… but my kind of puzzle! Hello everybody. I left this until the bank holiday Monday to solve, so it is to the setter’s credit that I managed to enjoy it despite the punishingly hot weather and resulting lack of sleep. I enjoyed the summer treat in 24a and the strange cocktail in 36d. Cheers setter!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 3310 by Wurm – I am the blog of hellfire
Hi all, and happy bank holiday if that applies to you. It’s good to see Wurm again so soon.
I enjoyed this puzzle more than usual. In general I thought the definitions were nicely incorporated, not too plainly in sight but not so disguised as to push the difficulty sky high.
For the blog title I nearly went with “on fire, then burned!” which describes my solve: I was on course for a near-record time when I found myself stalled for a more than a minute on a clue which shouldn’t have troubled me … It is too hot!
I hope you are keeping cool and had as much fun as I did today. Thanks Wurm.
Times Quick Cryptic 3298 by Izetti – I get knocked down, but I get up again
Hi everybody. I haven’t encountered Izetti on blogging day for ages so this was a refreshing change. Perhaps a little stiffer than some Mondays, but I still completed in a typical QC time despite holding myself up slightly with a typo. Cheers Izetti!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1785 – 18 April 2026. A dish perhaps not best served anagrammed
Hi all. This didn’t take me too long (about 45 unhurried minutes) but I did use aids for my last answer: I was clueless as to the order of unchecked letters in 2d. I bet I’ll see it all the time now. Nothing much to add other than thanks to the setter. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 3286 by Wurm
Hello everybody. It’s been a little while since I’ve had a crossword by the wiggly one to blog and I enjoyed this. My picks today are 11d and 20d. Thanks Wurm!
Times Quick Cryptic 3274 by Tango – a signed artwork
Hi everyone. A bit more complex than we usually see on a Monday, but I was surprised to see that it hadn’t taken me as long as I’d thought (6:06 on the clock if you want the numbers). I’ll be interested to see how you found it. There are some really nice constructions here and some great surfaces. Thanks Tango!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1780 – 21 March 2026
Hi everyone. A puzzle from a setter who clearly likes double definitions … I found it of mid-range difficulty, but used dictionary help at the end. Thanks setter.
Times Quick Cryptic 3262 by Pipsqueak
Hello all. The ever-reliable Pipsqueak has provided another entertaining Monday puzzle, in which my favourite clues are 12a, 4d and 5d. Thanks Pipsqueak!
Times Quick Cryptic 3250 by Trelawney – a monster in the morning?
Hi all. As is usual for a Trelawney puzzle, this all went very smoothly for me – not a monster at all. I much enjoyed it, thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 3238 by Alex – new car smell
Hello everyone. I didn’t run into any speed bumps with this one and enjoyed the ride. Thanks Alex!