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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Of true crime and bestsellers
Not every book needs to change your life. Some (at least the good ones) can simply hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. These are the books that remind you why stories matter, or the ones that pull you out of a reading slump. This column is about the thrillers that don't cheat, the romances that actually charm, whodunits that surprise, and more. Great Big Beautiful Life | Emily Henry (Penguin India; ₹899) The bestselling romance author and TikTok sensation (who's not on TikTok) has produced five hit novels, all of which have been optioned for the screen. Her latest is about two writers, Alice and Hayden, vying for the book coup of the century — by telling the story of an elusive socialite called Margaret Ives. This slow-burn romance brings to mind early Marian Keyes and Jojo Moyes, and like them, Henry explores big themes and ideas woven around love. And to write the character of Ives, Henry drew from several sources, including the real-life socialite Rebekah Harkness, who inspired Taylor Swift's 2020 song 'The Last Great American Dynasty'. The Artful Murders | Feisal Alkazi (Speaking Tiger; ₹499) A missing M.F. Husain is already a compelling plot. Add a few murders, and you're hooked. This is a dramatic book, and its amateur sleuth — 'housewife-turned-Sherlock Holmes' Ragini Malhotra — is suitably dramatic too. Theatrical energy runs through the thriller, and Alkazi, who wrote it during the pandemic lockdown, draws on his stage background with good effect. The plot echoes yesteryear mysteries — Murder, She Wrote, Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin... Expect dry humour, intrigue, and plenty of red herrings but mind you, this is no psychological thriller. Nevertheless, the cosy mystery will keep you engaged. Atmosphere | Taylor Jenkins Reid (Hutchinson Heinemann; ₹899) This might be Reid's most ambitious book yet: a sweeping story set amid NASA's shuttle programme in the 1980s. We meet astronomer Joan Goodwin, selected to train a new batch of astronauts, and with her, we embark on a heartwarming and eventually heartbreaking journey. Reid excels at building flawed, layered characters and finding emotional truth in extraordinary moments. We might soon see this sweeping, cinematic canvas on screen — Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the filmmakers behind Captain Marvel, are adapting Atmosphere for theatrical release. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil | V.E. Schwab (Tor Books; ₹999) For long-time fans of Schwab, here's a fun detail: her new book is set in the same universe — which Schwab calls 'the garden' — as her last book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Calling it a vampire novel feels limiting, although we've seen how the genre can get a new lease of life in the hands of a skiller writer — think Sinners, or Interview with the Vampire and its latest, beautiful, rage-filled adaptation. A sapphic, immersive story about three women told through the lashes of time, this is a story about more than just blood. When the Wolf Comes Home | Nat Cassidy (Titan Books; ₹1,351) This is how horror transforms when it breaks free of ghosts and jump scares. And Cassidy has long been a master of the form. With Mary and Nestlings, he gave us genre-defining stories. But When the Wolf Comes Home may be his best yet, with Cassidy's attempts at creating a literary universe, not unlike the author he feels a deep kinship with — Stephen King. In the novel, a boy, running from monsters both real and imagined, is rescued by Jess, an out-of-work actor barely holding herself together. Every scene tightens the noose, and what's more, the novel has a landing that truly sticks. The writer is an independent journalist, editor, and literary curator.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taylor Swift breaks real estate record with $12.3M sale as she and Travis Kelce build luxury empire
Taylor Swift's former Hyannis Port mansion has been sold for $12.3 million (Getty Images) Taylor Swift is once again rewriting records—but this time, it's not on the music charts. The pop megastar has just sold her former Hyannis Port mansion for a staggering $12.3 million, making it one of the most high-profile residential sales in Cape Cod history. But in true Swiftian fashion, it's not just about the price tag—it's about the legacy, the love story, and the unmatched star power that she, and now Travis Kelce, continue to bring to pop culture and beyond. A Kennedy romance, panoramic views, and a mansion that made headlines again Purchased in 2012 during Taylor Swift's highly-publicized fling with Conor Kennedy—grandson of Robert F. Kennedy—the seaside estate has long been a symbol of her whirlwind summer romance and Americana aesthetic. At the time, she bought the home for $4.8 million, but sold it soon after their split for $5.675 million. The mansion underwent major renovations since then, transforming into a showpiece with 200 feet of private beach, sweeping views of Nantucket Sound, and its perch just across from the iconic Kennedy Compound. Even with its original 1928 build, the 1.11-acre estate now feels timeless—and a bit poetic. "As August slips away," the home feels like a visual extension of Swift's lyrics, blending nostalgia with modern grandeur. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Taylor Swift's growing empire is about more than music—and Travis Kelce is part of that momentum While the record-breaking real estate deal speaks volumes, it also fits seamlessly into Swift's broader empire. With over $150 million invested in real estate, according to Forbes, she's as much a business mogul as a singer. Her properties span Manhattan penthouses, a Rhode Island mansion famously referenced in The Last Great American Dynasty, and even a landmark Beverly Hills estate. But Swift's rising influence in lifestyle and luxury is now intertwined with her partner, NFL star Travis Kelce. Together, the duo has become a cultural force—merging sports stardom and pop power in a way few celebrity couples ever have. Kelce's own real estate moves in Kansas City have drawn buzz, and with the two rumored to be house-hunting in Los Angeles, the next chapter of their story could very well be written in another multimillion-dollar property. As for this Cape Cod home, it's no longer just a celebrity real estate transaction—it's a piece of history, forever stamped by Taylor Swift's personal narrative and her ever-expanding legacy. Also Read: Travis Kelce's secret wingwoman from Taylor Swift's camp helped set their love story in motion FAQS 1. How much did Taylor Swift sell her Hyannis Port mansion for? Taylor Swift sold her former Hyannis Port mansion for a staggering $12.3 million. 2. What is Travis Kelsey's net worth in 2025? Travis Kelce's net worth in 2025 is $90 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. 3. Is Travis Kelce richer than Taylor Swift? No, Taylor Swift reigns more in net worth. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Business Insider
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
See inside Eagle's Nest, the 42-acre New York Vanderbilt estate where a Gilded Age heir built his sprawling mansion
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is a must-see for any "Gilded Age" fan. The museum was once the estate of William K. Vanderbilt II, the son of William and Alva Vanderbilt. Alva is the inspiration behind Bertha Russell, who is played by Carrie Coon on the show. Can you hear "The Last Great American Dynasty" playing in the distance? There are many historical mansions on Long Island, but only one was once owned by the legendary Vanderbilt family. The 42-acre estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II, which included his summer "cottage" of Eagle's Nest, is now a museum that's open to the public. Eagle's Nest was first built in 1910 as a small cottage, but as William II spent more time there, it expanded until 1936, when a full redesign was finished; it had become a 24-room Spanish Revival mansion. William II spent time at Eagle's Nest until his death in 1944. His will stipulated that, upon the death of his wife Rosamund, the estate would be left to Suffolk County and would become a museum, which it did after her death in 1947. The Vanderbilts are one of the best-known (and richest) families in American history — so much so that Bertha Russell, the main character on HBO's " The Gilded Age," is based on Alva Vanderbilt, William II's mother. In fact, a major plot line in season three is based on William II's sister, Consuelo Vanderbilt, marrying the Duke of Marlborough in 1895. So, as a new fan of " The Gilded Age," I knew I had to check out Eagle's Nest — even if Larry Russell isn't really based on William II, I still needed to see the real mansion that his character might live in. The museum is open every day except Monday and Thursday, and tours of the mansion are offered on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets for the museum range from $8 to $14, depending on age, while a guided tour of the mansion is an additional $8. Here's what it was like to set foot in the home of a Vanderbilt. On the North Shore of Long Island, about 40 miles outside New York City, lies the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop. There's also the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, which holds multiple shows daily. The biggest attraction, though, is Eagle's Nest, the 24-room mansion of William K. Vanderbilt II, the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds. At the entrance stood a pair of stone eagles, which were taken from Grand Central Terminal. Cornelius Vanderbilt himself commissioned the train station. One of the first things I did was head toward the Rose Garden; sadly, most of the roses had already bloomed. But the landscaping was still immaculate. Even if the roses were already gone, the views of the Long Island Sound were worth it. Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest. Eagle's Nest was originally built in 1910 as a small cottage. It expanded over the next three decades to become this Spanish Revival-style mansion. The courtyard was set up for Shakespeare readings, which happen throughout the summer. One side of the mansion is a natural history museum. The other side is preserved to be just as the Vanderbilts left it in the early 1900s. This was unlike any other historical mansion I've seen on Long Island, which are usually modeled on medieval castles or Tudor mansions. These cobblestones were taken from the streets of Greenwich Village in Manhattan before the streets were paved over. Upon entering the home, the first thing you see is the staircase. It was imported from a Belgian castle. There are portraits of William II's family in the entryway. This is his father, William Kissam Vanderbilt. He ran an arena you may have heard of: Madison Square Garden. Pictured top right is William II's mother, Alva Vanderbilt. She inspired Carrie Coon's character, Bertha Russell, on "The Gilded Age." The first room I saw was the dining room. The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar. In the corner is a beautifully crafted fireplace. The floor tiles were imported from Portugal. Next to the formal dining room is the butler's kitchen. At the height of William II's entertaining, 36 servants worked at Eagle's Nest. With a view as great as Eagle's Nest's, of course there's a screened-in veranda. Off the veranda is the Portuguese sitting room, named for the ornate fireplace imported from Portugal. It was constructed in 1494. Here's one of the guest rooms open for display. Each guest room had its own closet and bathroom. Then, it was time to go upstairs and view the rest of the mansion. One upstairs sitting room was almost entirely covered in dark wood. It also housed a giant organ. A portrait of William II's sister Consuelo can be seen in this room, in the bottom left. She coined the term "heir and a spare," which she used to refer to her sons with her first husband. She was married to Charles Spencer-Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. If their marriage didn't produce children, his title would've gone to his first cousin, Winston Churchill. Here's one of the guest bathrooms at Eagle's Nest. Note the marbled walls and tub. This was William II's bedroom. The room is bright, with beautiful views of the water — he probably had a great view of his 264-foot yacht, the Alva. In addition to loving the sea, William II was an avid race-car driver, naturalist, and golfer. His bed, seen here, was a to-scale replica of the bed of Napoleon Bonaparte. These buttons, right by his bed, were connected to the servant's staircase. He could summon his butler, and lock or unlock the servants' stairwell. In his bathroom, nods to his love of the water included a large ship on the floor. He also had a shower, which was somewhat unusual for the time. To get to his wife's quarters, I had to pass through the breakfast room. Like the rest of the home, it had a lovely view of the water. William II had two wives — this is how the bedroom looked when it was occupied by his second wife, Rosamond Lancaster Warburton. This is her changing room and bathroom. Rosamund's tub is made of rose marble — a nod from William II to his nickname for his wife. As I left the living quarters, I reached one of the entrances to the museum. This room is dedicated to William II's son, William K. Vanderbilt III. Inside were specimens collected by William II's son on a 1931 trip to Africa. The scenes reminded me of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, which made sense — the same designer and taxidermist, William Belanske, did both. This is a portrait of William III during a safari in 1931. He died two years later in a car crash at 26. While it was time to exit this wing, there was still the rest of the museum to see. The other half of the mansion is filled with specimens the elder William collected on his trips around the world. There's also a miniature replica of his yacht, Alva. During World War II, he donated it to the US Navy, and it was renamed the USS Plymouth. It was sunk by U-boats in 1943. There are multiple rooms that are filled with sea creatures. William II himself discovered multiple species during his travels. Down a final set of stairs was a basement filled with more relics from William II's life. There were also two of his cars parked and awaiting a driver (and probably a tune-up). As I exited the home and crossed the courtyard, I was surprised to learn that there was even more to see. I followed a sign for even more "habitats." I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't a giant whale shark hanging from the ceiling. Another room was dedicated to large predators. It had a taxidermied lion and a tiger, but my favorite was the polar bear. The exit brought me to the back of the house. I decided to go back to the central courtyard to see if I had missed anything. And I had! There was a small doorway that led to Eagle's Nest's backyard. The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level. First, I walked to the right. There was a large reflecting pool. Then I walked to the left and came across another fountain and some well-manicured hedges. But the main attraction was, once again, the view. The lawn was open, so I decided to trek down and see what structure at the bottom was. To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool. They'd even left the ladder in. There were also changing rooms. With that, I had seen almost everything the Vanderbilt Museum had to offer, with the exception of a few hiking trails. I left the museum with a greater understanding of the Vanderbilts — and ready to keep watching "The Gilded Age."
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rhode Island targets Taylor Swift with new tax bill — days after human remains found near her mansion where she hopes to raise family with Travis Kelce
Rhode Island 'Taylor Swift Tax' (Getty Images) Just as Taylor Swift was preparing to turn her $17 million Watch Hill mansion into a dream family home with Travis Kelce , Rhode Island lawmakers are considering introducing a new tax bill that could cost the global superstar a hefty annual sum. The proposal, unofficially dubbed the 'Taylor Swift Tax,' comes amid swirling headlines — including the grim discovery of human remains near her seaside property. ' Taylor Swift tax ' gains traction in Rhode Island: Here's what it means for high-end homeowners On May 14, 2024, remains were found along the shoreline in Watch Hill, not far from Swift's sprawling estate known as 'Holiday House.' On June 13, South Kingstown Police confirmed the remains were identified as 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. While unrelated to Swift directly, the unsettling event cast a somber mood over a location the singer has often called her 'sanctuary.' Adding to the tension, a new bill introduced in Rhode Island's budget aims to impose a 'non-owner-occupied property tax' on luxury homes valued above $1 million that sit empty for more than half the year. Despite not being named directly, Swift has become the poster face of the bill, thanks to her high-profile presence in the state. The proposed law would charge homeowners $2.50 for every $500 of assessed value beyond the first million dollars, potentially costing Swift an additional $136,000 annually. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Swift's Rhode Island mansion — the most expensive private residence in the state — was purchased in 2013 for $17.75 million. The colonial-style estate has become legendary for its star-studded Independence Day parties and was immortalized in her hit track 'The Last Great American Dynasty.' Today, the property is undergoing a $1.7 million renovation that includes a new bedroom suite, updated kitchen, and added guest space — all part of her plans to build a future with Kelce. Spanning over five acres with a 700-foot stretch of private beach, a pool house, and grand patios, the estate remains one of Swift's favorite escapes. She was last seen there in August 2024, unwinding with Kelce and friends after wrapping up the European leg of her Eras Tour. Yet, the so-called Taylor Swift Tax has sparked controversy. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors has voiced strong opposition, arguing the measure could hurt an already strained housing market. Critics worry that, while aimed at the wealthiest homeowners, the bill could ripple through the broader real estate ecosystem, making it harder for everyday buyers and sellers. If the legislation is signed by Governor Dan McKee, even the Ocean State's biggest pop star might face a financial 'cruel summer' — just not the one she wrote about. Also Read: Is Travis Kelce ready for Hollywood? Veteran actor Christopher McDonald thinks so after Chiefs star's 'Happy Gilmore 2' cameo Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Shake it off? Not anymore — Rhode Island floats Taylor Swift Tax on fancy homes sitting pretty and empty
Rhode Island wants to add a new tax to super expensive homes that are often empty and people are calling it the 'Taylor Swift tax' because the pop star owns one of those big vacation houses in the state. This new tax would mostly affect rich people with second homes worth over $1 million. Rhode Island shared its new state budget plans this week. One of the budget ideas is being called the 'Taylor Swift tax' by people online and in the news. According to NBC 10 News, this tax would apply to second or vacation homes valued at over $1 million. Tax is only for homes that stay empty It would only apply if the home is empty for more than half the year. If approved, owners would pay an extra $2.50 for every $500 of the home's value above $1 million. For example, if a vacation home costs $2.5 million and it sits empty, the owner could owe an extra $7,500 a year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 10 Most Beautiful Women In The World OMGIFacts Undo Taylor Swift's Watch Hill home in Rhode Island is valued at $17.75 million, so if the rule takes effect, she could end up paying about $136,000 more in taxes each year. Swift bought the house in 2013 and it has 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and is three floors tall, as per the report by NBC 10 News. The mansion is famous, Swift even had celebrity Fourth of July parties there, and it inspired her song 'The Last Great American Dynasty' from her Folklore album. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors is not happy with the proposal. Live Events Realtors say the plan is bad for buyers The group's president, Chris Whitten, said this plan could make the housing market worse and more expensive. He said, 'Please, don't take from our housing market at the moment to balance the budget for other items, it's going to be detrimental.' Another budget proposal would raise the seller's closing fee, called the conveyance tax, according to NBC 10 News. This fee would increase from $2.30 to $3.75 per $500 of the sale price, a 63% rise. For instance, on an average Rhode Island home priced around $492,939, the fee would jump from about $2,200 to $3,700. Both taxes are meant to help the state make more money, but some people think it will hurt regular home buyers and sellers, not just the rich, as per reports. FAQs Q1. What is the Taylor Swift tax in Rhode Island? It's a proposed tax on second homes worth over $1 million that stay empty for more than half the year. Q2. Why is it called the Taylor Swift tax? Because Taylor Swift owns a $17.75 million vacation home in Rhode Island that could be affected by this tax.
