Columba

Solution to 2147: Amazing Performance

Taking one unchecked letter from each across solution gives EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION, whose victims, according to Chambers 2011, include TERRORIST SUSPECTs. The initial letters of unclued entries were S,T,R,R,T,I,E,R,O.

To 2140: Essex Man

The hero is Father Brown, appearing in column 3. ‘The Innocence (22) / Wisdom (15) / Secret (6D) / Scandal (27) of Father Brown’ are four collections containing, respectively, the stories ‘The Blue Cross’ (7), ‘The Purple Wig’ (25), ‘The Red Moon of Meru’ (18) and ‘The Green Man’ (26). First prize Steve Reszetniak, Enfield, Middlesex Runners-up P.L.

2142: Wintry

Each of seventeen clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter. The extras spell a four-word excerpt from a quotation (in ODQ) from a translation of a work by 10 (two words).  Clues in italics consist of cryptic indications of partial answers; in each case, the indicated part must be treated in accordance with the quotation to create the full answer to be entered in the grid. Definitions of the resulting entries (two of which are hyphened) are supplied by unclued lights.

to 2139: Separated

The key word is BUTTERMILK (8), which can be separated into words defined by 15, 27, 40; 4, 23, 25; and 2, 7, 35.   First prize  Brian Midgley, Ettington, Warwickshire Runners-up  John M. Brown, Rolleston on Dove, Staffordshire; K.J.

2139: Separated

Nine unclued lights can be separated into three groups; each group consists of three definitions of one of three words into which the remaining unclued light can be separated.

To 2136: Howdunit

Six of the unclued entries contained the Cluedo character surnames; the remaining unclued entries were therefore a murder weapon and location from the game.   First prize Michael Hawkins, Matlock, Derbyshire Runners-up Ferdinand Dobbs, London SW1; C.R.

2133: FM

All except four clues contain a superfluous word each. Initial letters of these words spell the titles of four 29D by 39 (two words). The first title defines four unclued lights; the second and third titles are defined by the remaining unclued lights. The fourth title (four words) is a cryptic indication of a sequence of letters formed by two clued lights; these must be highlighted.

To 2130: Elusive

Extra letters in clues give the assertion by HOUSMAN (31) that ‘I could no more define poetry than a terrier can define a rat’. In the grid, the definition RENEGADE eludes seven unclued terriers.   First prize J.R.

2130: Elusive

Each of 23 clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter. Each of 13 clues is of the same type, but includes two extra letters, next to each other within the jumble. The extras spell a 13-word assertion (in ODQ) by an unclued light. Concealed in a straight line in the grid is a definition (an eight-letter word) which, according to the quotation, would elude any of the other unclued lights; this word must be highlighted. Two unclued lights consist of two words each.

2127: Dire straits

Each of twelve clues contains a superfluous word. 9 of these words are unclued lights, which are of a kind.  Ignore an accent in one unclued light.

To 2124: Pack

Seven unclued lights are STUFFED ANIMALS (13 18) — i.e. deer, horse, anoa, cat, seal, tup and boar, filled with material supplied by TAXIDERMY (20).   First prize Peter Done, Turramurra, NSW, Australia Runners-up Dr S.M. Sheerin, Princes Risborough, Bucks; D.P.

2124: Pack

Seven unclued lights are words that may be regarded as 13 18.  The remaining unclued light supplies the material with which, in normal clue order, the 18 are 13. Elsewhere, ignore an accent.

2118: Unreliable

Definitions in nineteen clues are unreliable. In each of ten there is a superfluous letter, and from each of the other nine a letter is missing. Superfluous and missing letters, taken in clue order, spell four words of a quotation (in ODQ) by 9 (two words). The quotation’s next word is an unclued light which defines the remaining unclued lights, one of which is hyphened.

solution to 2115: typos

Unclued lights are TYROS. Corrections of misprints (including one in the title) give the alternative title ROOKIES.   First prize E. Hogg, London SW13 Runners-up Paul Jenkinson, Zollikon, Switzerland; C.S.G.

2115: Typos

Each of seven definitions contains one misprinted letter. Corrections of misprints spell an alternative title for the puzzle, defining the unclued lights.

Solution to 2112: Refer

Extra letters in clues give cancrine and Sotadean, both meaning PALINDROMIC, which describes each of the unclued lights and also the number and title of the puzzle.   First prize Chris James, Ruislip Manor Runners-up P. and R.

2112: Refer

Each of sixteen clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter; the extras spell two words. Solvers who refer to Chambers will find, in the definitions of these words, a word that describes each of the unclued lights. This word, concealed in the grid, must be highlighted. In one unclued light, ignore an apostrophe.

2109: Not Quite 50 Shades | 9 May 2013

Unclued lights were winners of the NOBEL PRIZE (11A) for literature and their works. Each work contained a colour in the title, explaining how to shade the answer: MY NAME IS RED (1D); THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK (19D); THE GREAT GOD BROWN (15D); THE GREEN HOUSE (35D).   First prize Jamie Staveley, London SW15 Runners-up Clare Reynolds, London SE24; G.H.