Times 25698

Solving time: 46:26

I consider anything less than hour to be a good result on a blogging night, so I'm quite happy with this time. I went through the NW corner quite quickly, then slowed down on the RHS quite a bit.

No new words for me today - even Finno-Ugric seemed vaguely familiar. Plenty of good clues here, although 18a is my personal favourite. An enjoyable crossword - not too difficult, but not too obvious either.

cd = cryptic def., dd = double def., rev = reversal, homophones are written in quotes, anagrams as (--)*, and removals like this

Across
1	FINNO-UGRIC = (ICING ON FUR)*
6	HARDy
9	RE + CYCLE
10	T + wHISTLE - Whistle is CRS (whistle & flute) for suit
12	RESENTMENT = MEN in (RESENT + Turn)
13	A + fIRe
15	RARITY = PARITY with R (queen) for P (page)
16	LIBRETTO = LIBRa + (OTT + E) rev
18	ANTEATER = T in (A + NEATER) - 'Individual living off workers' was the inspired definition. Great misdirection here. My LOI and COD.
20	W + bAFFLEs
23	ClUB
24	IMAGINABLE = (BIG ANIMAL)* + Everest
26	UNCANNY = tUNNY about CAN
27	PO(THO)LE
28	B + ROW
29	NEGLECTFUL = (GET UNCLE + L + F)*
Down
1	FARE = "FAIR"
2	NUCLEAR = UN rev + CLEAR
3	OR + CHEST + RATION
4	GypsyisH + EncmpmenT + TO (closed)
5	INTREPID = (I + PRINTED)*
7	ATTRACT = A + CART rev in TT (motorbike race)
8	DEEP-ROOTED = D (key) + EE (errors excepted) + PRO (for) + OT (books) + ED (editor)
11	INTERGALACTIC = (CLEARING ATTIC)*
14	BREADCRUMB = BRUM + B about (CARED)*
17	MEGABYTE = (A + GEM) rev + BY + TE (tellurium)
19	TOBACCO = CABOT rev + C (about) + 153O
21	FALLOw + Farming Failure
22	DISPEL = DIeSEL about P
25	WELL - triple def - Very much / a plentiful supply / all right