Rachel Cooke's shelf lifeFictionShowbiz insider Darcy O’Brien’s story of a glittering world gone bad is narrated by an inimitable teenAt next month’s Bath literature festival, a panel will debate the coming-of-age novel, its talk of hormones and sudden self-awareness inspired by a 50-strong list of books that includes The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. Will Darcy O’Brien’s A Way of Life, Like Any Other perhaps get a mention? Read More...
Sarah Williams, left, and Katrina Walsh after being arrested for the murder of Sadie Hartley. Photograph: PASarah Williams, left, and Katrina Walsh after being arrested for the murder of Sadie Hartley. Photograph: PACrime This article is more than 7 years oldKatrina Walsh 'groomed' by Sadie Hartley's other killer, says ex-husbandThis article is more than 7 years oldKevin Walsh says collapse of marriage left former wife vulnerable to Sarah Williams, with whom she went on to commit murder Read More...
The ObserverBusinessLord of the lap danceJohn Gray has already made millions out of three-minute sexual fantasies. And the golden goose that is Spearmint Rhino just goes on getting fatter, writes Jamie DowardJohn Gray runs his eyes over the gyrating dancer - naked save for a tiny thong - as if he were a farmer eyeing prize livestock. The dancer, who looks Spanish, but is maybe Italian or Greek or any of 20 other nationalities, finishes her routine and then, as protocol demands, waits until her replacement arrives before descending the stairs. Read More...