Cryptic crossword No 58

Thanks Bairbre, that was an enjoyable challenge! Favourite clues were 23a, 24a and 3d. SPOILERS in reply...

2d should read...”Ask to meet edgy controller about criminal risk involved in financial upturn.”

Thanks Bairbre. Your best yet I reckon. Your constructions have always been great and I think your surfaces are getting better. I’ve got ticks beside 22a, 23a, 24a, and 7d. I think 7d in particular is particularly impressive in creating a natural surface from a complex construction. Well done!

Excellent Bairbre - I really enjoyed that. Definitely your best. In addition to the ones already mentioned by others, I liked 11a and 20a. It took me an alarmingly long time to get the city of my birth in 19a!

Very good work Bairbre, much to enjoy. I puzzled over the wordplay of 2d for a while, then I realised you'd already explained the slight error! Most of your surfaces are better than your last puzzle, but if I may say, one or two could still do with a bit of work - e.g. 17d makes little sense. I liked the way you put elaborate wordplay into 1d but still kept a good surface. Also the two across short-'uns, 12a and 19a: short and sweet! I have a comment about 4d below (SPOILER) ....(cont.)