I thought parts of this were pretty chewy, with some rather fancy cryptics. One or two still elude me, but I’m sure my fellow Mephisto solvers will have the explanation. It is very helpful it … Read more “Mephisto 3132 – The crystal ball is dark”
Day: 12th September 2020
Sunday Times Cryptic No 4919 by Dean Mayer — Chef’s surprise
My LOI was 13 down, as I needed all the checkers… and then some. I hope and trust others will find the definition less elusive. It had to be some kind of -ISM, so what … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic No 4919 by Dean Mayer — Chef’s surprise”
Times Bank Holiday Cryptic Jumbo 1457 – 31st August
I found this Bank Holiday entertainment a little on the easy side finishing in under 38 minutes despite being held up for quite a while by my last 4, but it is enlivened by some … Read more “Times Bank Holiday Cryptic Jumbo 1457 – 31st August”
Times Cryptic No 27762 – Saturday, 5 September 2020. Put a sock in it!
This was a smooth solve, with quite a few cluing devices that will be familiar to experienced solvers but may challenge newer hands. I am always amused by the use of “Oxford” in the style … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27762 – Saturday, 5 September 2020. Put a sock in it!”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1456 – Charles Dickens, Joseph Heller and Bill Bryson walk into a bar
45 minutes. Maybe slightly over my par time but not too tricky. I had to check a few facts when writing up the explanations. First in was GAGSTER and last was MASS MEDIA. If any … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo 1456 – Charles Dickens, Joseph Heller and Bill Bryson walk into a bar”