The Saturday Guardian – 15 August 2026

Summary

Christopher Berry-Dee, the UK's bestselling true crime author, faces allegations of sexual violence and abuse in a special investigation by Lucy Osborne and Sirin Kale in The Saturday Guardian (15 August 2026). Art Spiegelman on the Trump administration ("this is worse than most things I know"), a Buddhist monk's guide to happiness, and James Ford on his past and future complete a heavy issue.

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The 15 August Guardian leads with the Berry-Dee investigation — a multi-source report alleging a hidden history of abuse behind the true crime bestseller's public persona. The piece examines his family history, his publishing career and the complaints against him. Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer-winning author of Maus, gives a wide-ranging interview about the Trump administration and political art. A Buddhist monk offers a practical guide to happiness. James Ford, the producer, discusses his past and his future projects. The secret tweakers feature examines the rise of undisclosed cosmetic procedures.

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Books coverage includes fiction and nonfiction reviews, a "books of my life" feature and the climate crisis section. Style, gardens, Tim Dowling, travel (Switzerland and European escapes) and puzzles fill the back sections. An issue driven by its investigative lead.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

p.8 · True crimes? Christopher Berry-Dee investigation
Lucy Osborne and Sirin Kale investigate the bestselling true crime author. Multiple sources allege a history of sexual violence and abuse. The piece examines how his public persona as a crime writer contrasts with private behaviour.

▸ Features

p.14 · Botox? Me? The secret tweakers
Feature on people who use cosmetic procedures but keep them secret. The social pressure to appear "natural" while using treatments.

p.18 · 'A bit glam, a bit sexy': stylish people on what they wear and why
Multiple subjects describe their personal style rules and the thinking behind their wardrobe choices.

p.24 · The weekend at 100: have Saturday and Sunday changed for ever?
Reflection on how the concept of the weekend has evolved through remote work, the gig economy and changing social patterns.

p.29 · James Ford: 'I always felt invincible'
The producer discusses his career, his past and his future. Ford reflects on longevity in the music industry.

p.41 · Art Spiegelman: 'This is worse than most things I know'
The Maus creator discusses the Trump administration, political art and the role of the cartoonist in dark times.

▸ Lifestyle

p.53 · How to be happy: by a Buddhist monk
Practical advice from a monk on sustainable happiness — not aspirational but behavioural.

p.64 · Travel: Welcome to paradise — Switzerland and European escapes

▸ Regulars

p.56 · Blind date | p.57 · This is how we do it | p.58 · You be the judge
p.59 · Ask Annalisa | p.60 · Style & Body | p.62 · Gardens | p.63 · Tim Dowling

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Editor's Take

The Berry-Dee investigation is the issue's clear centre of gravity — it is properly sourced, carefully reported and names specific allegations. Art Spiegelman delivers his typically unflinching political analysis. The Buddhist monk happiness piece is genuinely useful. Weaknesses: the "secret tweakers" feature is lightweight adjacent to the cover's serious journalism. The weekend-100 piece is an interesting premise that doesn't reach a strong conclusion. But the front half — investigation, Spiegelman, monk — is stronger than most Guardian Saturdays.

Strengths
• Berry-Dee investigation is serious, sourced, public-interest journalism
• Art Spiegelman interview is as sharp as expected
• Buddhist monk happiness guide is genuinely practical

Weaknesses
• Secret tweakers feature is lightweight
• Weekend-100 piece lacks a thesis
• Heavy issue — needs a lighter touch somewhere

Verdict: Recommended — the Berry-Dee investigation is the most important piece in any Guardian Saturday this month.