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 >>
Independent 6439 by Dac
The usual excellent, accessible, entertaining, fare. Solving time: 19 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 BLOOMS BURY Not a container and contents! 6 C (A) MP 12 LIST-LESS 21 MAIN STAY … Read more >>
Guardian 24096/Auster
This wasn’t too tricky but there were a few answers that I don’t fully understand – explanations/corrections welcome. Across 1 RAIN in B(offin)S 4 (SOME BEDS)* – deceptive surface reading. 9 OPT in … Read more >>
Guardian 24095/Gordius
I was too busy at work yesterday to finish the puzzle, so I completed it when I got home, only to find that my ADSL connection was down. It didn’t come back up … Read more >>
Independent 6438 by Punk
Not too difficult. Solving time: 19 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 S (TRAP PAD) O Pad = tread = tramp thus = so 9 AM OUR AM = “after which PM” electorate … Read more >>
Financial Times 12476/Highlander – Gentle start
We start our FT blogging with a nice and easy puzzle from Highlander. I’m not the world’s quickest solver but I think I managed this in something like 7-8 minutes. I haven’t commented … Read more >>