Apologies for a delayed and slightly rushed blog. An interesting mix of clues today, and my favourites were 22ac, 23ac, 28ac, and 8dn. Thanks to Yank for the puzzle
Independent 12,494 by Phi
Is this our last Phi-day blog? We really hope not – but it certainly looks like it at present. Will we have a subscription app or will the i newspaper pick it up? Information on progress will no doubt be available on 225 – watch this space! Let’s hope a solution can be found.
Financial Times 18,513 by ARRIETTY
A tricky challenge from ARRIETY
Independent 12,493 / Knut
Knut has set our Thursday teaser this week. It has been a while since I last blogged a puzzle by this compiler.
Guardian 30,144: Pangakupu
Thanks to Pangakupu, who doesn’t seem to have set a weekday cryptic since mid-August (though there have been Quiptics and a Prize from him), so a welcome return.
Financial Times 18,512 by GURNEY
Gurney is this morning’s FT setter.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1768: Coincidence by Skylark
Hello everyone. Today, a Skylark and a Kitty coincide …
Financial Times 18,511 by MONK
Monk celebrates a particular clue type today.
Independent 12492 / Hoskins
We find Hoskins in the Wednesday Independent slot this week.
Inquisitor 1981: English Translator by Vismut
Vismut sets our challenge this week with a puzzle entitled English Translator.
Independent 12,491 by Italicus
Italicus usually appears in the Indy every couple of months, so this seems likely to be a final appearance. The original puzzle is at https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent/?puzzleDate=20261020.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,142 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/30142.
Financial Times 18,510 by SLORMGORM
I suppose every setter has his or her idiosyncrasies, but I think that it is fair to say that Slormgorm’s style poses a unique challenge. Today’s puzzle is a fine example, with a number of clues requiring a third or fourth read-through before any sort of solution registered with me.