Cryptic crossword No 48

Thanks Cormac, that was enjoyable... SPOILERS...

Thank you for an enjoyable, tricky but do-able crossword. One new word for me - I was aware of the concept of Euhemerism (the prevalence of flood myths across the civilisations of the Middle East, for instance) but having the word for it is useful, and you played fair with some strong word-play. I only managed to parse the "17 in 16" clues when I read abw's comment. Nice bit of misdirection (I hope that isn't really a spoiler). There were some attractive surfaces - I think 11A was my favourite.

Very good puzzle Cormac, thanks: not too easy: favourites perhaps 1a and 16a (although I think only one of the participants engaged in stone-throwing!). 23a could perhaps have been made a bit more cryptic - it's too easy. And 23d probably needs a def-by-example indicator for the first definition. But these are my only quibbles.

Very enjoyable crossword, thanks. Just the right level of difficulty for me. Great anagram in 5 down. Was fooled for too long by 9 across, and would have got 1 down quicker if I hadn't misread it as nasty wife!

Thanks Cormac! There are some good ideas here. I like 14a and the wordplay in 5d. I had a similar experience to ABW regarding the theme, and spent a few interesting minutes trying to link them all to 16a! I’m not sure if 16a quite works - I feel it needs something else - also...(SPOILER)...

Yes, I agree re several comments on 16a, and 23d (and all the other comments, in fact). I always think one of the things that marks the professionals out from me is the one or two very obscure words I can't seem to avoid.

I really enjoyed this - thanks Cormac! Some lovely anagrams (e.g. 18d) and clever clues. I particularly liked 14a. The theme was clever too, though it brought back bad memories!