In aid of RNIB and BBC Children in Need
Answers to the latest puzzle
Clues by Guinevere and Grid by Komorník. Essentially, what we have here is a Theme and Variations puzzle — a traditional cryptic format which I feel has fallen out of fashion, although I am not sure why, because T&Vs can be very satisfying, just as this one proved to be.
Clues and Grid by Shark. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, following the appearance of Jaws in June, along comes another Shark, and, as we shall see later, this one has some very sharp teeth indeed.
Clues by Soup and Grid by Komorník. A toppled conical grid with a (for these puzzles, very) large base 13 spaces in diameter and 12 in circumference, tapering to a single letter at the peak provides the vehicle for this month.
Clues by Vlad and Grid by Calluna. It’s high summer, so now is an ideal time to relax in the garden on a sunny weekend afternoon with a glass of white wine and an entertaining thematic crossword.
Clues and Grid by Sirius. A really odd puzzle this month. It’s a dial puzzle (as we’d expect from Sirius), but it’s turned on its side and deformed a bit, making it look more like an eel trap or… something.
Clues and Grid by Komorník. We have an unusual shape for this Extra puzzle. It’s sort of 6x3x5 but with gutters so words can be written around the separate pieces.
Clues by Paul and Grid by Absolution. A puzzle by Paul promises cryptic clueing of the highest quality. Many solvers would agree that Paul, who has been composing crosswords for the Guardian for thirty years, is UK’s Number One Crossword Setter
Clues by Raich and Grid by Rikki. A tall and extra unch-y 7 x 5 x 6 grid, gives us a normal number of lights, but longer and freer ones in the vertical directions. There are some shaded squares to give us an “eponymous character”
Clues by Curmudgeon and Grid by Chalicea. The secret of a successful three-dimensional puzzle is the symbiotic relationship between the architect of the grid and the setter of the clues.
Clues by Boatman and Grid by Bozzy. A larger grid this month, at 7 x 7 x 5, gives us many more lights than we need but also leaves room for longer words. Additionally, there are some shaded squares that we are cautioned are not included in the wordplay of any checking answer.