Independent

Nimrod is Nimrod: got almost everything, I think. Solving time: 17 mins (quick for me for Nimrod) * = anagram ACROSS 1 M I A OW Mow is a pile of hay 4 … Read more >>

My first blog after a two and a half week break away from crosswords and luckily for me and my sleep-deprived brain, it’s a Phi. I did actually manage to solve a few … Read more >>

Another pleasing puzzle from Quixote on Easter Sunday, with appropriate references. Solving time: 11 mins ACROSS 9 I M (A GIN) E Quixote = me 11 CAR (PEN) TER Jimmy Carter “gets writer … Read more >>

This was very tough indeed, some less than familiar phrases, finally tracked down, with some real gems when all became clear. Solving time: 45 mins * = anagram ACROSS 8 CUTTING BOTH WAYS … Read more >>

Please note that this puzzle, due to a slip-up at the Indy, was the same as the previous day, already reviewed on this site.

Another great themed puzzle from Virgilius . 15 gave HIDDEN AGENDAS and every across row had the word AGENDA in order with every across answer contributing something. Solving time: 18 mins * = … Read more >>

Themed in line with recent Indy trends. Very pleasing puzzle. Solving time: 20 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 OVAL OFFICE In the White House off-ice (less likely to slip) 10 S HAP … Read more >>

A theme to this – referred to after the clue explanations Solving time 6+5 mins i.e. 11 mins ACROSS 10 SCAN(t) 11 GENERATION (one creating)* less c = about “not about” 12 C … Read more >>

I found this one quite straightforward Solving time: 11 mins * = anagram ACROSS 5 PAL ELY Our old friend see = ely “Coming to the fore” means put “pal” before it. 6 … Read more >>

Not that one would usually associate Punk and Radio 4 but that’s the theme for today’s crossword. Radio (21d) is used for several homophones and Radio 4, and I trust not many people … Read more >>

After this actor was used by Mordred on Monday, I put him into my memory bank, but he’s there again on his 28th birthday as the Indy recorded today. He stars in Brokeback … Read more >>

It’s Virgilius so there must be a theme. Hmm, 6 long across entries; definitely a theme. The anagram at 11ac jumped straight out at me as did the one for 14ac, which is, … Read more >>

I found this one very tough and there are some where I do not fully understand – some confirmed by a theme spotted late on – I refer to this after the clue … Read more >>

After yesterday’s super-difficult Bannsider, this was easier from Phi, with some pleasing clues and all is clear. Solving time:  22 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1  BIRDSEED       Excellent cryptic definition punning … Read more >>

A disadvantage of having Sloggers and Betters 2 on a Thursday was that we lost John Henderson (Nimrod and Enigmatist for those who don’t know) to a quiz night – depite being in … Read more >>