Author: branch

… and this puzzle was a delight. Hard again, but very fair. Absolutely no obscure vocabulary or general knowledge, but many tricky clues that needed much thought to get hold of. I did all the … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27396 – Saturday 6th July 2019. Happiness is a well set crossword …”

So, this ended the easy run of recent weeks with a vengeance! Lucky for me, I saw that early enough to concede defeat and use reference materials. A shout out to all who did it … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27390 – Saturday, 29 June 2019. Out of my depth.”

I tackled this puzzle “fresh” (if that’s the word) off an overnight flight from tropical climes, but happily there was nothing here to cast me into wintry despair. The oddest clue was 23ac, which was … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27384 – Saturday, 22 June 2019. No jet lag yet.”

Again a relaxing Saturday offering. Strangely, I was slow to see 1ac, easy though it was. It was actually my LOI. Still it was a great launching pad … I pencilled in the D as … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27378 – Saturday, 15 June 2019. Pass the dictionary again please.”

This was a relatively easy solve, and very easy to blog. A few things, like 8dn and 20dn, merited trips to references after solving but before blogging. Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27372 – Saturday, 08 June. Nearly burning with joy.”

Well, this was harder than the previous week. It also expanded my general knowledge with things like 11 and 26 across, and was a master class in oblique definitions like those at 14 across, and … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27366 – Saturday, 01 June 2019. Give me the simple solve …”

This was a relaxing solve for a Bank Holiday Saturday. I hope it left everyone ready to face the short week refreshed! The top half went in very smoothly, then the SW corner slowed me … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27360 – Saturday, 25 May 2019. Oh to be in England now that spring has sprung.”

I started quickly, picking the proverbial low-hanging fruit. Things changed about halfway through, and the rest was a struggle. The obscurity and artistry of many clues had me doubting answers even when I saw them. … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27354 – Saturday, 18 May 2019. Low hanging fruit, and high art?”

If you knew that Terence Rattigan wrote the play mentioned in the title, you probably found this whole crossword a walk in the park! Otherwise, you might have had to tax your mind a bit … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27348 – Saturday, 11 May 2019. A Walk in the Woods.”

Another typical Saturday, I’d say. No plants, no animals, just an obscure sauce. I’m deeply sceptical about the complaint at 9dn. It seems to follow the principle of, “give a dog a bad name”! Thanks … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27342 – Saturday, 04 May. A saucy little 17.”