For Quizmonkey

[Argee]

Have you read the book "Pretty Girl in Crimson Rose (8)" by Sandy Balfour? He agrees with you about surface clueing. Highly recommended especially if you are a Guardian cruciverbalist!

[Quizmonkey]

Yes, I have it - a very entertaining read, though I found his non-cruciverbal departures a bit wearying! I'm not a Guardian solver but I've done a few Araucarias in my time - I'm a Listener fan, and also do the Indie mag, ST EV and the Crossword Club's monthly offerings.

[Argee]

Happy solving!