Perhaps I should have explained. The question posed referred to the preamble of the Inquisitor crossword and required you to highlight a "thematic" word in the completed grid (descibed in my question). The word became obvious once preconceptions were abandoned!
I think I have the theme of the puzzle. But still not sure of the answer to the question you posed. I thought of Thriller but can't see where it would fit in. Is it correct? Also, PLEASE what is 1 across. I have all the others to be highlighted.
A crossword in the Saturday Independent Magazine. There is always a theme to it, to be worked out by the solver. They give you hints about some answers to be messed around with before entering in the grid (anagrams, letters to be left out etc), sometimes certain words have to be highlighted. It is not straightforward. Sometimes very frustrating but very challenging. Sometimes the crossword relates to an anniversary that particular week.
Inquisitor is the name of the series of barred puzzles (similar to The Listener and Enigmatic Variations) in The Independent on Saturdays. It can usually be found one page from the back of the Independent Magazine which comes with the paper.
Thanks to all and sundry for all the info re the Inquisitor puzzles . I will keep an eye open, but, if the Saturday Listener is anything like the Saturday Times, I'm not sure that I've the strength to carry both of them. Sounds worth giving it a go, though. Many thanks.