Clue Chain 5

[miser]

The idea of the game is that the setter poses an original home made clue which everybody is invited to solve. The poster who solves the clue first (hopefully identified by the setter) is then invited to post their own original clue. 

New contributors are very welcome

Criminal brutality? Anyhow there's no way out! (9)

[elliemay1]

Caroline

[Hazlinny]

Yes Ellie 😊   (Sweet) Caroline .....  Car o line (Stena Line)

[elliemay1]

appearing to pass away a rector becomes an overseer (8)

[elliemay1]

I meant to write:

appearing to pass away a minister becomes an overseer (8)

(I have practically given the answer in my first clue!)

[Patsy33]

Director?

[elliemay1]

Yes Patsy

[Patsy33]

Reactive mess is imaginative (8)

[mallyh]

creative

[Patsy33]

Yes Mallyh 😃 

[Patsy33]

Sounds like a place for amphibian to sit in the woods?(9)

[mallyh]

toadstool

[elliemay1]

toadstool

[Patsy33]

Well done both. Over to you Mallyh 😁 

[mallyh]

forward or backward it will locate you  5

[elliemay1]

radar

[mallyh]

yes ellie x

[elliemay1]

thanks mallyh

a southern digit reportedly is not here but is in hiding (8)

[elliemay1]

Clue: begins with S

I'm going out now so if you know it please carry on posting!

[Patsy33]

Stowaway?

[Patsy33]

Since top moved, it becomes firm. (5)