Cryptic Crossword October 2023

Compiled by Peter Chamberlain

Across

1 Temptress the Parisian found in New Delhi (7)

5 Spy coming from cyberspace upset the lady (7)

9 Untidy everywhere (3,4,3,5)

10 Beating short time spent in capsized boat (6)

11 The same one in church had style (5)

14 Learner without a grip (6)

15 One who attends the horses (8)

18 Train continental celebrity (8)

19 After 31 days shortly welcome interval (6)

21 Stop buzz that’s dull (2-3)

23 Seer has two I’s, a puzzle (6)

26 Producer of personal representations (8-7)

27 General had one under a guardian from these islands (7)

28 Wild fanatics starting late are wicked (7)

Down

1 Cleric advanced entering study (4)

2 Lady found number acceptable repeatedly (4)

3 Matthew is cut out of book (9)

4 Hear about artist in African capital (6)

5 Paper covering tramp having large bottle (8)

6 One is expected to stand on one’s own two feet (5)

7 Wife played harmonica outside for president (10)

8 And in French recess, it’s part of church (4,6)

12 Against said fellow going to the Spanish part of religious building (10)

13 Finished accusation about fleece (10)

16 Communion could be such a rite (9)

17 Approved but not pleased to start (8)

20 Field of academia (6)

22 Many start song for her (5)

24 Some Stones tunes are knockout (4)

25 Short reptile not half croaky caught (4)

Prize Draw

A £20 book token will be awarded to the first correct cryptic crossword solution randomly selected from all correct entries received by the submission deadline. Entries should be addressed to: Life and Work (Crossword) 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN and should be received by October 14. The solution will be published in the November issue and the prize winner in the December issue.

Winner of August 2023 Cryptic Crossword

Margaret M Brown, Edinburgh

Solution to September 2023 Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS: 1 Benefice, 5 Spirit, 9 Lord’s Day, 10 Heaven, 11 Real ales, 14 Fibrin, 15 Lily pad, 16 Sinner, 19 Put on to, 20 Condor, 21 Iguanas, 26 Clergy, 27 Layabout, 28 Entrap, 29 Doorpost, 30 Merits, 31 Shadrach.

DOWN: 1 Belfry, 2 Normal, 3 Festal, 4 Chapel, 6 Presidio, 7 Reverend, 8 Tenantry, 12 Liturgy, 13 Synodal, 14 Fast day, 17 Ice cream, 18 Investor, 19 Poignant, 22 Naboth, 23 Sacred, 24 Corona, 25 Stitch.