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Top Picks in Crime and Thrillers A selection of standout crime and thriller novels reviewed recently. Honey by Imani Thompson Honey by Imani Thompson (Borough, £16.99) centres on Yrsa, a young Black woman studying for a sociology PhD and teaching undergraduates at Cambridge. Irritated by her solipsistic, over-privileged students and tired of situationships, she’s fed up with life, and men in particular. Her first killing – that of a much older supervisor who reneges on his promise to leave his wife for a colleague, and steals her research in the process – is an accident, but Yrsa, who has catastrophically poor impulse control, enjoys the sensation and, more importantly, gets away with it. Quite Ugly One Evening by Chris Brookmyre Quite Ugly One Evening by Chris Brookmyre (Abacus, £22) features journalist Jack Parlabane, now 60, who feels increasingly like a “Boomer Ambassador” to the younger colleagues who are snapping at his heels. With his job on the line, he agrees to investigate a cold case: the death, 40 years earlier, of an MI5 operative. The Final Chapter by CB Everett The Final Chapter by CB Everett (Simon & Schuster, £18.99) is a metafictional tour de force: the story of literary superstar Jon Durward, who achieved critical acclaim, commercial success, well-regarded film adaptations and a Booker prize before he mysteriously disappeared in 2009. The Hollow Boys by Tariq Ashkanani The Hollow Boys by Tariq Ashkanani (Viper, £18.99) is set in Appalachia, a prize-winning Scottish author’s latest novel and a masterpiece of smalltown horror. The town of Aurora seems doomed – blighted by poverty, drug addiction, diseased crops, a mysterious beast that slaughters dogs and an underground coal seam fire that grows ever closer. Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry (Hutchinson Heinemann, £18.99) features therapist Patricia Phillips, who lives on East Sussex’s South Downs with Dave the cat, and swims in the sea every morning. When her client Henry Clayton’s body is found below cliffs near the notorious suicide spot Beachy Head, the police assume he has taken his own life.

The Lead Crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne has made a dramatic entry into the UK's rich list at No. 6, debuting with an estimated fortune of £18.17bn. His appearance on the list comes amid controversy over his £5m donation to Nigel Farage, which has sparked a parliamentary standards investigation. The Crypto Tycoon's Political Donation Harborne, who made his wealth in cryptocurrency, became a political figure when he gifted Nigel Farage £5m weeks before the Reform leader announced his candidacy in the 2024 general election. The donation has been at the center of a political storm, with Farage initially claiming it was intended to cover personal security costs and therefore didn't need to be declared. However, after it emerged that Farage purchased a £1.4m property in cash shortly after receiving the gift, he changed his explanation, calling it a "reward" for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years. The Wealth Rankings and New Entries The Sunday Times Rich List, which ranks the 350 wealthiest UK residents and Britons abroad, has seen several notable first-time entries this year. Alongside Harborne, David and Victoria Beckham have joined Britain's billionaire club, making David the country's first billionaire sportsperson with their combined wealth estimated at £1.18bn. Other newcomers include Labour donor Gary Lubner (£1.3bn), the Gallagher brothers (£375m), and Emily Eavis, daughter of Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis. The Top Wealthiest in the UK The Hinduja family topped the list again this year with an estimated fortune of £38bn through their Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group. The combined wealth of the UK's 350 wealthiest individuals and families rose by 1.4% in the last year to £784bn, with Britain's total of billionaires growing by just one to 157 after falling for three consecutive years. The Changing Landscape of UK Wealth Robert Watts, the compiler of the rich list, noted significant changes in recent years. "This year's rich list is a tale of two exoduses," he said. "One in six of the individuals and families who appeared on the list two years ago don't feature this time." Many foreign billionaires have moved away from the UK, while there has been a sharp rise in the number of British nationals now resident in Dubai, Switzerland and Monaco. The Future of UK's Wealth Elite As the UK's wealth landscape continues to evolve, the rich list reflects both the concentration of wealth and the changing nature of fortune creation. While traditional industrial and property fortunes remain prominent, new wealth from cryptocurrency, entertainment, and sports is increasingly represented. The political implications of wealth concentration and the transparency of political donations are likely to remain key issues as the 2024 general election approaches.

Executive Overview: A Memoir of Hope Amid SegregationBacktalker by Kimberlé Crenshaw is a candid autobiography that traces her upbringing in Jim Crow Ohio, the loss of family property through eminent‑domain, and the intellectual journey that produced the theory of intersectionality. The Guardian’s review frames the work as both a personal testament and a call to recognize ongoing racial inequities.Crenshaw’s Journey from Segregated Ohio to Intersectionality TheoryThe narrative begins with childhood episodes—being cast as a witch instead of a princess, a Black family’s defiant return to a drained public pool, and her father’s brief legal career—illustrating the daily “backtalk” that forged her resilience. At Cornell she discovered Derrick Bell’s scholarship, and at Harvard Law she confronted the stark absence of Black faculty, prompting protests that foreshadowed her later legal activism. A pivotal case involving Emma DeGraffenreid’s GM lawsuit revealed the limits of Title VII, inspiring Crenshaw to articulate the concept of intersectionality.Publication Details and PricingPublisher: Allen LaneRelease date: 2026Price: £25Available through: guardianbookshop.comWhy Crenshaw’s Story Reshapes Understanding of Race, Law, and Public MemoryThe review underscores that Crenshaw’s personal history mirrors broader systemic patterns—racialized eminent‑domain, under‑representation in elite academia, and the legal blind spot that ignored overlapping discrimination. By linking intimate family anecdotes to national moments such as the Clarence Thomas hearings, the OJ Simpson trial, and Barack Obama’s election, the memoir demonstrates how individual “backtalk” can influence collective legal and cultural narratives.Looking Ahead: The Enduring Relevance of BacktalkerAs debates over voting rights, reparations, and campus diversity intensify, *Backtalker* is positioned to become a staple in both scholarly curricula and public discourse. Readers and educators are likely to cite Crenshaw’s account when arguing for more nuanced anti‑discrimination policies that address the intersecting axes of race and gender.

Kylian Mbappe confirmed that Alvaro Arbeloa informed him he was the “fourth forward” in the squad, a statement that explained his bench role in Real Madrid’s 2‑0 victory over Real Oviedo on May 15, 2026. The revelation has intensified criticism from supporters and highlighted tension within a season already marked by managerial change and a title loss.Arbeloa Labels Mbappe Fourth-Choice Forward Ahead of Oviedo MatchAfter returning from a thigh issue, Mbappe entered the game as a 69th‑minute substitute, joining Jude Bellingham in the attacking line‑up. Arbeloa started Vinicius Junior, Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia, leaving Mbappe out after nearly three weeks without competitive minutes. Mbappe told reporters, “I am very good, at 100 percent, I didn’t play because the coach told me that for him I’m the fourth forward of the squad, behind Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo.”Mbappe’s Season Stats Highlight the Bench Decision’s Weight41 goals in 42 appearances this season.Provided an assist for the second goal against Oviedo.Missed the Clasico, where Barcelona secured the La Liga title.The stark contrast between his prolific scoring record and his reduced role underscores the strategic gamble Arbeloa is making amid injury concerns.Potential Fallout for Real Madrid’s Title Hopes and Fan RelationsSupporters at the Santiago Bernabeu whistled Mbappe’s substitution, reflecting growing frustration over perceived lack of commitment and a recent holiday trip to Sardinia. The benching comes as Real Madrid faces a second consecutive season without a major trophy and an upcoming presidential election called by Florentino Perez. Arbeloa promised Mbappe a starting role in the next match on Sunday, attempting to quell dissent.What Lies Ahead for Mbappe and Real Madrid’s AttackIf Arbeloa follows through on his promise, Mbappe could reclaim his status as the primary striker, restoring balance to the forward line. However, continued fan pressure and internal scrutiny may force the club to reassess its tactical hierarchy, especially as the season winds down and the board evaluates long‑term plans for the squad.

Guardian’s Visual Tour of Heritage Apartments for SaleThe Guardian published a picture‑focused article that displays a selection of Art Deco and modernist flats now on the market in England and Scotland. Each listing is accompanied by high‑resolution images that emphasize the distinctive design elements of the properties.Geographic Distribution of the Featured ListingsEngland – multiple cities and coastal townsScotland – notable listings in Edinburgh, Glasgow and surrounding areasWhat the Listings Reveal About Current Heritage‑Property DemandWhile the article does not provide aggregate price data, the presence of numerous listings suggests sustained interest from buyers seeking period‑specific architecture. The visual emphasis on original features such as terrazzo flooring, curved staircases and streamlined façades underscores the premium placed on authentic design.Implications for the UK Property MarketHeritage‑focused flats often attract a niche segment of buyers, including investors, preservation enthusiasts and lifestyle purchasers. Their availability across both England and Scotland may signal a broader willingness among sellers to capitalize on the growing appreciation for mid‑20th‑century architecture.Looking Ahead: Potential Trends for Art Deco and Modernist HomesGiven the current visibility of these properties, market observers might anticipate increased competition for similar units, especially as media coverage raises public awareness. Future listings could see heightened price sensitivity and a stronger emphasis on conservation‑grade certifications.

The Core Question: Does Britain Need Labour?The piece opens by asking a simple but profound question: if the Labour Party vanished tomorrow, would anyone invent a replacement? It frames the debate around recent turmoil – Wes Streeting’s cabinet resignation, Andy Burnham’s hinted ambition, and Angela Rayner’s tax‑stamp‑duty controversy – to explore why the party still matters.Internal Turmoil: Streeting’s Resignation and Leadership UncertaintyStreeting’s abrupt exit, delivered in a “blistering statement” that did not confirm he had the numbers for a leadership contest, underscores the factional deadlock around Keir Starmer. The column notes the lack of a clear successor, the difficulty of securing an MP willing to step aside for Burnham, and Rayner’s recent financial misstep, all of which amplify doubts about Labour’s cohesion.Polling Shifts: Labour Voters Moving to Plaid Cymru and the GreensPersuasion think‑tank analysis shows 62% of Labour‑to‑Plaid Cymru switchers were motivated by a desire to beat Reform.In England, voters dissatisfied with Labour are drifting toward the Greens or Reform, depending on social‑liberal or conservative leanings.Former Labour voters cite the party’s “Tory‑lite” image and cost‑of‑living concerns as reasons for abandoning it.These numbers illustrate a crumbling monopoly on left‑wing votes.Implications for the UK Left and Future ElectionsThe column warns that Labour’s traditional “floor” – the lowest realistic vote share – is becoming the baseline for the entire left. If Labour ceases to be the primary left‑of‑centre party, smaller parties could fill the gap, forcing Labour to either adapt to coalition politics or risk irrelevance.What the Next Labour Leader Must DeliverTo survive, the next leader needs a clear, distinct vision that goes beyond personal competence. The article suggests a focus on long‑term investment, pragmatic economic policies (as outlined by Louise Haigh), and a renewed stance on immigration and cost‑of‑living issues. Without such a narrative, the party may continue to lose voters to the Greens, Plaid Cymru and Reform.

Weekend Football Lead: High Stakes Across EnglandThe upcoming weekend packs a double‑header of drama: the FA Cup final at Wembley and a series of Premier League fixtures that will decide the title, European places and World Cup selections.FA Cup Final: Guardiola’s Quest for a 17th TrophyManchester City face Chelsea in what could be Pep Guardiola’s third‑last match in charge. A victory would hand him his 17th major trophy and cement his legacy, while a loss would leave the season ending on a sour note.FA Cup final: Chelsea v Manchester City, Saturday 3pm (BST)Premier League Title Race and European Qualification BattlesAt Villa Park, Aston Villa take on Liverpool with a Champions League spot on the line. Simultaneously, Manchester United host Nottingham Forest and Everton meet Sunderland, each fighting for a place in Europe.Aston Villa v Liverpool, Friday 8pm (BST)Manchester United v Nottingham Forest, Sunday 12.30pm (BST)Everton v Sunderland, Sunday 3pm (BST)Key Player Spotlights: Colwill vs. Haaland and World Cup AspirationsLevi Colwill returns from a knee injury and will line up against Erling Haaland at Wembley, a test that could revive his England chances. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire hopes a strong showing for Manchester United will secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.Impact on Club Finances and European RevenueSecuring Champions League qualification brings an estimated £100 million boost in broadcasting and match‑day revenue. A Europa League win for Villa would open an extra slot, potentially benefiting clubs like Brentford and Brighton with increased prize money and exposure.Looking Ahead: How the Weekend Could Reshape the 2026 SeasonIf City win the FA Cup and retain the league title, Guardiola’s era may end on a high. A Villa victory in the Europa League could reshape the Champions League allocation, while strong performances from emerging talents such as Colwill and Josh King may influence squad planning for the next season.

In a recent Guardian letter, a small‑business owner from Margate argues that Labour’s recent local‑election setbacks reflect a widening disconnect with independent traders who feel over‑taxed and under‑represented.Letter Reveals Growing Disillusionment Among Small‑Business VotersThe author, Nicola Powell, describes how Labour’s rhetoric about “broad shoulders” resonates poorly with owners whose profit margins are shrinking despite substantial tax contributions.Financial Snapshot of a Margate Independent RestaurantAnnual turnover: £350,000Estimated tax paid (VAT, PAYE, NI): ~£100,000Owner’s net earnings: below minimum wage after accounting for hours workedEconomic and Political Impact of Declining Small‑Business SupportWhen owners like Powell face reduced income, the risk of closures rises, threatening local employment, community vitality, and future tax receipts for the Treasury.Outlook: What Labour Must Do to Re‑Engage Independent TradersTo halt the drift, Labour would need to propose tax reliefs or targeted support schemes that acknowledge the dual role of owners as both entrepreneurs and workers.

Abbas Announces Reform Agenda at Fatah’s Eighth General ConferencePresident Mahmoud Abbas used the opening session of Fatah’s three‑day, eighth general conference in the occupied West Bank to reaffirm his commitment to overhauling the Palestinian Authority (PA) and to holding the long‑postponed presidential and parliamentary elections, though no specific timetable was given.Conference Milestones: Leadership Re‑election and Committee RestructuringDuring Thursday’s plenary, Abbas was unanimously re‑elected as leader of the Fatah movement, securing his continued role as head of the party’s central committee. The congress will also elect 18 new members to the central committee and 80 representatives to the revolutionary council, the movement’s parliament.Numbers at a Glance: Delegates, Seats, and Timeline Gaps~2,580 Fatah members attending the conference1,600 delegates in Ramallah; 400 in Gaza and Cairo each; 200 in Beirut18 central‑committee seats up for election80 revolutionary‑council seats up for electionLast central‑committee election held 10 years agoPolitical Stakes: Domestic Pressure and International ExpectationsThe reform pledge comes amid mounting pressure from the United States, the European Union and Arab states, which have criticised the PA for corruption, stagnation and a declining legitimacy among Palestinians. Rival factions, notably Hamas, have gained ground as Fatah’s popularity wanes, and key figures such as Jibril Rajoub and PA Deputy Hussein al‑Sheikh are being positioned as potential successors.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for Palestinian Governance Post‑AbbasAnalysts see three possible trajectories: (1) a swift transition to new leadership with credible elections, restoring PA credibility; (2) a protracted internal power struggle within Fatah that could further erode public trust; or (3) continued external pressure forcing a negotiated reform package that reshapes the PA’s relationship with Israel and the broader international community. The outcomes will heavily influence the Palestinian national movement’s ability to present a unified front for statehood negotiations.