July 2023 – Page 5 – Times for The Times

QC 2436 from Hurley: A Role Reversal

Merlin11th July 2023 at 2:02 AM10 September 2025Quick Cryptic

Much discussion over the last few months about whether the QCs are getting harder or not. I felt this one from Hurley was slightly on the harder side, but still very fair.

Times Cryptic 28652

jackkt11th July 2023 at 2:00 AM10 September 2025Daily Cryptic

I don’t have a solving time for this one as I was interrupted and lost track.

Times 28651 – Splendide Mendax!

vinyl110th July 2023 at 2:59 AM10 September 2025Daily Cryptic

I did most of this fairly easily, but I got stuck in the NE because of a wrong word. I also had some other answers that I had a lot of doubts about, but finally saw how they worked.

Times Quick Cryptic 2435 by Teazel

Kitty10th July 2023 at 1:37 AM10 September 2025Quick Cryptic

Hi everyone. My second Teazel blog in a row, but I’m not complaining. Timewise I fared better today, taking 30s under par. After a flying start in the NW I slowed down, then finished with a long hesitation and fingers crossed over 8a. Enjoyable as ever – thanks Teazel.

Sunday Times 5066 by David McLean

keriothe9th July 2023 at 1:00 AM10 September 2025Weekend Cryptic

18:47. I found this difficult, for reasons I can’t now remember. Going back through it all to write the blog it seems mostly straightforward. This is often the mark of a good puzzle, which this … Read more “Sunday Times 5066 by David McLean”

Mephisto 3279 – Robert Teuton

glh9th July 2023 at 12:40 AM10 September 2025Mephisto

Greetings, barred-grid fans. This week Robert Teuton has given us a good puzzle for wordplay, lots of unusual-looking words with clearly-indicated wordplay elements, a good Sunday morning work out (I was back to my usual … Read more “Mephisto 3279 – Robert Teuton”

Times Cryptic Jumbo No 1622 – 24th June

Johninterred8th July 2023 at 12:04 AM10 September 2025Jumbo Cryptic

This entertaining Jumbo is the work of our Crossword Editor, Richard Rogan. If he hadn’t told me it was his I think I might have guessed from the characteristic style. A little trickier than your usual Jumbo, it took me, I think, about an hour. With an abundance of wry definitions and clever wordplay, I had plenty of approving ticks on my paper copy.

Month: July 2023