Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

July puzzle:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/160heoVDdS9_mqyYyUwJ1dyQzGAVMQyuW/view?usp=sharing

June solution:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lA_0l7MFlcJZRRW7pDL-7peYJd469UPz/view?usp=sharing



NB: Because of colour blurring last month, please see new copy of
May solution:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E056HOOeh3Ty3ZYPLS1oZD8HGnu0nSAc/view?usp=sharing


For best results, please download, open, then print.

Scans courtesy of Sunray.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Previous puzzles & threads can be found here:

2018: http://tinyurl.com/ybkexusg

2017: http://tinyurl.com/je5vkm8

2016: http://tinyurl.com/h2zduy4

2015: http://tinyurl.com/oynnjsx

2014: http://tinyurl.com/o6g6w4u

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I've got it all filled in, but what the heck is missing from all the clues?

A certain letter.
See a novel by Ernest Vincent Wright.

Ah, yes. Thanks!

Thanks, Syzygy. I think I'm finished, but for 20d.

I know I'll fail, but with no mark short of failing, I'm vocally worn out. (8)
I have E?FE?E?T, it looks like 'effetest' but that doesn't seem to be a real word.

mattrom
I agree, it doesn't seem to be a word, but it sort-of fits and maybe the compiler thought, being an adjective, he would declare it to be a word? "vocally most worn out!" could be a hint it's not quite kosher?? Only guessing, you are a lot better at crosswrods than me.
Like the basis of this one, thanks syzzie. Oops, syzzy.

Forgot that I hadn't finished 20D either, because it didn't make sense at the time.
Your questions triggered another look, then suddenly an epiphany.

I know I'll fail = DEFEATIST
with no mark short of failing -> letters E & F, remove D & A (?)
vocally [homonym]
most worn out = EFFETEST (not in my book)
effete = exhausted (Chambers def 1)
Yeah, a rather lame clue.

Thanks, Rosalind and Syzygy.

Good parsing for 20d, syzygy.

Maltby Jr. ran out of words with E only.

I just took it as the pronunciation of defeatist without the D.