A BOOK BY crime writer Paul Williams about convicted murderer Graham Dwyer is banned from the library in the prison where he is held.

The book, Almost a Perfect Murder: The Killing of Elaine O’Hara, was released after a guilty verdict was delivered back in March.

After the book’s release retailer Eason was criticised for its placement alongside E.L. James’ book Grey.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Liveline programme earlier today, Alison Lyons – a senior librarian in Dublin prisons – said that not stocking the book was a matter of “taste”.

“Paul Williams is a very popular author in prisons, it has to be said; unsurprisingly. But we would have a policy of not including a book whose subject is in a particular institution,” she said.

So we wouldn’t have that book on the shelf in that institution.

When quizzed by host Joe Duffy why this was, Lyons said: ”Just because it could leave to bullying and I suppose if there are details about somebody’s family or private life included in a book it is kind of in bad taste maybe.”

She did say the book was available in other Dublin prisons.

The book had been included as a contender for Liveline’s book of the year,  which was eventually awarded to Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan.

Read: When missing turns to murder: The precise, difficult work of the garda sub-aqua unit

Also: Eason stores told to separate ‘Grey’ and Graham Dwyer books after backlash

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More