Twists & Turns #2

I've got another Twists & Turns for you this week! If you remember the first T&T that was published back in May, you'll see that I've added a second version this time: a Harder version which lists the Twists in alphabetical order. I had a few test solvers try the Harder version and it played pretty tough, so be forewarned if you try the Harder version. The Standard version lists the Twists in grid order, and I recommend this version for those attempting the format for the first time.

As with the first Twists & Turns, I'd love to hear as much solver feedback as possible! Especially if you tried the Harder version, it would be very valuable to get an insight on the solving experience for these puzzles. It's tough for me to gauge how the format plays as I haven't actually solved one of these myself. I do enjoy writing them and have plans in mind to explore the format in-depth (perhaps in EP form), but I'd like to get a good sense of how well solvers enjoy these puzzles before I dive in headfirst. Whether you love the puzzle or, just as importantly, if you don't, please don't hesitate to send an email or leave a comment.

Happy solving!

Twists & Turns #2 - Standard Version (PDF) | Harder Version (PDF) | Solution (PDF)

October FREE RG

Here's the FREE RG for October. This puzzle started with the entry at B2; it was also nice to get an additional seasonal entry in the grid at C1. Happy Halloween!

October FREE RG - RGZ (for use in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

October FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | | Solution

Aries Cryptic #19

Here's the Cryptic for this month. Timely 1-Across entry for Halloween season! The test solvers seemed to like 2-Down the best - hope you enjoy!


Aries Cryptic #19 - PUZ | PDF | Grayscale PDF | Solution | Intro to Cryptics Guide

Aries Throwback: "Filled with Fright"

This month's throwback is titled "Filled with Fright," and it was originally published in the book Creepy Crosswords, which you can order for purchase from the Crossword Archive. This is a timely puzzle, as we're knee deep into autumn and the Halloween season. Hope you enjoy!

"Filled with Fright" - PUZ | PDF | Grayscale PDF | Solution

October FREEstyle

Here's this month's FREEstyle, which is a 68-word, 28-block puzzle. If you're an Aries Freestyle subscriber, you know that I've been tinkering with freestyles with low 3-letter word counts. This is another puzzle from that binge of puzzlemaking; just four 3s to speak of in this grid. The seed entry was 18-Across, and my favorite clue might be 27-Down. Hope you enjoy!

If you're not already a Freestyle or Rows Garden subscriber, make that happen! Special pricing going on now - $5 off most subscriptions. I've also updated the Monthly Bundles through September, so if you'd like to try a sample of the puzzles you'd solve as a weekly subscriber, go ahead and buy a bundle or two.

Happy solving!

October FREEstyle: PUZ | PDF | Grayscale PDF | Solution