Author: william_j_s

A good tester, involving a couple of educated guesses, but which I managed to finish in average time. I suspect there will be many NHOs today with the fabric, yarn, and amphibian (as well as … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2057 by Orpheus”

I’ve been off the ball recently, with another sluggish solve today. Your comments will tell if we’re in a tough patch, or if it’s just me. I had to solve this grid in four quarters … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2047 by Wurm”

An abundance of familiar crossword vocabulary, and a couple of real chestnuts, gave me enough of a start in all corners. Only 13ac and 4dn caused any head-scratching; the former to check my spelling, and … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2037 by Trelawney”

Off to a flying start, but slowed down on the right hand side a bit. My last two in were 23ac and 21dn. The answers and clues all feel pretty fresh and fun, which is … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2027 by Oink”

This was quite tricky, and I was well over my target time before I got to my last unfilled entry (7dn, NHO). That one was not the only clue that went in under pressure without … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2017 by Hurley”

A handful of clues here to trip up the unsuspecting solver. While I sympathise with those who might say that some of these answers are slightly obscure, and therfore inappropriate in a QC, there is … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2016 by Breadman”

Middling time, good fun. What excellent anagrams at 23ac and 2dn! I did not get 1ac straightaway, which would have helped enormously in this grid, but the answer bubbled up a few moments later. Other … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2007 by Teazel”

Really enjoyed this. Not a puzzle with exceptionally polished surfaces, but just confusing enough to entertain. There is not a single word in any of the clues or answers that is unusual or unreasonable, nor … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1997 by Hurley”

Lots of unusual vocabulary, but only one that left me competely reliant on wordplay and checkers (21ac). Perhaps not quite as pithy, original, or easy as yesterdays, but a fun and doable puzzle nontheless. I … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1987 by Joker”

I reckon your experience of today’s puzzle will depend on whether you solved the four longest answers quickly, or not. I’m in the latter camp, with 1ac my LOI. Overall, this is a pretty grown … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1977 by Breadman”