This was a mostly gentle puzzle with a few that required some work to parse them.
Independent
Independent on Sunday 1872 by Hoskins
Thank you to Hoskins. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Independent 12,249 by Bluebird
Another Saturday Bluebird that has coincided with my blogging duty, and that’s no bad thing.
Independent 12,248 / Phi
Phi has provided our Friday puzzle this week, bringing the first suite of working week puzzles in 2026 to an end.
Independent 11247 / Ringoe
Ringoe appears to be a new setter of Independent cryptic puzzles, so welcome!
Independent 12,246 by Stamp
Stamp is here with our mental warm-up today.
Independent 12,245 by Deri
It’s Tuesday and we have a Deri puzzle to blog.
Independent 12,244/Brunel
A beautifully constructed but challenging puzzle from Brunel for the Monday slot.
Independent on Sunday 1,871 by Filbert
Filbert on top form today
Independent 12243 by Eccles
As 2026 begins Eccles supplies the first Saturday savoury of the year.
Independent 12242 / Phi
Phi’s first Independent puzzle of 2026 appears on his usual publication day of Friday, so all’s well with the world.
Independent 12,241 by Raich
Happy New Year from Raich, and from me – best wishes for 2026.
Independent 12,240 by Bluth
That was fun!
Independent 12,239 / Kairos
Today sees me posting my last blog of 2025 rather later than expected, but here it is. This Tuesday sees the latest puzzle by Kairos, whose work I have rarely blogged as it has tended to appear at the beginning of the week.
Independent 12,238 by Hubble
Hubble provides a gentle start to the week.