Author: Chris

A blogger’s lot, whilst arguably somewhat more upbeat than a policeman’s, is not consistently one of joy and song. However, today finds my mood in perfect harmony with the clemency of the weather conditions currently … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1091 by Rongo”

I was only vaguely familiar with the composer in 23ac and unfamiliar with the Catholic dignitary in 21dn but the clueing was simply – so – thanks to Orpheus for a quick QC – completed … Read more “Times Quick Crytic 1086 by Orpheus.”

1081 by Corelli Smiles all round today starting at 1ac, again at COD 7dn and finishing with LOI 13dn – a ‘doh’ to end the puzzle. I spent 11 enjoyable minutes completing this so I’d … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1081 by Corelli”

I can’t remember such a fast start to the week – two 7 minute solves in a row.Today wasn’t plain sailing though – FOI 6ac and LOI 9ac showing how much I had to jump … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1076 by Tracy”

Spoiler alert. If you’d prefer to solve the grid with no thematic hint then please press the reveal button only after completion. Thank you, Pedro, for this well appreciated reminder of the wit and wisdom … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1071 by Pedro.”

We are used to references from setters based on times of year/seasons. It would be interesting to know if setters are aware of which number their puzzle will be allocated. I suspect not as I … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1066 by Flamande”

10 minutes meaning an average difficulty for this puzzle which had a mix of write-ins and longer clues requiring working out plus some lovely surfaces (5dn, 13dn and 18dn). COD to 5dn for the twist … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1061 by Hurley”

Lots to enjoy here – especially cod 14ac. A couple of points of interest – 9ac and 8dn. Many and varied clue types and enough of a puzzle for me to be surprised to have … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1056 by Teazel”

I completed this in a medium difficulty time which would have proved quicker had I not missed 1dn. I only found this relatively easy clue when I was struggling to complete 8ac. How does one … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1051 by Mara”

Thanks to Tracy for a well crafted puzzle which required some unscrambling and contained some great clues. Whilst I think I can say that it wasn’t in the easy category, I find it difficult to … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1046 by Tracy”