Beelzebub

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. Across 1 JOSEPH – EP in JOSH. 8 CALTHA – CA + ((T + H) in LA). 9 EXCORIATIONS – (X in ECO) + RIA … Read more >>

A perhaps over-ambitious attempt on my part, to finish this without any kind of research materials. I filled the grid in reasonable time, but it seems I invented a couple of words in … Read more >>

Now here's a turn up for the books: a Beelzebub that I couldn't actually finish. The Chambers search suggests that the only possible entry for 11dn is BANANALAND, leaving 32ac as RD?EES, which … Read more >>

I was rather proud of how well I did here, managing all answers but one before even opening the dictionary. I won't tell which one defeated me as it's one of the easier … Read more >>

Apologies for the later than usual blog. I only found out yesterday that I was expected to work today. So anyway, here's Beelzebub 1,027, which I found to be a fair bit more … Read more >>

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. Across 1 COCKTAIL BARS – COCK + (BAR in TAILS). 9 ASCENDANCE – DANC[e] in A SCENE. 11 PEN PAL – PEAL “involving” (N + … Read more >>

This is still one of my perhaps two favourite crosswords, the other being Inquisitor, also in the Independent the day before. Beelzebub seems to hit the perfect balance between challenging and eminently solvable, … Read more >>

This seemed a bit tougher than in recent weeks, but it all fell into place in the end. *=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. Across 5 DEFLATER – DEF + LATER. … Read more >>

I managed almost all of this without opening a dictionary, but a handful of clues put up a fight to the end. Perhaps it was just the constant feline harassment I was having … Read more >>

I should probably blog these a bit sooner after solving, or at least take notes, since I have scant recollection of actually tackling this one. I do know that I once again managed … Read more >>

The online Chambers was down when I tackled this, so it was back to the big red book, and none of the fancy advanced search features. I was pleased with how swiftly I … Read more >>

Satisfying puzzle as always. Seemed to be a relatively quick solve for me, but I don't time these things so it could be an illusion. *=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. … Read more >>

A very enjoyable solve once again. I do recommend that more fifteensquareders get hold of an Independent on Sunday from time to time and have a go at a Beelzebub, as it’s always … Read more >>

Excellent crossword as always. I never time these, but I did notice that I managed more of this without Chambers than I usually would. That probably has more to do with the tight … Read more >>

A slightly late posting, on account of a fascinating day’s cricket. I can’t quite make the wordplay for 26ac work, if anyone fancies clearing it up for me. *=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic … Read more >>