Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

...and I would also quibble about the article - I would always use the other one!

Many thanks to all of you. I finally managed to solve the long anagram of 12d,1ac, but 9ac still has me stumped. I think I have three out of the four words, but the three letter first word has me stumped. Having said that, with all your help I have managed to get many more answers, indeed the bottom half of the grid is complete . I shall have to complete the top half after Montalbano. I may well be in touch again.

Just re-read Chrise's remark re article and all was clear. 9ac done and 1d.

Montalbano now finished and just six left to get in top half.

They include 6d and 8d. I'm wondering if I have 6ac right. My crossers for 6d are B?A?????E? The clue is A scream muffled by shout for old competitor. (10) I have a possible answer, but cannot parse it.

For 8d I have E?E?????L. The clue is Gradual increase ultimately in diamonds, a thousand in ring (9) Any hints welcome.

I think your 6a must be wrong

E is not the first letter of 8d. Think of a slang term for diamonds and a synonym for ring and you'll get it.

For 6 a term for scream (as in laugh/ funny) inside a synonym of shout

Think Rome

Thank you Proletarian, Sam and Zozozo

You confirmed what I suspected that I have 6ac wrong. I've understood what I need to do for 6d, but have been unable to think of synonyms for scream and shout. That seems to have been my general problem today. I know the word used for diamonds, but haven't got the word for ring. So I think I'll sleep on it and see if inspiration strikes in the morning.

Again thanks for your help.

roof,
I just solved this. Do not read further if you do not want hints.

Hope I am not spoiling it for you.

6d, think Ben-Hur. 5 letter word for shout and a+ 4 letter word for scream inside.

8d. Two words put together meaning Gradual.

e in diamonds +M.
All in 4 letter word for Ring ending in L.

26/6. Think Illegal Parking.
Cat is not an animal. A 4 letter word to punish.

Many thanks Sunray

You've set me on my way.