Hi everyone. I don’t have a time for this one, but it certainly wasn’t fast. My favourite clue is 17a. Thanks setter!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 3034 by Pipsqueak – the early worm gets eaten
Hi all. I thought this puzzle from Pipsqueak was pitched well: it took me a little under my average time, which is normal for a Monday. Thanks Pipsqueak!
Times Quick Cryptic 3022 by Oink – roasting!
Hi everyone. Another enjoyable Oinker with lots of beautiful surfaces and some nicely disguised definitions – but nothing too devious for a QC, I would say. Thanks Oink!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1735 – 31 May 2025. Watch the trailer
Hi all. I found this to be that satisfying kind of solve which never feels too easy but yields steadily to thought and emerging checking letters. I completed in a pretty fast time for me, just over 42 minutes. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 3010 by Trelawney – drinking problems
Hi everybody. I really enjoyed this, and I suspect I won’t be alone. Trelawney keeps the difficulty down and the enjoyment up. It was close to personal-best-except-for-that-one-time-I-smashed-it territory for me, but I still found time to smile and appreciate the excellent surfaces. All good fun – cheers Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 2998 by Oink – you’ll never guess what Sue did on holiday …
Hello, and, if it is one for you, happy bank holiday! I managed to squeak in just a second under my inner target time of 5 minutes – so not a piglet from Oink. Thank you to Oink for the smiles!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1730 – Monday 5 May 2025. With a little help from my friends
Hello! This was a bit of a piglet. At least, I found it so: some very good stuff but some chewy bits. I didn’t finish solo as I had to ask my solvemate for the last answer, 40d. There were a few things I had to look up to write the blog and others I know only from crosswords, such as old crossword friends Timothy and Eric. Nice to meet them again – it’s been a while. Thanks setter!
Times Quick Cryptic 2986 by Trelawney – one from the bottom
Hi everyone. Trelawney is a setter who knows how to keep the difficulty level in check, so I am expecting many happy campers today. Thanks Trelawney!
Times Quick Cryptic 2974 by Des – Location, location, location
Hello everyone. We are treated to another puzzle from the stock left by Richard Rogan: always a bittersweet pleasure. Thanks to Des.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1725 – 12 April 2025
Hi everyone. This was on the whole a very satisfying solve. Not the fastest (just squeaked in under the hour), but a nice even pace throughout. Lots of highlights. Thank you to the setter.