Every Sunday I solve your puzzle and read your commentary, and it makes a big difference hearing the behind-the-scenes story.

When life gets tough, we tackle grids for good reason. They offer a singular combination of erudition and escape.

Explore daily insights on the USA TODAY crossword puzzle by Sally Hoelscher. Uncover expert takes and answers in our crossword blog.

In this puzzle’s case, “a complete set” is 10, an extravagant amount for a Sunday grid. This bounty helps the solve hustle along once you know what’s up, but Mr. Ezersky has never given his audience a ...