Puzzle 12

Criminals, racketeers, mobsters

Dampness, wateriness, mushiness

Baked lobster mixed with egg yolks and brandy

First European to discover the Niger River

Bacteria-induced disease of woody plants

Egyptian beau of Diana, Princess of Wales

Joseph __, Pope Benedict XVI

Bravo's yacht reality show

Viggo __, Aragorn

The hot chilli irritant found in hot peppers

Medieval slinging siege engine

P. G. __, author of Something Fishy

Blind Lemon __, early blues player and singer

"Trip the light __", means to go dancing

__ C. Gorski, Crossword Nation editor

Whirlpool, eddy, vortex