TLS 850

[pcoles]

Last one, 16across.

Updike's big deal (4)

I have -O-P. I think that it might refer to "The Coup", which I haven't read. Does anyone see why "big deal" might clue "Coup"?

[writesbad]

coup can be a masterstroke which could be a big deal

[pcoles]

I'm only used to "big deal" in the sense of a sarcastic response to a boast, which is the only definition in Chambers. However, the OED gives "An important business transaction or contract" which I suppose is what it's getting at.

[flocker]

23 he wrote the whole his natural life ???
29 Richters version??
24 Obrian...??

[poetaster]

23ac might be Marcus Clarke's "For the Term of His Natural Life" originally published as "His Natural Life"
29ac "Richter's version of The Woodlanders" might be Conrad Richter's "The Trees"