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!
Author: Kitty
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!
Times Quick Cryptic 2455 by Hurley
Hi everybody. 17a is my firm favourite today as I’m currently popping round daily to feed and cuddle a colleague’s two truly adorable animals. 9a and 4d sent me on a less happy train of thought, so I will turn my attention back to the here and now. I took about 25% longer than average, which is unusual for me on a Monday. I’ll be interested to see how you found it. Thanks Hurley!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1625 – 15 July 2023. We need to talk about 43d
Hello everybody. It felt like I had to work quite hard at this but I surprised myself by having all but a handful of entries at the hour mark. Two intersecting pairs (8a/10d and 47a/43d) caused me some head-scratching at the close though.
All in all, 71:23 of concentrated concentration but also of concentrated enjoyment. I thought this was full of good stuff and am glad I dedicated a proper sitting to it rather than grazing, as I sometimes do with Jumbos. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2445 by Trelawney – beastly shenanigans
Hi all. It’s a nice normal Monday in crosswordland. Well, that was my experience – yours may differ.
Lots of clues appealed including 9a, 11a, and even 16a. I also liked 17d, partly just because I like the word, and 19d. Thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 2435 by Teazel
Hi everyone. My second Teazel blog in a row, but I’m not complaining. Timewise I fared better today, taking 30s under par. After a flying start in the NW I slowed down, then finished with a long hesitation and fingers crossed over 8a. Enjoyable as ever – thanks Teazel.
Times Quick Cryptic 2425 by Teazel – smooth!
Hello all. I liked this puzzle, which took me about average time (20s over). Obviously I appreciated the clues featuring cats, but really there are so many good ones here that I can’t pick out a small number for special mention. Just have a scan again through the clues to see how smoothly they read and you should see what I mean. Thanks Teazel!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1620 – 10 June 2023. Routinely picking initials
Hi all. No time for this as I was on holiday, panting in the shade. It didn’t strike me as too difficult, just a few things to verify when writing up the blog. I’m in need of convincing that 23d works but found lots to enjoy including 24a, 35d and 44d. Thanks setter!