Sunday Times 4913

[hypotheses]

Last two, but don’t look convincing. Always struggle with McKenna.
26A: Is author heard in offices? (5) Rites?
12D: Sandy is into one game or another. (10) Jackstraws?
The last letters of both must co-incide.

[Toorak]

Both look fine

[Lie-in King]

Yes to both -

26a Rites - "writes" (is author, heard)
12d Jackstraws - 'straw' (sandy, in) 'jacks'

[Toorak]

Rites sounds like writes (is author)

Straw (sandy) inside jacks

[Calibax]

yes, sounds like writes (is author)
straw(coloured -sandy) in jacks(game)

[hypotheses]

Thanks all. Totally missed significance of IS author.