Category: Weekend Cryptic

I found this one a real challenge, and took an age to grind my way through the intricacies and density of the clueing. Lots of very clever stuff, particularly with well disguised definitions and misdirections … Read more “Sunday Times 4711 by David McLean”

Solved (with interruptions) in the actual newspaper for a change in about 20 minutes. I’d never heard of a naseberry but the clue was quite generous with the wordplay (assuming you’ve heard of the English … Read more “Saturday Times 26514 (10th Sep)”

26:10. I found this hard, but it was immensely enjoyable. Another Dean Mayer masterpiece, in fact. He has such a knack for writing clues that seem completely baffling and impenetrable until you look at them … Read more “Sunday Times 4710 by Dean Mayer – not so simple”

Solving time 13:46. Quite UK-centric in places, but nothing too difficult. I can’t remember now what slowed me down. Maybe just took a while to get the brain into solving mode. Across 1 Composer of … Read more “Saturday Times 26508 (3rd Sept)”

An enjoyable puzzle at the gentler end of the spectrum this week – and none the worse for that! Some very nice wit and whimsy on display at 16d and 17d, and several neat and … Read more “Sunday Times 4709 by Jeff Pearce”

Sorry, I won’t have time to post until later this afternoon or evening. I got back very tired last night and just couldn’t face it, so imagine my surprise and delight when I woke up … Read more “Saturday Times 26502 (27th Aug) – placeholder”

I normally write this blog during the week, and set the timer so that it will be posted at 1am on Sunday. For one reason or another I have not had time this week, so … Read more “Sunday Times 4708 – bleeurgh”

Solving time 16:10 for this top-class puzzle which was full of wit and invention. I’m thinking of the wordplay to clues like 14ac especially, but also 17ac, 4dn and 16dn. The praise is not all … Read more “Saturday Times 26496 (20th August)”

Another super puzzle from Dean this week, showcasing the trademark economy of cluing, witty oddball definitions and sheer inventiveness of our tormentor. Several top notch clues, with 3A, 20A, 25A and 14D all outstanding in … Read more “Sunday Times 4707 by Dean Mayer”

Solving time 12:06, which I was quite pleased with as this looked pretty tricky in places – a trap for the unwary at 15D, a few obscure words here and there, a bit of GK … Read more “Saturday Times 26490 (13th August)”