Beneath The Surface

  PDF  -  puz  -  online  -  solution Well, I didn't expect there would be a gap of a few months between my last puzzle and this one, so apologies for the lack of activity here recently. Simply put, I didn't have much time to make cryptics, mainly due to demands in my day job. Also, I had some other crossword projects that needed attention, especially getting ready for the Midwest Crossword Tournament last month, where I was one of the constructors (a personal milestone, and a huge blast to boot!). Finally, I managed enough time this past week to throw together this midi and get it tested (thanks as ever to Evan Jenkins for testing it out). I think I should be able to make another midi next month, and then it will be time to reflect on where this blog goes in 2026. Solvers of The Browser's weekly cryptic will know that their run of puzzles will wrap at the end of 2025. I'm fortunate to have one more puzzle in the queue there so look out for it (likely ...

PDF - puz  -  Online  -  solution I'm posting this puzzle while on vacation, so I'll keep this short: mini cryptic this month! Enjoy!

  PDF  -  puz  -  online  -  solution My favorite clue here is 8 (I'm a fan of the original source materials for the surface, though I've not kept up with the more recent entrants to its canon).  Have fun and stay cool! Back next month.

  Puzzle (PDF)  -  Solution (PDF) Surprise! Instead of a cryptic, this month's puzzle is a Printer's Devilry--my first since February 2023. Enjoy! (And yes, there will be a cryptic next month.)

  PDF  -  puz  -  online  -  solution A midi for the month of May! I used this puzzle to practice with some wordplay that I feel I've underused in my work to date. Hope you'll enjoy it!

  PDF  -  Solution Back to a variety puzzle this month, and I'm pleased to share my first Playfair cryptic! I solved my first Playfair a few months ago--an Azed Christmas special . Though I'd never heard of this form of crossword before, I admired how it combined cryptic solving and codebreaking, and I knew I had to try my hand at making one. You can read more about Playfair ciphers and their uses in crosswords  here . Fortuitously, I found a good Playfair codeword from another deep interest of mine--music--and used the inspiration to come up with what I hope is a fun multi-layered challenge. And I hope it inspires some of you to search out more Playfair puzzles!

  PDF  -  puz  -  online  -  solution PDF Another regular midi for you to enjoy this month!