James Flanagan

Loved this puzzle.

LOVED this puzzle. Loved the clueing ...

Outstanding. Great clueing.

Great puzzle.

I knew almost none of it outright but managed to piece it together. I thought the clueing was exceptional and was surprised to find it was a debut. And surprised at the extent of the criticism but didn't read through all the comments. Anyway, I wanted to say my bit in support of the constructor. Made me think of Brendan Emmett Quigley ...

Great puzzle, I thought. No feeling a clue was a cheapshot once I figured it out. I never look anything up, no help of any kind, just struggle through 'em if it comes to that. And for it to be as tricky as this and feel fair is an accomplishment in my book.

Thought I wouldn't crack it but then it came ... and I was under my target time for a Saturday in the end ...

Some great puzzles lately.

Another personal best here. Friday's puzzle was hard for me. I like the Saturday puzzles to be harder than this. I like to work a little more. Always nice to finish one but some sadness when they're over ...

Perfect puzzle for me. I love it when, a few minutes in, I think I'm never going to get this and then it comes. It makes no sense since I solve almost all the Saturdays without any help or look-ups. And if I don't finish it will sit there forever unsolved. But I always approach them thinking this time I'm going to get my butt kicked. Can't help it. And if they go too easily I'm more disappointed than pleased. So, anyway, given whatever I bring to the table, which isn't much actual knowledge, this one was great. I pieced it together somehow.

Unusually good clueing. Somebody's got the knack ...