Reminder: This weekly post is not at all an attempt to pick the “best” puzzles, and we won’t be commenting as critics. Our approach is best described as “puzzles we don’t think you should miss.” Kind of like staff recommendations at a local bookstore.
Whether you solve one or all of this list, we’d love to hear about your favorite puzzles from the week in the comments here, as well. There are surely some we missed ourselves.
Lighter list this week, as several of us had busy weeks in our main jobs. Possible that as we work through our backlogs next week’s issue may dip back to the end of January.
The Modern Crossword: ($) Don’t Trust Me (1/27) by Rafael Musa. Sneaky theme with a great aha moment. – Rich
Outside the Box: ($) Both Sides Now (1/29) by Joon Pahk. Fun variety crossword that takes full advantage of the double grid. If you like puzzles that make you think in different ways, I highly recommend an Outside the Box subscription. – Rich
Defector: ($) I’ve Got A Blank Space, Baby (1/30) by Rafael Musa. Defector’s monthly themeless is a timely bop that you’ll want to solve before the 😉 big game 😉 next weekend. – Rich
Los Angeles Times: (2/2) by Amie Walker and Matthew Stock. – Norah
Lil AVC X: ($) “What’s the Forecast, Phil?” (1/30) by Matt Gritzmacher. We’ve got a light list this week, I think my puzzle is neat, and I’m going to throw it in. – Matt
x words by a ladee: themeless xlii (“and then?”) (1/27) by Brooke Husic. Brooke’s monthly puzzles come in “regular hard” and dastardly “experimental” versions. January’s is a fluid grid with good stuff everywhere, no stretches, and (dare I say it?) less difference in difficulty between the two versions than usual. – Matt
Los Angeles Times: (1/27) by Annemarie Brethauer and Katie Hale. Not your typical themeless appearance, but a really fun mix of interesting entries both short and long. – Matt
Please tell us about your favorites of the week in the comments!