Would immediately buy the mid-century novel that began with this sentence.

Regular reminder that the blog is open to all. Got something to say about crosswords? Go for it.

😬

An evening going through proof pages with the editorial team. A story in three parts.

A colleague didn’t recognise me in my glasses so I tried to joke “I’m Clark Kent” but accidentally declared “I’m Ken Clarke”

🥰🥰🥰

As opposed to 3D crosswords ☺️

Hurrah! ☺️ If he gave a damn about anything, he would be delighted 🥰🥰🥰

Mine loves his, it’s maybe 4 foot so not a stonking one but the top platform (looking out a window is his favourite place) and he loves the hammock thing on it too, plus the central pillar is a scratching post that gets a lot of attention. Afaik he’s never been inside the enclosed part of it tho 🤷🏻‍♀️

😂😂

Only a basil plant ☹️

I’m excited for the latest issue of Unch, v much looking forward to the puzzles, and delighted to be interviewed in it talking about crosswords, crime and Murder Most Cryptic 🙌🏻

Thank you for having me @unchcrosswords.com

Teddy is excited as it’s teatime.

Kybos appears in The Times Quick Cryptic today:

The cop’s leg fidgets — it could stop trousers falling off? (7,3)

Hope you enjoy!

#cryptic #crossword

Ooh, I haven’t listened to either of these 👀👀 (or rather 👂 👂)

Oooh! 👀

Listen Up! Last month I was struck down with a rotten virus, missed a walking and writing holiday in Spain that I was so looking forward to*, and spent more time than usual lying in bed feeling miserable.**But i...

New blog post about the audio that helps keep me sane

Including #offgridpod with @thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy and @skirwingle.bsky.social

As well as @inmygoodbookspod.bsky.social

And Lovecraft Investigations by @juliansimpson.bsky.social

www.alyscummings.com/post/listen-up

Victoria Wood - Let's Do It - The Ballad of Barry & Freda - Original 1986 version YouTube video by iamnotniles

It’s been up nearly 24 hours now so happy Friday everyone! m.youtube.com/watch?v=fFI5...

Haha! Perfect use of emojis!

😬😂😂

YouTube song link to whoever gets the theme first 👍🏻

Cryptic crossword No 3,299 · MyCrossword Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,299 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 27 clues by Penelope. Published Thu 9 Apr 2026. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.

Another fun outing for Penelope

www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3299

😊

Am sure everyone bar me knows this, but I recently discovered that the original radio dramas are on Audible which helped me through a nasty virus stuck in bed!

Title: Easter Egg Hunt techniques inspired by great detectives Panel 1: Sherlock Holmes. Deduce the exact location of every egg from seemingly unrelated details without leaving your room. Send your amazed sidekick to fetch them. Panel 2: Jack Reacher Hit the garden hard and fast. Take no prisoners Get back on the road. This approach results in a thrillingly intense hunt, but very few intact eggs. Panel 3: George Smiley Meticulously assess documents, people and motives. Then scrupulously collect the eggs and dejectedly wonder if any of it was worthwhile.

My Easter books cartoon for @theguardian.com

👏👏👏

💯!

Chess Mates: the fantastic true story of the sex toy rumour that buzzed around the world It was the anal bead theory that caused a global sensation. Now, a new Netflix film tells the tale of two grandmasters, one scandal – and a whole lot of bad blood

Chess Mates: the fantastic true story of the sex toy rumour that buzzed around the world

Always a bonus! 😂 you amused me too!

All set for a morning Maskarade preceded by a lovely game with Dice 🎭 🎲 #crypticcrossword

Excellent 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Lovely start to a Saturday 😊

1A was my LOI!