A collection of finely turned clues, with nothing too difficult.
Inquisitor 1244: Instability by Phi
Nine entries hinted at by definitions only – three groups of three. (Definitions refer to all or part of thematic material – we have been warned.) Two thematic references to be highlighted in … Read more >>
Guardian 25732 / Bonxie
Uncle Yap regrets that he is unable to blog today due to a family bereavement. It’s a while since I did a daily Guardian blog, so it’s good to get the opportunity to … Read more >>
Independent 8078 / Tyrus
Greetings to all from Soriano nel Cimino! We really should be tackling this offering from Tyrus over a 1across, but we really don’t like milky coffee! We found this an enjoyable solve, although … Read more >>
Financial Times 14100 Neo
I always approach a Neo with trepidation, because sometimes he can be fiendish – in a good way of course. This one showed signs of being so (starting to sweat), until I got … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 668/Orlando
I came off the bench to do a rushed blog for Orlando’s Guardian cryptic puzzle last week, and we come across each other again this morning. I thought this was a nicely constructed … Read more >>
Independent 8077/Quixote
Another pleasing and straightforward Monday crossword from Quixote, which probably would not have detained an experienced solver for long, but which would be perfect for beginning or improving puzzlers. Abbreviations … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 25731 Rufus
A standard Rufus, heavy on the cryptic and double (and one double wordplay) definitions, and the odd marine reference. Not everyone’s cuppa (but then what is?). Thanks Rufus, enjoyed this. Definitions are underlined … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 476 – Moving Glass Top
If I say I only had 5 to go after the “first pass” (all clues attempted) that will make it seem it was a easy Eye crossword or else I was on fire. … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,173
This felt like a relatively mid-paced week, but a handful took quite some effort to explain. 10ac still has me beaten, so I’ve reproduced the clue in the hope that a passing reader … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,175 by Hypnos
A fairly swift solve this week, although I’m sure I’ve struggled a little with Hypnos in the past. I liked that Hypnos managed to work some quite involved wordplay into several clues, without … Read more >>
AZED No. 2,099 Plain
Nick: Fairly easy Azed this week, 5/10 for me. This was a tale of two halves, the top half going in very quickly, with the bottom half following at a slower (but still quick) … Read more >>
Everyman No. 3438 (26th August)
Lorraine: Good morning to you all, It took me a while to get started on this weeks offering. First two in were 9ac and 14dn. Once I got started everything fell into place. Favourites … Read more >>
Guardian Genius 110 – Picaroon
As the instructions say: “All clues are normal [phew!]. Half of the 28 solutions must be turned round and entered in the grid backwards.” This meant filling in answers in pencil until their … Read more >>
Independent 8070 / Anax (Saturday Prize Crossword 25/08/2012)
We always look forward to tackling Anax puzzles, albeit with a slight sense of trepidation at the devilish nature of his clueing. This lived up to our expectations, and despite some unusual words, … Read more >>