A £15 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 February 10. The solution will be published in the March issue and the prize winner in the April issue.

Winner of December 2024 Cryptic Crossword Fay Anderson from Edinburgh.

Solution to January 2025 Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS: 1 Philadelphia, 9 Quinine, 10 Menorah, 11 Expression, 12 Magi, 14 Nonce word, 16 Onset, 17 Fatso, 19 Nicotiana, 21 Heel, 22 Motorcycle, 25 Buffalo, 26 Ill fame, 27 Herod Agrippa.

DOWN: 2 Hairpin, 3 Laid eyes on, 4 Dress down, 5 Limbo, 6 Hint, 7 Arrears, 8 Christmas Eve, 9 Queen of Sheba, 13 Botticelli, 15 Doctoring, 18 Twelfth, 20 Arc-lamp, 23 Ovoid, 24 Haar.