This is my first blog of a Maskarade jumbo prize crossword although I have solved a few in recent years.
Guardian Cryptic 29,480 by Picaroon
A fun solve with some very nice surfaces. My favourites were 1ac, 8ac, 6dn, and 22dn. Thanks to Picaroon
Enigmatic Variations 1657 Dictum by proXimal
Superfluous words to be removed to generate a thematic word and extra letter. These can then be used to fill the two unclued entries. Now that is a simple preamble for once. I … Read more >>
Independent 11,827 by Twin
This puzzle is available to solve online or download here.
Financial Times 17,834 by Steerpike
A straightforward puzzle from Steerpike this morning…
Financial Times 17,833 by BASILISK
Thanks to Basilisk for a fantastic puzzle.
Independent 11,826 / Filbert
Filbert is occupying the mid-week slot this week with his latest creation. I found this to be a pleasurable puzzle, of medium difficulty by Indy standards. I think that I have managed to … Read more >>
Guardian 29,479 – Qaos
An entertaining puzzle for an overcast Wednesday morning. Thanks to Qaos. Looking for the inevitable theme, I see a number of words that can go with SALAD: FRUIT, OLIVIER (I had to check … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1870: Rough Justice by Kirsanov
There’s a lot of it about, you know. Rough justice, that is. Thirteen clues contain a consecutive pair of extra letters which must be removed before solving, always leaving real words. In clue … Read more >>
Independent 11825 / Bard
This seems to be Bard’s third appearance as an Independent setter. This is Tuesday, so not surprisingly, there is a clear theme in this Independent puzzle involving the Shakespeare play … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 29,478 by Carpathian
Carpathian is this morning’s setter.
Financial Times 17,832 by FLIMSY
A pleasant diversion from Flimsy, with some witty flourishes
Financial Times 17,831 by PETO
PETO kicks off the week…
Independent 11,824 by Angel
The Independent crossword web site had issues earlier, seems to working again now.
The Angelic one returns for one of her rare outings.
Guardian Cryptic 29,477 by Maskarade
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29477.