Independent

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism I’m not entirely sure I follow this one. I think the theme is words said in a Northern accent, although I’d never thought of … Read more >>

Those who have tackled Raich’s crosswords since he started setting for the Indy will know that he’s keen on his football, so I’ll go straight into cliché land and say that this was … Read more >>

I’m usually pretty excited to see a (relatively rare) appearance from Monk pop up, especially on a Saturday. Unfortunately, and probably simply to do with the challenges of being self-employed now, I got … Read more >>

One of those crosswords that repeatedly refers to a single clue, so one’s rate of progress depends on how quickly this clue is solved. 8 is quite easy, so the only difficulty was … Read more >>

I’ve got a few problems with the blog today, not entirely due to Klingsor’s clues – I’ve misplaced my glasses so reading clues, solving and typing up are all likely to be error … Read more >>

An enjoyable, to me easier-than-average puzzle from Dac today, with its characteristic array of beautifully crafted clues. There were more propernouns – cultural/historical figures and the like – than average in today’s puzzle, … Read more >>

Well, there was a lot going on here. Some nice topical references to protestors and world events, a nod to the setter’s football team of choice, a pangram, and lots of very nice … Read more >>

A WYSIWYG Monday puzzle from Quixote. And if that sounds like damning with faint praise, it’s absolutely not intended that way.  This was a crossword with accurate cluing, clear definitions, a good range … Read more >>

A very rapid solve this week. Not much else to say, really. Across 1 DISASTERS Cop’s plants are flops DI’S = Detective Inspector’s; ASTERS = plants 6 DEBUG Pick off insects from budgie … Read more >>

A Bonfire night themed crossword with enough horrible death by burning to satisfy the most extreme of sado-pyro-necro-philiacs. Indeed for people with a fear of fire or otherwise of a nervous disposition, like … Read more >>

I have not solved many puzzles by Radian before, but I discover that he is one of the most prolific setters, in many guises – Crucible in The Guardian and Redshank in the … Read more >>

I am rather bleary-eyed after a long journey, so apologies in advance if my blog does not do justice to Nestor’s beautifully crafted and, in my view, highly enjoyable puzzle. The four 14-letter … Read more >>

Beautiful stuff once again from the ever-dependable king of Wednesday. This was a pretty fast solve for me and I didn’t stop to parse every clue as the answers went in. Nor to … Read more >>

An easier, certainly less daunting, than usual offering from Anax, with the usual assortment of quite brilliant clues. He has produced a rather weird crossword in which eight of the clues 1/3 across. … Read more >>

Regular Indy solvers will know Phi appears weekly, usually on a Friday.        This week he’s on Monday.      The usual excellent puzzle, which I found a little harder than normal from Phi.   Quite a … Read more >>