Independent 8021/Phi
One of those themed crosswords that takes a long time to start if you don’t immediately see the gateway clue (as I have discovered it’s called; in this case 5dn). Then much of … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1164
Satisfyingly difficult Across 1 Solo musical performance secured, involving what? SINGLEHANDED (solo) EH (what) in SING (musical performance) LANDED (secured) 10 Cheerfully melodious’ though not initially involving grand composer UNGRAVELY … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,043 by Bradman
Clever and witty clues Across 1 DECAMP (bolt) CE< (church turning) in DAMP 4 MANIACAL (mad) MAN (fellow) I (one) AC (account) AL (Jolson) 9 STADIA (arenas) ST (street) AIDA< … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic N° 25,675 by Araucaria
Here we have the wide range of references and creative clueing typical of Araucaria. Like yesterday’s Crucible. the puzzle is liberally sprinkled with envelopes. And it surely can be described as colourful. Across … Read more >>
Guardian 25,674 / Crucible
I’m really sticking my neck out here but there seems to be some problem about today’s blog. The normal practice would be for Gaufrid to ask for a replacement, or to await offers, … Read more >>
Independent 8020 / Klingsor
A suitably tricky Thursday puzzle from Klingsor, which took quite a bit of sorting out! As expected, there were some excellent surface readings and cryptic definitions, a fair bit of crafty misdirection … Read more >>
Financial Times Prize no.14033 by Dante
Sil is still out of the country and back in the Netherlands having his plumbing sorted out, so I’m again standing in for him. The puzzle is from Monday 18th June. As ever … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,032 by Falcon
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 16, 2012 I found this puzzle a bit disconcerting. It has a few good clues, such as 17D (PANDA CAR) and 16D (NONENTITY), but also … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,040 by PHSSTHPOK
For some reason there was no blog for the FT yesterday, so here is my effort… Hold the mouse pointer over any clue number to read the clue. Across 1 EUROSCEPTIC (OCCUPIER SET)* … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,041 by Gozo
Quite an easy one today. Enjoyable, but I would have liked something more to get my teeth into. Thanks Gozo 😉 Hold the mouse pointer over any clue number to read the clue. … Read more >>
Guardian 25,673 / Brendan
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining puzzle from Brendan, with its mini-theme which leads us off in several directions, with a variety of witty cluing, as ever I have a feeling that I’m missing … Read more >>
Independent 8,019 / Crosophile
As it is the last Wednesday of the month, it is Dac’s day off, so I have crossed swords with Crosophile today. Since I am not yet that familiar with Crosophile’s work, I … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1234: NIMROD’S UNIQUE NIGHT OUT by Nimrod
Struggled with this one Nimrod. Bit of a quiz if you ask me! We had to find four items which are members of an extensive list “each unique in the same way” (Huh?). … Read more >>
Independent 8018 / Nimrod
Nimrod always keeps you on your toes, even if the theme becomes obvious fairly early on. I solved the puzzle without too much difficulty given that twelve of the entries … Read more >>
Guardian 25,672 – Gordius
Quite an easy canter except for a couple of hard-boiled eggs, which you should expect from Gordius. Place cursor over clue number to read the clue Across 1 SPUTUM Ins of … Read more >>