27a Novelist abroad called nervously on the way back (7) r?n?e?l Rendell?
24d Only minutes before ?e?e mere?
9a Dish out tax returns on first of April a?l?t allot?
23d Following behind king (5) l?t?r later?
24 mere = only (m for minutes, ere for before)
9 A (first of April) Toll (tax) reversed (returns) dish out = allot
23 late = behind, r = king, later = following