Straight-forward x-word looking for nine-letter words as a rule, but these may be split as, for example, 2/7; 3/6; 4/5 or vice versa. The setter does not give you the breakdown....
!. Culpable due to negligence (9) I have n***i*e** (I presume it is negligent)
2. Automatic (9) I have r*b*t*i** (I presume it is robot-like)
3. Elector of the Roman Empire (9) (I have e*****e*s, which only gives electress, who is the wife of an elector of The Holy Roman Empire.....)
Am I missing something? There are only 12 clues, but this month's is much more difficult (for me) than normal.
Thanks in advance. Any help will be greatly appreciated.