Laddergram

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Puzzle
Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
The laddergram is: START-STARS-SEARS-SEERS-SEEDS-SENDS-FENDS-FINDS-FINIS.

Across

  • 1.
    BEDLAM (anag.)
  • 5.
    S-YRIA (rev.)
  • 9.
    TO(ADS)-TOOLS
  • 10.
    SAG-S (rev.)
  • 11.
    MUKLUK (homophone)
  • 12.
    REEF (anag.)
  • 13.
    L(EARN)-ED
  • 14.
    SLEW (double def.)
  • 19.
    U(R)SA
  • 21.
    A(DDE)ND-A
  • 23.
    SIN-G
  • 25.
    BU(R)GLE
  • 26.
    CELL(o)
  • 27.
    A(DOLE)SCENT
  • 28.
    NO-NET
  • 29.
    VERSUS (hidden)

Down

  • 1.
    B-A-SALT
  • 2.
    DO-GEARS
  • 3.
    LASERS (homophone)
  • 4.
    ADORN (anag.)
  • 5.
    STU(R)DY
  • 6.
    Y(OK)ES
  • 7.
    ROLE (homophone)
  • 8.
    ASK-EW (we rev.)
  • 15.
    LIN(D)ENS
  • 16.
    EAGLET (anag.)
  • 17.
    FEN-CER (homophone of sir)
  • 18.
    DAL(L)AS (rev.)
  • 19.
    (t)URBAN
  • 20.
    ANGLE (double def.)
  • 22.
    D(E)UCE
  • 24.
    IRON (double def.)