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All done. Enjoyed this puzzle, but could someone help with the parsing of 24d, please?

Sorry about that. Hint in post 5 is already there explicitly in the clue 8d. I thought post 9 will make sense only if someone had already solved the clue 28a, and are looking for those names in other clues.

24d: read the answer upwards, it means neighbouring or next.

Hi everyone

I was doing well, got the theme early (after checking the date) and have done well over half, but have got stuck now. Please can I have a hint for
15d Character standing upright in battered line: stage set (10) I have G?L?T????? Does this include a themed word? Is the T right.

Some help with 21ac would also help.
Might one be posted to cover defensive walls amidst rifle shot? (7) I have F?E????

I'm still short of a themed word!

Hi Roof,

15d is not a themed clue but just an anagram - definition is "set"

21a definition is "might one be posted to cover" - anagram of "rifle" and D(efensive)E (walls)

PS I've followed your lead and started watching Inspector Montalban (the first one) I like all the characters except Livia, she's such a wet blanket:-)

Georgette Heyer helps with the fashion for 22d

Hi Brendan
Off topic - if you watch all the Montalbanos, there are a succession of Scandinavian Livias, none of whom (as I remember) can speak Italian - they are all dubbed.

I say "Italian", but "Sicilian" is more accurate. I've said before that me watching Montalbano to improve my Italian is rather like an Italian watching "Cracker" to improve his English!

Hi Chris,

I'm only up to half way through season 4 so have only seen one Livia (and that's one too many), and like you am trying to improve my Italian while watching it - admittedly from a very low base!

I feel I should clarify my opposition to Livia is not because she's the main female in the show - I love Ingrid! but because she's always whining - I grew up with sisters who are really strong women and I honestly can't remember them whining about anything - if they didn't like something you can bet they would act rather than moan:-)

I agree Zowlo