And we’re off, with a stonker of a puzzle from new setter Bell (well, a new partnership anyway) – this is the work of top practitioners, presumably communicating by Bell Codes. And yes, it does have a railway theme, even if your blogger only spotted it at the end.
Independent 12,056 / Phi
Phi is occupying his usual Friday slot today, bringing another series of mid-week puzzles to an end.
Financial Times 18,068 by MUDD
A fun gentle challenge from MUDD today FF: 9 DD: 7 Apologies for the dodgy format. More technical problem ACROSS 1 Dismiss people in traditional event (4,4) SACK RACE SACK … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 29708 Paul
Thank you to Paul. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Independent 12055 / Bluebird
Bluebird sets the Independent challenge today.
Financial Times 18,067 by STEERPIKE
Steerpike is today's setter.
Guardian Cryptic 29,707 by Vlad
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29707.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1695: Responsible by Kruger
This week Kruger presents us with a jigsaw, which we have to fill in a RESPONSIBLE way…
Financial Times 18,066 by IO
Apologies for the delayed posting of the blog today.
Independent 12,054 by Eccles
Eccles now appears to have a permanent booking in the Independent‘s Wednesday slot, although he’s occasionally seen on a Thursday instead.
Guardian 29,706 / Brummie
Brummie occupies the midweek slot today.
Inquisitor 1908: Labor Works by Twin
Twin, new to the Inquisitor.
Preamble: The puzzle features a thematic property. The wordplay in each clue leads to the answer plus a letter not entered in the grid. These letters, referring to the clues themselves, lead to a required entry method and the source for a superlative word that must be highlighted in the grid.
Independent 12,053 by Filbert
Filbert entertains us today – only three days after his last challenge.
Financial Times 18065 Jason
Thank you to Jason. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,705 by Maskarade
Lots to like with some very neat clues. My favourites were 9ac and 1dn, 11ac, 14ac, 8dn, 16dn, and 22dn. Thanks to Maskarade