Private Eye/Cyclops

Solving proceeded at a pace … Several answers entered on first reading, thus I had more than half the grid filled at “first pass” (all clues attempted). Another pass left me with just … Read more >>

As I blog this Cyclops puzzle, I find myself in the company of some very unsavoury characters, not to mention deeply unpleasant military hardware. What a way to spend Monday morning (yes, I … Read more >>

Read through at least 10 clues before spotting the first answer.  Not sure why as most of the puzzle filled in on “first pass” (when all clues read) – only about 10 to go. … Read more >>

A puzzle with some imaginative clues — I think 4d gets my vote for best initially-deceptive wordplay, though that perhaps depends on what team you support. 19d also gets a mention. Across 7 … Read more >>

At the start of solving this I was absolutely racing through, slapping in answer after answer covering top left down to bottom right.  Then I slowed right down and had to grind out … Read more >>

I intended to post this blog yesterday, before I went to Lord’s for the afternoon, but the broadband service went on the blink. And somehow it didn’t get done when I arrived home, … Read more >>

This one took more effort than most recent Eye crosswords. It didn’t help that I immediately and incorrectly entered ABSTAINING at 10A – I should have checked the anagram fodder – I did … Read more >>

The title here is one of my favourite clues for the answer to 6a/7, with thanks to Nestor, its originator. I think I will give Cyclops’s clue for the same answer my vote … Read more >>

… double nasty including the dynasty. This was completed over two sessions.  One on the train where half fell in during a 20 min commute home.  On the second session rest I generally … Read more >>

For once, I have completed my blog in good time. As I write this, however, I am still struggling for something amusing to add at the end. There is no competition, as far … Read more >>

Another relatively gentle Eye crossword for the new year I found that the top right corner was the only tricky area.  Devoid until I got 9 Party Animal, then the final few fell … Read more >>

A pretty quick solve for me; though I admit that I got a bit stuck on 20a — not because it’s difficult, but because I didn’t expect it to be so simple and … Read more >>

Thank goodness there were a few days over the festive period to devote to a massive puzzle or two.   This one took me quite a while, not only from the sheer size … Read more >>

Apologies if this appears twice [it didn’t] — the new interface on the website is not behaving as I expected it to. Finally got round to writing this blog as I emerge from … Read more >>

This one took me longer than most recent Eye puzzles, but in retrospect it doesn’t look that much harder than usual. Despite a flying start with the long light, I only got 8 answers … Read more >>