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A long grind but we got there in the end!

I thought it was worth mentioning that the same
'extra' word could be deduced from both 41a & 10d
but only one is needed for the link to a member of the 'gang of four'.

Good luck

Morning k. I was hoping that you would be around. It seems a hard slog this week. I'm getting there with my grid, but the theme is still eluding me. I wondered if you could give me any pointers to the extra words?
Many thanks.
Laura.x

Hi Laura

I found the best way to the theme was via the 'misprints' which, in clue order, spell out the name of the work (2 words).
Alternatively if you combine 29a &42a and put the letters in a good anagram machine you'll get the author and from there the 'Gang'.
You will only need the surplus words at this point to complete the exercise.
I can give you the numbers of the 8 extra words but don't want to spoil it for others.
Good luck.

Thanks k. I'll have another play about with it, I may be back for the numbers! I understand what you mean about spoilig it for others, so many people seem to ask for help before they have done any ground work.
Many thanks.x

Hi k- I'm back again. I've got my man, and I know who the gang are, but I'm having difficulty still with the extra words and also associations. Are the associations a consistent pattern? I seem to have random words and names, I'm overlooking something- can I blame the heat?hehe.
Many thanks.x

Hi Laura you're doing well.

You should separate each gang member into two thereby having 8 names/titles.
The formula I used was-
Unclued + gang member = extra word

That applies to four and then-

Gang member + unclued + extra word

As an example -
Doubting + Thomas = Sceptic (24d)

If this isn't clear then come back

Cheers x

Correction

2nd four Gang + unclued = Extra word.

You've rescued me again k! I've got there, thanks to your help. It all fits together nicely and is a satisfying end. I need to learn to think outside the box a bit more then maybe I won't be asking for help so often. Until then please don't go anywhere.haha. Ready for my spectator now.
Thanks again.x

You've rescued me again k! I've got there, thanks to your help. It all fits together nicely and is a satisfying end. I need to learn to think outside the box a bit more then maybe I won't be asking for help so often. Until then please don't go anywhere.haha. Ready for my spectator now.
Thanks again.x

Well done Laura as that was a very tricky one.

You will find that you'll sail through the Spectator now.

Regards K