Issue 1377

‘Now I’m busier there’s more to write about’
Punk poet John Cooper Clarke tries to explain his ever growing popularity to Steve Lee while insisting he should be the last one to know where his appeal lies.

Toppan tale
Deadlier than the male, meet the real-life female serial killer Jane Toppan, who inspired a new book by Ambrose Parry – and whose number of victims may never be known.

Games of shadows
If real journalism is publishing something others don’t want you to know Michael Gillard has it down to a tee. The investigative journalist tells Chris Moss how his stories about organised crime in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics put his life in danger.

Plus
News, arts and entertainment, columnist Roger Ratcliffe on the politics of independence, singer Gabrielle’s letter to her younger self, crossword, Sudoku and more.