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Is there a consensus about what the theme actually is? It seems there could be two. The first is suggested by 6d, and supported by embedded names in (1d,16d) and (26a,27a). The second is suggested by 8d ("Nobody expects ...") with embedded names in (1a,4a), (1d,16d), and, coincidentally, the reverse of (26a,27a). The second one suggests that the 8d theme is embodied in the edge clues, but I can't see any embedded names in (7d,19d). I'm guessing the first seems more likely and I'm sure I've missed other thematic answers that would settle it. Or perhaps the theme is people who have tortured us.

Hi Rainman,

1a,4a was considered by many to be one of the toughest CS's ever. Either way, your "Or perhaps the theme is people who have tortured us" is going to spot on regardless of which it is:-)

Struggling with 10a and 17a. Any hints would be appreciated.

Hi minno
10 is a slightly dodgy double definition. The first one is less "off".
17 is 1,3, 5, meaning "money prevented from being passed on", or similar

Thanks Chrise, 17a I got thanks to your help. 10a still eludes. 5d has two alternative spellings but I'm confident I have it right. Hmmm...

Will have to enter methodical mode in order to get out of this.

I'm not sure "second part of bible" is a valid abbreviation, but it decides which of the two is needed.

Hi Rainman @51,
It’s no coincidence you point out those two themes, as the names chosen by some in the first derive from the historical ones in the second.
The reversal of 26/27 is not coincidence, it is how the current name was chosen.
You don’t mention the name in 24/25 (the oldest here I think) which while being a demon from Arabian mythology, was actually derived from the individual’s real name.

24/25 is outside my knowledge, jono

Finished, early for me.

FOI 1a
LOI 27a
COD 6 or 13

I noticed 6 but didn't spot that the Crossword was thematic, didn't see the other themed answers, till prompted by this thread. I don't recognise a themed word in 24-25.

Enjoyable. Only resorted to the "Crossword solver" a couple of times, 13 and 14, and had to check in the dictionary my vague (correct) recollection of the meaning of 25.

1a 4a was also the genius behind Cain’s Jawbone, a fiendishly difficult book length murder mystery puzzle. You not only have to solve the six crimes but put all 100 pages in the correct order. Almost impossible, but three people have solved it.