A tricky slow solve today, with favourites 20ac, 23ac, 14dn, and especially 2dn, 21dn and 25dn. Thanks to Brendan.
Financial Times 17,194 by MOO
Moo returns to the Thursday slot.
Financial Times 17,184 by Buccaneer
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 27, 2022
Independent 11,202 / Hippogryph
Hippogryph is occupying today’s slot. It is the first puzzle by this compiler that I have solved and blogged, and I can see that only two puzzles by him or her have been … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,193 by GUY
An enjoyable puzzle; not too hard, not too easy. Thank you Guy.
Oops! Sorry the blog is late, I wrote this up first ting and then forgot to hit the “Publish” button at the end. I am on holiday now, I cam answer queries but complicated corrections to the blog may have to wait until I can get to real computer rather than phone.
Guardian Cryptic 28,856 by Brummie
Apologies for the delay in getting this published, but I am on holiday in Morocco and had problems connecting to the wifi.
Inquisitor 1766: Mixed Doubles by Kruger
Mixed Doubles by Kruger Clues are given in pairs and their non-overlapping constituents (two definitions and two sets of wordplay) can appear in any order. Eight answers are thematically linked and must … Read more >>
Independent 11201 / Atrica
I think this is my first blog of an Atrica puzzle even though the setter first appeared nearly three years ago. Recently, I have been blogging puzzles ripe for a … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,192 by BOBCAT
Well, I found this rather hard sledding, for some reason, with a variety of elaborate constructions on some clues, and a couple of inventive surprises, mentioned below, but overall an enjoyable challenge nonetheless. I am not sure that I quite explained 6D. Note the ninas TAILS and CLAWS down around the center column; is this a Bobcat trademark? (I am a newbie on the FT scene.) As always, I welcome comments and elucidations.
Guardian Cryptic 28,855 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28855.
Azed No. 2,620 Plain
Another Sunday helping of interesting and obscure words. Thank you Azed.
Guardian 28,854 / Matilda
I always enjoy Matilda’s puzzles, so it was good to see her kicking off the week. There are a number of neat anagrams and some witty definitions and deft misdirection, with great surfaces … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,190/Carpathian
A thoughtfully constructed and most enjoyable Quiptic crossword from Carpathian this morning. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions … Read more >>
Independent 11,200/Bluth
Bluth is not quite the new kid on the Indy block any more, but since he started setting for the paper, he has been a regular. I’ve enjoyed all his puzzles so far: … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,191 by HAMILTON
Hamilton gives us a good start to the week.