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I also found this very tough to gain traction. Only two entries first time through. FOI 8a, and LOI 15a. Definitely voting for 14d as COD. Did not know the slang term for facial adornment in 4d. Over here we always add an s in front.

reading the clues in order, my foi was 24a!

Hi everyone

It took me a while to get into. As usual I started late. A bit easier than last week's, but I still have much of right hand side to crack. Thank you drjax for your hint for 15ac and Brendan for hint for 13d. A few more hints to look at, then I'll be back for more help I think, especially for 6D (though I have still to look at earlier hint) and 7d. I suspect I'll get stuck on 17d. I have an answer for 19ac, but think it is wrong.

My FOI (not counting 19 ac) was 8ac and so far I've loved 18ac.

What about a hint for 24ac. I've no letters yet.

Hi Roof,

24a - Single letter "nothing" + 3 letter "writer" + 4 letter "cape" - definition is "being revealing"

Thanks Brendan I got it as soon as I sat down to think. In fact I've finished all bar two. 17d is a mystery. I think I have the first four letters, but can't see why my final three should be the answer. Where is the revolutionary? But thanks for the rest of the hints. They helped me.

21d is also a mystery. I have A?T? Are my letters right?

It would be good to finish before dinner, though I'm sure my friend will have them all for me tomorrow. She helped me get the last ones last week, though I was thrilled to be able to give her a correct answer. I also have the final 100 pages of Shuggie Bain to read for my book group on Tuesday. It is heavy going.

I don't think I'll get time to tackle the crossword for the next two weeks as I have pack things up for the decorator - lots of china and lots of books and my desk.

Thanks Roof,

That's so often the way, you post the question and immediately see the answer:-)

17d - Definition is "what follows 19a (in the NATO alphabet)" - 3 letter "confuse" + 4 letter "revolutionary"

21d - Yes, your letters are correct. 5 letter "political group" minus P(ower) - definition is "perhaps pretentious"

Good luck with the decorating:-)

Hi roof,
17d and 19a are both part of the same alphabet. The revolutionary end is a shortened version of his name - Russian.
Your letters for 21d are correct. Take “power” out of a political group.
Cyclone Dovi is still thrashing us down here.

Hi Mystogre,

I see it's not just Cyclone Dovi that's causing havoc in NZ, they're also playing Barry Manilow songs on a 15 minute loop to dislodge protesters - oh the horror! the horror! 😂

Hi Mystogre and Brendan

Many thanks for your help. I just wasn't thinking right. I'm pleased to find I've finished. I enjoyed it once I got going .

The cyclone must be difficult. Thank goodness our gales never get to cyclone level in Exeter. But Barry Manilow - how dreadful!

Shuggie Bain. Well written but its context is not really such a suprise to anyone who grew up north of Watford in the Eighties. You've got the book to finish so I'll leave it there. Mr Stuart has gone on quite a journey, so far. I look forward to his next moves.