We’re trying to get back to weekly, I promise. Happy solving!
Remember that this is not an attempt to pick the “best” puzzles, and we won’t be commenting as critics. Our approach is best described as “puzzles we solved that we don’t think you should miss.” Kind of like staff recommendations at a local bookstore.
Did we miss your favorites? Add them in the comments!
Slate: (10/13) by Nancy Serrano-Wu. I always learn something from Nancy’s puzzles and this one with a smooth solve, lovely center stack, and multicultural references is no exception. -Norah
The Modern: ($) Themeless 85 (10/13) by Malaika Handa. Lovely balanced construction that is fresh but not unapproachable, hard but not too difficult, and a perfect example of why I’m sad that The Modern team has announced its closure. -Norah
Defector: ($) Flower Arrangement (10/14) by Erik Agard and Kelsey Dixon. Wow this theme! If you have a few dollars to spare and can sign up for a month of two of Defector, the crossword archive alone is well worth it. -Norah
Scientific American: Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes (10/15) by Aimee Lucido. I’m so happy that we’re getting more crosswords with science themes! This puzzle has it all – a creative theme, nice fill, and it references other SciAm pieces in some of the fact-based clues. -Norah
Vox: (10/3) by Will Nediger. A little late to this one, but I mean… how even. -Norah
Major Arcana: Make Tracks (10/1) by Hoyt Arcane. I was a few weeks late to this ambitious and well-executed tribute to Chicago, but I’m glad I went back to it. Personally one of my favorite puzzles of the year. —Rich (and Norah)
The Atlantic Mini: (10/18) by Paolo Pasco. Paolo’s Thursday/Friday Atlantics are always can’t miss, but I particularly enjoyed the little 1A/1D bonus in this one. —Rich
Puzzmo: Instant Film (10/18) by parker. Fun midi with an impressively tight theme set. —Rich & Norah
Brendan Emmett Quigley: Number Place (10/17) I just liked the theme. Not too tricky but a really satisfying click. – Matt
Apple News: ($) Freestyle (10/19) by Kate Chin Park. – Rich
The New Yorker: The Crossword (10/23) by Patrick Berry – Matt
AVCX: Down the Drain (10/23) by Rebecca Goldstein. There was some surprise in one chatroom that this revealer hadn’t been used yet. But for the theme Rebecca puts together here, well worth the wait. – Matt
The Atlantic Mini: (10/24) by Paolo Pasco. A great example of a puzzle that can be hard while varied and entirely solvable. I love it when smaller grids get a gem in every single spot. – Matt