Graham Bartlett

Author Graham Bartlett reflects on the unpredictable attendance at literary events and the importance of making every audience member feel valued, regardless of crowd size. Inspired by Elly Griffiths, he describes successful appearances at crime-fiction festivals, bookshops and libraries in places including Littlehampton, Retford and Oxted, while noting that events in Brighton can sometimes attract smaller crowds despite his local connections. Bartlett stresses that readers owe writers nothing and that authors are grateful for any interest, but encourages readers to attend events because personal engagement reassures writers that their work reaches real people.

The government’s new early-release rules allow Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, to qualify for release after serving roughly one-third of their sentences. The article argues that their exclusion from the rules should have been extended to Harper’s killers, noting that Harper’s Law would have required life sentences had it been in force at the time. Public opposition is growing, with a petition nearing one million signatures and possible legal action being considered by the Police Federation and Thames Valley Police, but Sentencing Minister Jake Richards has defended applying the policy consistently.

Graham Bartlett argues that water companies, particularly South East Water, are failing to prepare for increasingly hot and dry summers. He criticizes repeated hosepipe bans, customer restrictions, rising prices, outages and South East Water’s average daily loss of 105 million litres—29% above Ofwat’s permitted maximum. The column contrasts the company’s limited storage and water-transfer capacity with Southern Water’s more connected infrastructure and cites Israel, Spain and Australia as examples of stronger water-security planning. It concludes that consumers are being forced to bear the consequences of inadequate investment and ineffective management by a monopoly provider.

Andy Burnham’s record as mayor of Greater Manchester suggests he could provide both support and scrutiny for policing as prime minister. Although Greater Manchester Police initially deteriorated under his oversight and entered special measures, Burnham helped replace its chief constable and backed reforms associated with improved crime figures, arrest rates and emergency-call handling. He has also challenged police misconduct and institutional failures, including the treatment of women in custody, the Hillsborough investigation and the response to the Manchester Arena bombing. His willingness to revise criticism after reviewing evidence is presented as a sign of balanced leadership, though it remains uncertain whether national responsibilities will affect his approach.

England’s latest World Cup run is highlighted as a significant achievement, with progress surpassing the previous tournament and key players delivering strong performances. Argentina’s victory is credited to their experience and cohesion, while criticism from broadcasters is dismissed as lacking perspective. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s decisions are defended as reasonable within the unpredictable nature of football. The piece argues that the team’s efforts should be celebrated rather than undermined by commentators.

A former Brighton and Hove police chief outlines common inaccuracies in TV crime dramas and crime novels, highlighting misconceptions such as armed detectives, rapid DNA results, mishandled digital evidence and unrealistic crime scene protocols. He explains how these errors undermine authenticity, emphasising proper procedures, investigative roles and workplace norms within policing, while encouraging viewers to recognise these recurring clichés.

Highlights seven common questions that authors find uncomfortable or unhelpful, explaining why inquiries about progress, fame, wealth, inspiration, writing secrets, adaptations, or reading lengthy manuscripts can provoke stress or guilt. Encourages more supportive questions that help authors feel appreciated and valued.