Ode to a Mastermind

...what's this? A cryptic?! You read that right! I've been working on this one for a few months, through many rounds of feedback, and I'm finally ready to share it with you.

This is my first published cryptic puzzle (though I did do a "cryptacrostic" with Norah Sharpe, which you can find here!). It has some telltale signs of a first attempt, such as the grid, which has a couple entries with more than half (2 out of 3) unchecked, two unchecked in a row, and some little "clearings" where things are perhaps too checked, but these are lessons learned. I think I clued everything fairly enough to make them gettable, but as for the crowded areas, just be aware that you might miss some clues if you filled them in with crossers, so try to appreciate all the clues, even if you didn't need to use them to fill the grid :)

The puzzle is themed, but just for the vibes; there are no variety shenanigans.

I owe an immense debt of gratitude to Steve Mossberg, who generously and patiently test solved, edited, and workshopped this thing with me. My brain grew three sizes, just in time for the holidays!

Drop a comment or share your thoughts by using the contact form above. If you stream your solve, let me know! I'd love to be there.

fullscreen solve

Comments

  1. kay!!!! this puzzle!!!!!!! YOU'RE the real mastermind omg

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Kay, congrats on the first puzzle! It's me, ButlerOnTheAir, appreciate the shoutout in the title. We're good friends now. Ok, the nerds and I are gonna solve!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Kay, I'm actually replying to my old comment. Haha that's pretty cool I can do that. Anyway, very nice puzzle I hope you enjoyed watching us solve it. Gonna go listen to some good music now. Thanks!

      Delete
    2. oh wow, thank you so much for the comment(s) and the solve! great fun, appreciate your commitment to the !bars <3

      Delete
  3. A puzzler friend sent this my way — a delightful solve! The title (and the fact he thought of me) certainly put me on the scent of the theme, but I enjoyed piecing out those clues all the same. And well done on the couplets — they really flow and have a feel of classic riddles. A wide smirk on my face indeed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi Brandon! I'm so glad you have nice friends who share puzzles with you, and that you liked this one :) it's my cryptic debut and I worked really hard on it, so it's nice to hear good feedback <3

      Delete

Post a Comment