FT 12,775/ Sleuth
With apologies for the later than usual posting. Nothing desperately troublesome in this puzzle. Given the grid structure, I was half expecting some sort of Nina message to emerge in the outside columns. … Read more >>
Independent 6735/Morph
Across 6 MA,(HID)* – MAHDI (“Guided one”) was the prophesied redeemer of Islam. MA is the Internation Vehicle Registration (IVR) for Morocco. 9 (MESSY ST)* – SYSTEMS. 10 ANDOVER – DNA is “AND … Read more >>
Inquisitor 72 — Neighbours by Lato
I nearly didn’t finish this puzzle. I was a page turn from giving up despite having completed the grid. I had no idea what the theme was and with a couple of ambiguous … Read more >>
Independent 6740 / Phi – Elegant Stuff
Solving time: 22 minutes The usual high-calibre fare we have come to expect from Phi. Lots of clever clues and a smattering of new words. I was interested to see 3 down in … Read more >>
Guardian 24396/Audreus – men are chesspieces
The only HELMSLEY I know is the very wealthy NYC socialite Leona who I think recently died and was not well-loved in America. Well, I didn’t actually know her. Across 1 S,CO,USER – … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 953 by Quixote (18 May 2008)
Quite easy, I found, solving time 13 mins. * = anagram ACROSS 5 STAIRCASE (car seat is)* 7 FINE R Sharpness of pencils 9 S (P) INNER Not a doctor in the medical … Read more >>
FINANCIAL TIMES No. 12,774 Set by Orense
FINANCIAL TIMES No: 12,774 Set by ORENSE , May 22, 2008 Much easier today – a fifteen minute puzzle. Only clue which gave me pause was 8 down, as I was trying to … Read more >>
Independent 6739/Math – The Indy Crossword
Great stuff once again from Math. After the recent music puzzles, I was half-expecting a theme here, especially with a grid with so many 3 letter words. I spotted the 27/5/11/20 anagram fairly … Read more >>
Guardian 24,395 – Araucaria
Wow! What a plum assignment for me today when I blog Rev John Graham, OBE, whom I have admired from afar for years. Solving is one thing but explaining all the wordplay and … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,764 by Mudd
Mudd gave me a very satisfying challenge this week. I especially like 13A, 20A, 24A, 6D and 18D. I found 4A tricky; I guessed the answer quickly but took a while to figure … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,765 – Crux
From Prize Puzzle 12,765 Monday 12 May 2008 Overall, quite a do-able puzzle for a Monday morning in spite of the fact that there was really only one anagram clue (14Down). A typical … Read more >>
Independent 6738/Dac
Dac’s typically good offering, but, unusually, one or two clues about which I am a bit doubtful. Across 1 CASABLANCA – ca s(ailing) a B (canal)* 6 SWOP – (POWS)rev. 9 LEGI(R)ON. I know … Read more >>
Guardian 24,393 (Puck)
This caused me some trouble with two clues solved but unexplained. Across 9 NORWEGIAN: anagram of WEARING NO 10 ANNIE: hidden in bemoAN NIEtzsche 11 CAPTAIN: A P (a page) in anagram of … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,773 – Io
A most entertaining puzzle Across 1 WHINGE Charade of W (women) HINGE (joint) 4 CINNABAR C (clubs) insertion of A between INN & BAR (pubs) 9 AMAZON Insertion of AZ (limits of the … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,722 / by Quark
I am rather late today as the real world caught up with me this morning. I could not give undivided attention to this crossword. I must admit that I had a slow start … Read more >>