Chain Reaction

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
Letters from the chain spell HARRY HOUDINI.

Across

  • 1.
    PLIGHT (double def.)
  • 5.
    UN(EVE)N ("nun" anag.)
  • 9.
    ROM(P)E + R
  • 10.
    RE(V)ELER
  • 12.
    ORMOLU ("our molars" anag. - "ars")
  • 13.
    YELL + O + WISH
  • 14.
    B(ROOM)TAIL ("motor" anag.)
  • 17.
    UNTRIED (anag.)
  • 18.
    DRAG + O(MA)N
  • 22.
    SP(L)END + OR
  • 24.
    CAP + ON
  • 28.
    VAN + DALI'S + M
  • 29.
    (l)IMITATION
  • 30.
    AUTEUR (hidden)
  • 31.
    HOS + ANNA
  • 32.
    NAG+ A + SAKI
  • 33.
    SH(INN)Y
  • 34.
    BE(ETL)E ("let" anag.)

Down

  • 1.
    P(ROB)ED
  • 2.
    LOR(R)E
  • 3.
    I + M + M + ORAL
  • 4.
    HELMS (double def.)
  • 5.
    HU(LLAB)AL+ OO ("ball" rev. "hula" anag.)
  • 6.
    REVOL + TINGLY ("lover" rev.)
  • 7.
    ELI(XI)R (rev.)
  • 8.
    NE(ST)ED
  • 11.
    EWER (hidden)
  • 15.
    DON(GI)OVAN + NI ("in" rev.)
  • 16.
    IMP + UNITY
  • 19.
    EDGIEST (anag.)
  • 20.
    S(CHM)OS
  • 21.
    D(AN)ISH
  • 23.
    REMAKE (homophone or "ream ache")
  • 25.
    PIT + A
  • 26.
    G(AU)GE ("egg" rev.)
  • 27.
    USUAL (anag.)