Guardian 24384/Brendan — say something.
As ever an excellent puzzle from Brendan. It was quickly apparent that every clue ended in “, say”. After solving a few it became clear that Brendan was using “say” in a number … Read more >>
Inquisitor 70 – ‘Armless Fun by Loda
This was a very enjoyable exercise in ‘thinking outside the box’. Solvers were told that by disregarding convention they would discover three words, and were told further that given the position of any … Read more >>
FT 12,762/ Viking – Do you Bant?
After slogging my way through yesterday’s Monk puzzle last night, I was expecting much easier fare today. However, this one was no cakewalk either, and I had to use the world of Wiki … Read more >>
Independent 6727/Mordred
I found this very tough, despite a quick start. Still not sure about 8 and 11 though. Across 1 MUGGLE in S,D – in the Harry Potter books, a MUGGLE is someone who … Read more >>
Guardian 24383: Paul — Rainbow Nation
When it’s a blogging day, I’m always happy to see that Paul is the setter, and this did not disappoint. As ever, some clever and potentially deceptive clues. Having solved 10a and 12a, … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 951 by Quixote (4 May 2008)
Solving time, 17 mins * = anagram < = reversed ACROSS 8 CHAT EAU (water in French) 9 A (GAIN) ST ST = saint = good person 10 O N ICE 11 DISFAVOUR … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,752 by Falcon
Ah, my second Falcon puzzle to blog. This proved moderately easy and somehow I even dredged CHOTA PEG (19A) out of the back of my mind. I love 20D and 10D is very … Read more >>
Independent 6726/Dac – Elegant stuff
Solving time: 15 mins A nice enjoyable puzzle from one of the Indy’s stable of fine setters. Several really excellent clues including 14 across, 17 down (hope he doesn’t sue!) and 23 across. … Read more >>
FINANCIAL TIMES, No.12761 set by MONK
Quite a tricky one and I was stumped by the bones question at 19d. Will await explanations from those more successful. ACROSS 1. ESCALATE-(esc-a late (et al <) 5. AFFAIR (af-f-air) 10. WIDOWER- … Read more >>
Guardian 24382/Araucaria – running true to form
Somehow I was on an Araucarian wavelength today which is unusual for me. But nonetheless I was very grateful in a couple of places for wordplay since the definition was beyond me, e.g. … Read more >>
Guardian 24381 / Taupi Tough but fun
A tough Tuesday workout from the Moleman. Lots of nice clues with terrific surface reading and a good challenge all round. Bit puzzled over the explanation for 18. ACROSS (*) = ANAGRAM, … Read more >>
Independent 6725/Merlin
This was the first time I’ve encountered Merlin, and I found it a stiff (but satisfying) challenge. There were some easy ones which got me started, but I then needed to make a … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,760 / by Quark
Appropriately enough, I gained toehold in the grid with 9 ac. After only some three in this set, I moved to Down segment where many fell quickly, one after the other. I must … Read more >>
Guardian 24,380 (Rufus)
Apologies everyone. I did this crossword yesterday but failed to see that I was on blogging duty. A good but straightforward Rufus! Across 9 ODD NUMBER: &Lit 10 AMEND:MEN in AD 11 GALLANT: … Read more >>
Independent 6724 by Glow-worm
I found this a very unusual crossword, much tougher than usual (perhaps scheduled because of the Bank Holiday). I spent 47 mins at it, but did not solve it, not getting 23 ac … Read more >>