“In RECONSTRUCTIONS, the answers to seven clues must be reconstructed, in each case omitting one letter, to form thematic entries. When the grid has been filled, an eighth thematic reconstruction, formed from the omitted letters, must be entered so as to consume another entry (leaving crossing entries as real words). Solvers must highlight a hidden term (6) which completes all the thematic entries. Numbers in brackets refer to entry lengths.”
Financial Times 16,175 by REDSHANK
REDSHANK serves up a french-ish puzzle today with several clues that required me to consult Google to confirm the solve. Challenging yet very enjoyable. Thanks, Redshank.
Independent 10, 175 by Phi
What is there to say about a Phi crossword that is new? As usual it is well-constructed with many nice clues and my guess is that my questions all have simple and convincing answers.
Definitions underlined, in maroon. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian Cryptic 27,829 by Shed
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27829.
Guardian 27,828 / Picaroon
Hurrah! – it’s Picaroon and on top form. We know what to expect from Picaroon and it’s all here. I’ve really run out of things to say about this setter. I just hope … Read more >>
Independent 10,174 by Tyrus
Tyrus fills the Thursday slot this week with a surprisingly political puzzle.
Financial Times 16,174 by PETO
Today’s FT puzzle is set by Peto.
Financial Times 16,164 by Rosa Klebb
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 11, 2019
Financial Times 16,173 by GAFF
I enjoyed this. Thank you Gaff.
Guardian Cryptic 27,827 by Crucible
A fun solve – I got into it quickly and then got a bit stuck on the left side. Favourites were 4ac, 25ac, 3dn and 6dn. Thanks to Crucible.
Independent 10,173 / Gila
Gila has filled the Wednesday slot this week, with a puzzle that reminds me of the many puzzles by Dac which appeared in the same Wednesday slot in the past. The reason for … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1594: Milpar by Ifor
A non-word title and a long complex rubric. I feared I was in for a long haul. Solvers must attempt to divide the clues to find two groups. In one group, whose answers … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,172 by SLORMGORM
Tough stuff for a Tuesday, I thought.
Independent 10172 / Radian
Radian is a regular Tuesday setter in the Independent series I know from experience that Radian has a tendency to put words in the grid that are drawn from speeches … Read more >>
Guardian 27,826 – Pasquale
I made slow but (fairly) steady progress with this, with some tricky parsings and, as expected from this setter, a few answers that are on the obscure side. Thanks to Pasquale … Read more >>