Financial Times 13773 Armonie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 >>

Financial Times 13731 Courtier

Since this setter was new to me, I searched and found that he/she makes just a single appearance in the FT every 2nd half of June, since 2008.  This coincides with another annual event, … Read more >>

Financial Times 13725 Neo

This was a relaxing puzzle with which to restart blogging.  All straightforward, and perhaps made easier by quite a few anagrams (9 answers which are complete anagrams).  Got off to a roaring start … Read more >>

Financial Times 13707 Jason

This was quite a challenge, partly I think because I’ve not done any or many Jasons.  After some time, though, things came together, and finally had only one iffy answer.  A 4-letter light … Read more >>