Apologies for the later blog than usual.
A lovely puzzle with many elegant constructions – I particularly liked 4ac, 12ac, 20ac, 2dn, 10dn and 16dn. Thanks, Chifonie
manehi
Guardian Cryptic 27,153 by Paul
A real toughie…
Guardian Cryptic 27,139 by Chifonie
Found this extremely straightforward – favourites were 11ac and 8dn. Thanks, Chifonie
Guardian Cryptic 27,132 by Sphinx
The first Sphinx puzzle I’ve seen, and a bit of a mixed bag. Mostly clever with some obscure words and some awkward parsing. Favourites were 20ac and 8dn. Thanks, Sphinx
Edit: since blogging, the online version of the puzzle has added [italics mine]:
“Special instructions: Having solved this puzzle, tonight’s episode of ‘Inside No 9’ on BBC2 at 10pm would interest you”
The episode is titled ‘The Riddle of the Sphinx’, and involves a cryptic setter and a woman named Nina… [BBC link] [Fifteensquared post]
Second Edit: [Link to a separate post with spoilers for the TV episode]
Guardian Cryptic 27,125 by Rufus
Nice and mostly very straightforward – favourites 9ac, 11ac, 30ac, and 6dn. Thanks, Rufus.
Guardian Cryptic 27,123 by Crucible
Found this quite tricky…
Guardian Cryptic 27,116 by Picaroon
Lovely stuff from Picaroon – favourites were 9dn and 22dn.
Guardian Cryptic 27,109 by Arachne
A rare pleasure to see Arachne. Favourites were 25a, 27a, 15d, 19d, and 24d.
Guardian Cryptic 27,102 by Brummie
Great fun – favourites were 12ac, 3dn and 19dn. Was on the lookout for a theme but couldn’t spot one. Thanks, Brummie.
Guardian Cryptic 27,095 by Rufus
A nice start to the week with Rufus’s trademark smooth surfaces. Favourites were 1dn and 17dn – thanks, Rufus.
Guardian Cryptic 27,093 by Paul
Got stuck a few times but it was well worth the struggle. Favourites were 1ac, 23ac, 2dn and 4dn. Thanks, Paul
Guardian Cryptic 27,086 by Paul
Admittedly vague memories of The Winter’s Tale…
Guardian Cryptic 27,079 by Picaroon
Very nice…