Listener No 4214 A Noted Performance by Nutmeg

[Ruthrobin]

This must be our fastest solve ever but what a pleasure to have a straight-forward crossword by an accomplished setter (who is the B crossword in this month's Magpie too - Magpie plug). The theme is so beautifully related to the method of entry and, for once, we won't be biting our nails on Sunday. Thank you for a delightful compilation Nutmeg.

[midazolam]

No complaining from me, I was in need of a straightforward puzzle this week. Perfect for newcomers to the Listener world.

[AHearer]

Agreed. Neatly put together, straightforward clues, no endgame to leave any nagging doubts. I'm just trying to remember when I last had to dig out my scissors or my crayons -- they're probably so far down in the desk drawer that I'll never find them again.

[starwalker]

Nothing much to add really. No lingering doubts. Numerical next week ?

[JackDeCrow]

Yep. Earliest finish ever by a country mile. Bit disconcerting really!

[BlackHugh]

Yes great fun puzzle. Looks like I'll have to subscribe to Magpie as well. Who did you say the Level A puzzle was by this month?

[Warden]

(Magpie's A puzzle is by Chalicea.) I agree this Listener was a bit of a stroll, but would you all agree with the description 'approx. equal numbers of each'...or have I gone wrong?

[Ruthrobin]

That word 'approximately' should answer your question, Warden. It didn't say 'exactly'. I think we have one more before the numerical, Starwalker.

[dr b]

This left me depressed, elated, confused......

[Mesnilpat]

A quick solve, even for a slowcoach like me, but thoroughly enjoyable. I now have time to attempt the past few weeks' Listeners - that I missed while abroad sans internet. They look a bit more challenging.

[fortyseven]

A fun puzzle with a quick finish, which left no lingering doubts about any of the answers. May I be another contributor to this forum to recommend Nutmeg's puzzle in this month's Magpie? It's enjoyable and a bit wacky but not as much of a pushover as this Listener. The last few entries in it require some thought.

[Alekhine]

This wasn't much, was it?

:-(

[jim360]

Had a very lucky early guess at what the theme might be and it turned out to be correct. The rest followed fairly naturally up to a careless mistake at 13d that stopped me finishing the top-right sooner. But other than that, no problems and a fun puzzle.

[contendo]

A pleasant romp

[lyrabelacqua]

Too easy. Not that I'm complaining...

[Zabadak]

Completed in less than an hour, and only two that I needed a bit of help on, but no complaints, as I've been off form (and short of time) recently. Good to be back.

[Zabadak]

RR, was that really done in <30 minutes, or was it another you had an early sight of?

[emcee]

Zabadak, Ruthrobin is a TEAM of people. Split clues up between a team and this puzzle wouldn't take long. I have to be honest, RR, you're showing off (again).

This aside, the puzzle wasn't up to much I'm afraid.

[kayakamina]

To be fair emcee Ruthrobin has never pretended to be anything other than a joint effort.

The easiest Listener I can recall in recent times.

[Ruthrobin]

emcee, you are an old winge and I am awarding you the Z cup (since Zabadak agrees with the rest of us this week and Alekhine merely scowled). No, we are only a husband and wife 'team' (one to think, one to write!) and no, honestly we didn't see or test solve this one before; it simply fell beautifully into place with the theme appearing after three clues were solved and the entire crossword having such thematic unity. I truly believe that Listener crosswords should have a complete range of difficulty as long as they are impeccably compiled, as this one was. (And of course I am showing off after our speedy solve - you old curmudgeon - wouldn't you!)

[tenflags]

All for the occasional easier one but I have to say I do prefer a more of bit of challenge from a Listener.