Cryptic crossword No 1,152

That is just the kind of crossword I enjoy doing. Looks impossible to start off with but gradually bit by bit gives up its secrets. Thank you so much.

Very good indeed, PM - thanks. Technically, I'm not sure we've seen anything better from you - and that is saying something. Lots of tremendous misdirection leading to all manner of PDMs. Still had me beat in a couple of places but we don't need to dwell on that. My top picks are: 10a, 13a, 1d, 2d, 5d, 15d, 18d (despite not parsing at the time), 19d.

Thanks PM top stuff faves include 1a, 10a, 12a (nice def), 16a, 5d, 18d, 21d & 24d. Spoilers ...

Well, I couldn't finish it, but absolutely loved most of those I didn't get once I saw the solutions. Kicking myself for wandering down some absurd garden paths, esp with 14a. Of those I did get, faves included 10a (which made me literally laugh out loud), 19a, 2d, 15d. Lots of lovely defs and great surfaces.

It’s likely the luck of the wavelength draw but I found this the most accessible PM in a long time. Over half went in on the first pass, unheard of for a mediocre solver like myself. A handful held out longer but overall I’m very pleased with myself 😂 Liked 16a, 23a, 29a, 2d, 15d, 17d, 18d. Thanks! Further musings —>

Very, very nice stuff PM - lots of trademark well-hidden definitions, which made for some very satisfying PDMs, particularly 1d (my LOI) and 2d. Other favourites included 14a, 27d, and 18d. Definitely wondered if I was going to be defeated at points, but kept the faith & was duly rewarded!

Top puzzle PM, can only echo the chorus of satisfied solvers and thank you for keeping me entertained throughout. 1a starts off strong with a cute device, and I also particularly enjoyed 10a (great def, smooth surface), 11a (neat assembly), 13a (fun), 14a (smooth), 23a (fun), 27a (very neat), 29a (very clean), 1d (great def), 2d (fun), 4d (great surface, nice assembly), 7d (lol), 8d (neat), 15d (nice), 18d (neat) and 24d/25d for a satisfying pair to finish off. Nicely done!

Bravo PM. Some awesome clues here - 6a, 13a, 16a, 19a, 23a, 27a, 28a, 2d, 4d, 5d, 7d (but see below), 17d, 18d, 19d, 21d Queries follow:

Postmark submitted two puzzles for the recent S&B in Nottingham. This was the first one we solved. The first thing to say is that the clues have smooth surfaces which we always like. It didn't take us too long to complete over lunch - not a criticism - actually the opposite as we have been fairly busy just recently. With a few crossing letters we guessed Half Nelson for the wrestling hold but took a while to see the 'reverse cryptic' - ver