Cryptic crossword No 3,550

Got 1a as my first in, leading to a satisfying start. Threw in 5d based on definition and half the wordplay. Lovely surfaces on 15a and 23a. Amazed at 27a - so neat! Some fun novel techniques in 10a and 19a, though 17d and 24d were a little mean in my books ;) I got 20d before 25a so that was a fun reversal. I'll admit to DNF'ing on a couple clues though; in particular the deletion in 11a was over my head, and 4d and 14d went in just on the crossing letters - though they're fair, just hard!

Thanks Orinoco for an engaging challenge with some original and well-worded clues, albeit some of them just a bit too clever for me this time. The ones I solved and particularly enjoyed were 9a (neat), 13a, 15a! 22a (just!), 23a aha! 2d (though maybe missing DBE indicator?) 4d (nice and niche) and 22d (though I know some might object!)

A few NHOs added to the challenge of this and I admit I needed a few nudges (letter reveals) to finish but I liked a lot. Faves: 1a,11a,15a (COTD),23a, 16d,20d. a few spoilerish comments below

Thanks Orinoco for a nicely crafted crossword. My top picks were 1a, 27a, 3d, 8d (could have been a double definition 😆), 17d, and 20d. I revealed 14d and 13a. (I hate it when I miss clues like 13a!) All in all a satisfying solve.