Author: richardvg

Solving time: 15:56 I seemed to be making heavy weather of this, but it was just general toughness rather than any major hold-up on an individual clue. It would have been better if I had … Read more “Times 24,129”

Solving time: about 18 minutes Four minutes in to this (when I thought things were going well) a friend got on to the tube and sat next to me. Once she’d settled down to read … Read more “Times 24,117”

Solving time: 13:42 This was very enjoyable and seemed rather tricky. The last three to go in for me were 1A and 1D, and of course the cricket reference at 28A. I was pleased to … Read more “Times 24,094”

Solving time: 10:13 As often happens, I was mainly held up by trying to break down clues that turned out to be cryptic definitions. At 12A, I ended up putting in BABY BOOM without realising … Read more “Times 24,082”

Solving time: 27:18 (with two wrong) Just as well the District Line was slightly slow this morning, or I would not have finished this before reaching work. And I might well have one wrong, as … Read more “Times 24,070”

Solving time: 9:47 I enjoyed this. Good constructions and excellent surfaces. Nothing that seemed particulalry obscure to me, though if you didn’t know Tarsus was “no mean city” it might be a hold-up. Across 1 … Read more “Times 24,058”

Solving time: 19:10 Mortification for me. I put in SETTLED for SAMPLED at 18D. I can’t now see why. Anyway that made 21A very difficult, and I was left puzzling over it, 16D, 15A and … Read more “Times 24,046”

Solving time: 14:15 Lots of interesting clues. In fact I could only identify one that didn’t seem to need including in the analysis. So apologies to anyone puzzled by 15A. I got a bit stuck … Read more “Times 23,034”

Solving time: 18:28 Started well, then after three minutes a friend sat down beside me on the Tube. And when I picked it up again, I realised that there were lots of tricky ones. Also … Read more “Times 24,022”