I really enjoyed this…
Independent 10502 / Eccles
I always look forward to blogging an Eccles crossword. Eccles clues are frequently written so smoothly that it takes a little while to separate the definition from the wordplay. Good … Read more >>
Independent 10,501 by Dill
My apologies for the lateness of this blog. So far as I remember it’s the first time in years of blogging that this has happened — I completely forgot. No excuses, but — … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1649: On Bosworth Field by Chalicea
Chalicea has been a regular setter for the Inquisitor series since 2011. The records indicate that today’s puzzle is her twentieth. The preamble told us that "One letter from a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,498 by FALCON
Pretty gentle stuff from the Falcon this morning. Slightly slown down in the S.E. corner by the strange (to me) African beast but otherwise a very swift solve. Thanks to Falcon. ACROSS 1 … Read more >>
Guardian 28,155 – Imogen
Tricky stuff from Imogen today: after what felt like a good start, including the two helpful long downs, I ground to a halt, and finished the puzzle at a much slower pace. No … Read more >>
Quiptic 1,073 by Matilda
Matilda is always a good name to see in the Quiptic slot. This puzzle had its tricky moments but was a lot of fun. There are a couple of slightly awkward clues such … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,154 by Nutmeg
A bit tougher than some Monday Guardians I could probably have made this a bit quicker if I had not written BROWNER in at 2dn (anagram of BREW ONE) and DO INDOORS (a … Read more >>
Independent 10,500/Hypnos
Hypnos is a long-standing, regular but comparatively infrequent setter for the Independent and the Independent on Sunday. I found this to be a puzzle that fell steadily, with a few clues that took … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,497 by VELIA
An enjoyable start to the week from VELIA… Lovely mix of clues today with some great surfaces. Lots to enjoy here, with the amusing 19a, and a Spoonerism chucked in for good measure. … Read more >>
Everyman 3,842/31 May
Another Sunday, another Everyman. Lots to like in this one, as well as some stuff that might grate with some solvers. It’s been nice to see some new contributors to the blog in … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1580 Tees
Thanks to Tees (looks like he’s become a regular IOS setter). Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Fresh NHS to be mauled further? Do this and feel better (7,2) FRESHEN UP … Read more >>
Azed No. 2,503 Plain
Another fine collection of words, with one clue I can’t explain. Thank you Azed. ACROSS 1 ESCRIBANOS Foreign notaries prohibit nothing in breaking crises (10) BAN (prohibit) O (nothing) inside anagram (breaking) of … Read more >>
Independent 10,499 by Monk (Saturday Puzzle 6 June 2020)
It hardly seems like yesterday (Oct 2018 actually) that the Indy was tipping over the 10,000 mark, and here are at just under 10,500…tempus fugit. A quick start, slow middle and chewy end from Monk today, at least from your blogger’s perspective…
Enigmatic Variations No. 1436: London Bus by Harribobs
Hello and best wishes all. Our setter has invited us all on a bus ride – although, perhaps due to current circumstances, it’s rather a strange one! I wasn’t always sure whether I was … Read more >>