Financial Times 13791 Armonie

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

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 >>

Financial Times 13785 Neo

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

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

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

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 >>