Author: william_j_s

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”

A fairly difficult puzzle that pushed me comfortably over my target time. I couldn’t see the setter’s name when I solved it (on my phone), and wouldn’t have guessed – it seemed to lack his … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1967 by Izetti”

Not too much to say about this, except I enjoyed solving it. Only the cat and a bit of Latin are somewhat obscure, but they’re very familiar words to regulars here. I stumbled with the … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1957 by Marty”

I really enjoyed this. I’m posting early for the benefit of our transatlantic solvers, for whom this crossword may have special relevance. The top half didn’t put up too much resistance (except 11dn – I … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1947 by Felix”

This was difficult, but the clueing is scrupulously fair and often very clever. I certainly enjoyed the challenge, but it took longer to complete than any QC of late. Newbies getting stuck, improvers completing the … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1937 by Izetti”