Fed rounds off the weekday puzzles.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,018 by Kite
A mix of tricks in the clueing made this difficult to parse in a number of places. My favourites were 21ac, 22dn, and 23dn. Thanks to Kite for the puzzle
Independent 12367 / Mev
Mev is a setter of Independent cryptics who is not seen very often.
Financial Times 18,385 by JASON
Jason is this morning’s inquisitor.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1747: Group Of Four by Ifor
After DNFs in the previous two EVs, I was hoping for something nice and gentle for my turn to blog…reader: be careful what you wish Ifor!
Independent 12,366 by Brunel
Brunel provides our midweek entertainment today.
Financial Times 18,384 by IO
Thank to IO for the pleasant challenge this morning!
Guardian 30,017: Matilda
A welcome return by Matilda after her last appearance in July 2025. This puzzle is characteristically on the easier side, but smoothly clued and enjoyable (despite a couple of nitpicks, noted below). Thanks to Matilda.
New link added to the “links” page
One of our Australian readers has provided an anagram solver with a difference. It’s called The Anagrind and there is a link on the links page, which can be selected from the main … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1960: Yum Yum by Vismut
Vismut sets one or two Inquisitors a year.
Financial Times 18383 SLORMGORM
Thank you to Slormgorm. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Independent 12,365 by Penelope
This seems to be only the second Indy puzzle set by Penelope – and we had the pleasure of blogging the first back in March – with a theme based around Johnny Cash.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,016 by Omnibus
One for music fans…
Spectator 2751 – Transmission by Madrigal
A puzzle it took me a while to finish…
Financial Times 18,382 by PHSSTHPOK
PHSSTHPOK kicks off the week…