Independent

I thought this was a lovely Sunday puzzle from Poins – not too fiendish, in the IoS style, but plenty of nice misdirection and some smiley moments.  I have only one tiny niggle.  … Read more >>

It’s the first Saturday prize puzzle of 2013, and it looks like we’re in trouble! Instead of the usual New Year wishes and pleasantries, we received A GOOD TALKING TO, followed by A … Read more >>

As always on Fridays a good puzzle from Phi.  More than the usual number of words were at least unfamiliar, and in one case I had to cheat and click ‘Reveal’, but the clueing was … Read more >>

It’s while since we had a Thursday Anax to blog and we really look forward to his offerings. This one didn’t disappoint, with some fiendishly crafted clues amongst a few relatively simple ones, … Read more >>

Today sees my monthly blogging encounter with Dac, as usual on a Wednesday. Dac never disappoints, pitching his puzzles consistently at the same medium-difficulty level. This puzzle was trickier than the average Dac … Read more >>

The first Radian puzzle of 2013 was an entertaining challenge.       There were two themes woven into the clues and the entries.  Events of 30,50, 60 and 113 years ago mingled … Read more >>

Another pleasing puzzle from our Monday Indy regular.  Mostly straightforward, but the last few – including one or two less familiar words – took me a while.  And there’s one where you’d most … Read more >>

Quite a straightforward and enjoyable puzzle, with a touch of the Season included. Thanks to Hypnos. And a Happy New Year (not too late, I think) to all readers, bloggers and setters here. Definitions … Read more >>

The gods of the old year brought me another Tees to blog, which is fine by me. I always find Tees’ puzzles a pleasure as his clues always make some kind of sense … Read more >>

Another great Friday offering from Phi. We always suspect a possible Nina with this sort of grid, especially from Phi, and lo and behold, there it is! (clockwise in the perimeter starting bottom … Read more >>

The last time I was scheduled to blog a Nestor puzzle was the unfortunate occasion on which I confused my dates and someone had to step in and write a blog on my … Read more >>

Dac continues in 2013, as he has done throughout 2012, with a well constructed challenge for the commuter on the Clapham omnibus.       Dac doesn’t do themes or tricks or pangrams; … Read more >>

A well-constructed crossword from Raich which for some reason I found a bit harder than usual.  Can’t see why now, because the clues all seem to be straightforward.  On this particular day you’d think that … Read more >>

So it’s my privilege to wrap up 2012 with Indy new boy Alchemi on yet another wild and wet morning to end the year. As far as I can tell there’s no nina … Read more >>

As in previous years, I’m giving my solving times for the Indy crossword for 2012 showing the average for each setter.    Also for the first time this year, analysis is given of each … Read more >>