Independent

I found this fairly straightforward. Solving time: 16 mins. In line with recent practice, will note a fairly small number of what may have been the trickier clues, but happy to explain others … Read more >>

I don’t think this was as tough as some recent Dac puzzles but I have a feeling that 9A will trip some people up… Across 1 COMMOD[-or]ES 6 SHREW,D 9 BADLY DRAWN BOY … Read more >>

Something of a rarity for me: a Virgilius puzzle I didn’t enjoy all that much. I got the three thematic clues fairly quickly, probably because they’re not all that cryptic and I knew … Read more >>

I found 90% of this crossword a doddle and then struggled filling in the last few answers. There was the odd word in the wordplay that I’d have expected more in a Morded … Read more >>

Solving time: 20 mins * = anagram > = reversal ACROSS 1 RHAPSODIC o in (harp disc)* 6 (e)QUIP 11 T (OU L) ON 14 BALL A DEER 15 TEMP O 16 A … Read more >>

Reasonably easy puzzle but with a sting in the tail for me. I got 4A quickly so was able to fill in the answers to the thematic clues with not much thought. The … Read more >>

18D was the key to cracking this one although I somehow got two of the clues that refer to it before working out what was going on. I haven’t played Cluedo since I … Read more >>

An unusual mixture of some very easy clues and extremely tricky ones to finish. Harder than usual – solving time: 28 mins. A short blog but happy to explain any other clues if … Read more >>

Another excellent puzzle from Dac, with all stacking up in the end, some cleverly concealed definitions – very tough, esp SE corner, though this blogger’s cinematic ignorance contributed to that. Solving time: 43 … Read more >>

A mostly straightforward puzzle from Virgilius. Three hidden clues made for an easy start and a quick fill for me. However, I still have doubts about one answer and a couple of clues … Read more >>

I’ve only got time to say a few general comments on this puzzle so if anyone is stuck on any of the clues please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to … Read more >>

Solving Time:  23 minutes The usual demonstration from Phi that simple clear clue writing can be elegant and humorous – and a delight to solve. ACROSS    (*) = ANAGRAM  (CD) =  CRYPTIC DEF  … Read more >>

This was a very quick solve for me (8:47, since you asked) so I didn’t spot the (subtly done) theme until I had 2 or 3 answers to go in. I’ve mentioned all … Read more >>

The football theme stands out from the clues if not the grid entries, only 9a is a footballing term. I thought that was it then I noticed the letters in the first and … Read more >>

As indicated eslewhere, the first of a shorter blog on Quixote puzzles.    Will try to concentrate on a small number of clues focussing on the trickier ones and those I liked the most.    … Read more >>