Independent 6314 by Punk – lots of invention
This is only the second puzzle by Punk in the Indy, packed with cryptic definitions and imaginative clueing. I noticed that Eimi, commenting on this site some time ago, said he was not … Read more >>
Independent 6313/Dac – Mr Wednesday
Across 1 C,ROT,ON – I’d not heard of this before and “heralds” had me puzzled for a while but once I’d got C?O?O? the wordplay became more obvious. 9 (LIVE)*,ED – cleverly worded. … Read more >>
Guardian 23,970/Rover
Rover has presented us with a good mix of clues, many of which use clever wordplay. I solved this crossword very quickly (less than five minutes), but didn’t always know at first reading … Read more >>
Independent 6312 by Virgilius – themed as always
I found this tough, though guessing the theme when I solved straightaway the very first clue (BROWSER) which was a hidden. Grid filled with words associated with computers. Some very inventive clueing, as I … Read more >>
Guardian 23,969/Shed – Guardian keeping it in the family
Following yesterday’s puzzle by Audreus, we are today presented by one compiled by Audreus’s son. This was a similar kind of challenge, with a few unusual words which were attainable through working out … Read more >>
Independent 6311/Hypnos
Solving time: 6:44 Apologies for the today’s brevity. There’s one clue I don’t understand (8d). Across 9 BEER AND SKITTLES; [moder]N in (LIKE BEST TRADES)* 10 LAUNDERER (cryptic definition) 14 TIC-TAC (cryptic definition) … Read more >>
Guardian 23968/Audreus – queenly
I think this is the first time we’ve encountered Audreus – at least lately. Or at least first time I have on a Monday which is typically Rufus’s slot. I found myself filling … Read more >>
Azed 1805
A relatively easy Azed to finish the year. Quite a few tough words, and many that were new to me, but I was able to fill them in without checking the dictionary as … Read more >>
Everyman 3144/Dec 31 – Rechabite and fescue
Lots of black in this grid, but nonetheless a fair puzzle (good percentage of checked letters) and 28 clues with a couple of words that had me scouring Chambers (though hardly as much … Read more >>
Guardian 23961/Enigmatist – quite h-h-hard.
I managed to finish this but there are a number of answers that I still don’t fully understand. We usually only see this type of grid/theme combo from Brendan so it’s good to … Read more >>
Guardian 23,966, Logodaedalus: Weak ending
A simple and somewhat uninspiring puzzle, unusually for a Friday. 14’s mildly misleading use of ‘suit’ stood out as most of the other clues were totally straightforward in definition and structure. Took me … Read more >>
Independent 6288/Phi – ???
Solving time: 9:52 I don’t think this was one of Phi’s more inspired offerings; unless there is a theme I have missed, I suspect the construction started with the interlinking 11ac, 7dn and … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 881 by Quixote – some novelties
Another good puzzle from Quixote including some treatments that were novelties for me. A little harder than his average. Solving time: 28 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 S (second) + KATE in … Read more >>
Guardian 23965/ Paul L’Enfant Terrible
Posted as the scheduled blog did not appear! 30 minutes (with one error!) From Paul’s very first appearance, it became clear that he possessed an amazing talent to provide the most wonderful puzzles … Read more >>
Guardian 23,965/Paul – I’ve started so I’ll finish…
It’s 4am and yesterday’s Guardian hasn’t been blogged yet, so as I have ‘flu and can’t sleep I thought I’d fill the breach. Please excuse any mistakes. Easier than usual for Paul, I … Read more >>