Cryptic crossword thread

Paperboy... PAY + PROBE (something which can be 'popped in'....?

But where's the US guy in that?

I was clutching at straws, Lucky! The Paperboy is a US novel and movie and I thought it was worth a try...

Anyone else finding these harder because they are not in the grid itself?

Yes, Kitty! At least in the actual grid you often have one or two letters already there to help a bit.

Yes, it's harder without the grid.

Come on girls, let's keep this going!
Another good one from a while ago

Millions read this novel (4,5)

On the case Jangran.

Here’s one I’m stuck on from today’s i.

Extremely smug art misleading with attempt to attract attention.

Ol___ (7)

A clue........
--r- m

Oops,tablet didn't like my clue,try again!
??r? ??m??
Working on yours Eglantine

I lost a dash

I’ve got it now

Oiliest

I get the oi but not the rest.

Give me a clue on the novel...

Oh I love a cryptic crossword!
Haven't done one for ages though, and my mind gets out of practice.

Eglantine I'm thinking OILS,(art form)
S and T(extremes of Smug and arT)
attract - magnetism
Any good?

Join in MisAdventure. I’ve been wondering where you were.

The novel-a further clue
What the Dickens

Hard times?
Hello there, Eglantine.
I've been struggling a bit with life, but I'm starting to feel a little better now. (Happy pills!)

Oiliest_
Oi as you said
S and T _ as I thought
LIE= Misleading

Yes , Miss Adventure ,Hard Times

Hooray for happy pills.

But why hard times?

That wasn’t a sarcastic hooray. I really meant it

I think its M for millions, and 'read this' mixed up, almost an anagram?

Oh yes I get it now

Hard Times---HARD TI(M)ES= M(Million) +letters of READ THIS.

X posts are inevitable allowing for thinking time Here's one or two for any night owls

(1,5'1,1,4)

or,here's another that I've liked

GEGS

Night all

I haven’t a clue.

Brilliant Maggie ?