DAILY BRAIN TEASERS

Across

8 The blues tunes – millions I’d played (15) 9 Greek character is quietly retreating (3) 10 Orator to provide series of letters for someone making a book? (11) 11 Girl awfully lonely, having lost love (5) 12 Had tot to be heard in four groups of parents? (9) 15 Best old friend embraces tiny boy in Christmas story (7) 17 Dejection ends as first sign of smile breaks out (7) 19 Artist wants Guinness maybe when eating fish (9) 20 Food dish – dad swallows a stone (5) 21 Time with hint of modernity, as seen in car being developed (11) 24 Retreating sailor, a deserter (3) 25 Female novelist conjuring up pure unheard maid (6,2,7)

Down

1 Very big female singer with rock group – maker of current waves (10)

2 Gaudy insect on outside of tree (6)

3 Lacking joy and merriment, having little energy in fact (10)

4 A little drink and girl’s beginning to get unwell (4)

5 Charged as signified, the first character to be brought out (8)

6 Not completely prepared for study (4)

7 Bad harvest – it’s not hard to be very hungry (6)

8 Now and then look at princess on horse (3,4)

13 Good science that is evident in a form of cooking (10)

14 Maidens perhaps work out – too much exercise may produce this (10)

16 Extraterrestrial beings? They could give man a stir (8)

18 Ruin created by little son, mad fellow? (7)

19 Procession is cut, notice having interrupted it (6)

20 Possible financial agreement ahead of a match (6)

22 One not first to grab work, offering negative response (4)

23 Arrogance of one in charge of paper is upsetting (4)