A characteristically tricky and witty puzzle from Puck this week, although I’m not sure I’ve spotted every piece of misdirection.
Financial Times 15,715 by WANDERER
A witty challenge from WANDERER who seems to have been in a playful mood in setting this.
Independent 9,709 / Phi
Phi’s latest puzzle ushers in the cruciverbal weekend. I found this one to be towards the easier end of the Phi spectrum, but nonetheless an enjoyable and satisfying solve. As usual, I have … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,363 by Pan
An enjoyable and relatively gentle end to the week. Favourites were 19/29, 3dn, 16dn and 19dn. Thanks to Pan.
Guardian 27,362 – Paul
A superb puzzle from Paul that revealed its secrets satisfyingly and not too quickly. I was rather surprised to find, after getting a few answers in, that there seemed to be a theme … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,714 by GAFF
An anniversary puzzle found here and one which fans of Fawlty Towers may appreciate more than I did…
Independent 9708 / Serpent
A serpentine challenge today. I note that there is at least one C in every entry. Serpent will no doubt have a reason for putting them in, but I don’t know … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,705 – Falcon
Monday Prize Crossword / Nov 13, 2017
A Falcon puzzle which I found very easy but it will surely have pleased those longing for a gentle start of the FT week.
Financial Times 15,704 by Goliath
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 11, 2017
Independent 9,707 by Hoskins
Hoskins hasn’t yet really decided how difficult he wants to be: some of his offerings, as in The Sunday Times, and also here, take (me at any rate) a very long time, while others are comparatively gentle. But that is no criticism: there were many good clues here, with convincing and misleading surfaces.
Financial Times 15,713 by AARDVARK
This kept me thinking hard all the way through to the end. Thanks Aardvark.
Guardian Cryptic 27,361 by Picaroon
The puzzle can be solved online here.
Inquisitor 1516: One in Pieces by eXtent
eXtent makes a welcome return. Preamble: Each grid contains two unclued entries identifying a theme (6,8); the fifth unclued entry indicates a thematic relationship. Eight clues lack definitions; their answers are thematic … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,712 by JASON
Mostly a steady romp but with some moments of class and a coupla head-scratchers.
Independent 9706 / Radian
An enjoyable challenge for a Tuesday from Radian this week. Regulars will be aware that Tuesdays are often ‘Theme Day’ and this was no exception. We were looking for a nina … Read more >>