Cryptic

ACROSS

1 A taste my uncle found pleasing to begin with (6) 7 The demon ale is out – this is in (8)

8 Parasites on the river? Get the law! (6) 9 Attempts to find an opening and sure to become confused (8) 10 More about the sungod? Sounds fishy to me, sucker! (6)

11 That is, such luxuries may cause one to become composed (8) 14 Puts back the remainder but a rose needs re-planting (8)

18 Drives one to spread lies

about a politician (6)

19 Retaliation follows praise from both left and right (8)

21 It’s not nice to call a lady overseas! (6)

22 Playing for time till we

get the nags in (8)

23 Both Tess and Elizabeth initially are kept in compounds (6)

DOWN

1 A much better lake (8)

2 It’s dangerous stuff to eat in Hawaii, my boy! (6)

3 Has its ups and downs (8) 4 Most ladies see it as a sign (4) 5 Ed leaves us unlisted! I consider this an affront (6)

6 Dad shows some hesitation on seeing snakes (6)

12 Kept in pits for feeding by a Lee Sing! (8)

13 It’s an ode about secret agents in serial form (8) 15 They happened to have seven tsars included (6)

16 He should pull his head in or he’ll be in the soup! (6) 17 Haunted by the thought of strong drink (6)

20 Also I like keeping dirty (4)