The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26126. I do not think I am giving anything away in awarding a title to the puzzle, since ‘sense’ is plastered all over the clues.
Private Eye / Cyclops 509 – Obvious Indolence
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 >>
Beelzebub 1,239
Beelzebub was excellent company on the slow train back from Sheffield to London last Sunday. Not having acccess to the usual aids, combined with having time to kill, always seems to give me … Read more >>
AZED No. 2,165 Plain
Nick: Fairly straight forward Azed this week. I found nothing too taxing, although there are some gotcha’s unless the clues are parsed correctly. I also correctly guessed the competition phrase in about 60 … Read more >>
Everyman No. 3504 (1st December)
Nick: Me again this week folks, Lorraine’s work load is a bit heavy. Usual pleasant stroll with Everyman and some nice misleading clues. I will draw your attention to 14dn – please visit the … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1241 Kairos
Another IoS which required more than one sitting to complete. I’m beginning to think that the IoS average difficulty has been raised a notch or two (or I’m losing it?). Thanks to Kairos. … Read more >>
Guardian 26,119 / Otterden
I think this is only the second Guardian puzzle from Otterden, who sets the New Statesman crossword. As prize crosswords go, this was on the easy side, we thought, apart from three crossing … Read more >>
Independent 8465 by Monk (Saturday Prize Puzzle 30 November 2013)
A tough (but fair) mental workout from Monk this week. This needed a few return sessions to get to completion – in fact I think my first scan through only offered up the … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1097: Distortion by Stick Insect
A smaller than normal 10×10 grid this week, so do I expect easier than normal clues or a toughie? I wasn’t really expecting the theme of this puzzle this week, but assumed that … Read more >>
Financial Times14,489 / Wanderer
My apologies for the late appearance of a blog for this puzzle but this was due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. I will admit to appreciating this puzzle more whilst writing up the … Read more >>
Inquisitor
Following recent feedback, the editor has asked me to let you know that, as from tomorrow, this puzzle will appear on the inside back page of the Sport section.
Independent 8470 / Phi
Another Phi-day or Friday and another puzzle with no complaints, as far as we are concerned, apart from 12d. There were a few obscure words in the completed grid which left us wondering! … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic N° 26,124 by Nutmeg
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26124.
Araucaria tributes
Today we attended what was, according to his own wishes, a quiet, low-key burial service for John Graham. A memorial service, for a wider congregation, will take place on Saturday 4th January in … Read more >>
Guardian 26,123 / Gordius
A pretty straightforward puzzle from Gordius, which, yet again, I have to describe as a fairly typical mixed bag of easy clues and some more obscure answers. I have, perhaps, fewer quibbles than … Read more >>