Cryptic crossword No 227

Nice one, Conto! A lot of very ingenious ideas in here, bordering on the 3D in places but with some great PDMs. Favourites: 9A,11A, 12A, 20A, 28A, 23D and 24D.

Some really clever clues here which I enjoyed and admired a great deal. Favourites include 2d, 16a, 23d, 28a and 6a -which was a bit of genius really. Was having 14a twice a bit of a joke. Nice one if it was. Clay substitute! What a great idea. Not at all sure about 18d for two reasons. It's surely two words. Also BONES = doctor? How? Also the 13d theme. Not sure I understand. You can tell I'm still learning. Great crossword!

Great stuff, Conto. Just as I've come to expect from you, there are lots of clever ideas here. My long list of favourites include 9a, 11a, 12a, 16a (new one for me but love the surface), 20a (ha), 28a, 2d (two of spades is a bit naughty but I like it), 15d, 18d, 23d and 25d. I also love the idea for 14a/21d - very funny. Spoiler in reply...

Lovely stuff! 11a, 14a, 21d my favourites