Cryptic crossword No 2,399

Thanks Baldur. For once I had no 'reveals' in one of your crosswords but I did use the 'check' button a few times when I was nearing the finish. I thought this was a very good set of clues with my top picks being 1a, 26a, 3d, 4d, 10d, 23d, and 25d.

Lovely stuff. Your best yet, no question. Cracking surfaces throughout, and some real smilers. I gave up ticking clues about halfway through, cos I was ticking pretty much anything. Suffice to say, I especially loved 1a, 5a, 8a, 11a, 28a, 3d, 5d (COTD) and 24d. Etc. Not much, if anything, to have a pop at, but I’ll give it a go! …

Very good Baldur, thanks. I agree this could be your best to date; lots of very clever stuff. I came a cropper in the NE - didn’t have a clue what was going on with 9a (see reply) and 5a & 5d wouldn’t come to mind either. Favourites: 11a, 16a, 19a, 27a, 5d and 23d. Spoilers …

Thanks for this Baldur. 13a made me smile, 19a is neat and 27a make up my podium. Thanks. PM

I enjoyed watching this on Cryptic Sunday today — some very clever/funny surfaces. Thanks!