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Guardian Cryptic 25579 Shed

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This balances yesterday’s puzzle, and there should be no similar complaints today (but there are complaints…and there are complaints – and complainants).  A tough one especially the right half.  Though completed, I can’t explain … Read more >>

Financial Times 13945 Armonie

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Like previous Armonies, this one is to warm you up for the rest of the week.  Thanks Armonie.  I especially liked 26A and 5D, the latter with a nice touch of misdirection.  Definitions … Read more >>

Financial Times 13939 Neo

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I’ve enjoyed all of Neo’s puzzles, sometimes with a little doubt about being able to complete.  This is another fine example, and thanks Neo for the enjoyment, and the variety of subjects to … Read more >>

Financial Times 13933 Gurney

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A straightforward, accessible puzzle, I think, thanks to Gurney.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  Picture set at the bottom has an unidentified link with the crossword. Across 1 Calm and able to move … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25563 Rufus

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Thanks Rufus for another trademark puzzle with double definitions, cryptic definitions and not-so-long anagrams to the fore (though he holds the record for the longest word – an anagram of 58 letters – used … Read more >>

Financial Times 13927 Armonie

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Tuesday is the start of the week for FT crosswords, and hence usually a warm-up exercise for later in the week.  Thanks Armonie, for this one – some nice surfaces.  Definitions are underlined … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 639 Orlando

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Thanks Orlando for a staple Quiptic – cryptic definitions, double definitions, some cryptic too, and not too complex charades and anagrams.  Elegantly straightforward clues, but still enjoyable.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25554 Paul

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This was an interesting puzzle, thanks Paul.  It was challenging and hard to get into because the gateway clue to the theme, was tricky – complex wordplay and an unusual definition.  Definitions are … Read more >>

Financial Times 13921 Phssthpok

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Phssthpok travels a lot in this puzzle, with references and words from abroad (including Scotland? 🙂 ).  Very nice clueing, with the added bonus of words whose etymology I enjoyed tracking down.  So thank … Read more >>

Financial Times 13915 Neo

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Every so often the FT will start its week (Monday being a prize puzzle, it doesn’t count) with a more-than-usually difficult one eg. a Neo.  So I thought, on seeing the setter and … Read more >>

Financial Times 13909 Dante

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I said in yesterday’s blog that I was going to have the same again today.  How true!  Visiting family and friends, a blog, and then – a crossword in the same style by the same … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25539 Rufus

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Apologies for the later than usual posting.  Thanks Rufus for a  typical gentle start to the week, and to the New Year, the Lunar one, that is.  Today’s the first day of the … Read more >>

Financial Times 13903 Jason

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Another good one from Jason, so thanks Jason.  A bit of concern when I stalled for some time after getting the 2 long ones early on.  However, it finally yielded.  Definitions are underlined … Read more >>