Author: Curarist

Well, I started badly by solving yesterday’s by mistake, then wondering why Therotter had already blogged it and 30+ people had already commented on it. The perils of leaving browser windows open. Anyway, this was … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1464 by Tracy”

This one was fun, and a pangram no less, which helped when I was staring at 2dn and realised I still needed a Q. A good range of difficulty, 11 min for me. Across 7 … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1454 by Alfie”

A gentle workout today, though I overthought 4 down because of a common 15×15 trigger word. 6 minutes for me. Across 1 Finally wheel in lots of compost (5) MULCH – L (last letter of wheel) … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1444 by Hurley”

Now, I’m going too stick my neck out and say this is a nice easy one that should generate some quick times, provided the mild general knowledge required doesn’t cause trouble. 6dn my favourite Across … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1434 by Breadman”

Nothing too scary today, though 21dn might be a trap for the unwary. I was held up for ages by my inability to spell 14dn, which doubled my time, and I kept getting the “UNLUCKY!” alert … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1424 by Joker”

So, not straightforward I would posit; took me well over 10 minutes. Rather rewarding in the end though. There’s a great example of an important device that beginners should all learn from: the familiar two-word phrase which needs … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1414 by Wurm”

Not a difficult one, although NW corner took a moment or two to get going. Some real gems – love 1dn, love the use of ‘glance’ as definition in 2dn, and some interesting anagrams. 7 … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1404 by Joker”

This took me 10 minutes, but oon reflection there’s nothing unfair or excessively complex. I havent done one by Bob and Margaret before so maybe it’s just a wavelength thing. Good mix of clues, nice … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1394 by Bob and Margaret”

Mainly straightforward with a couple of stiffer ones. It took me a while to spot 4dn, tried to put a Y in 8ac because it’s too early in the morning and I can’t spell. a … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1384 by Joker”

Whoops, sorry I’m late. Had it in my head that my day was next week. Luckily this is a very straightforward offering from Corelli which I managed in just under 6 minutes. Nice surfaces on … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1374 by Corelli”