Diary of a Crossword Fiend
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Reviewing the best crosswords in newspapers and on the Web.
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
15h ago
Note: Fireball is a contest this week. We’ll have a review after the contest ends. Jamey Smith’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Wholly Moley!”—Jim’s review Theme answers are familiar(ish) phrases with non-consecutive circled letters that spell out an occupation. These occupations ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
1d ago
Kelly Richardson’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Plants with Personality”—Jim’s review I’m not the type of person to talk to plants, but I know some people are, especially those with the knack for growing a houseful of house plants. Today’s theme ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
3d ago
Matt Jones’s Jonesin’ Crossword, “Four Cheers” — the long answers point to a common goal. – Erin’s write-up Hello lovelies! This week’s Jonesin’ puzzle should leave the crowd aroar, because each theme entry hides a celebratory OLE! 17a. [Instruction at a ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
4d ago
Matt Gaffney’s Wall Street Journal contest crossword, “A Tale of Twelve Cities” — Conrad’s writeup. This week we’re looking for an obscure small town in Oklahoma. There were six long numbered theme entries beginning with a famous world city, here ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
4d ago
Laura Braunstein and Jesse Lansner’s AVCX contest crossword, “District Lines” — Conrad’s writeup. This week we’re looking for a significant drop of 2024. There were five theme entries. Each ended with a US federal executive department: BRONY(COMMERCE): [Dudes buying and ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
4d ago
David J. Kahn’s New York Times crossword — Sophia’s write-up Happy Monday all! There’s a lot going on in today’s puzzle. For starters, there’s an 8 part word ladder going from COAL to WIND energy: COAL –> COOL –> WOOL ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
5d ago
Michael Schlossberg’s New York Times crossword, “Get Cracking” — Nate’s write-up Flavortext: “Standing between you and the score of a lifetime are the seven locks of this safe. After completing this puzzle, rotate each dial 90°, 180° or 270° to ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
6d ago
Garrett Chalfin & Andrew Kingsley’s New York Times crossword—Amy’s recap Hello! Felt harder than the typical Saturday NYT, I think. And you? Fave fill: LESBIAN BAR, FRIEND DATE, WARM FUZZIES (I have the warm fuzzies for this entry), SPOONERISM, APPLETINIS ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
6d ago
Kate Hawkins’s New York Times crossword—Amy’s recap Hey! A Friday puzzle within the expected difficulty range for me. Maybe a skosh harder, but not “holy schnikes, this is Saturday-plus” level. Fave fill: “I DON’T HAVE ALL DAY,” RHUBARB, FELT GOOD ..read more
Diary of a Crossword Fiend
1w ago
Peter Gordon’s Fireball Crossword, “Themeless 166” – Jenni’s write-up I struggled a bit with this one because I don’t follow golf and I temporarily forgot Peter’s penchant for starting and finishing a themeless with similar entries. 1a [Golfer Viktor who ..read more