Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Brendan, thanks. Like all thematic puzzles, some weeks are better than others! I'd say I enjoy three out of four - and sometimes the theme has a big part to play in that, as does the degree of difficulty.

PS The paper costs only £1.20 - it's small and self-contained, no supplements, no magazines.

Excellent, thanks Malone, I'm sold:-)

Brendan, I just hope next week's puzzle is somewhere near as good as today's! Still, tastes vary - people here have praised Inquisitors that I found disappointing, and vice versa.

Not to put you on the spot Malone, but my younger brother's a solicitor in Scotland so, if I'm not satisfied, you'll be hearing from him!

Caveat emptor, Brendan

Good point, Nelson:-)

Brendan and Nelson, thanks for your posts. I've read and re-read my comments and was delighted to see that at no point did I instruct you, Brendan, to do anything, buy anything. I'll see you in court if I have to!

Trying the IQ for the first time and it seems I picked a good week. Made steady progress and have worked out the 4 words in the grid so have an inkling re the theme but things have got a bit sticky in the SW corner. Will persevere as it looks like 'light coloured smokes' should give way to a bit of 'anagram-ing' and that will help things along.

As usual when I have completed, nearly completed, the grid, everyone on here has found it easy and not needed to ask about any clues :)

14d Burdock used in cooking initially gives off unpleasant smell - I have GO?O And no idea.

9d Fish faces I have ?ARES. I feel stupid.

Any tips much appreciated, thanks in advance.

I can help with those I think. 14d you need the last two to be an unpleasant personal odour. 9d Faces is as in to face peril not as in clock or head.