Merry Christmas everyone.
This was similar to Izetti’s last for me, difficulty-wise. I think my COD is 4a, but 9a and 6d were also lots of fun. Thanks Izetti!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 2545 by Teazel – a prickly one
Hello everyone. This took me over my outer target time, so I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that you found it tough. If you in fact did well then well done! Thanks Teazel.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1645 – 25 November 2023. Fear of Santa
Hi all. I can’t give any real assessment of this as crosswording has had to fit around life. Solving was done in pre-bed sleepy snatches, and blogging done later in a bit of a rush. I have a dim memory of using aids anyway, I think for 34d and maybe another. Thanks to the setter – I hope to be more awake for your next one!
Times Quick Cryptic 2535 by Teazel – Paris in the the spring
Hi all. Thanks to Teazel for an enjoyable puzzle. It’s always nice to see 11d and hope it delighted some solvers who hadn’t seen it before. Timewise I was about a minute less than average, or normal for a Monday. How did you find it?
Times Quick Cryptic 2525 by Oink
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!
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!