Guardian

Thank you to Vlad. This wasn’t a write-in for me. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1, 18. He dealt with state affairs a lot — wrong description of Boris? (1,6,2,2,5,3) A … Read more >>

The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28294. This unfolded for me as a good crossword should: at first glance impenetrable – it was nor just that I could not come up with answers, … Read more >>

It’s a while since I blogged a Crucible puzzle, so I was pleased to see his name this morning. Lots of ingenious wordplay and witty surfaces and definitions, as usual from this setter, … Read more >>

A quick pleasant solve – favourites were 13ac, 6dn, and 14dn. Thanks to Pan. ACROSS 1 SCOPED Senior officer found with drug in empty shed is investigated (6)   COP=[Senior?] "officer" + E … Read more >>

A slow and challenging solve, with quite a few parsings puzzled out after the grid had been filled. Favourites were 6ac, 27ac, 1dn, and 18dn. Thanks to Paul.   ACROSS 1 QUADRUPLE As … Read more >>

Quite a tough one today, but it all came out satisfyingly in the end, with a few tricky parsings on the way. Thanks to Imogen.             Across 1. … Read more >>

Some general knowledge required to complete Picaroon's puzzle today. This was a "slow burner" for me despite seeing 1ac immediately, even if the definition (left winger) could be the topic of some discussion … Read more >>

THe puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28287. Altogether a delightful crossword. I would say it is fair, but with enough quirky features to keep me on my toes. Thanks to Philistine. ACROSS 8 … Read more >>

I enjoyed this puzzle from Carpathian – a good start to the week. My favourites were 11 and 20ac and 1 and 13dn. Many thanks, Carpathian. Definitions are underlined in the clues. I … Read more >>

It’s always a treat to find Picaroon’s name on a puzzle, especially if I’m blogging it. Picaroon’s puzzles do have a theme from time to time but it wasn’t until, tackling the clues … Read more >>

Nutmeg, not at her toughest, ends the week with her customary elegance and style. Lots of lovely clues, as always:  I‘ll leave you to name favourites. Many thanks, Nutmeg. Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

A fun, tricky puzzle today… …while not familiar with the theme, I liked the ways that Buster Keaton film titles were written into surfaces. Favourites were 11ac, 17dn, 22dn, and especially 28ac. Thanks … Read more >>