzle for a Monday; most of the answers were clear enough with hindsight, but took a bit of work to get there. Thanks to Hoskins for the challenge. Several very … Read more >>
Everyman 3,777
For those who’ve been following the progress of Everyman over the last few weeks, this one seems to be continuing in the same direction.
Independent 10,099 by Wire
I think this is my first encounter with Wire, and it took me a while to get into the right mindset – but once I got started, everything seemed to be straightforward. Definitely … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,089 by FALCON
A fairly straightforward solve for a Tuesday, though with a few less common words to keep us thinking.
Everyman 3,773
I was a little apprehensive about my task this week, following the previous setter’s retirement and the disappointment of last week’s interim puzzle. But I’m told someone else has now taken on the role, and this week’s puzzle is much more encouraging. Welcome and thank you to the new Everyman setter.
Independent 10,081 by Alchemi
A fairly straightforward solve this morning, but covering a very wide range of subjects. I know some solvers complain about clues requiring (not very) general knowledge. But one of the things I love … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,065 by PETO
Today’s usual FT blogger is away so I’m standing in.
Independent 10,063 by Tees
A fairly straightforward Monday puzzle, except . . . NOTE: In the original published version of this puzzle, there appears to be an error in the clue for 20d – more details below. For technical … Read more >>
Everyman 3,769
Everyman has given us a gentle introduction to the New Year: totally fair clue constructions as always, and nothing too obscure.
Independent 10,046 by Silvanus
Thanks to Silvanus for keeping us entertained right up to Christmas Eve, with a few unusual words and tricky constructions – but some lovely surfaces and ingenious anagrams. A few seasonal references too, … Read more >>