The usual eclectic mix from Azed.
Beelzebub 1,256
After a few rather challenging weeks on the trot, this puzzle seemed a little more tractable. In fact I was back to my old tricks of thinking I’d finished the whole thing unaided, … Read more >>
Everyman N° 3,251 (30 March 2014)
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3521. I did not think this Everyman was one of the very best, with a couple of weakish clues (21A, 8D), and a generous sprinkling of envelopes, … Read more >>
Guardian Genius 129 / Puck
The preamble told us that eleven clues lead to the second part of a thematically related solution, not further defined. However, the letter counts with these clues refer to the first part of … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1258/Alchemi
I enjoyed this Sunday’s offering from Alchemi. Generally a puzzle in the usual accessible IoS style; but that said, there were a number of clues where I had to head-scratch a bit before … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,220 / Paul
I really enjoyed this. It all went in without any problems but with lots of entertainment and smiles along the way, with a mini-theme to help keep things going. I know Paul’s somewhat … Read more >>
Independent 8566 (Sat 29-March 2014) Morph
I was very pleased to see I’d drawn a Morph puzzle this time as I always find them entertaining. Seeing 1D mentioned in several clues I naturally tried to crack that first, but … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1114 Around the World by Wiglaf
Only 20 non-standard clues this week – 6 without definitions and 14 with an additional letter in the wordplay which give a specific way of travelling around the world. However, the grid, also, has … Read more >>
Independent 8,571 by Phi
The standard Phi: all very good and one can hardly find fault with any of the clues, some of which are nice.
I’m not quite sure what the theme is: there are many Australian towns dotted around the grid, and also several Scottish ones, and Perth could be either, but is there anything further?
Definitions in italics.
MIDLANDS SLOGGERS & BETTERS 4 – 17/5/2014
Just a bit of advance warning that Eileen and I have organised another Midlands Sloggers and Betters get-together for Saturday 17th May, starting at 1230, with lunch served around 1300. As before, it … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,588 by BRADMAN
Thanks to Bradman for a grid that was a pleasurable walkthrough, much like yesterday’s from Magwitch. I needed a bit of help to check my answer for 15d. My last two answers in were 10A and 14A which I had trouble with parsing.
Also – thanks to Gaufrid for covering for me last week . Have a good weekend all !!
Guardian 26,225 by Paul
Very entertaining from Paul today, with lots of clever cluing – 9/18ac, 21ac, 26ac, 1dn, 5/7dn and 23/20dn were particular favourites. Not too difficult though, despite some unfamiliar words at 5ac, 14ac and 27ac.
Financial Times no.14,587 by Magwitch
A solid, not-over-exciting but enjoyable puzzle from Magwitch today.
Independent 8570 / Nestor
We always anticipate a good challenge on a Thursday, but this was a little easier than we expected, although there quite a few head-scratching moments. 26d was our LOI – having never heard … Read more >>
Guardian 26,224 – Nutmeg
It’s only just over two weeks since I blogged Nutmeg’s last cryptic puzzle (and there’s been a Quiptic in between as well)> I have no complaints about that: this puzzle is a bit … Read more >>