The puzzle may be found at https://observer.co.uk/puzzles/everyman/article/everyman-no-4119 (interactive version) and https://cdn.slowdownwiseup.co.uk/media/documents/obs.everyman.20250928.pdf (pdf).
Observer
Everyman 4,118
A standard-issue Everyman
Gemelo 9
Gemelo has set a puzzle where he has imposed constraints upon the words he can use in each clue. Every clue is constructed from words of the same length as the associated entry.
Gemelo No. 8 – Plain
This is my first foray into blogging a Gemelo puzzle. I have managed to solve Nos. 1-7, but I would agree with Andrew’s comment from last week, that the style of the clues is a little different from Azed–a style that I am still getting the hang of. This week’s grid is unusual for having six fully-checked three-letter solutions.
Everyman 4,117/14 September
The usual accessible cryptic from Everyman, with all the trademark elements included. I have nothing more to add, but I’m sure we’ll hear what the regulars and new contributors thought.
Everyman 4,116
A pleasant crossword and all as usual nowadays: the self-referential clue, the first letters clue, the rhyming pair (pairs this time, at a stretch 6ac and 17ac, but I haven’t coloured them), all of which are coloured.
Definitions underlined in crimson. Indicators (homophones, reversal, letter deletion, etc) in italics. Anagrams indicated (like this)* or *(like this). Link-words in green.
Azed No. 2,770 – plain
An accessible Azed puzzle.
Gemelo 7
Gemelo seems to be settling nicely into the Sunday slot. His puzzles have a bit of a different feel to Azed’s (in a way that’s hard to put my finger on) but are enjoyable and well constructed nonetheless, so thanks to him for this one.
Everyman 4,115
The interactive version of this puzzle may be found at https://observer.co.uk/puzzles/everyman/article/everyman-no-4115 and the pdf at https://cdn.observer.co.uk/media/documents/obs.everyman.20250831.pdf.
Everyman 4,114
A slightly unusual Everyman this time round.
Gemelo No. 6 – plain
Gemelo has settled nicely into his slot. I enjoyed this. No major criticisms and good surfaces, everything sound so far as I can see.
Definitions underlined, in crimson. anagram indicators in italics.
Everyman 4,113/17 August
Another sound puzzle in the typical Everyman style to go with the Sunday morning coffee, in the UK at least. Our US and Antipodean friends may have different habits.
Gemelo No. 5 – Special mentions
Each clue contains the name of a picture that has won the Oscar for Best Picture
Everyman 4,112
It seems that Everyman is now closer to producing the sort of pleasant sound straightforward crossword that we used to see in the Everyman slot and which had seemed to be things of the past.
Definitions in crimson, underlined. Indicators (anagram, homophone, juxtaposition, reversal, etc) in italics. Anagrams indicated *(like this) or (like this)*. Link-words in green,
Gemelo 4
Gemelo presents his fourth Observer Sunday cryptic crossword and gives me my first opportunity to blog his Sunday work. I have, however, blogged a number of puzzles under his alter ego, Twin, in the Independent series.