Entertainment
5 Classic Detective Books That Are Perfect From the First Page to the Last
Like dead bodies, classic detective novels didn’t just pop out of nowhere. With its earliest origins in Edgar Allan Poe‘s tales of ratiocination (logical reasoning) in the mid-1800s, the genre steadily gained popularity throughout the 19th century before exploding into the mainstream. From there, classic detective fiction flourished into the Golden Age of detective writing in the 1920s.
While these novels remained rooted in logical deduction and the pursuit of truth, they also explored the complexities of human nature, reflecting the tumultuous effects of industrialization and the chaos of the Great Wars. From an author who broke the rules of mystery writing to the writer who laid the foundation for noir fiction, here are the classic detective books that are perfect from the first page to the last.
‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ (1926)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is not for the gullible. After the sudden suicide of a wealthy widow, respected country doctor James Sheppard is drawn into a disturbing mystery when her close friend, Roger Ackroyd, is found murdered only hours after revealing he had learned a devastating secret. With the victim’s stepson missing and several family members, guests, and servants hiding personal motives, suspicion spreads throughout the serene village of King’s Abbot. At the request of Ackroyd’s niece, the recently retired detective Hercule Poirot reluctantly takes on the case. As he interviews suspects and reconstructs the night’s events, Poirot finds critical inconsistencies that challenge every assumption surrounding Ackroyd’s murder.
Suspicion is nothing new in the classic detective genre, but back in 1926, Agatha Christie delivered a plot twist that many considered literary blasphemy. Readers will have to pay extra attention not just to how the mystery unfurls, but to how the case is written and described. The clues aren’t just hidden in the suspects’ alibis or the physical evidence—they’re literally tucked between the lines. By the time readers reach the final page, they’ll realize just how thoroughly Christie has bamboozled them with her cunning tricks. Some will feel cheated by the author, while others will admire her sheer ingenuity.
‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1902)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote many Sherlock Holmes novels, but out of the four main novels, The Hound of the Baskervilles remains the most favored. A monstrous hound has haunted the Baskervilles for generations, claiming the lives of those who inherit the family’s vast estate. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead under mysterious circumstances, fears of the curse intensify as his heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, arrives from Canada to take possession of Baskerville Hall. While Sherlock Holmes remains in London to crack the case from afar, Dr. John Watson travels to the eerie Devonshire moor, where escaped convicts, suspicious neighbors, and unsettling encounters complicate the investigation.
Holmes is the last person to sacrifice logic for the mystical, but The Hound of the Baskervilles makes it surprisingly difficult to separate folklore from cold, hard fact. The novel cleverly toys with readers, making it seem as though something genuinely supernatural may be behind the mysterious deaths. With the atmosphere of a classic Gothic tale and the slightest echoes of Poe’s works, readers are drawn into a creeping sense of paranoia through the bleak, fog-covered Dartmoor and the isolated Baskerville Hall. It’s also one of the few Holmes novels where Dr. Watson proves he’s far more than the detective’s sidekick—he’s a capable investigator in his own right.
‘Gaudy Night’ (1935)
No other classic detective setup is more salacious than academia, as in Gaudy Night. Returning to her alma mater for a reunion celebration, mystery writer Harriet Vane hopes to reconnect with the more peaceful days of academic life. Instead, she finds Oxford’s Shrewsbury College plagued by anonymous threats, malicious graffiti, and increasingly disturbing acts of vandalism. Because the college wants to avoid a public scandal, Harriet agrees to investigate discreetly, drawing on her own experience as the target of public suspicion. Of course, the faculty and students aren’t too pleased with the sudden intrusion. If the mystery isn’t bad enough, there are also the personal grudges everyone carries within the college community.
Unlike your typical classic detective novel, Gaudy Night doesn’t begin with a dead body. Instead, the mystery revolves around finding a saboteur, which proves just as tricky. Part of the novel’s genius lies in its academic setting. Readers naturally assume that these highly intellectual individuals also possess strong-willed integrity, but that isn’t necessarily the case. As Harriet interrogates the academics one by one, Sayers demystifies the air of superiority surrounding them, offering insightful reflections that you wouldn’t typically get from solving a conventional murder case. Rather than focusing solely on who committed the crime, Gaudy Night explores ethics, truth, and the responsibilities that come with scholarship and human relationships.
‘The Daughter of Time’ (1951)
Boredom does the craziest things to detectives in The Daughter of Time. Confined to a hospital bed with a broken leg, Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant is desperate for something to occupy his mind. An actress friend challenges him to investigate a historical mystery instead of a present crime, sparking Grant’s fascination with the notorious reputation of King Richard III. Unconvinced that the king’s portrait matches the villain described in history books, Grant begins reexamining the centuries-old case of the Princes in the Tower. With the help of historical records and a young researcher from the British Museum, Grant approaches the mystery like any criminal investigation.
The Daughter of Time is innovative to its core. They say the best way to solve a case is to retrace the past, but this novel takes that idea one step further by reopening a centuries-old mystery instead. There are no living suspects to interview, no crime scene to investigate, and the alleged criminal has long been dead. The only resources Inspector Alan Grant has are historical records, and that’s precisely the novel’s central premise. The Daughter of Time reminds readers that history isn’t nearly as objective as it often appears. Rather than simply asking what happened, it challenges us to consider who gets to write history, whose version survives, and what narrative is ultimately passed down to future generations.
‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1930)
If you like the neo-noir detective series Bosch, you’ll appreciate its old-school hard-boiled roots in The Maltese Falcon. Private detective Sam Spade’s latest case begins when a woman calling herself Miss Wonderly hires him to follow a man she claims has run off with her sister. Before long, Spade’s partner is murdered, the man they were tailing is found dead, and the police begin treating Spade as a prime suspect. As more strangers enter the picture—including the smooth-talking Joel Cairo and the enigmatic Casper Gutman—Spade discovers they’re all searching for the legendary Maltese Falcon, a priceless artifact with a long and mysterious history.
Unlike Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, who investigate primarily through facts and deduction, Sam Spade relies on instinct. Much like the modern-day Detective Bosch, he has a knack for reading. He was one of the earliest detectives to be portrayed not as an untouchable hero, but as someone cynical and disillusioned by a world consumed by greed and self-interest. For grounded readers, The Maltese Falcon functions as much as a commentary on human nature as it does a detective story. Even the police force isn’t portrayed as entirely innocent, making The Maltese Falcon a perfect read for those who enjoy a classic mystery but aren’t easily swept up in the glorification of detectives.
The Maltese Falcon
- Release Date
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October 18, 1941
- Runtime
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100 minutes
- Writers
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John Huston
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Humphrey Bogart
Samuel Spade
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Mary Astor
Brigid O’Shaughnessy
Entertainment
Jessie James Decker’s Husband Runs Away From Her
Is Jessie James Decker gearing up for another bun in the oven?
The singer shared her husband Eric Decker‘s response to her request to give their family another shot at welcoming a kid. The couple, who said “I do” in June 2013, currently share four children: a daughter, Vivianne, and sons Eric Jr, Forrest, and Denver.
The lovebirds’ story was nothing short of a textbook romance. Mutual friends introduced them, and within two years of dating, they tied the knot. Over the years, Jessie James Decker has gushed about her love for her husband and how they tag-team to make their marriage work.

Jessie may be ready for another baby, but her husband has yet to key into the vision. The singer shared a hilarious clip of Eric in a joint post on Sunday, August 9, showing his reaction after she “texted” him asking for baby number 5.
In the video, Jessie zoomed in on the former NFL player, who was seen sitting by what appears to be a lake, enjoying the day before checking his phone to read his wife’s text. Eric, shirtless, quickly drops his phone, exhales, puts his hands behind his head, and walks off.
The following clip then shows Eric taking off in a kayak as Jessie calls out to him. Over Mariah Carey’s hit “Without You,” which played as the background music for the Instagram reel, the singer could be heard saying, “Where are you going?!” “Eric! Come back!”
The athlete looked over his shoulder with no response as he continued to kayak away while his wife laughed on the docks.
What Do Fans Think About Eric’s Hilarious Reaction?
“I guess that’s a maybe?[upside down smiley face] [rolling laughter emoji] #marriedlife #marriage #couples,” Jessie captioned the post, which gave many fans a good laugh. A fan jumping in on the joke wrote, “I suppose not a ‘maybe’ [laughing emoji] more like, ‘I’ll think about, [sic] let me take a long ass stroll!’ See ya!! [laughing emoji].”
The singer’s post has received thousands of comments, many of which were laughing emojis from fans. Other netizens put into words how funny the post was, amid sharing that they resonated with either Eric or Jessie in their own marriages.
“He’s going for the vasectomy [ laughing emoji],” a follower noted, while another joked, “He’s going to get milk; he’ll be back soon.” Other users joked that Eric was trying to run away from Jessie but would not get that far, while several fans highlighted that the couple makes cute babies. “What’s one more? When you have the cutest babies on the planet!!” a fan penned.
Jessie James Decker & Eric Decker’s ‘Value System’ Keeps Their Marriage Going

Last year, Jessie and Eric opened up about how they managed to keep their marriage strong after 12 years of nuptial bliss and welcoming four kids. According to the retired NFL player, their shared value system and community have played a pivotal role in their home and marriage.
“Obviously, we’re rooted in our value system, where we have four kids. We do love the community we raise our kids in [in Nashville]. We take time to just be home and, in a sense, be with our family, that grounds us,” he said while talking to Fox News.
Jessie echoed a similar sentiment, chiming in that they “viewed the world the same way.” She explained that their general views on various aspects of life were aligned, including how they’ve chosen to raise their children, handle finances, and more. The “Wanted” Singer stressed that being on the same page with one’s spouse was the basis of a strong foundation for a marriage.
Inside The Power Couple’s Love Story

Eric walked into Jessie’s life at a time when she had decided she was “swearing off men” due to the ugly experiences she had in the dating pool at the time. They were connected by mutual friends in 2011 after one of the singer’s friends texted her about Eric.
“I got a text from my girlfriend who said, ‘I’m having dinner with this guy I’m seeing, and this other guy just showed up, and he’s stunning,’” Jessie previously recalled. E! News reported that she was initially hesitant but found it hard to say no after her friend sent a picture of Eric.
Seeing the 6’3 athlete, Jessie sent her own picture before giving her friend the go-ahead to play matchmaker. The lovebirds talked over the phone for weeks before the retired NFL player flew out to Nashville to spend the weekend with his new beau, where he asked her to be his girlfriend officially at the airport.
They worked through their relationship, learning from each other, and by the time they marked their first anniversary as a couple, Eric popped the question.
“Not only is he the best father and husband in the whole world, but he is so damn fine I literally want to lick his face every time he walks into the room,” Jessie said of her husband, and it is safe to say their love grows deeper with each passing day.
Can Jessie James Decker And Her Husband Afford To Have Another Kid?

In response to Jessie’s recent post, some commenters noted that Eric’s reaction stemmed from his concerns about the finances he would have to shoulder if they had another child.
Could this be true? According to last year’s reports from Reality Tea, the athlete has an estimated net worth of $22 million from his career as a pro-footballer, brand endorsements, real estate, and reality TV appearances.
Eric played in the NFL for eight seasons as a wide receiver under four prolific teams before hanging up his boots before the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple’s Nashville estate is also worth around $10 million.
The country singer, on the other hand, also earns income as a TV personality, singer, songwriter, and fashion entrepreneur. Her net worth is estimated at $20 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Outside of her music career, Jessie is known for appearing alongside her husband, Eric, in “Eric & Jessie: Game On,” a reality TV series that follows their relationship and ran for three seasons before ending in 2017.
Will Jessie James Decker successfully convince her husband to get on board with the baby plan?
Entertainment
Martha Stewart Ditches Signature Blonde Locks For Bold Makeover
Martha Stewart is proving that reinvention does not have an age limit. The lifestyle icon unveiled a dramatic new look over the weekend, trading her signature frosty blonde hair for a soft rose-gold shade.
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton revealed the transformation in an Instagram video on Sunday, officially welcoming the 85-year-old businesswoman into her newest beauty era. “Welcome to the rose gold era,” Appleton captioned the clip.

Appleton followed his initial reveal with another post featuring two photographs of Stewart’s rosy new color. For the caption, he gave one of Stewart’s most recognizable sayings a colorful update. “Rose gold… It’s a good thing,” the hairstylist wrote.
“Selling Sunset” star Chrishell Stause was among those reacting to Stewart’s transformation, describing the shade as “Pink Chíc.”
Stewart has never been afraid to have fun with her image. Her latest transformation arrived after she spoke candidly about the beauty habits and lifestyle choices she credits with helping her maintain her appearance.
Lifestyle Mogul Shares The Habits That Keep Her Looking Young
During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Stewart acknowledged that genetics have played an important part in the way she has aged. “I have good genes. My mom looked great at 95,” she explained.
However, Stewart does not attribute everything to her family history. She also pointed to several daily habits that have remained central to her lifestyle. “We eat well. We don’t drink very much. We don’t smoke. We eat healthy food. We exercise daily,” she said.
Her approach to food was reflected in a recent dinner party menu that included garden pea soup, sautéed scallops served over potato puree and corn. And those choices align with the practical, maintenance-focused approach Stewart said she applies to her appearance.
Martha Stewart Denies Having Plastic Surgery
Although Stewart acknowledged using some cosmetic treatments, she denied ever undergoing plastic surgery. “I have not had any plastic surgery at all. I don’t think I need it,” she stated.
The cookbook author admitted to receiving “a little bit of fillers” several times a year, but said much of her beauty routine revolves around skin care and facial treatments. “I do facial exercises and have the best facials from Mario Badescu and Georgia Louise. Peptides are very good. I take a few peptides,” Stewart shared.
She emphasized that her goal is to maintain her appearance rather than make extensive changes to her body. “So that’s what I do. I’m more a maintenance kind of person,” she explained. “I’m not getting b–bs done and hips and butts and stuff like that.”
Stewart Says Prison Gave Her ‘Street Cred’

Stewart has also recently revisited another chapter of her life that changed the way some members of the public viewed her: her time in federal prison. “Of course it gave me street cred,” she said. “I mean, you would never know what jail was like until you go to jail.”
However, Stewart rejected the suggestion that her incarceration helped create her longtime friendship with Snoop Dogg. “No, I don’t think Snoop likes me because I have street cred,” she clarified.
Instead, Stewart explained that their connection began with her interest in hip-hop and her decision to invite him onto her show in 2008. “I invited Snoop to be on my show [in 2008] because he was a rapper, and I was attracted to rappers. I like rap music,” she said.

The rose-gold makeover also comes after Stewart generated headlines with comments about briefly meeting Meghan Markle at a California dinner party. The gathering reportedly occurred after Meghan, Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, traveled to the United Kingdom for a private reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove.
“I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a dinner party in California,” Stewart told PEOPLE. “And she had just gotten back from the palace. I didn’t talk to her really more than to say a couple words, but I know she was talking about it.”
One person who said they sat next to Meghan at the dinner also rejected the suggestion that she had shared information about the palace meeting. “I sat next to Meghan at the dinner party, and this account of what happened is simply untrue,” the source told PEOPLE. “Meghan didn’t talk about her European vacation other than to say the family had a great time.”
The insider nevertheless emphasized that there was no personal conflict between the two women. “Meghan has always been a fan of Martha’s and enjoyed getting to meet her briefly at the dinner,” the source said.
Entertainment
Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt’s Son Knox Debuts Spiked Red Hair
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s son Knox Jolie-Pitt is embracing his wilder side with a fiery new hairstyle.
The 18-year-old was seen sporting spiked red hair with blond shaved sides as he stepped out in Los Angeles on Monday, August 10.
Knox was all smiles as he jogged through the City of Angels wearing a cream T-shirt, black shorts, white socks and Crocs, according to photos published by the Daily Mail.
The teenager looked relaxed and slightly sweaty as he enjoyed the afternoon sun on Monday, with his bold new hair color turning heads along his route.
Knox’s style statement comes amid his family’s ongoing ups and downs with their dad, 62, following Pitt and Jolie’s highly-publicized 2016 divorce. (The former couple finalized their divorce in December 2024.)
As of August, Knox is one of the exes’ two children who have not decided to legally drop their dad’s last name from their monikers after spending much of their childhood being raised primarily by the Maleficent actress, 51.
Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh and Vivienne have all distanced themselves from their famous father over the past few years, filing to only use their mother’s last name , leaving Knox and 22-year-old Pax the actor’s only children who go by “Pitt.”
Us confirmed that Shiloh, 20, was the first to make a change, filing a motion to change her moniker on her 18th birthday in May 2024. The petition was granted three months later.

Angelina Jolie with kids Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne, Maddox and Knox in 2021. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
Zahara, 21, followed suit in April, filing her own petition that was processed that June.
Twenty four-year-old Maddox, who was legally adopted by Pitt after he married Jolie in 2014, filed for his name change in May.
Vivienne, Knox’s twin, has been going by Vivienne Jolie for her entertainment credits, including working as a production assistant on the Broadway show The Outsiders. Us confirmed in July that the 18-year-old officially filed to legally drop “Pitt” from her surname as well.
With every legal filing, Pitt has been feeling his family grow further apart, a source exclusively told Us earlier this year.
“He feels most hurt out of everything that happened with Angie that his children don’t want a public association with his last name,” the insider said in May. “It’s been very difficult.”
The Fight Club star “still does hope and keeps the door open to eventual reconciliation, hopefully with all of them, but it is their decision,” the source explained.
As each of his children become adults, the insider added that Pitt knows he “has no power and he can’t force them” to keep his last name.
Pitt, for his part, made a rare comment about his personal hardships in an interview with Esquire published on Monday.
“I’ve never been suicidal except for one little period. And in that one little period, I just thought — I just couldn’t — just didn’t see a way out,” the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor revealed. “The pain was so oppressive that — I wasn’t going to act on this, but I could feel — I could feel the cold steel of the bullet in my head, and it felt like relief.”
Pitt recalled, “And I thought, ‘Oh, OK, now I understand — I understand suicide, in the sense that it’s just relief. It’s just looking for relief from the pain. But I also think we have incredible survival instincts.”
When asked whether the “oppressive” pain had anything to do with “kid stuff,” Pitt replied, “Family stuff. … We could leave it at that.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Entertainment
Dakota Johnson’s Flirty Role Model Cameo Fuels Their Romance
Role Model has seemingly turned months of speculation about his relationship with Dakota Johnson into music. The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury, featured the actress on “Love I You,” a track from his third album, “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass.” Although the pair had previously been photographed together, Johnson’s cameo on the song appears to be their most direct public acknowledgment of the romance to date.

Dakota Johnson’s cameo appears during the bridge of “Love I You,” where she shares a flirtatious conversation with Pillsbury.
“Hey, I think you’re perfect,” the musician tells her.
“You say that to everyone,” Johnson replies.
“Kay, well, is it working?” he asks, prompting her to answer, “Yeah, but don’t tell anyone.”
The exchange immediately fueled discussion among listeners who had been following the couple’s increasingly public relationship. Pillsbury admitted that he initially had reservations about asking Johnson to participate because he knew the collaboration would generate more attention around their personal lives.
Role Model Initially Wanted To Keep Their Lives Separate
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Role Model explained that producer Mason Stoops repeatedly suggested Johnson when they began considering possible voices for the bridge. “We had a list of ideas for people, and [producer] Mason [Stoops] kept bringing up, you know, ‘Why doesn’t Dakota do it?’” Pillsbury recalled.
The musician initially resisted because he believed maintaining some separation between the relationship and his work might be the safer decision. “And I was always like, ‘Well, I don’t … I think keeping those things separate is probably good,’ and blah, blah, blah,” he said.
Stoops eventually persuaded Johnson to give the part a try, and Pillsbury immediately recognized that her voice suited the track. “And then one day he convinced her and I was just like, ‘Yeah, let’s try it,’ and it was amazing,” the singer explained. “Like, her voice was perfect on it. Obviously, yeah, you know that that’s going to lead to discussions online, but also, it made the song really special to me, and what a cool cameo to have, too.”
Fans Suspected Dakota Johnson Was On The Song Before Its Release

Rumors about Dakota Johnson’s musical involvement began circulating before “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass” arrived. In July, speculation emerged that the pair had filmed a music video together. Role Model then debuted “Love I You” during a Chicago performance a few weeks later.
Fans who heard the unreleased track noticed that the woman participating in its flirtatious bridge sounded like Johnson, though it was not confirmed at the time.
Tucker Pillsbury Previously Wrote About Emma Chamberlain Split

Before Johnson, Pillsbury was in a public relationship with Emma Chamberlain for more than three years. His previous album, “Kansas Anymore,” largely explored the aftermath of their breakup.
Some listeners have speculated that “Stain,” a track from his newest record, may also reference Chamberlain and her subsequent split from Peter McPoland. Pillsbury has not confirmed that interpretation.
His romantic history seemingly contributed to his initial hesitation about including Johnson on “Love I You.” After releasing an album centered heavily on one breakup, bringing a new partner into the recording carried the potential to shift attention away from the music. However, Pillsbury said Johnson’s performance made the track “really special” to him, providing a personal reason to accept the additional scrutiny.
Dakota Johnson And Role Model First Sparked Romance Rumors In December

Johnson and Pillsbury were first romantically linked in December after they were photographed appearing close during a dinner with friends. The sighting came months after Johnson’s reported June 2025 split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Their relationship appeared to become increasingly difficult to hide around New Year’s Eve. Johnson was reportedly seen kissing Pillsbury during her party, where the pair were said to have remained close throughout the evening. “They were kissing, dancing and holding onto each other. They looked incredibly happy, cute, and sweet together,” a source told Entertainment Tonight at the time.
On March 28, Johnson and Pillsbury attended Paul McCartney’s concert at the Fonda Theatre. The two were photographed the following month again, reportedly kissing in a Los Feliz parking lot after a date night.
Entertainment
Harry Potter TV Star Slams J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views
Morning Show star Bel Powley, who is set to appear in HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter series, is speaking out in opposition of J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans beliefs.
“I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender,” Powley, 34, told The Telegraph in an interview published on Monday, August 10. “I think that the trans community deserves safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”
The actress continued, “But I love Harry Potter. I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness.”
Us has reached out to Rowling, 61, for comment.
Over the years, Rowling — the author of the best-selling Harry Potter books — has made headlines for her comments targeting the trans community, including her public support of anti-trans laws banning trans women from competing in women’s sports.
“‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” Rowling wrote via X in June 2020 while sharing an opinion article titled “Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.”
Five years later, the author praised the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling that womanhood is legally defined by biological sex.
The author has denied being transphobic, claiming her views are simply “pro-feminist” and in defense of women.
“I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it,” she wrote in a June 2020 essay. “I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, who’re standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society: young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women who’re reliant on and wish to retain their single sex spaces.”
Her essay prompted Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson — among countless others — to speak out in defense of trans people and their rights.
Powley is hopeful viewers of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series will once again be transformed into a world of awe and wonder that so many fell in love with when the books were first released in the late ‘90s — despite the author’s anti-trans views.
“I believe that energy doesn’t disappear. The world doesn’t get lighter if someone dies, does it?” she said. “The energy shifts into the trees and the grass and the sky and I find that quite comforting.”
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO Christmas 2026 and will be available to stream exclusively on HBO Max where it’s available.
Entertainment
Samara Weaving Reportedly Joins The Legend of Zelda Movie
More than 40 years after The Breakfast Club first brought five very different teenagers together for a Saturday detention, Anthony Michael Hall has revealed that director John Hughes once envisioned bringing the group back together as adults.
Hall, who played Brian Johnson, “the brain,” in the beloved 1985 film, recently recalled one of his final conversations with Hughes. During that conversation, the filmmaker reportedly discussed an idea for a sequel that would reunite Brian, Claire, Bender, Allison and Andrew years after their unforgettable day at Shermer High School.
According to Hall, Hughes imagined catching up with the characters when they were in their 30s and had entered the working world.
“He was talking about the idea of doing a sequel and having us all be in our 30s and in the workplace,” Hall recalled.
The concept would have offered a fascinating continuation of the original film. The Breakfast Club centered on five students from completely different social circles who slowly discovered that the labels placed on them did not tell the full story of who they were.
Hall starred alongside Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Emilio Estevez, portraying the brain, princess, criminal, basket case and athlete respectively.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Rather than simply repeating the detention setup, Hughes’ proposed sequel could have explored how those same characters changed as they entered adulthood. The pressures of popularity, parents and high school expectations could have been replaced by careers, relationships and the realities of adult life.
Unfortunately, the movie never materialized.
Hall said the conversation took place around 1988 and also included John Candy, another frequent Hughes collaborator. It remains unclear how far Hughes ever developed the idea or whether a completed screenplay exists.
The revelation is particularly interesting because talk of another Breakfast Club movie has surfaced several times over the years. Molly Ringwald previously suggested she had heard that Hughes had written some form of follow-up, while other reports have claimed the filmmaker considered different ways of revisiting the characters.
Hughes died in 2009 at the age of 59, leaving any potential continuation without the filmmaker who created the original.
Despite never receiving a sequel, The Breakfast Club has maintained an enormous cultural presence since its release on February 15, 1985. Made for roughly $1 million, the movie earned more than $50 million worldwide and became one of the defining coming-of-age films of the 1980s.
The Breakfast Club [universal pictures]
The five principal cast members also reunited publicly in 2025 for the movie’s 40th anniversary at C2E2 in Chicago, marking the first time Hall, Ringwald, Nelson, Sheedy and Estevez had all appeared together at the same convention.
Whether Hollywood would ever attempt a modern continuation remains unknown. There is currently no officially announced Breakfast Club sequel in development.
Still, Hall’s story offers fans a glimpse at what might have been. Instead of leaving Brian, Claire, Bender, Allison and Andrew behind in that library, Hughes apparently wondered the same thing audiences have wondered for decades:
What happened to the Breakfast Club after detention ended?
Entertainment
A Day in the Life of Content Creator Alyssa Rae
There’s a certain kind of chaos that only makes sense if you’ve lived it — kids underfoot, chickens in the yard, a four-wheeler idling in the driveway, and a phone propped up on the pergola swing recording it all before the sun’s even fully up. That’s just a normal Tuesday for Alyssa Rae – also known as The Country Hotwife – the stay-at-home mom, wife, and content creator who’s built a devoted following by doing something refreshingly simple: showing up as exactly who she is.
Part homesteader, part gun-toting outdoorswoman, part homeschool mom, and part social media entrepreneur, Alyssa has carved out a corner of the internet where hustle culture meets front-porch living — and it’s resonating.

Alyssa’s day doesn’t ease in — it launches. She’s up before the rest of the house, carving out one quiet hour to work on content, often outside on the pergola swing she and her husband built themselves, weather permitting. “It’s the only hour that’s really mine,” she says of the ritual, before the day pivots hard into breakfast, dishes, and a gym run where she spends 90 minutes lifting weights while the kids play in daycare down the hall.
Back home, it’s lunch, meal prep, and homeschooling — a couple of focused hours before the afternoon opens up into whatever the day actually needs from her: gardening, grocery runs, tending chickens, baking bread, tackling a house project, or squeezing in content between chores. “The list goes on,” she laughs, and she’s not exaggerating. Structure gets the morning; the rest of the day belongs to the land, the animals, and whatever pops up.
A Mom Who Carries — and Can Shoot Straight

Alyssa’s outdoor résumé reads less like a hobby list and more like a homestead survival guide. Archery is a genuine passion — she’s quick to say she’s no expert, just someone who genuinely enjoys the sport, and the family has their own target practice setup right on the property.
Then there’s the range. Alyssa and her husband make regular trips to shoot, she with her 9mm Taurus, he with his revolver — just two of several firearms the family keeps and trains with. It’s a detail she doesn’t shy away from: she’s a mom who carries, plain and simple, part protector and part practitioner in a household where self-reliance isn’t a buzzword, it’s a lifestyle.
Life on the Property: Ponds, Gators, and a John Deere

The Rae property is its own ecosystem. There’s a sizable pond with a gazebo where the family fishes when the mood strikes, and it comes with its own cast of characters — including a small gator the kids named Ally, who’s visited a few times and been left alone simply because, in Alyssa’s words, “he wasn’t big enough” to bother. Less welcome are the nutria rats, an invasive nuisance the family is actively working to clear out before the rodents do real damage to the pond.
Keeping the land looking good is practically a part-time job of its own — trimming trees, mowing on the John Deere, and Alyssa’s ongoing, good-natured battle to keep her flowers alive. When storms roll through (and where they live, hurricanes hit hard), downed trees get cut up and hauled to the burn pile, especially if they’re blocking a trail. It’s unglamorous work, but it’s the kind she films anyway, because it’s real.
And when the chores are done, there’s still fun to be had — mudding on the four-wheeler, or pulling the kids around the property in a bucket tied to a rope, which Alyssa reports is exactly as fun as it sounds.
From Meat Grinders to Nail Pullers: The Homestead Skills Keep Coming

If there’s a thread running through Alyssa’s content, it’s a quiet commitment to doing things the harder, healthier, more hands-on way. She grinds her own chicken instead of buying it pre-packaged and keeps the family stocked on country eggs. One recent project — grinding meat with a cheap hand-crank grinder — turned into a viral-worthy moment of problem-solving when the process proved painfully slow, until her husband rigged up a drill attachment that got the job done in a fraction of the time. “It worked like a charm,” she says.
She’s also become the unofficial demolition specialist of the household — self-appointed “official nail puller-outer” whenever they’re repurposing old wood — and has quietly turned into a caulking pro along the way. The couple is currently mid-build on an enclosed garden for fruits and vegetables, and Alyssa periodically teaches herself a new indoor homestead skill, from rendering tallow to baking her own sandwich bread from scratch.
Even their travel leans into the theme: when work takes the family somewhere new, they make a point to get outside and explore, often hiking mountains rather than sticking to hotel pools.
Home Improvement, One Lowe’s Run at a Time

No homestead is ever really finished, and the Rae household is proof. Between renovations, the family makes frequent trips to Lowe’s — currently deep in decisions on a new toilet, flooring, and paint color for a bathroom overhaul. It’s the kind of mundane-but-relatable content that makes Alyssa’s audience feel like they’re renovating right alongside her.
Me-Time, Southern Edition

Amid the noise of kids, chores, and content deadlines, Alyssa has found her own version of self-care: an outdoor tub tucked along the trail beside the pond. It’s there, away from the house, where she goes to unwind. “It’s pretty relaxing out there when I want some me time,” she says — a small, still moment carved out of an otherwise nonstop life.
Come One, Come All

If there’s one thing that defines the Rae household, it’s that it’s never truly quiet. “Things pop up all the time and you never know what it’s going to be,” Alyssa says. Her husband might casually mention his brother is stopping by, and suddenly there’s a full cookout underway, beer flowing, or a crew cleaning and cooking whatever they just pulled from the pond. Alyssa’s role in all of it? Happily playing host — especially on poker nights in the game room, where she keeps the drinks coming and the guys fed.
It’s this blend — grit and softness, firearms and flower beds, homeschool lesson plans and hand-cranked meat grinders — that makes Alyssa Rae’s content feel less like a curated feed and more like an open door into a genuinely full life. She’s not selling a fantasy. She’s just letting people watch a country life get lived, one chaotic, chicken-raising, content-creating day at a time.
Entertainment
3 Greatest Series to Binge on Prime Video This Week (August 10-14)
A new contender has taken the number one spot in Prime Video’s TV rankings this week: Megan Park’s Sterling Point. Starring Ella Rubin, Missi Pyle, Jay Duplass, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and more, the coming-of-age drama series follows Annie Jacobson (Rubin), who finds a totally unexpected new life for herself when she inherits an island in Canada. Highly acclaimed by critics and clearly beloved by viewers, the series has been performing well ever since it premiered on the streaming service last week. But in case that’s not quite what you’re looking for right now, there’s still a lot more to explore on the platform. So, without further ado, here’s a look at three great shows that we think you should binge this week.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Prime Video.
1
‘12 Monkeys’ (2015–2018)
Loosely inspired by the 1995 film, 12 Monkeys is a sci-fi mystery drama series created by Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett. The show unfolds a complicated time-travel conspiracy, following James Cole (Aaron Stanford) and Dr. Cassandra “Cassie” Railly (Amanda Schull), two strangers who must work together to prevent the mysterious “Army of the 12 Monkeys” from destroying the world. Besides Stanford and Schull, the series also stars Kirk Acevedo, Noah Bean, Todd Stashwick, Emily Hampshire, Barbara Sukowa, and more in notable roles.
12 Monkeys isn’t an easy show to get into, even for fans of the movie, and its first season has plenty of off-putting flaws. However, it’s worth sticking with it, as the show significantly improves as it progresses, eventually evolving into a genuinely thrilling time-travel series with deeply philosophical themes. An underrated cult classic, the show ended its four-season run with high acclaim and earned several accolades during its original broadcast, including awards for its cinematography from both the American and Canadian Societies of Cinematographers.
2
‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)
Based on the manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note is a dark fantasy anime series animated by Madhouse. The story follows high school student Light Yagami, who discovers a supernatural book that kills anyone whose name is written in it and decides to use it to rid the world of evil, coming into conflict with an enigmatic detective committed to bringing him down. Directed by Tetsurō Araki, the show stars Mamoru Miyano, Kappei Yamaguchi, Nakamura Shidō II, Aya Hirano, Noriko Hidaka, and Nozomu Sasaki in key voice roles.
Easily one of the most iconic anime series of all time, Death Note is a beloved show that commands legions of fans around the world. While its final episodes are a bit of a disappointment, the majority of the show is an extremely well-written mystery thriller that’s sure to excite and engage genre fans. The series is also a great entry point for viewers who may be new to anime, with mature storytelling and compelling characters.
3
‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)
A 2000s TV landmark, Desperate Housewives is a mystery comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry. Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Eva Longoria star as four close-knit housewives living in a seemingly perfect neighborhood who navigate crimes, mysteries, and dark secrets after the suicide of their friend and neighbor (Brenda Strong). The show also stars Nicollette Sheridan, Dana Delany, and Vanessa Williams in key supporting roles.
Over the course of 180 episodes across eight seasons, Desperate Housewives became a true pop culture phenomenon of its time, building a massive international following. Earning near-universal acclaim for its narrative, dialogue, and performances, it’s a gorgeously produced show with engaging characters and storylines, not to mention some iconic characters brought to life through the stellar talents of its lead cast. The series bagged several accolades during its run, including seven Emmys, three Golden Globes, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a spiritual sequel, Wisteria Lane, is currently in development.
Entertainment
Gigi Hadid Shares Sweet Moment With Bradley Cooper’s Family
Amid talks about Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper’s relationship status, the model appears to have made a telling move, showing her close bond with members of the actor’s family.
A week ago, the Vogue cover star and the actor set tongues wagging when they were seen wearing matching rings.
While neither Hadid nor Cooper has publicly addressed the rumors, the model’s latest outing has only added to the conversation.

Over the weekend, Hadid was seen enjoying a day out in Paris with Cooper’s mother, Gloria, and his daughter, Lea, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Irina Shayk.
The trio was seen strolling along the sidewalk together, spending quality time.
For the occasion, the 31-year-old runway star kept it casual, rocking a sleeveless white shirt paired with yellow wide-leg pants. She completed her look with a tan-colored bag and flip-flops, as seen in photos obtained by the Daily Mail.
Although the TV personality and her 51-year-old boyfriend are said to be in the French capital, where he is currently filming an “Oceans Eleven” prequel, sources claimed that they got married a month earlier before coming to the country.
“There was a dinner celebration with Bradley and Gigi in New York last week, and there’s a lot of talk that it was to do with a wedding,” the informant shared. “Now they have been seen out with wedding bands on; it seems like they quietly got married. They make a lovely couple.”
How Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper Sparked Wedding Speculation

As The Blast reported, earlier this month the couple was photographed walking down the streets of Paris holding hands.
Fans quickly noticed them wearing similar golden bands on their fingers, leading to speculation about what they might symbolize.
When the duo was spotted again that day in different outfits, they were still wearing the rings. However, some fans were quick to point out that identical accessories are not proof of a secret marriage, especially since Cooper had been seen without a ring just two days earlier.
Insiders Debunked Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper’s Wedding Rumors

Despite the mounting chatter about Hadid and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor, those close to them have set the record straight about where the pair stand and their future together.
According to The Blast, an insider claimed that the couple has had the jewelry for a while and it was promise rings. They added that while the couple is serious about being together, saying “I do” is not part of their immediate plans.
“Neither of them wants to get married or have a traditional wedding, but they are very serious and committed to one another,” the source said.
A Look At Gigi Hadid And The ‘American Sniper’ Star’s Relationship

Although the wedding speculation may have been dismissed, there is no denying the strength of Hadid and Cooper’s relationship.
Their romance first made headlines in October 2023 when they were spotted leaving a dinner date together in New York City.
What initially appeared to be a casual connection quickly grew into something more, with the pair enjoying low-key dates, weekend getaways, and bonding over their shared experiences as parents.
Interestingly, their exes seemed to give their stamp of approval. Per Elle, Shayk was reportedly unbothered with Hadid dating Cooper and was even said to have originally connected them through their mutual friend groups.
Hadid’s former partner, Zayn Malik, whom she shares a daughter with, was said to be focused on moving forward and prioritizing their child.
The former One Direction member was romantically linked with Hadid in 2015 before finally calling it quits between 2018 and 2019.
Gigi Hadid’s Ex Zayn Malik Made A Shocking Confession About Their Time Together

Following Malik and Hadid’s split, the “Pillow Talk” singer has since reflected on their romance, making revelations about the bond they shared.
As The Blast reported, earlier in February, Malik confessed during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast about the feelings he had for Hadid.
“I will always love Gigi, because she’s the reason my child is on this Earth, and I have the utmost respect for her,” the singer shared. However, at the time they were dating, he did not believe he was truly in love with her.
Entertainment
Pregnant Anne Hathaway Claps Back at Fake Baby Bump Rumors
Anne Hathaway is addressing online speculation her pregnant belly is fake after the actress walked a recent red carpet in a stomach-baring crop top.
“Fake hair, real bump 😘 ✌️🦖🔥☀️🦕😅,” the pregnant actress, 43, wrote via Instagram alongside a video of herself getting ready for and attending the premiere of her new movie The End of Oak Street in California on Sunday, August 9. “Enjoy The @endofoakstreet Block Party chaos with me as my outfit literally melts in the heat!!”
Hathaway showed off her baby bump in a powder-blue high-neck crop top with a long train. She paired the elegant shirt with baggy jeans and red heels to match the top’s interior.
As photos of Hathaway’s look circulated via social media, some users claimed her belly looked like a prosthetic.
“Nothing screams real pregnancy like a bump so perfectly round and photo ready it looks straight off the Amazon ‘silicone baby bump 6 8 months’ listing. Hollywood’s props department really outdid themselves this time,” one person wrote via X.
Others jumped to Hathaway’s defense.
“Pregnancy bumps aren’t supposed to look identical, she looks amazing, so I really don’t understand why everyone is making such a big deal out of it,” another user wrote.
Hathaway announced in June that she’s expecting her third baby with husband Adam Shulman. (Hathaway and Shulman, 45, are already parents to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6.)
“x Baby I’m yours,” the Devil Wears Prada star wrote via Instagram alongside a video of herself walking into the frame and cradling her baby bump.
“We knew what we were doing, but … we were so shocked it went this way,” she said on Late Night With Seth Meyers in July, adding that she and Shulman were “calling this one our buzzer-beater,” referring to a basketball shot that succeeds right before the final buzzer.
Hathaway’s maternity style previously made headlines last month when she wore a red jumpsuit backwards. The Oscar winner reacted to the mistake via social media.
“I did?” she asked after sharing reports from multiple outlets about the wardrobe malfunction. Hathaway then shrugged and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I did,” she whispered while cringing.
Hathaway has been candid about her motherhood journey over the years. Back in 2024, she opened up about suffering a miscarriage 10 years prior.
“The first time it didn’t work out for me,” she told Vanity Fair. “So when it did go well for me, having been on the other side of it — where you have to have the grace to be happy for someone — I wanted to let my sisters know, ‘You don’t have to always be graceful. I see you and I’ve been you.’”
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