Latest news with #Barclay
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
All aboard… for chills
Linwood Barclay, the U.S.-born, Ontario-based author of many bestselling thrillers and mystery novels, tries his hand at a supernatural thriller oozing with homages to Stephen King in Whistle. Annie Blunt, a bestselling children's book author, is suffering from a traumatic pair of events. Inspired by her popular picture book character Pierce the Penguin, a young boy tries to fly using cardboard wings and plummets to his death. While Annie struggles with feeling responsible for this tragedy, her husband is killed in a hit-and-run car accident. At the behest of her editor, Annie and her young son Charlie retreat to a rented mansion in upstate New York to try and recover some sense of normalcy. The quiet, slow pace of country life seems to be working until Charlie comes across an old model train set. Daniel Crump / Free Press files After setting it up and obsessively running the toy along its track, a number of strange events begin to unfold. And veering away from the cuddly Pierce, Annie's new idea for a character is much darker and more sinister than anything she's attempted before. There's a second storyline woven into the pages of Whistle, one that follows Harry Cook, the chief of police in the small town of Lucknow, Vt. and taking place not long after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Beginning with the mysterious disappearances of two men, a number of odd accidents befall the town, all seeming to somehow connect with the new specialty shop Choo-Choo's Trains and its eccentric owner Edwin Nabler. Fans of Stephen King will likely see a parallel to the 1991 novel Needful Things. Barclay is not shy about how much King has influenced this particular novel, and he includes a number of nods to other King titles including Christine, It and Maximum Overdrive. As well as drawing heavily on Needful Things and its villain Leland Gaunt, Whistle's villain also bears some resemblance to Andre Linoge, the creepy and mysterious bad guy of the 1999 made-for-TV miniseries Storm of the Century, also penned by King. Barclay is clearly a fan and makes no secret of the various influences which have inspired his foray away from thrillers and into supernatural chiller territory. Given that Barclay is playing (at least partially) with a less-modern setting, he might have been better suited to push the timeline back even further, to when model trains were actually popular. There are a couple of half-hearted snipes at video games and other modern toys compared to the precision and uniqueness of the trains, but it seems a stretch that these characters would have taken the slightest interest in this hobby without the supernatural persuasion of Edwin Nabler. Ellis Parinder photo Linwood Barclay And while the titular spooky shop called Needful Things catered to the many tastes of the town residents, Choo-Choo's Trains feels a little too niche for its influence to spread through the whole town. Billed as a spooky chiller, Whistle certainly has elements of horror, but doesn't really evoke many scares. For fans of Barclay's previous oeuvre and other mysteries, this is probably just enough spookiness to remain enjoyable, whereas devoted horror fans may find this one a touch too cozy. And while Barclay uses the split narrative akin to It, breaking the narrative into two branches does cut the tension. In Whistle readers' connection to Annie and Charlie builds, when the narrative suddenly breaks and introduces a whole slew of new characters in Harry's storyline. And because the reader knows Harry's plot takes place 20-some-odd years before Annie's, it can be difficult to invest in that plot. The two plot threads eventually do come together, though it does seem a little forced and relies heavily on coincidence. But like many King novels, Whistle works best when not taken too seriously and simply enjoyed as a thrill ride. A breezy and fun read, Whistle will appeal to fans of vintage Stephen King, particularly the stories set in the Castle Rock region. It doesn't reinvent the formula or introduce anything new, but it might just scratch that particular itch for the type of story King doesn't seem to be as interested in producing anymore. Whistle Keith Cadieux is a Winnipeg writer and editor. His latest story collection, Donner Parties and Other Anti-Social Gatherings, is out now from At Bay Press. He also co-edited the horror anthology What Draws Us Near, published by Little Ghosts Books.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed woman then looked up partner, jury told
A homeless man accused of murdering a grandmother looked up her partner on social media after her death, a court heard. Roy Barclay, 56, allegedly killed Anita Rose, 57, as she walked her dog near a sewage works in Brantham, Suffolk, on 24 July 2024. Three weeks later, Mr Barclay made two searches on Facebook for Ms Rose's partner, Richard Jones, Ipswich Crown Court heard. Mr Barclay, of no fixed address, denies murder. He was arrested in October 2024 and had his phone seized by Suffolk Police, the court heard. Jurors on Friday were talked through data the force obtained. It included searches made online and websites that were browsed. Facebook searches for Richard Jones - the long-term partner of Ms Rose - were made on separate occasions, the prosecution said. They said the first was on 13 August and the second on 17 September. The jury was also shown several news articles, including 12 from the BBC, that Mr Barclay was said to have viewed between August and October. He has been accused of using his walking boots to deliver "numerous kicks, stamps and blows" in a fatal attack on Ms Rose. It has been alleged that Mr Barclay was "on the run" trying to avoid being "recalled back to prison" when he was said to have killed Ms Rose. Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, also revealed details of a Facebook post Mr Barclay was said to have liked on 15 September. It quoted author George Orwell and read: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human's face - forever." Mr Paxton previously said Mr Barclay had an "extraordinary interest in the media broadcasts" surrounding Ms Rose's death. The trial continues. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Murder accused was in area of attack, court hears Dog walker found unresponsive, murder trial told Partner of dog walker tells trial of final call HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed woman then looked up partner, jury told
A homeless man accused of murdering a grandmother looked up her partner on social media after her death, a court heard. Roy Barclay, 56, allegedly killed Anita Rose, 57, as she walked her dog near a sewage works in Brantham, Suffolk, on 24 July 2024. Three weeks later, Mr Barclay made two searches on Facebook for Ms Rose's partner, Richard Jones, Ipswich Crown Court heard. Mr Barclay, of no fixed address, denies murder. He was arrested in October 2024 and had his phone seized by Suffolk Police, the court heard. Jurors on Friday were talked through data the force obtained. It included searches made online and websites that were browsed. Facebook searches for Richard Jones - the long-term partner of Ms Rose - were made on separate occasions, the prosecution said. They said the first was on 13 August and the second on 17 September. The jury was also shown several news articles, including 12 from the BBC, that Mr Barclay was said to have viewed between August and October. He has been accused of using his walking boots to deliver "numerous kicks, stamps and blows" in a fatal attack on Ms Rose. It has been alleged that Mr Barclay was "on the run" trying to avoid being "recalled back to prison" when he was said to have killed Ms Rose. Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, also revealed details of a Facebook post Mr Barclay was said to have liked on 15 September. It quoted author George Orwell and read: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human's face - forever." Mr Paxton previously said Mr Barclay had an "extraordinary interest in the media broadcasts" surrounding Ms Rose's death. The trial continues. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Murder accused was in area of attack, court hears Dog walker found unresponsive, murder trial told Partner of dog walker tells trial of final call HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Camp Series: The five best OL of the 2025 regionals
Jeff McCulloch/ The regional stops of the Rivals Camp Series are in the books with the Rivals Five-Star at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility coming up later this month. Today, we continue our look at the best players at each position through the regional events with the offensive linemen. Advertisement BEST OF RCS: The five best QBs of the 2025 Rivals Camp Series regionals | Five best RBs | Five best WRs/TEs CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info CHANCELLOR BARCLAY - Miami Known as a versatile technician with a sky-high floor in leading to a Clemson Tiger verbal commitment this offseason, Barclay backed up the momentum en route to camp MVP honors in Miami. He worked active hands and fluid feet to initiate the contact with defenders while remaining on balance, sometimes easily driving opponents around the horn in the process. Advertisement Barclay has an elite punch and can dictate the pace despite a more narrow frame on the offensive interior, and again proved he is more than capable when defenders defer to secondary moves thereafter. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CLEMSON FANS AT ISMAEL CAMARA - Dallas The France native snaps out of his stance with a wide base, limiting the angles defenders can use against him right off the ball. With a powerful punch to boot, he can set the pace on a given rep inside or out on the edge. Camara also flashes dominance with the type of frame – 6-foot-6, 330 pounds – that can envelop smaller pass rushers once in close. Currently tabbed as the No. 2 interior offensive line projection in 2027, Camara took home MVP honors in Dallas just last month. Advertisement It looks like the SEC could be where he takes his talents on Saturdays, with Texas, Alabama and Tennessee among those in good position early on. KHALIEF CANTY - Atlanta Not necessarily a new name to know nationally, the Detroit native came down to Atlanta as a late addition and the four-star made a memorable first impression for onlookers that Sunday morning. The narrative quickly shifted from, "Who is that?" to "Detroit!" -- which is what coaches began to call him as he won rep after rep. Canty not only worked with a bravado that the WWE would consider, but he backed it up with as aggressive and punishing a punch as we saw throughout the circuit. Even as defenders anticipated the move, his length and snap quickness would continue to win out as competition continued. Advertisement Canty will announce his commitment on June 23 between Michigan State and Missouri, also the programs getting his next two official visits. LEX MAILANGI - Los Angeles The patience and overall technique jumps off the page with Mailangi and he executes at a high clip, part of the reason he took home MVP honors at the Los Angeles stop. The rising-junior is built like a classic interior type, but showcases better footwork and movement skills for a prospect carrying well over 300 pounds. From maintaining leverage to redirection, Mailangi was prepared for initial moves and counter moves alike. Throw in a rock solid punch and interior defenders had a rough go at it against the blue-chip blocker on that March morning. Advertisement Oregon, UCLA, Tennessee and Alabama are some of the programs in the mix for one of the top 2027 blockers nationally, with the Ducks perhaps in the best spot early on. GABRIEL OSENDA - Atlanta The massive Tennessee commitment always turns heads when he enters an event, checking in at a legitimate 6-foot-8, but it was also how he carried his 300-plus pounds at the Atlanta camp. He looked trim and more swift in drills and it carried over onto the competition portion of the event, where Osenda was near dominant on every single rep he took. The Canadian was impossible to move on contact but also gave ground better than we had seen previously in his development – and the package came with a vocal confidence that became its own storyline. Despite a loaded group, there was not much consideration elsewhere when it came to positional MVP honors that day. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT
Western Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Murder accused ‘dumped victim's phone to put police off trail', court told
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told jurors at Ipswich Crown Court that Roy Barclay, 56, had been 'unlawfully at large' for two years at the time he was said to have killed Anita Rose. The mother-of-six, aged 57, was found injured by a cyclist near a sewage works in Brantham, Suffolk on July 24 last year. She died four days later in hospital of traumatic head injuries. Barclay, of no fixed address, denies her murder. File handout CCTV images issued by Suffolk Police of Anita Rose. Roy Barclay, 56, is on trial at Ipswich Crown Court accused of murdering the mother-of-six who was found unconscious in Brantham, Suffolk on July 24, 2024 and died four days later on July 28. Issue date: Thursday May 29, 2025. Mr Paxton, continuing to open the prosecution case on Friday, said Barclay had looked at news articles about the incident in the days after the attack. He said that in one article viewed by Barclay, senior police officer Mike Brown appealed for information about Ms Rose's iPhone which Mr Brown said could hold 'key information'. The prosecutor said that 'was a signal to cunning Roy Barclay that he needed to get rid of that phone'. 'Mike Brown was right and that explains what was to follow the very next day in Ipswich town centre on July 27,' Mr Paxton said. 'Roy Barclay dumps Anita's iPhone after Mr Brown has told the public in an article Mr Barclay has viewed about the significance of that phone.' He said that the 'dropping of Anita's phone in Ipswich' was 'to put the police off the trail'. The barrister said that Barclay was captured on CCTV footage in Upper Orwell Street in Ipswich on July 27 with a 'carrier bag in his left hand' which prosecutors say contained Ms Rose's phone. He said that Barclay entered a seating area with the bag and is later seen to emerge from the seating area without the bag. He said a couple – Mr Ichim and Ms Baiculescu – were captured on CCTV minutes later entering then emerging from the seating area and 'there's an exchange of an item' between them, which Mr Paxton said was Ms Rose's phone. 'Within a minute or so when that phone is switched on, that's Anita's phone, it alerts the police,' Mr Paxton said. He said that 'numerous police officers flooded the area and found the unsuspecting Mr Ichim and Ms Baiculescu' in a mobile phone and vape shop. The barrister said 'they had paid for a factory reset of the phone' but police arrived before this was done. He said Mr Ichim was arrested and later released, adding: 'Many people at times were treated as suspects but were later released without charge.' He said 'nobody other than Anita knew the password' to the phone, and police have not been able to get into it. The barrister said Barclay 'played at times a cat and mouse game with police, watching their moves'. He added that after he was arrested, Barclay denied any wrongdoing in a prepared statement and said: 'I would sometimes sit on the benches on Upper Orwell Street. There is often litter on the seats and in that area.' Mr Paxton said: 'He knew this was a popular area, that's why he chose it, a busy seating area where he would be able to drop something.' The prosecutor said Barclay showed an 'arrogance in keeping the items he did as trophies, believing perhaps that he could get away with murder'. He had earlier told the trial that Ms Rose's pink jacket, phone case and Samsung earbuds were found at camps Barclay had used. Mr Paxton said Barclay had also searched online for four prisons 'no doubt wondering if caught which prison he would end up in', and that this was done on July 25, the day after Ms Rose was attacked. He said it took a 'piece of luck for police to have contact with' Barclay, when Detective Constable Barry Simpson 'saw a male walking quickly along the road' on October 15. The officer, who was in an unmarked car and working on the murder investigation, 'thought the male looked similar to an image he had seen in the murder inquiry' and stopped to speak with him. Mr Paxton said the man was Barclay, but that he 'lied' to Det Con Simpson and gave his name as John Lesley, providing a false home address and saying he worked as a gardener. The prosecutor said the officer took photos of Barclay 'surreptitiously' and he was allowed on his way, but a 'manhunt' started the following day when officers determined that the man was not John Lesley. Barclay was tracked down by police and arrested at Ipswich Library on October 21, said Mr Paxton, adding that Barclay had 'changed his appearance' – with a shaved head and the 'beard's gone'. The barrister earlier told jurors that Barclay had 'lived off-grid' and slept in 'various makeshift camps'. 'He had been on the run trying to avoid the police and authorities to try and avoid being recalled back to prison,' Mr Paxton said. He said Ms Rose was subjected to 'numerous kicks, stamps and blows being delivered to her face, head and body' in a 'vicious and brutal attack'. The trial continues.
