The unclued lights (one of two words, two singletons and four pairs) are of a kind in green.

Across

1 Fair blood relation in awful surroundings hardly seen (4,7)

7 Equipment for Bell, Athey and Trescothick initially (3)

13 Light US railroad truck is a timeless barrow boy’s truck (7)

15 Head of Government in control when in office? (5)

16 Oil hostilities cut short by mufti’s decree (5)

17 Show criminal the cooler! (6)

18 Repaired snare and nets (5)

21 Crazy baby’s John (5)

22 Some problem (piracy) for Honduran currency (7)

27 Cryptically cast mimes (4,3)

29 Arcade piece is just for show (5)

32 Letters for the sextons’ rooms (5)

34 Criminal neologist? (6)

36 One on the case? (5)

37 Fabulist finds river and waters ebbing (5)

38 Nothing to do with hearing about an African flower (7)

39 Buck is surrounded by others (6)

40 Head over heels, finally fall in love (3)

41 Relating to posture of adult involved with Titian (11)

Down

2 Offended in speech to Church – signs of disorder (8)

3 Old style win not unknown in a battle (9)

4 Disheartened actor has worried cricket captain and jazz artiste (5,7)

6 You’re probably surprised when they go up (8)

9 Soldier – one in WW1 battle (6)

10 Order English dictionary (concise version) (5)

12 Gives out, say, two directions about the way (6)

14 It’s good Santa fussed and resisted (5,7)

19 Overwrought doctor eats richly (10)

21 Checked security of secretary having antagonised online (9)

23 Request that God divides wealth (8)

26 First to finish soccer body’s exam (7)

28 Network recognition is rude, sadly (4-2)

33 Support found in Eritrea seldom (5)

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 13 February. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2589, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery. The dictionary prize is not available at present. 

Download a printable version

Get 10 issues for just $10

Subscribe to The Spectator Australia today for the next 10 magazine issues, plus full online access, for just $10.

SUBSCRIBE 10 issues for $10 REGISTER 3 articles a month

Already a subscriber? Log in