azed 1778

[mahonia]

One like Hercule P. on tele dismembered English necrophorous insect (12 letters, 2 words). I've got beetle for the second word but can't get the first word - can anyone help please?

[Quizmonster]

Sexton...from Sexton Blake (Sextonb) as in Herculep.

[Quizmonster]

I don't know how old you are, Mahonia, so I'd better explain that Sexton Blake was a detective - in a bygone age, it seems! - just like Hercule Poirot.

[mahonia]

Thanks for help, Quizmonster - I should have been able to work it out as, being of bus pass age, I'm familiar with Sexton Blake.

[Quizmonster]

Ah! One of the oldsters, like myself, M. Sorry if my comment seemed patronising, but one can never be sure on AnswerBank just whom one is talking to. I doubt whether anyone under about 40 has ever heard of Sexton Blake.

[mahonia]

Yes, an oldster indeed, Quizmonster. I certainly didn't interpret your comment as patronising - just pleased to have an answer and have now been able to complete this week's Azed, so thanks for that.