Alan Connor

The piece argues that although AI may eventually produce technically sound cryptic crossword clues, machine-generated puzzles would lack the human wit, judgment and personality that make solving entertaining. It also discusses a hidden message in the July Genius puzzle, presents the solution, and announces the winning reader-submitted clues for EDDIE while inviting clues for EERIE.

Celebrates the life of crossword setter Wendy Law, known as Hectence in the Guardian and Zamorca at the Financial Times, highlighting her accessible puzzle style, long-running contribution to the quiptic series, and her influence in encouraging new solvers. Details her early life, education, family, passions—including guinea pigs, music, and Manchester City—along with her career in local government and later work in libraries. Notes her continued involvement in the community after a cancer diagnosis and her pride in being among the few female setters. She is survived by her husband and two daughters.