Laddies of the lake … the Walker children afloat in Swallows And Amazons. Photograph: StudioCanal FilmsLaddies of the lake … the Walker children afloat in Swallows And Amazons. Photograph: StudioCanal FilmsFirst look reviewSwallows and AmazonsReviewChildren messing about in boats is not enough for this adaptation, which injects an adult espionage twist more Famous Five than Arthur Ransome Arthur Ransome’s wholesome prewar classic of children’s literature is all about fresh-faced girls and boys sailing dinghies around the Lake District with no health-and-safety nonsense about flotation jackets.

Lee’s new mockingbird eventually came to seem instead like an albatross. Illustration: Guardian DesignNearly 20 years after To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee was living out of the public eye, drinking and suffering from writer’s block. Then she came across the sensational case of a murderous preacher ... by Casey CepNobody dies at a funeral. The dead arrive that way, and the living are supposed to leave that way. But the Rev Willie Maxwell walked into a funeral that he never left.

Greg Abbott This article is more than 6 months oldAuthor of spoof story shared by Greg Abbott calls him one of ‘dumbest people in the country’This article is more than 6 months oldTexas governor shared fake article by Christopher Blair about Garth Brooks being booed by ‘patriots’ in made-up city The author of a satirical website said the Texas governor, Greg Abbott, is among the “dumbest people in the country” after Abbott shared a fake article about his own state.

Raspberries baked in muscat sabayon. Photograph: Pia RiverolaView image in fullscreenRaspberries baked in muscat sabayon. Photograph: Pia RiverolaThe ObserverBakingChocolate hazelnut cake, vegan chocolate chip cookies, treacle tart with whipped cream – recipes from the Violet Cakes founder’s new book, Love is a Pink Cake When I’m thinking up recipes, I’m trying to satisfy a craving,” says Claire Ptak, founder of Violet Cakes in east London. Her command of flavours and textures and the outright beauty of her creations has made her one of London’s best-loved bakers, sought after by Hackney residents and royalty alike.

Death Cab For Cutie This article is more than 14 years oldDeath Cab for Cutie declare war on Auto-Tune abuseThis article is more than 14 years oldThe American indie-rockers are proving their credentials by fighting the 'authentic' fight against T-Pain, Kanye, and a thousand digitally altered voicesWhen Death Cab for Cutie hit the red carpet at this weekend's Grammy awards, they were flying the flag for a new and controversial cause.