This became so much easier after a few answers had been entered. Up until then it was cold solving until a pair of matching letters was obtained. End result was unambiguous. Many thanks, Demoniacal....
A fairly early PDM although the final move took a while to identify. Tough but fair cluing and great fun overall. 32d almost brought us to despair but it finally gave up its secret. Thanks, Nutmeg....
A top quality multi-layered puzzle, requiring a fair amount of lateral thinking to complete, but which thankfully ends unambiguously. Many thanks, Yorick - that was one of the best of the year.
Thanks, Ploy. I liked the way the message was derived from the grid, but I felt the theme wasn’t really reflected in what turned out to be a fairly standard puzzle of its type - quite a slog, too,...
I thought this was a terrific puzzle. Really enjoyable grid fill, lots of thematic material and a clever use of the displaced letters.
Thanks very much, Avian....
We filled the grid eventually but decided that the alphabetical caper wasn't for us. We took a huge leap in the dark and guessed what should be submitted. Will our hubris be rewarded? Thanks, Gnomish...