Last two: Novel about needy men we identified in confidence b-t-e-n -o- and --; Head of department in good health in Gateshead residence d---l-o-. All help appreciated.
5a: It's cooked for a drunk (6); 17d: Satisfactory ship accepted by father, talented (8); 9d: Beautifying preparation - it comes unusually cold (8). All help appreciated.
26A: Architect, incredibly rich, seen before finish with her bird (11,4); 23A: highest of everyone in exam (7);28A: It's in progress beneath road (5,3). All help appreci.
13a: Disrespect regretted, reportedly, when beside loch (8); 25d: picture, sought-after, found post office (5);11a: one so delayed being cut off (7).
All help appreciated!...
Crusader is very hard today!
1a: Sports gear to follow with spades, say (9); youngster has story about deformed pod (7); 17d: played darts then led away mount (.t.a..r.e).
All help appreciated....