Independent

A challenging ornithologically-themed Tees this week, which didn’t seem to get any easier once the theme was rumbled. A few of the thematic entries were quite obscure, and I half expected to have … Read more >>

I enjoyed this one a lot, even though it was fairly easy for a Thursday, as Eimi intimated it might be. Some of the anagrams in particular are blinding. I did this on … Read more >>

Once again we solved this while on a rail-replacement bus service. Plently of good surfaces and very enjoyable overall. We felt that 2dn was particularly good. One unresolved point at 25ac – suggestions … Read more >>

My first blog for what seems like quite a while, and what better way to get back on the horse than with a Dac. Wonderful clueing as always, 2D being my pick of … Read more >>

Virgilius amuses us with variations on the colours pink and blue, as always quite delightfully. Across 1/3 PINK ELEPHANTS — (the pine planks)* — when one is loaded (i.e. drunk) one sees pink … Read more >>

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism A fairly easy start to the week with some neat clues and no obvious theme or NINA. 23 across was my pick of the … Read more >>

I’ll freely admit to finding this a bit of a challenge, and suspect I won’t be the only one. There were a good handful of unfamiliar terms and some quite complex wordplay in … Read more >>

Very unusual and impressive puzzle, this, which I found somewhat easier than previous Indy puzzles by Anax, solving time, 44 mins.   One or two I’m not fully sure of, though am reasonably confident. … Read more >>

Some rather tricky clues today which meant that this was far from a quick solve for me. With hindsight everything was fair (if you have a good knowledge of Scottish geography, the first book of the … Read more >>

A pleasant and fairly quick solve over a pint in our local. We were pleased to get both 8ac and 23ac, which were words and phrases we did know, but had to root … Read more >>

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism I volunteered for this slot after the scheduled blogger fell victim to volcanic ash on the assumption it would be a nice easy Dac, … Read more >>

Fine puzzle from Dac as always.    A nice balance with less familiar answers given easier wordplay, solving time 26 mins. * = anagram ACROSS 1  FALL FOR    F (FLORAL)*      My joint favourite clue … Read more >>

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism I found this extremely challenging to finish, the SW corner being the worst. There were some very good clues with nice misdirection in places … Read more >>

Good morning! This was a real beat-the-clock job as we have to go to work! So apologies for anything we’ve missed or not explained adequately. Typically well-constructed Phi puzzle with lots of smooth … Read more >>

No Nina or theme that I can see despite the perimeter of grids like this often being used for such purposes. But then I often miss them. For instance I was blissfully unaware … Read more >>