New crime novels and thrillers to read this May, featuring John Connolly and Andrea Mara
Today at 21:30
Our thriller and crime critic Myles McWeeney on the best new novels to read this month.
Hodder & Stoughton, 416 pages, trade paperback €17.99, e-book £12.99 Maine-based PI Charlie Parker is asked by his lawyer friend Moxie Castin to help a local artist find her missing boyfriend Wyatt Riggins, a former soldier turned legal cannabis salesman.
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The Irish Sun
9 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech
LOVE Island fans have praised Megan Forte-Clarke as she called out Harry Cooksley for his actions in an absolutely brutal speech. In the villa, Harry was in a couple with 8 Megan Forte-Clarke lambasted Harry for his treatment of both Helena and Shakira Credit: ITV2 8 Fans fumed when he was left smirking at the Grafties Credit: ITV2 8 A clip was shown where he flirted with Shakira, despite being exclusive with Helena Credit: ITV2 But after an additional few weeks, the footballer decided to pursue his partnership with Helena instead. In the last week, the duo became 'exclusive' as This was whilst Shakira got to know She admitted that she had 'suppressed emotions' when it came to her true feelings toward Harry, and READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND The footballer then flirted with Shakira behind Helena's back, suggesting that it "would be a good idea" for the pair to hang out when they both leave the villa. Shakira also said that he was her "best sleeping buddy" for snuggles, which he described as being "so good, like perfect," despite his exclusivity. At the Grafties, Harry & Shakira were nominated for the surprise Critics Choice Award. A clip of Harry's recent flirtations with Shakira was shown to the group, which left the rest of the contestants either cringing or open mouthed with shock Most read in Love Island When it came to deciding who should get the award, She announced: "Basically, we picked these two people because I think everyone's faces spoke volumes when that clip was shown. Love Island star Shakira tells co-stars 'shut the f--- up' and makes honest confession about feelings for Harry "Especially how recent it was, and I think these two girls have suffered enough at the hands of this boy, from day one." She added: "I think we can all realise now that he is the problem, the common denominator in all this and I think these two girls deserve better." Droves of Love Island fans have since taken to social media to praise the star for her poise at that moment. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan wrote: "Megan that speech was just what Harry needed to hear." Love Island 2025 full lineup : A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. : A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. : A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. : International business graduate with brains and ambition. : A gym enthusiast with a big heart. : A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. : A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. : A towering 6'5' personal trainer. : A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. : Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. : The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. : Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Giorgio Russo : The 30-year-old will be spending his summer in the sun, potentially his sister Alessia's successful tournament at the Euros in Switzerland. : Professional DJ from Manchester who appeared on X Factor 2016 in girl group Four of Diamonds. : Miss Bikini Ireland 2019 winner who hails from Dublin and works as a nail technician and personal trainer. Emma Munro: Harry Cooksley's ex who entered as a bombshell and works as a hydrogeologist. Departures : : Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. : A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. : A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. : A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell . : Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. Poppy Harrison: The bombshell broke up with her boyfriend after finding out she would be in the villa Will Means : The fourth fittest farmer in the UK according to Farmers' Weekly in 2023 entered the villa as a bombshell : An Irish actress part of the OG line-up. : 23-year-old personal banker from Glasgow who fancies herself as a 'good flirt'. : 27-year-old gym hunk who entered the show as a bombshell . A second enthusiastically stated: "Megan stood on business by calling Harry out." As someone else commented: "Finally, someone telling Harry how it is. He thinks he can get away with everything." And a fourth added: "Go on Meg." 8 Megan said that Harry was 'the common denominator' as both girls deserved better Credit: ITV2 8 Helena could barely look at her partner during the dramatic award ceremony Credit: ITV2 8 She was left absolutely devastated by his actions behind her back Credit: ITV2 8 Most of the contestants cringed as they watched the clip Credit: ITV2 8 Angel was left open-mouthed as Harry's behaviour came to light Credit: ITV2 Love Island continues on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Sunday World
2 hours ago
- Sunday World
Private car parking firms are hitting drivers with illegal fines
June Bowers endured a near five-month battle over a fine imposed after an alleged infraction. Private car parking firms are intimidating unwitting car owners to part with illegal fines, it has been claimed. GB-based firms are operating contracts in Northern Ireland to redeem fines for traffic offences at places such as the George Best Belfast City Airport and other public amenities. Aggressive tactics include threats of legal action, court appearances and rising fines if the original demand is not met. It has now emerged in most cases they are not entitled to demand penalty payments which can escalate to hundreds of pounds. The firms, appointed by the likes of the City Airport, are applying laws that are enforceable only in England and Wales and do not apply to Northern Ireland. The disparity emerged after car owner June Bowers from Monkstown emerged victorious in a near five-month battle over a £100 fine imposed after an alleged infraction at the City Airport. ticket She was hit with a £100 fine and, having had two appeals rejected by Sheffield-based Vehicle Control Services, was then threatened with an additional £70 levy and possible legal action. Mrs Bowers, who is 81 and in poor health, was not behind the wheel on the evening of February 8 this year. The driver was at the airport to collect people travelling to Belfast to attend a funeral. Mrs Bowers' husband, veteran trade unionist Joe Bowers, said it was an 'outrage'' that his wife has been subjected to such intimidating behaviour. He said they were determined to resist increasingly aggressive demands. 'I think it's outrageous how these companies intimidate people into paying these fines, we have discovered that, certainly in our case there was no legal requirement to pay.' He said the Sheffield-based company sent them repeated demands for £170, threatening court action. It became clear in repeated correspondence that Vehicle Control Services were basing their demands on laws that don't apply here. The Bowers made repeated appeals, all of which were rejected with increasingly aggressive and threatening behaviour from the company. It a further twist the 'debt'' was sold to a debt recovering agency called Debt Recovery Plus. June Bowers pictured in her home. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press News in 90 Seconds - July 26th 'They have created an industry of their own,' said Joe, 'they are generating huge amounts of money – the debt recovery agency is on record as making millions. 'My issue is that people are being intimidated into paying fines that they should not be getting. We could have let this go for a quiet life, but it got under my skin that people are being put under this type of pressure.' Earlier this month the private company relented but 'warned' Mrs Bowers that any future transgression would result in firm action. The ticket was as a result of the driver of Mrs Bowers' car finding themselves in the wrong car park at the City. 'The driver found themselves in the wrong car park when they should have been in the short stay, so had to pay to get out, then repeated the mistake and had to pay again, that was their mistake we have no issue with that,' said Joe. 'But the new layout at Belfast City is confusing and there are lots of signs, which you can't read unless you slow down. 'I just think it's outrageous that this company can behave like this. 'These private companies seem to be completely unaccountable they are very aggressive in their approach, it's a form of intimidation.' The law in England and Wales requires those issued with a ticket to reveal the identity of the driver, that is not a requirement in Northern Ireland and unless the ticket company know the identity of the driver, a fixed penalty is not viable. But VCS were not interested in any mitigating circumstances and insisted they would try and enforce the fine. Joe Bowers said he suspects people finding themselves in a similar situation have been bullied into paying. He said: 'How can you understand what you're supposed to do if you don't pause to read the rules?' This week Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan called for greater regulation around the issue of private firms issuing fines. The SDLP MLA claimed that, after dealing with 'countless cases' of people contacted by private parking firms, the 'supposed violations' are 'often based on faulty camera evidence or registration systems'. He was speaking after writing to the Infrastructure Minister to ask if new legislation could be introduced to regulate private parking firms in Northern Ireland. The minister, Liz Kimmins, said in a written response that there was currently 'no legislation which specifically applies to privately owned car parks' and 'no plans' from her department to introduce any. Ms Kimmins said: 'Whilst my department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement across the North, it has no responsibility for the operation and management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them. 'There is no legislation which specifically applies to privately-owned car parks and my department currently has no plans to introduce legislation in this area.' She added: 'However, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme managed by the British Parking Association. 'Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.' Belfast City Airport has been contacted.
Irish Post
4 hours ago
- Irish Post
Ten Minutes with... Lex Bucha
DUBLIN-based indie pop artist Lex Bucha has released his debut EP, Painless Mode. This week he took time out to talk to The Irish Post... What are you up to? Right now, I'm in Dublin and I am enjoying this beautiful whirlwind of writing, recording, and releasing music that feels like my most personal work yet. I just released my debut EP Painless Mode —it's mostly about moments of confronting emotions I have tried to bury, and it's been amazing seeing how people have connected with it. I've also been collaborating with other artists and producers across Europe, jumping between writing camps, and soaking up as much creative energy as I can. And yes… more music is on the way very soon! How would you describe your music? I'd say it's like a heart-to-heart conversation—emotional, a little vulnerable, but wrapped in melodies that make you want to sing along (or maybe cry on a dancefloor!). It's a blend of electro-pop, alt-pop, and singer-songwriter vibes. If you imagine Troye Sivan and The 1975 sitting down for coffee and writing songs together… it might sound something like that. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? Breathe Me by Sia. Every single time. It's like the soundtrack to every heartbreak and every healing moment I've ever had. There's something about how fragile and raw it is that never fails to hit me right in the chest. Tearjerker every time I listen. Which musician or singer has most influenced you? Robyn, without a doubt. She has this magical way of writing songs that are devastating and euphoric at the same time. I love how she's never afraid to be vulnerable, but she also makes you want to dance through your feelings - which honestly sums up how I try to approach my own music too. What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute? It's a bit chaotic—in the best way! I've been obsessed with RAYE's latest album (absolute masterpiece), Lana Del Rey for those late-night city walks, and Orla Gartland, who always nails that perfect mix of clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Oh, and I'm forever looping some classics like HURTS and Shakespeare's Sister. My playlists are basically an emotional rollercoaster. What are your favourite lyrics? Oh, this one's tough because I'm a total lyrics nerd! But I always go back to: 'I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here / 'Cause I remember it all too well' from Taylor Swift's All Too Well.' It's so simple but gut-wrenching. She somehow captured heartbreak in one line. What are your family roots in Ireland? My roots are split between Ireland, the UK and Malta, which basically means I have a deep love for storytelling, a strong cup of tea, and a pastizzi! In Ireland, my family are based around Antrim, but I have become a Dubliner over the past five years of living here - you've probably seen me hanging around Stoneybatter, especially if you've been in the Belfry recently. What is your favourite place in Ireland? Donegal - hands down. It feels like the edge of the world, in the most magical way. The scenery is breathtaking, and there's such a sense of calm there - it's like everything else just fades away. Plus, the music scene there is incredible. It's where I go to reconnect with myself and get inspired. Shout out to Dungloe. What has been your favourite venue? The Workman's Club (the cellar room) in Dublin will always be special to me. There's just something about the energy in that room - it's intimate, raw, and there's this beautiful connection between the artist and the audience. I love the lightening and decor there also. Have you a book that has been a major influence on you? The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron completely changed how I approach creativity. It taught me to let go of perfectionism and just make things - whether it's a messy lyric idea or a fully-formed song. It's like therapy in book form for artists. Which living person do you most admire? Sandra Bullock. She's funny, brutally honest, and completely herself, both on and off camera. I admire how she's built her career by staying true to her weird, wonderful self. Miss Congeniality is my favourite movie ever. Which trait in others do you most admire? Kindness. It's the quiet superpower that makes the world a better place. You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat others when no one's watching. I always try to be kind to everyone. What would be your motto? 'Feel it fully, then let it go.' It's how I try to approach life - and songwriting! I process things with my songwriting - but its important to close the door on the pain once you have got it out. What's the best advice you've ever been given? 'Don't wait for permission.' That one really stuck with me. In music, in life, in everything—you have to trust yourself and just go for it, even if it feels scary. In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession? My lyric notebook. It's full of messy scribbles, half-finished verses, and random thoughts. Honestly, it's probably the closest thing I have to a diary. If I ever lost it… I'd cry. Also my phone - guilty of needing it for everything in my life lately. What's best thing about where you live? The cafes - Stoneybatter is full of them. I love a good Italian bite from Mooz or baked good from The Green Door. Recommend also Sorrento for a good baked good if you can catch them open! . . . and the worst? Definitely the rain! It's Dublin - it's like a surprise guest that just never leaves. I love a cosy rainy day every now and then, but sometimes it feels like we're living inside a cloud. What's the greatest lesson life has taught you? That nothing stays the same forever—everything shifts, evolves, and moves forward. Learning to ride those waves instead of fighting them has been a huge lesson for me. What do you believe in? I believe in the power of music to heal and connect people. It's this magical language that brings us together, even when words fail. Who/what is the greatest love of your life? Music. It's been with me through every heartbreak, every celebration, every big moment. It's more than just something I do—it's a part of who I am. I feel lucky to be in a position to release music. See More: Dublin, Lex Bucha, New Release
