15:43, took me a long time to get going. Needed checkers to make progress.
Times Cryptic 29234
I thought at first this was going to be a lot harder than it turned out.
Times 29233 – “…and the Spiders from Mars!”
I found the puzzle a bit strange, as it is an admixture of clues suitable for the Quickie with a few that are very convoluted. If you just put in the obvious answers, you’ll finish, but you may want to know why the answers are the answers.
Times Quick Cryptic 2992 by Pipsqueak
Mostly straightforward for me, but how did you do?
Mephisto 3376 – “To ourselves…..new paganism…..”
I found this surprisingly easy for a Robert Teuton, but I was still left with a few to finish up the next day. For one, there were a surprising number of answers that I had heard of, which is always helpful.
Sunday Times Cryptic No 5163 by Dean Mayer — Sentimental Journey
Pretty sure I’ve never done a Dean puzzle any easier than this (there are seven anagrams!), but it is also among those I’ve enjoyed the most.
Quick Cryptic no 2991 by Hurley
A good challenge from Hurley today, in which it certainly helps to have your anagram hat on.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1730 – Monday 5 May 2025. With a little help from my friends
Hello! This was a bit of a piglet. At least, I found it so: some very good stuff but some chewy bits. I didn’t finish solo as I had to ask my solvemate for the last answer, 40d. There were a few things I had to look up to write the blog and others I know only from crosswords, such as old crossword friends Timothy and Eric. Nice to meet them again – it’s been a while. Thanks setter!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1729 Saturday 3rd May 2025
There was nothing particular difficult here.
Times Cryptic 29226 – Sat, 10 May 2025.
Pleasant workout. No marks on my printout.