Julie the puzzle incorporates the names of several of the Independent's setters. I am not a regular solver so was at a disadvantage.
Managed to complete except for 24d. I have ?a?f .
Half is probably it but why?
Hi K Half is the all i think it can be although in bradfords crossword solvers dictionary back comes up with gaff a support but nothing else follows.The brothers bit could have the monk connection.I thought of barf blood ab bacwards and fr for brother but that is to vomit!so no other connection.Id stick with half but as I say Monk thinks in a very perculiar way!