Puzzling

Just in case the plethora of crossword magazines out there isn't enough for you — "More, more!" I hear you cry! — there are vast numbers of online crossword sites.   The Guardian  website has a huge collection of cryptic and quick crosswords, from over 30 setters.  They have an archive crossword search function, so you can easily locate puzzles by your favourite setter, type, or publication date. You can also sign up for the crossword editor’s monthly update email, and participate in discussions about each crossword in comments below each crossword. You can either solve them online, or download print versions to do with pencil on paper. The Puzzle Wizard series of magazines is  produced by the excellent independent Australian puzzle writer and publisher, Greg Parker. His  website includes a bunch of puzzles to solve online.  There are six crossword themes you can choose from Straight Crosswords, Movies, AFL, Cricket, Music, and Telev...

And now for the big reveal — answers, with explanations, for the latest set of clues. The definitions are underlined. 1. Shame about poison for humans (4,7) = HOMO SAPIENS. Anagram (indicated by about) of SHAME + POISON. 2. Row of bushes missing first side (4) = EDGE. This is a deletion clue. Row of bushes = HEDGE. Missing first = remove the first letter (H). Which leaves you EDGE. 3. Citrus Mole misbehaving in post office (6) = POMELO. An anagram, indicated by misbehaving . The fodder is MOLE + PO (for post office ).  4. American city ’s sample of  tomahawks (5) = OMAHA. A hidden word clue, indicated by sample of . It's in clear view, inside t omaha wks. 5. Khan plays test in Uzbek capital (8) = TASHKENT. An anagram (indicated by plays ) of KHAN + TEST . 6. Adhesive from grated tapes (5) = PASTE. An anagram ( grated ) of TAPES . How did you get on?

Image courtesy of dan | FreeDigitalPhotos.net I've finally got a new set of (easy) cryptic clues for you to solve. Just the thing for a chilly winter's day. So get a cup of hot <insert favourite hot beverage name here>, and a pen, and let me know how you get on! Shame about poison for humans (4,7) Row of bushes missing first side (4) Citrus Mole misbehaving in post office (6) American city’s sample of  tomahawks (5) Khan plays test in Uzbek capital (8) Adhesive from grated tapes (5) I will post the answers, with explanations, on Monday morning. Please don't give away the answers in your comments, just say 'I got it!' or similar — thanks :)

A new set of cryptic clues for you to try out. Dithering about narration topics (15) Wound’s nasty to the German editor (9) Frond cut short for meadow (3) Shallots regularly stuffed with seasoning (4) One who escapes north in ripped brocades (9) Let me know if you got them!

My buddy Catherine over at The Clue Detective Puzzle Agency runs a weekly puzzle competition via her free weekly newsletter. The prize is an annual membership, so it's well worth your while heading over there and subscribing . No strings attached — you've got nothing to lose! The Clue Detective site is the only place in the world where you can access my latest Nixie cryptics regularly. I'm heading off on a week's holiday at the coast, so will catch you all when I get back  :)