Inquisitor 34/Phi – Look Here! No, Here! No, Here!
Either I am getting better at Inquisitors or this one was not as challenging as it first appeared. When I bought the paper last week, I took one look at the puzzle and … Read more >>
Independent 6512/Nimrod
18D was the key to cracking this one although I somehow got two of the clues that refer to it before working out what was going on. I haven’t played Cluedo since I … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 915 by Quixote
An unusual mixture of some very easy clues and extremely tricky ones to finish. Harder than usual – solving time: 28 mins. A short blog but happy to explain any other clues if … Read more >>
Guardian 24169/Audreus – seperate
Found this hard for Audreus – who I’ve blogged a couple of times in the past. Had to resort to the dictionary to solve the anagram at 7D which looked awfully unlikely in … Read more >>
FT 12,549/Io – A relatively 27A solve
This was a tough nut to crack, at least by FT standards. I don’t have regular access to other daily puzzles that are blogged on this site, but I suspect that the difficulty … Read more >>
Guardian 24168 / Gordius – Lock Up Your Dorters
A change of pace after yesterday’s Paul brainbuster. It still required two coffees, Mrs Stan and Crossword Buddy (http://www.loquax.co.uk/puzzles/) to complete however, which probably says more about the state of my mind than the … Read more >>
Independent 6511 by Dac – very tough
Another excellent puzzle from Dac, with all stacking up in the end, some cleverly concealed definitions – very tough, esp SE corner, though this blogger’s cinematic ignorance contributed to that. Solving time: 43 … Read more >>
Independent 6510/Virgilius
A mostly straightforward puzzle from Virgilius. Three hidden clues made for an easy start and a quick fill for me. However, I still have doubts about one answer and a couple of clues … Read more >>
Guardian 24167/ Paul
I started slowly, and didn’t feel in tune with the puzzle at all, maybe it was the bruising effect of trying to solve Saturday’s twin puzzles……. Across 9 URTICARIA Often references to rash … Read more >>
Guardian 24,166 – Rufus
Sorry for the late post. Don’t have a lot to say about this puzzle. Mostly fair, some good surfaces, the usual smattering of cryptic definitions that Rufus likes to use. I’m not convinced … Read more >>
Independent 6509/Tomohiro
I’ve only got time to say a few general comments on this puzzle so if anyone is stuck on any of the clues please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 346 – N.O.R.W.I.C.H.
NORWICH is an acronym for “kNickers Off Ready When I Come Home” as used by WWII soldiers when writing to their loved one to avoid the censors. Basically SWALK for the randy. Did … Read more >>
Azed 1838
Solving time 31:34, but Chambers and Bradford’s used throughout. Either they’re getting easier, or I’m improving! Azed always used to take me at least an hour, even with all the solving aids. Maybe … Read more >>
Everyman 3177/cats and dogs
Last regular Everyman blog… Lots of dogs and a cat or two. None of whom hailed from Scotland as far as I could tell. Across 1 BAS,SET – our first dog 4 DOGGY … Read more >>
Guardian 24,159 (Sat 18 Aug)/Enigmatist – Tube test
Solving time: 11:50 Having seen the thematic cross-referencing I looked at, and solved, 17ac (TUBING) straight away, so should really have been quicker than this; slowness on two of the three long thematic … Read more >>