Guardian Cryptic 25961 Araucaria
A clever puzzle from Araucaria. 24 down led me to the mini-theme but still a mental workout. Thanks Araucaria. Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have unidentified … Read more >>
Financial Times no.14,326 by Loroso
I struggled somewhat with today’s offering from Loroso, though in retrospect I’m not entirely sure why. A testing puzzle, for sure, with plenty of ingenious mechanisms and subtle misdirections, but nothing to grumble … Read more >>
Independent 8307 / Nestor
It’s Thursday and it’s Nestor so we expected to have our work cut out here. We weren’t disappointed! There were some devious clues here plus a few new words which needed checking. There … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,317 – Crux
Monday Prize Crossword/May 20 It’s been a while since we had a Crux puzzle on a Monday. I found this once more an enjoyable puzzle (with many fine surfaces) from this setter. However, … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,316 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 18, 2013 There were no obscure words or references in this puzzle but I found it a little challenging. It took me a while to … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,325 by Gozo
Its Geography lesson again this morning, Gozo continues to educate and entertain us. Thank you Gozo. Though I found this quick to solve there are still a couple of answers I can’t explain (7 and … Read more >>
Guardian 25,960 / Paul
Vintage Paul, with witty, ingenious cluing, providing lots of laughs and a couple of groans. Many thanks, Paul – I thoroughly enjoyed it. Across 1 Grub knocked back, American fool DOOFUS reversal [knocked … Read more >>
Independent 8,306 / Alchemi
It is the last Wednesday in the month today, so I was expecting to find a puzzle by Crosophile this morning. Instead, it is Alchemi who has provided today’s offering, so there has … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1282: 5 DOWN by Kruger
Wordplay in each of several clues yields a single extra letter which (omitting one keyword) spell out a phrase that was an integral part of 5 Down. The influence of this unclued entry … Read more >>
Crossword Masterclasses – a message from Boatman – Third Update
Boatman has sent another update.
Financial Times 14324 Armonie
A relaxing start to the FT week. Thanks to Armonie. Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have unidentified links to the puzzle. Please enclose any comments on them … Read more >>
Independent 8305 / Scorpion
I suspect that this puzzle will be loved by some, but will receive mixed reviews from others. It will all depend on your view of the theme. I blogged the … Read more >>
Guardian 25,959 by Shed
Not an easy puzzle from one of the John’s and as can be expected, some very devious devices. Surprisingly, the longest answer took me the shortest time. All I did was look at … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 706 / Nutmeg
Nutmeg always sets an enjoyable puzzle, but like most of her previous puzzles this one is, peerhaps, a liitle too difficult for a Quiptic. Most of the definitions given are from Chambers 12th … Read more >>
Guardian 25,958 / Rufus
An even more Rufusian Rufus than usual, if such a thing is possible, with, by my count, 7 cryptic definitions, 8 double definitions and 9 straight anagrams. A few nice moments along the … Read more >>