Hi everybody. We are always in safe hands with Trelawney. 8d made me smile, as did 3d, my clue of the day. Thanks Trelawney!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 3214 by Wurm – sneaky snakey
Hi all. A little twistier that we are used to on a Monday, but very enjoyable. I liked 12a, but my favourite clue is probably 15a. Thanks Wurm!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1770 – 10 January 2026. Barking at the moon
Hello all. In a departure from routine I solved this one in a relaxed mood listening to music, so the 55 minutes on my clock includes some time not focussed on the puzzle. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 3202 by Trelawney – first aid
Hello everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve encountered Trelawney on blogging day and I was happy to see him. Solving was nice and smooth, with a big smile at 13d. Ouch! Thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 3190 by Oink
Hi all. I hope 2026 is treating you well.
Oink typically provides smooth and not too difficult puzzles, and I found this to be such. I expect a wide selection of favourite clues today. Thanks Oink!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1765 – 20 December 2025. Scrappy New Year!
Happy New Year to you all!
This was certainly on the tricky side. I don’t have a proper time as my “solvemate” and I did it together, but it was a good puzzle for sharing, with plenty of cunning tricks and misdirection. Thanks setter.
Times Quick Cryptic 3178 by Teazel – the pay may vary
Hi everyone. As this will be my last Times blog to be published this year, I’d like to wish you all a lovely festive season, however you celebrate or don’t. See you on the other side!
Times Quick Cryptic 3166 by Pipsqueak – pull a cracker?
Hi everybody. This took me a little longer than typical for a Pipsqueak, but not unduly. I was a little surprised but also amused by 13d. Thanks Pipsqueak!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1760 – 15 November 2025
Hello everyone. I try to delay as little as possible between solving and writing up, but failed to blog promptly this time. Now all I have is a note of my time (59 minutes) and the vaguest of recollections. My time suggests a medium level of difficulty, and the wordplay must have seen me through the couple of gaps in my knowledge, otherwise I’d have noted it. So all good – thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 3154 by Oink – not a piglet
Hello all. This puzzle by Oink was not what I’d call swinish: I didn’t encounter any snags. Thanks Oink!