Guardian 26118

by

This is a fitting tribute to the dear Araucaria, who has brought delight to many, me included, with his puzzles – RIP.  This was no easy puzzle, and like many of Araucaria’s, I had … Read more >>

Beelzebub 1238

by

Tough and satisfying         Across 1 Use of imitation promises hokum, possibly SKEUOMORPHISM (PROMISES HOKUM)* 11 Fellows I’d recalled accepting bit of henna, displaying this? MEHNDI &lit H[enna] in MEN … Read more >>

Independent 8,464 / Phi

by

As one would expect, Phi has provided this week’s Friday crossword. For me, this was towards the easy end of Phi’s difficulty range, offering a fairly speedy and enjoyable solve. I found the … Read more >>

Financial Times no.14,482 by Armonie

by

A new setter for me, I think, and a very decent puzzle, too. Thank-you, Armonie. Apologies for my brevity… ACROSS 1. INDIFFERENT  In [on good terms] + different [another story] 7. BOP  B [second-rate] + … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic N° 26,117 by Paul

by

Until the Guardian gets its act together, the puzzle may be found only in its PDF form, at http://static.guim.co.uk/crosswords/pdfs/gdn.cryptic.20131127.pdf. Sorry, wrong link,; but it should have read …20131128.pdf; but as of noon GMT, the puzzle is available also in its normal interactive form at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26117. Again, apologies – it was getting rather late when I finally got to writing up the preamble.

Read more >>

Financial Times 14,473 – Dante

by

Monday Prize Crossword/Nov 18 I am one of those solvers who find it harder to complete a Dante/Rufus than a Loroso or an Alberich (to name two highly regarded FT setters at the … Read more >>

Financial Times 14,481 by Alberich

by

This is my first go at an Alberich puzzle,  I found it quite tricky. Alberich seems to have more charades in his wordplay than other setters.  These were cleverly disguised so I wasted … Read more >>

Financial Times 14480 Phssthpok

by

A crossword that’s only slightly more difficult than usual for this setter, and which is also a pangram.  Thanks to Phssthpok.  Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have unidentified links to … Read more >>

John Graham – RIP

by

It is with much sadness that I post this announcement. I was told a short while ago that John Graham (aka Araucaria/Cinephile) died during the early hours of this morning. He was peaceful and among friends.

I’m sure our thoughts go out to those who knew him personally. His passing is a great loss to the crossword community but we will never forget the many happy hours spent solving his, at times, fiendish clues.

Read more >>