Independent 10,984/Monk
A rare chance for me to blog a Monk puzzle – he doesn’t often crop up on a Monday. I found this a medium difficulty puzzle (there’s one clue I’m not sure of, … Read more >>
Pierre
Independent on Sunday 1,661/Hoskins
If you’re going to have a less than serious Crimbo-themed puzzle, who better to put i/c than Hoskins? I am usually to be found in the Bah! Humbug! camp when it comes to … Read more >>
Everyman 3,922/12 December
My colleague John introduced last week’s blog with the sentiment that the puzzle there was one of the best Everyman offerings that he’d had on his watch. I thought this one continued in … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,152/Anto
I have been known to preface my Quiptic blogs with a remark along the lines of ‘I’ll be recommending this to newer and less experienced solvers’. I won’t be doing that today. There … Read more >>
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 >>
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 >>