Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Correction: Perhaps there is some kind of [11 12]?
Obviously I need sleep.

Geeker the crime can be grevious but in this case it is actual.

Brendan, I’ve come across the crime in previous crosswords so not an issue for me. The same for the near ubiquitous 21. And also the ever-annoying relations in 5 for that matter. Love 3d - such a British term. And speaking of things British, got a big chuckle out of 26, so my COD.

Hi Darla,

I got a bit of a shock when I read that you'd "come across the crime...", making me think that you had perhaps been a victim of it but, thanfully, that's not the case:-) It amazes me how familiar solvers like yourself and Geeker, and all our cousins across the pond are with these Britishisms.

With regard the "relations" in 5d, you'll find a kindred spirit in Malone - IIRC, she's also not a fan ot it (See what I did there 😉 - yes Bren, really funny!)

Can anyone help me parse 12a? Not sure I understand 5d either despite your various comments!

Hi Neville,

12a - "police" are 3,3 minus last letter/'finally released' - definition is "subject of interest"

5d - 3 letter "man's" (pay attention to apostrophe) then 2 letter "relations" + 3 letter "social worker" (the "relations" is very popular with setters) - definition is "dubious" as in 'uncertain'

Thanks Brendan, I see it all now! Enjoyable puzzle, just hard enough to frustrate me right up to coffee break :-)

Thanks Neville and, yes, I thought this was just about the right level of difficulty for a Prize crossword:-)

I didn't find this easy, and there are some not fully parsed (and won't be, as I'm going out soon!) Lots to like though. Favourites 1, 24, and 26.

Good fun I thought. 
Not long since we had a prize puzzle from Jack (September) and there was a Nina in that one so felt sure there would be something here, but for now, like Geeker, I’ve drawn a blank. 12 seems to be teasing us to look for something’s that perhaps isn’t there…
8 was last to parse and agree with Rogissimo’s parse below.
20d was a ‘jorum’ for me.
Cheers all.