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Guardian Cryptic 25467 Brendan

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We find an unexpected Brendan for today’s crossword, and which is also a bit harder (especially the SE corner) than the usual start to the week.  Perhaps there is something going on…. The crossword is … Read more >>

Financial Times 13833 Gaff

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An entertaining puzzle from Gaff.  The theme subject was wide enough, though to be honest, it didn’t enter into my solving of it, as I took 11A literally as it was.  Almost on completion, … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25458 Araucaria

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Having done so many Araucarian puzzles (I’ve mentioned before that I cut my crytic crossword teeth on his Monkey Puzzles), this is the first time, I’m blogging one.  And it’s typically Araucarian, a … Read more >>

Financial Times 13827 Gurney

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This continues the series of Gurney puzzles that I have found enjoyable, not too tough.  All nicely clued, with some clever surfaces.  Thanks Gurney.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  Hidden connection in … Read more >>

Financial Times 13821 Neo

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Neo’s puzzles can sometimes be quite fiendish, and the first runthrough of the across clues yielded nothing.  Panic was about to set in, unitl I got a foothold after a couple of down … Read more >>

Financial Times 13815 Phssthpok

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Not so smooth today and hence the later posting.  First the FT online crossword posting was delayed for a couple of hours.  Then I found this the hardest Phssthpok I’ve encountered, especially in the … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25443 Rufus

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Another Monday crossword in Rufus’s recognisable style.  Quite a few cryptic and double definitions with an economy of words.  And a couple of nautical references.  Thanks Rufus, I enjoyed this.  For some reason, … Read more >>

Financial Times 13809 Armonie

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Thanks Armonie, for an enjoyable puzzle.  Started easily in the NW, and last in were a couple in the SE.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  There is a hidden connection in one of … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 619 Pan

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This is a typical Quiptic, thanks to Pan.  All quite straightforward.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  There are hidden connections in the 3 picture sets. Across 7 Place to sleep has floor covering … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25434 Chifonie

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Thanks Chifonie for a not too difficult, but nevertheless enjoyable, puzzle.  I liked 14A, 2D and 20D for their surfaces.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  Hidden connections are in 2 of the … Read more >>

Financial Times 13803 Gurney

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An elegant and enjoyable puzzle, with clean-cut clues, gentler than what the setter’s alter ego would have in the Indy.  Thanks Gurney.  Quite a few anagrams, but not complaining, as I like anagrams … Read more >>

Financial Times 13797 Jason

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The last Jason I blogged, I commented that I had enjoyed all his puzzles to date.  Today’s carries on the trend.  I did find it a bit harder at first, as I could … Read more >>

Financial Times 13791 Armonie

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This was a straightforward puzzle with many surfaces to enjoy.  Thanks Armonie.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  There are hidden connections in one of the picture sets. Across   1 Someone expecting the mob, … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25419 Rufus

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An apt and enjoyable start to the week, thanks to Rufus.  Nice surfaces.  As usual, definitions are underlined in the clues.  Hidden connections are in 3 of the picture sets. Across 1 Writer … Read more >>