Hi all. No time to report as I solved over several sessions, but I was certainly not fast. I had also, in 15a, plumped for a K where the solution demanded a C. Not being familiar with the word I simply assumed that I had made a wrong guess, but later discovered that my answer is a valid spelling. I won’t get my knikcers in a twist over it though. I enjoyed it all very much while solving. Thanks setter!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 2315 by Joker
Hello everybody. I enjoyed this puzzle, which felt trickier than my time would suggest.
My last in was 11d. 12a made me smile to solve, but not to write up in the blog! I liked 3d because it could be very apt for anyone not a fan of the relevant wordplay. It would also indeed be irksome if the setter tended to leave bits out of the clues. Happily, all present and correct here – thanks Joker.
Times Quick Cryptic 2305 by Orpheus
Hi all. I hope 2023 has started well for you.
Thanks to Orpheus for another enjoyable puzzle, in which I noticed quite a few things in other things. He or she is not one of them, but I liked the creative musician in 10a.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1590 – 24 December 2022. Blimey!
Hello, and Happy New Year! Our seasonal bling is cleared away but there is still a plentiful supply of chocolate to polish off – just how I like it.
This was, I’m sure, the first time I’ve ever done a Jumbo in less than half an hour. So thank you very much, setter, for that welcome gift.
Times Quick Cryptic 2295 by Izetti
Hello, and happy Boxing Day. (Kitties like boxes!)
The right hand side of this puzzle went very smoothly for me, but the left took rather longer, bringing the whole a little past my average time. My last in was 12a. 18a stood out for its surface and so is my pick of today’s clues. Thanks Izetti!
Times Quick Cryptic 2285 by Oink
Hello from London, where I am taking refuge with Mr Kitty for a break before the seasonal madness begins. This is my last blog before all that, so I will take the opportunity to wish all of you the kind of time you would like.
An enjoyable Monday offering from Oink, I thought, with the usual piggy appearance early on and a visit from one or two of his farmyard friends too. 1d and 9d are my pick of the clues today, from a strong field. Thanks Oink!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1585 – 19 November 2022. Tomorrow is a 52a
Hi all. For once I have a proper solving time to report as I put my head down for a single jumbo session. I started well, with lots done after 20 minutes, but after that was surprised to finish in (just) under 45 minutes, which is good for me for a Jumbo. Had to trust the wordplay in quite a few places, and the last quarter of an hour or so could have easily taken twice as long and ended with gaps or wrong answers, so I was lucky. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2275 by Pedro
Hi everyone. There’s a bit of a sciencey feel to this offering from Pedro, which always goes down well with me.
Times Quick Cryptic 2265 by Hawthorn
Hi everybody. I started apace, then slowed down somewhat to finish in a normal-for-me-for-a-quickie time of 07:16. My last in was 3d: I knew I needed to think a bit laterally, but still took a few moments to coax my creaky brain up a gear. No complaints – which, considering that I’m in a distinctly grumpy mood as I write this, might just be high praise! 5a is my COD – for the penny-drop, natch. Thanks Hawthorn!
Times Quick Cryptic 2255 by Breadman
Hi all. I’m a little bleary after a sociable weekend in York, so will be brief today. No dramas to report, no time notably slow or fast, just another good Quick Cryptic. Thanks Breadman!