Pairing 3 Summer Thrillers with some tasty Summer Chillers.
Disclosure: I received this collection of 3 Thriller themed summer reads from Penguin Random House Canada free of charge. I was under no obligation, but chose to post and share with my readers. All opinions are my own.
Time to Chillax ...
It's Summer, which means it's time to kick back and enjoy the thrill of the chill. Books, refreshing treats, and drinks are always part of that. So when Penguin Random House Canada surprised me with a Summer Thriller Trio, I immediately thought of afternoons on the deck with a good book paired with a refreshing beverage (because we all know it's important to stay hydrated). Below you'll find my Thriller and Chiller pairing suggestions. Wishing you a summer filled with Eat, Read, Love.
SPOILER ALERT: I've attempted to give a short synopsis of the story-line without including information that would spoil the reader experience. Having said that, you continue to read at your own risk.
The Child by Fiona Barton
The Child, told from the perspective of 4 women, begins with the discovery of a child's remains during a house demolition. Reporter Kate Waters, left with more questions than answers, begins the process of collecting information to help piece together how the bones got there, and the identity of the child. Her investigation leads to information that links the bones to a decades old crime, and the realization that bones are not the only thing that will be unearthed before this story is over.
Paired with a refreshing Grim and Tonic with a twist of lime.
Okay it's just a Gin & Tonic, but it's the perfect choice on a hot sunny day. (Tip: Add pieces of lime and, or lemon to tonic water to make "fancy" ice-cubes that won't dilute your drink when they melt.) Directions: Fill a tall, narrow (highball) glass to the top with ice. (Yes it tastes better in a tall, narrow glass because it allows for the correct gin-tonic ratio). To the glass add 3 oz. of Gin, 4 oz. of Tonic Water, a twist of lime, and garnish with a wedge of lime.
Gone With a Trace by Mary Torjussen
Gone Without a Trace, is a complicated and twisting suspense that is told from Hannah's point of view, about the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend, Matt. After four years together, she comes home one ordinary day to find all traces of Matt and their life together are gone, literally without a trace. It's not just Matt that has disappeared, but all traces of their life together have disappeared; emails, texts, pictures, social media accounts ... all gone. In order to make some sense of this, Hannah becomes obsessed with finding answers to what happened Matt, and why he vanished without a word.
Paired with a Cryptic Ice Coffee.
This non-alcoholic option hits the spot on a hot day. (Tip: use leftover coffee to make coffee ice-cubes that won't dilute your drink when they melt.) Directions: Brew a pot of your favourite full-bodied coffee and let cool. Mix coffee with milk or cream and sweetener of your choice to taste. Pour mixture into a glass filled to the top with ice, add a straw and enjoy.
So Much Love by Rebecca Rosenblum
So Much Love is the story of Catherine's abduction from a small town. The story is told from multiple points of view, including Catherine's, helping the reader to link seemingly random information, places and people. What becomes clear is the ripple effect, and impact the abduction has on both those close to Catherine, and casual acquaintances, struggling to process feelings of loss, pain, anger and fear. The depictions of everyday Canadian life by way of references to Tim Hortons, Shopper's Drug Mart and Swiss Chalet which are normally quaint, are also what makes them scary. The thought that, in a small Canadian town amidst the Tim Hortons, Swiss Chalet and Shopper's Drug Marts, this could actually happen is terrifying. In order minimize spoilers I will leave it at that.
Paired with a Spin-Chiller Wine-Chiller.
White Sangria: (Tip: add fresh mint or pieces of citrus fruit to water to make "fancy" ice-cubes for your Spin-Chiller Wine-Chiller) Directions: In a large jug or decanter, add 1 bottle of white wine (white grape juice for non-alcoholic option), 1 lime and 1 lemon (sliced or wedged), 10 - 12 mint leaves, 2-3 tbsp simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water & sugar), and ice. Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy. For a sparkling wine chiller add 2 cups gingerale, or make using a sparkling wine or Prosecco.
Food for thought and reading ... might I suggest a Who-Donut Ice-cream Sandwich.
Don't be shy. Share. What's on your summer reading list?
Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Summer Thrillers and Summer Chillers. Cheers and here's to summer reading.
On my summer reading list is:
ReplyDeleteWhat My Body Remembers
Into The Darkest Corner
Sickened
Being Mortal