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Financial Times 13785 Neo

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A bit of apprehension when I saw Neo as the setter (having had diffulties with Tees before).  But I think Neo is pitched a little easier, and this didn’t cause too many problems.  … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 615 Orlando

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Orlando has got both Quiptic and Cryptic spots today, including one word common to both solutions.  This is definitely, and rightly so, the easier one.  All nicely clued.  Thanks Orlando.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  … Read more >>

Financial Times 13779 Gurney

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Can’t say I’ve done many Gurneys (though I’ve, enjoyably, completed quite some Raich’s), but this was quite enjoyable.  Last one in was 9A, with the parsing coming to me only after I had started … Read more >>

Financial Times 13773 Armonie

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An enjoyable, not too taxing puzzle and some nice surfaces.  Thanks Armonie.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  P.S. Two of the picture sets have a hidden connection within each respective set, which … Read more >>

Financial Times 13767 PHSSTHPOK

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Thanks PHSSTHPOK for this puzzle – I’m sure your puzzles are getting more difficult with time!  The bottom half was quite quickly filled in, but the top half, especially the NE corner, proved … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25395 Rufus

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This is an Occasion – my first blog of the most prolific crossword setter in the world.  Thanks Rufus, for all those crosswords, including those not covered in 15sq’d.  (My wife does the … Read more >>

Financial Times 13761 Jason

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Thanks Jason, I continue to enjoy all your puzzles to date.  The easiest of the Big 3 today, but great cluing, clever surfaces and some spicy definitions.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 611 Beale

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A straightforward puzzle from Beale.  A tricky bit of parsing with 23A, though its solution was readily apparent.  Thanks Beale.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across 8 One very absorbed by erotic … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25386 Pasquale

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This is my debut Guardian Cryptic.  Hence, this preamble to a preamble, in case you’re wondering why the detailedness… I’m going on the basis that the 15sq’d motto means “… and never knowingly … Read more >>

Financial Times 13755 Armonie

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This was a pleasant puzzle, thanks to Armonie.  Got held up a little with the last couple, but no trouble in the end.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across 1 Property like … Read more >>

Financial Times 13749 PHSSTHPOK

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There was a problem with the link to the online version, which meant that I started late.  (Thanks to those who responded to my call for help in trying to get the crossword.)   … Read more >>

Financial Times 13743 Redshank

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This was no pushover.  Enjoyable mental workout with quite a few of the clues.  Some nice surfaces.  There’s a minor reference to an annual event, but can’t find anything else significant.  Small quibble … Read more >>

Financial Times 13737 Jason

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This was a pleasant solve, quite straightforward with some nice surfaces.  Thanks Jason.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues.) Across 1 One in west coast city selling aromatic shrub (8) LAVENDER :  An … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 607 Orlando

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This is one of the better Quiptics I’ve completed.  Not difficult, but a balanced mix of tricks to enjoy.  Thanks Orlando.  (Definitions underlined in clues.) Across 1 Cab heading off to the centre of Rome? It’s taken … Read more >>