Hello all. This felt a bit different to the average beast, with a few unusual devices in the mix. When writing it up I did also notice lots of cryptic definitions and double definitions (five of each at a quick count but I haven’t double-checked). I finished in under an hour but was concentrating pretty well throughout. Good fun – thanks setter!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 2385 by Alex
Hi everybody. Ooh, it looks like we have a new setter! A new name, at least, so a warm welcome to Alex.
Times Quick Cryptic 2375 by Trelawney – no Norwegian Blue here
Hello everybody. I’ve had a long and tiring weekend so haven’t expanded much below, but as ever if you have any questions please ask.
I liked 10a, and thought 19a a particularly deft example of its clue type. Surfaces don’t get much more natural than that. Actually, there are lots of lovely smooth surfaces here. All much appreciated – thanks Trelawney!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1605 – 25 March 2023. The royal icing on the cake
Hi all. No strict time for this due to (first session) falling asleep (no reflection on the puzzle – it was bed time!) and (second session) a cute cat needing attention. Roughly speaking, the difference between it taking a little less than an hour and rather over was a handful of clues which I found rather a handful, containing between them as they did quite a few NHOs. I was pleased indeed to get them.
After all that I had of course made a silly error …
I liked lots of clues, particularly 43d (as alluded to in the blog heading). Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2365 by Joker – Yanker, didel, doodle down
Hi everyone. I’m relaxed about it, but where possible try to avoid seeing the name of the setter while solving. I was surprised when I had finished to find that this puzzle was by Joker. The last Joker was the infamous 2353 where, like many others, I had an OWL (one wrong letter). I also took a long time to get there. By contrast the time on the clock today was 2:28 faster than my average.*
What I really want to do is focus on enjoyment and of the quality of the clues, rather than the time taken. Yet, yet again, I have little to say other than I enjoyed it and have no complaints. The comments I do have are by the clues below. Thanks Joker!
Times Quick Cryptic 2355 by Teazel – in which 12a describes your blogger …
Hello everyone. This puzzle took me nearly 10 minutes, the time at which I start to feel that either the puzzle is a little hard for a QC or I’m having an off day. Happy to stay the right side of the boundary, but still, you can tell me which! In any case, thanks Teazel.
Times Quick Cryptic 2345 by Orpheus
Hi all. It’s another Orpheus Monday. With a few family members appearing in clues and answers, including the rather naughty 5d, perhaps I should have subtitled this post A Family Affair.
It took longer for me to get a foothold in the NE than elsewhere, but once I did the rest followed without undue delay. As usual I’m struggling to nominate a COD, but I’ll go with 16a. Thanks Orpheus!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1600 – 18 February 2023. All square
Hi everyone, and welcome to Jumbo 40 squared. A multi-session solve, so no time to report, but it would have taken me over the hour I think. Entertaining as always – thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2335 by Orpheus
Hello all. Orpheus is back just a couple of puzzles after his last. That one was my fastest of the year so far, while today I was just relieved not to be reporting my first DNF of 2023! I had my fingers crossed that 12a meant what it needed to mean, but the gods were smiling and my faith in wordplay was rewarded. Lots of nice touches here, I thought – but what did you think?
Times Quick Cryptic 2325 by Mara
Hello everyone. A double definition fest today, but all very enjoyable. Nothing to send me bananas, and I rather liked the similarly-coloured 6d. Thanks Mara!