Hello all. I don’t anticipate many complaints that this was too hard, but what do I know? It went very smoothly for me, both to solve and to write up, that’s all I can say. Except to add that I liked it – thanks Oink!
Author: Kitty
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1640 – 21 October 2023. Topping!
Hi everyone. This was a confidence booster as despite a few unknowns or barely-knowns I found everything provided to enable me to enter it all in reasonable confidence – and in very reasonable time (for me) of under 40 minutes too. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2515 by Trelawney – too much 3d
Hello everyone. I moved very easily through this but then but made a mistake too embarrassing to detail. Still, I think it’s a puzzle which fits the Monday QC brief nicely. Thanks Trelawney.
Times Quick Cryptic 2505 by Trelawney
Hi everybody. No real hold-ups for me today. I hope you also fared well and enjoyed it as much as I did. Thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 2495 by Alex – first catch your LOI
Hello all. I liked this puzzle and am struggling to pick out a favourite clue. It took me a little over my average time. I will be interested to see how you found it. Thanks Alex!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1635 – 16 September 2023. Cryptic cocktail party (crackpot laity?)
Hello everyone. Sorry this blog is a little late.
There are some touches here I thought really neat, for example the exchange at meeting in 33d. Lots of cryptic definitions, a couple of cocktails (an alternative drink is available in 41d) and a party or two to enjoy. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2485 by Trelawney
Hi everyone. I thought this one fit the brief nicely; my solving was on the brief side too. Just a slight hold-up in 9a where I needed to let go of the idea that it would contain a certain letter. I see I’ve given special mention to Trelawney’s surfaces before and I could do the same again today. My COD was 11a. Thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 2475 by Mara – Double double
Hi all. Today’s puzzle is by Mara. For me, despite a few moments’ glazed look at 12a it went down like a charm. My COD is 1d, the surface of which is rather appropriate as I write this. Thanks Mara!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1630 – 19 August 2023. 37d pace
Hi all. About 50 minutes in, my grid was still only half full and I abandoned any thoughts of a single session solve and had a rest. The second half took a similar time, so a nice even pace even though it was a tough one. An enjoyable challenge. My favourite clue has to be 43a because it took me a while to see both times around! Thanks to the setter.
Times Quick Cryptic 2465 by Oink – This little piggy got an ASBO
Hi everyone. Today brings us another fun puzzle from Oink with some great surfaces. I didn’t find it too much of a piglet, but more important is how you found it. Thanks Oink!