Guardian 24,100 – Audreus/challenging
This was quite tough for a Monday, with some obscure words mixed in with references to Shakespeare, mythology, ancient alphabets and poetry. All in all, it was enjoyable to solve, and took me … Read more >>
Independent 6443/Mass
The last time I blogged a Mass puzzle I introduced it thus: “A compiler I usually struggle with but not on this occasion. There are some very nice clues in this but a … Read more >>
Guardian 24,093 (Sat 2 Jun)/Araucaria – Mosley harmless
Solving time: 28 minutes for all but 22ac; one other mistake (9ac). I still can’t work out 9ac, for which I entered ‘anivorous’, but I should really have got 22ac, even though I … Read more >>
Everyman 3166
This would have been a pretty quick solve were it not for 5D; I also hesitated for a while over 19D as I didn’t fully understand the clue. Across 1 AB,DUCT – “seaman” … Read more >>
Independent 6436/Nimrod – on Nimrod and others…
An appropriately timed and themed crossword as the date of publication (June 2nd) was the 150th anniversary of 28A’s birth. It’s also fitting that Nimrod (Enigmatist in the Guardian) should be the compiler … Read more >>
Independent 6441 by Phi
A pleasing puzzle from Phi, with a couple of good arts and literature references. Some very nice, very wry cryptic defs. Across 7 KEEP OFF THE GRASS Witty cryptic definition. 9 LEGIT Double … Read more >>
FT 12,479/Aardvark O Picasso Embargo Duomo
Solving time : about 30 mins with phone calls interrupting This is my first FT blog. All week the FT online site has been one day behind with the crossword and I was … Read more >>
Guardian 24,098 – Chifonie/a few minutes’ work
Chifonie’s puzzles tend to be fair and on the easier side. This one was no exception (solved in about 7 minutes), although I can’t work out the wordplay for 8dn, so if anyone … Read more >>
Inquisitor 22 – MMM by Schadenfreude
Note: This was actually posted early in January 2010. Whilst compiling an index to the Inquisitor blogs, I noticed that there was an early one missing from May-07. So here’s a highly … Read more >>
Financial Times 12478/Jason
A very enjoyable puzzle from Jason with a few top-notch clues and a couple of nice ideas. Not too tricky either. Across 9 (CHESS I TRY)* 12 ETERNAL – I don’t think I’ve … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 903 by Quixote
In a relaunch of the paper this has been moved from the inside back page – on P 75 of 96 this week. Solving time: 15 mins – held up by 18/7 Down … Read more >>
Independent 6440/Nimrod
Spot the Nina time – take a peek down the left- and right-hand sides of the grid. Across 1 VEND – I hope I’ve understand this correctly: SALSA appears in the completed grid … Read more >>
Guardian 24097, Araucaria — musical melange
A typical Araucaria puzzle — a mini-theme, classical references, multi-word answers and clues referring to other clues. Quite entertaining, provided you’re not too much of a purist. Across 1 BIGOTRIES — Omega = … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,468 by Cinephile — Largely Solvable
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 26, 2007 I am particularly pleased when I open my FT to find a puzzle by Cinephile. Often his puzzles have hidden themes that make … Read more >>
Financial Times 12477 by Cinephile
As is the case with his Guardian puzzles, Cinephile (aka Araucaria) often includes a thematic element or array in his FT publications. This particular puzzle was made slightly less tractable than usual by … Read more >>