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A fairly gentle puzzle this week by the Prize regular setter Qaos.

That's not to say there weren't some difficult clues - I had to look up who Jodie was but thankfully knew the writer and 2001 computer.

FOI was 1d followed by 3d.

I'm not entirely sure what the definition is in 17d but I'm sure of my answer so I await a PDM.

If you do get stuck there is a hidden in the acrosses and an anagram in the downs.

COD - I had circled both 9a and 5d but that was before I saw the excellent 8a which is both witty and has a super smooth surface - surely a winning combination in anyone's book:-)

Thanks to Qaos for a fun puzzle.

As always, please feel free to leave a comment and, if you get stuck - don't hesitate to ask for a hint.

Stay safe:-)

..... and no sooner do I post than I see the definition in 17a:-)

PS In my original post I meant 17a not 17d

I’m not entirely convinced by 21d. If (as I think it is) it’s a double definition, it’s rather a loose one, In the second part at least.

Hi Rogissimo,

Chambers gives it as "spin given to a ball ..." so I do get it but I see what you mean.

Thanks, Brendan. Yes, exactly - I think that ‘revolution’ is an inexact simile at best. But I’m glad that you’ve confirmed my solution.

Thanks to Qaos, agreed that this Prize was easier than the norm. Several clues perhaps (IMO) a bit too easy for a Prize.
FOI 1.
COD 24 (I like the nerdy clues) over 8 (computer was a write-in, but enjoyed the wordplay), 19 and 4.
LOI 17, still uncertain, esp. about parsing.
Had to research the model before recalling that I'd once encountered her name in a cryptic clue. Being American, 21a and (especially) 21d required considerable thought. Knew the writer, albeit only from crosswords, never read any of his work!

Hi Geeker,

It's funny, when I was solving 12a I thought to myself "I wonder how Geeker will get on with this"? 😀 Like you, I haven't read any of his stuff but have seen him crop in previous cryptics.

17a - This is the one I had most trouble with, not least because "bowls over" could easily account for the first three letters ... however ... that is a 'erring rouge! It's actually ..".

2 letters "over and over" then single letter "departed" and all three letters follow single letter "wicket" - definition is "bowls".

Note by Admin - altered by request of Brendan, naughty step not now necessarily😀

Woops ... Sorry everyone. I meant the definition is "bowls" as in the game. I'm off to the naughty step 🥵

Thanks, Brendan. I fell for 17's red herring in two different ways (!), alternately expecting a "K" and 2 "W"s. The definition was beyond me as a Statesider.

Thanks Geeker.

PS I've emailed Norah and asked her to remove the post.