Independent

This is only the second puzzle by Punk in the Indy, packed with cryptic definitions and imaginative clueing.   I noticed that Eimi, commenting on this site some time ago, said he was not … Read more >>

Across 1 C,ROT,ON – I’d not heard of this before and “heralds” had me puzzled for a while but once I’d got C?O?O? the wordplay became more obvious. 9 (LIVE)*,ED – cleverly worded. … Read more >>

I found this tough, though guessing the theme when I solved straightaway the very first clue (BROWSER) which was a hidden. Grid filled with words associated with computers.    Some very inventive clueing, as I … Read more >>

Solving time: 6:44 Apologies for the today’s brevity. There’s one clue I don’t understand (8d). Across 9 BEER AND SKITTLES; [moder]N in (LIKE BEST TRADES)* 10 LAUNDERER (cryptic definition) 14 TIC-TAC (cryptic definition) … Read more >>

Solving time: 9:52 I don’t think this was one of Phi’s more inspired offerings; unless there is a theme I have missed, I suspect the construction started with the interlinking 11ac, 7dn and … Read more >>

Another good puzzle from Quixote including some treatments that were novelties for me. A little harder than his average. Solving time: 28 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 S (second) + KATE in … Read more >>

Solving time 8:48 As soon as you see the 8-block black lumps in the NE and SW corners you know something’s up, and the huge gap at the bottom of the across clues … Read more >>

Solving time 25 minutes I have really enjoyed the Indy daily puzzles recently and I know that a number of crossword chums have also done so, so I feel a bit odd about … Read more >>

When I began this puzzle I expected a fairly easy ride as usual with Dac. In the end this puzzle took me way too long mainly due to the time spent looking at … Read more >>

…at least I think it’s new. I certainly don’t recall ever seeing it before. It’s a nice idea although it does make things very easy for you, once you’ve got the first one … Read more >>

Very unusual puzzle, with some (for me) original treatments. Solving time: 31 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 CONVENIENCE Double definition (or punning definition) – just 7 letters to clue an 11-letter word! … Read more >>

Some explanation first: Since handheld computers first appeared I’ve kept personal records of my times solving the Indy Crossword (including the IoS), mainly to compare the setters. When those handhelds went into the … Read more >>

Slightly trickier than usual offering from Phi, with an appropriate mini-theme. Across 1 S,WIPED 5/10 THE FIRST NO,EL 9 N in DISCO,TENT 12 B,I,RE,ME – new to me but I’d come across TRIREME … Read more >>

Solving time: 5:12 The quickest of the week so far for me. A couple of excellent cryptic definitions (12dn/13dn). No theme that I can see, but then I usually can’t. Beginners’ tips of … Read more >>

Lots of traditional Christmas references which forced some of the other words to be a little less familiar, I guess, but Quixote gave accessible clues for them. Reminded me of when I first … Read more >>