Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 115
“Lonely, Single & Broke” by Nina
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Welcome to the latest in our series of puzzles, which have now been running every week for over two years.
This special puzzle has been prepared for those attending the Northern S&B meeting and it has kindly been made available to us.
The puzzle is available by clicking here:
Feel free to leave comments about this puzzle on this post. A review will be published in due course.
The NTSPP index page can be found here.
Warning – this is a crossword set in superb Vald the Impaler mode with extra special lead lined hob-nailed boots with sturdy spikes. A review will be posted when I can understand what it going on with some of the clues – will 2015 be OK with everyone!
A tip for solving. Ignore the preamble to begin with. Solve it as a normal crossword and don’t be put off by the unusual grid shape. When you have solved it, follow the instructions in the preamble to find the Nina.
I was fortunate to be given this puzzle by a certain nice Yorkshire gentleman as part of the test solving process with the words ‘something to keep you amused this (last) weekend’. And it did – on and off from Friday evening, finishing with an email exchange with said gentleman along the lines of ‘if you tell me xa, I will tell you xd on Monday morning.’.
It is very enjoyable and well worth a perservate. My advice would be to initially ignore all the instructions about the Nina and just solve the crossword – I don’t think I would personally have ever worked out the Nina but then I am not very good at those hidden messages anyway. Also don’t let the more complicated clues blind you to the more obvious simpler ones.
Thanks to the setter for a very nice stretching of the grey matter – my favourite clue has to be the simple but splendid 13a.
This is going to be one of those “print it out and keep it” puzzles for those spare moments during the week. I do not envy Prolixic in having to review this one. Good luck that man!
Haven’t even got round to printing this yet but just thought I’d see what, if anything, had already been said. Oh dear!! I feel suitable warned but there’s nothing to be lost (apart from confidence) in having a go.
I have one final clue to understand. I have the answer just not how you get there! I will have the review up as soon as I can to assist those tearing their hair out.
…. suitably, even!!
Despite the warning, I printed out today’s NTSPP. The first thing I noticed on the printed version was “Elgar”. Another page of A4 wasted!
Now that is just defeatist talk Franco. Give it a go.
I have tried, albeit under the influence of drink! Will try again tomorrow! And the next day, and the next….etc, etc
“I drink” — a joke!
But……Now it’s time for a bit of more soothing Elgar…..Nimrod – Enigma Variations
Been at this for an age, getting nowhere (fast)
my head hurts !!
You could have a look at either the across or down hints in the review and then try and solve the other clues with the resulting checking letters.
Let me spend a liitle more time first.
I know enough to know i have still a lot to learn about tough cryptic crosswords
Have now have taken your advice, most greatly recieved,( with thanks )
making a request to HRH to permit NINA to experience the true nature of the TOWER
Still need 3