Solving time : 30 minutes I raced through the top half of this but then found the bottom a bit harder. There is a reference to Scrooge that I don’t understand, which appears not to … Read more “Times 23,978 What The Dickens?”
Saturday Times 23970 (July 19)
Just got back from an impromptu weekend away, where I attended a cousin’s wedding and got engaged myself! Unfortunately there was no time to do the blog entry in advance or let anyone else know. … Read more “Saturday Times 23970 (July 19)”
23977
Solving time: 21 minutesThis was my quickest solve for some time. I think it was easy because I’d seen lots of the clues and devices before. Across 5 WASH UP – this is what you … Read more “23977”
Mephisto 2499 – Paul McKenna
Paul McKenna’s puzzles are falling into a pattern – plenty of starter words to get things going, and just when you think you’re going to race through the grid, there are some really obscure tough … Read more “Mephisto 2499 – Paul McKenna”
Times Jumbo 766 (Sat 12 July 2008)
An enjoyable puzzle, not too difficult, solving time 79 mins * = anagram < = reversalACROSS1 P AS S T(HE B)UCK Very elaborate wordplay!7 CONNECT I CUT Excellent misleading context 13 ON THE CREST OF … Read more “Times Jumbo 766 (Sat 12 July 2008)”
Times Crossword 23975
Solving time: 15.44 After yesterday’s doommongering I was braced for a really tough puzzle. I definitely found this harder than the last couple of days, but overall it wasn’t too bad, despite a nasty moment … Read more “Times Crossword 23975”
Times 23,974
Solving time: 9:09 This seemed heavy on anagrams when I was doing it, but in fact there are only five (1A, 9, 24, 27, 1D). But they are all good long ones with smooth or … Read more “Times 23,974”
Times 23,973 (Wed 23 July)
I found this a very easy puzzle with an old-fashioned feel. Solving time, just under 15 mins, very fast for me. * = anagram < = reversal 1 ANTE LOPE stake = bet5 T (b)AND … Read more “Times 23,973 (Wed 23 July)”
Times 23,972 – Yaroo!
Solving time : 9 minutes. I shall take my cue from the setter and descibe this Tuesday puzzle as a nice straightforward vanilla puzzle. Nothing wrong with vanilla, say I, though you wouldn’t necessarily want … Read more “Times 23,972 – Yaroo!”
23971
Solving time: 37 minutesAn easy start to the week with nothing particularly tricky. I’d expect to see some superfast times from some solvers.Not at all sure about 27D. Across 1 STAFF,A 5 ROMAN,T,IC 10 UP,SHOT … Read more “23971”