The preamble
“Three of the unclued perimeter entries each contain one or more thematic members of a group which is celebrating the centenary of its QUEST this year. The fourth perimeter entry reveals (in the country’s language) where the group first met. Eight clues contain an extra word; solvers should extract two consecutive letters from these words, which, read in clue order, will give a reaction (in English) to this first meeting . Solvers must write this reaction under the grid and highlight two parallel chains of cells (15 in total) which reveal the source of the QUEST. Unchecked perimeter letters could spell HALF HELD REGRETS and BOO; Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Independent 10,963 / Tees
Tees has provided this week’s mid-week puzzle, the second of his puzzles that I have blogged in less than week. I thoroughly enjoyed this crossword, although I needed to cheat to complete it: … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,957 by GOZO
A themed puzzle from Gozo today. An enjoyable puzzle, but not an easy one to fully complete.
Guardian Cryptic 28,617 by Pasquale
The Don takes a turn today.
Financial Times 16,956 by SLEUTH
Mostly straightforward but with few thorns among the write-ins…
Inquisitor 1726: Character Assassination by eXtent
Fabulous puzzle from the eXternal/Serpent duo. Complex rubric: In 13 down clues, a letter has been omitted wherever it occurs and must be reinstated before solving the clue. These letters spell out the … Read more >>
Independent 10962 / Wiglaf
A puzzle from Wiglaf today. Tuesday is usually theme day in the Independent series, but I can’t see anything in the grid that fits the bill. Perhaps Eimi’s puzzle yesterday hijacked … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,616 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28616.
Guardian 28,615 / Pan
Pan starts the week for us with a generally straightforward and enjoyable puzzle. As usual with this setter, there are smooth and witty surfaces throughout and some neat constructions. I particularly liked 10ac … Read more >>
Independent 10,961 by Eimi
Eimi provides our Monday challenge today. Those who don’t enjoy political comment in their crosswords may want to give this one a miss.
Guardian Quiptic 1,150/Carpathian
I surmise that Carpathian had her Mary Poppins outfit on when compiling this one, because it’s Practically Perfect. A fine Quiptic that ticks all of the boxes for an entry-level puzzle. And, ça … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,955 by STEERPIKE
My first Steerpike puzzle, though I see this setter has been blogged a couple of times by others.
Independent on Sunday 1,657/Kairos
Chewy, occasionally very chewy. Although it was one of those where when I came to write up the blog I wondered why I had found it so tricky. Solving crosswords is … Read more >>
Everyman 3,919
The Observer crossword from Nov 21, 2021.
Every now and then I unexpectedly struggle with the weekly Everyman puzzle.
This was another example.
Azed 2,580 Plain
A gentle Azed.