Independent 10,967/Quince
A new Indy setter in Quince, I think, so welcome to him or her. A pleasing and well-constructed puzzle, but rather chewy for a typical Monday, I would aver. More importantly, especially with … Read more >>
Pierre
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 >>
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 3,918/14 November
I enjoyed this one from Everyman, with a couple of clues that I particularly liked. One or two queries that I’m sure contributors will help resolve. And for those collecting such things, the … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,148/Hectence
Always a smile on my face when I see Hectence’s name come up on my watch. A pleasing puzzle with her trademark twist. The twist is that it’s a pangram – all 26 … Read more >>
Independent 10,949/Bluth
Bluth eases us into the Indy week. Although I’m not sure ‘eases’ is entirely the right choice of verb – I found this tricky in many places. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,146/Anto
The Quiptic is branded as being for ‘beginners and those in a hurry’, and a fine institution it is. I will not, however, be recommending this one to those in the ‘beginners’ category. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,653/Methuselah
Chuffing Nora. This puzzle took me the longest time both to solve, and then to parse, so I wouldn’t call it a treat. But it was certainly tricky. I appreciate that the editor … Read more >>
Independent 10,931/Vigo
Always a pleasure to get a Vigo puzzle to solve and blog on a Monday. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] … Read more >>
Everyman 3,914/17 October
Another Sunday offering from Everyman that I think will please beginners and less experienced solvers. I’m sure they’ll tell us if not. The trademark clues this week are the rhyming couplet PITTER-PATTER and … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,144/Carpathian
A sound, pleasing and well-constructed puzzle from Carpathian this morning. I’ve nowt more to say about it, and that’s meant as a brava! to the setter. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,142/Matilda
Matilda can usually be relied upon to produce an enjoyable and well-constructed Quiptic, and this fits that bill, I think. The only noteworthy point apart from that is that the puzzle is … Read more >>
Independent 10,913/Silvanus
A sound puzzle in the usual Monday style from Silvanus. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions are underlined … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,649/Tees
Tees can do erudite. The boy can also do silly. Sometimes he can do both in the same puzzle. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Everyman 3,910/19 September
Another pleasing Sunday offering from Everyman, somewhat marred by a lack of editing leading to a clue having to be corrected after publication (on the website, at least). Abbreviations cd cryptic definition … Read more >>