Phew this was tough! Very enjoyable but the name Io still strikes fear into a blogger’s heart. This time I got away with it, but only just!
I am away up in the Highlands today but will try and get back to the blog if I can get a signal. Thanks Io.
Independent 10,089 by Tees
As befits Wednesday, a very pleasant and fairly gentle crossword from Tees today, with a large number of clues that can be explained in a single short statement. Tees has a habit of stretching one’s literary-type knowledge to the limits, but not here so far as I can see. I shouldn’t have thought that Sherlock Holmes was particularly outré.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian 27,743 – Picaroon
A typically enjoyable Picaroon puzzle, with a few tricky moments, but in general fairly straightforward. Thanks to Picaroon Across 9. CHIPOLATA Dash at a clip round horse, … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1580: Blank Face by Gila
I’ve blogged 3 of the last 4 IQ puzzles from Gila, and he ranks pretty highly in my estimation. The grid looks a little daunting (no bars, no clue numbers), to say nothing … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,089 by FALCON
A fairly straightforward solve for a Tuesday, though with a few less common words to keep us thinking.
Guardian Cryptic 27,742 by Brummie
A challenging Brummie puzzle.
Independent 10,088 by Hob
We always look forward to tackling Hob’s puzzles, so were really pleased to be blogging this one.
Guardian Quiptic 1,004/Carpathian
Another delightful Quiptic from Carpathian, just right for this slot. Since the puzzle, and the blog, are essentially aimed at new or less-experienced solvers, I have tried to explain the clue structures in … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,088 by ARMONIE
A pleasant start to the week from ARMONIE…
Independent 10,087/Vigo
A mixture of straightforward charades, insertions and anagrams in a puzzle that would be ideal to show a beginner how to get going with this cryptic malarkey. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,741 by Pan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27741.
Everyman 3,773
I was a little apprehensive about my task this week, following the previous setter’s retirement and the disappointment of last week’s interim puzzle. But I’m told someone else has now taken on the role, and this week’s puzzle is much more encouraging. Welcome and thank you to the new Everyman setter.
AZED 2,434
Another expertly crafted puzzle that leaves little for me to add. Thank you Azed.
Independent on Sunday 1,511 by Peter
Thank you Peter for an enjoyable puzzle.
Independent 10086 by Serpent
A windy February morning and Serpent comes along to further blow away the winter cobwebs. Serpent puzzles have quickly become a favourite of mine – not just because of the likelihood of finding … Read more >>