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Thanks Roof,

19a - Your S is wrong - the "drink" is a verb and the definition is "serious measure" in a law enforcement way.

9,25 - 4 letter "ring" (a slang word) + 4 letter "news" - definition is "current term" (as in lexicography) - your letters are correct

2d - If you split the answer 2, 3 you get a "number" - your T is wrong.

23d - 3 letter "pull on" + 2 letter "earl's coat" - definition is "drier" - your letter is correct

27a - 3 letter "remains" (as a noun) + single letter "article" inside 2 letter "both hands" - definition is "stone" (not a common word) - your letters are correct.

Good luck at the hospital on Monday, hope it all gets sorted out:-)

Sorry Roof ...

2d - If you split the answer 2, 3 you get a "way to enlightenment" but the whole word is a "number"

I rarely post, but today's marvel incited me to. I was stumped for ages, finally made slow inroads and then progress was gradual. No time to finish yesterday, so have just finished with a refreshed head. A challenge, but oh so enjoyable. Thank you Picaroon or some extremely clever clueing!

Hi Gaperon,

I agree, some of the clues took a lot, an awful lot! of unravelling, but it was very much worth it. One of the Prize crosswords for a long time IMHO:-)

" ..... one of the best Prize ......" - sorry about that.

Thanks Brendan

I've corrected 17ac to fit 19d, but now my 11ac is wrong as a result of 2d correction
I'd worked out how to solve 23down but am not sure what earl's coat means - does it mean the outside letters?

I'll keep at it with the others, I've just got 11ac.

Thanks to all of you who have really helped me with this puzzle, as you do most weeks.
I have just 7d to go and can't find any word that fits, despite the hints about splitting storybooks
I have T?E?N?S

Hi Derbs, you’re E is wrong. The answer parses 4,2,1

Finished now thanks to much help from you , Geeker and others, but I feel resentful that it took up so much of my time. I felt much happier with last week's easier crossword. I might give Picaroon a miss next time.

Many thanks

thanks jono, I've just kicked myself, till next week, cheeers