XWord Muggles Forum

This puzzle played hard for me. When I finished it I was still uncertain on a few of the word plays, but I have since figured them out. If anyone needs help please feel free to message me. Enjoy!

It was a fun challenge. I think I understand everything except part of the clue to 10 across seems a bit off. Look forward to finding out what I’m missing!

I don't have a subscription to Harper's, so I googled "ABECEDARIAN JIGSAW" and found that Harper's has run at least three puzzles with that title! One in June 1978 by Cox & Rathvon, one in November 1982 by E. R. Galli, and this one in May 2024 by Maltby.

(Edit: I'll use my library card to access the issue.)

Leslie wrote: ↑Tue Apr 16, 2024 1:29 pm It was a fun challenge. I think I understand everything except part of the clue to 10 across seems a bit off. Look forward to finding out what I’m missing!

I can explain my interpretation of 10a, if you’d like to PM me. I believe I understand it.

Fun puzzle! Started hard for me, but eventually rolled.

hoover wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 12:43 pm (Edit: I'll use my library card to access the issue.)

Well, piffle! None of the libraries at which I have borrowing privileges has the electronic format (or access through a database), and the library I work at still has the April issue on the display.

This type of variety cryptic is usually the toughest for me: a format that requires, initially, solving each clue individually to the extent possible for the solver, without the assistance of any crossing letters. This puzzle was no exception. I cracked it, but I prefer the back and forth throughout the process, rather than at the end. Still love Maltby’s cluing though. 22 and 29 I especially liked.

I can never get on the wavelength of these Harpers cryptics.