Cryptic crossword No 16

Another excellent crossword! Very clever straight clues and entertaining surfaces. I liked pretty much all of them, but particularly 3d, 5d 17d, 20d and 27a.

I agree - there are some very, very good clues here, I think. So many of them captured the holy grail of sound cryptic grammar, natural surface and misdirecting definition. I too had ticks beside 3D, 17D(!) and 27A. Other favourites - 9A, 10A, 12A, 13A (ouch!), 14A, and 6D...

Nice work. Loved 3, 19 (cute def!), 13, 22, 5, 17d (giving Paul the runs for his money), 10 and 4.

Excellent crossword! 17d++

[POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT] As someone who detests the stuff, I think that 17D deserves a gold star! 4D and 6D are particularly clever as well. I can't see a meaningful definition in 19A, and I can't parse 21 or 23, 7. Enjoyable, though.

17D was a snorttle... Thanks!

Top quality! Lots of favourites.