Crossword Genius

Evil organisation quietly residing in secret complex (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spectre

'evil organisation' is the definition.
(organisation in James Bond novels and films)

'quietly residing in secret complex' is the wordplay.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'residing in' is an insertion indicator.
'complex' indicates anagramming the letters.
'secret' with letters rearranged gives 'sectre'.
'p' placed within 'sectre' is 'SPECTRE'.

(Other definitions for spectre that I've seen before include "after-image?" , "Narrow ravine" , "Respect for a ghost" , "Sceptre (anag.)" , "Wraith" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.