Lit and Libations

Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Kate, who relocates to a quiet English village to uncover why her ex-partner, Max, left her for another woman, Vee. As Kate forms a friendship with Vee and her young daughter, the story takes dark, suspenseful twists, with hidden agendas and secrets bubbling to the surface. Set against an eerie backdrop of ancient ghosts and long-forgotten tragedy, this book will keep you hooked until the last page.

To complement this thrilling read, Julio’s at Bannisters Port Stephens has paired it with a Smoky Mezcal Margarita. Just like the story’s deep layers of tension and mystery, the mezcal adds a rich, smoky depth to the cocktail. The bold, slightly haunting flavor mirrors the intensity of Kate’s obsession and the dark forces lurking in the plot.

In Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to keep his life simple and drama-free. But when runaway bride Naomi crashes into town to rescue her estranged twin sister, things take a chaotic turn. After Naomi’s sister disappears with her car and cash, leaving behind an 11-year-old niece Naomi didn’t even know existed, she’s left stranded in the rough town of Knockemout, Virginia. Knox, who usually avoids complications—especially ones involving high-maintenance women—reluctantly steps in to help Naomi get back on her feet. But as real danger creeps into Naomi’s life, Knox might just find himself more entangled than he ever intended.

To pair with this fast-paced and heartwarming story, we’ve chosen the Whiskey Sour. Much like Knox’s tough exterior, the whiskey brings boldness and depth, while the sour and sweet notes reflect the unexpected softness that lies beneath his gruff personality. The balance of flavors mirrors the blend of tension, humor, and romance in the book. It’s the perfect drink to sip while you follow Knox and Naomi’s journey in this witty, feel-good read!

In Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel, four women find themselves at a crossroads in life. Joan, a grandmother, checks into the grand Duchess Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula to rediscover who she is after years of living for others. Frances, an almost-octogenarian, is trying to avoid the loneliness of aging by escaping to the warmth of the hotel’s familiar luxury. Meanwhile, her daughter Alison is juggling chaos at home, desperate to finally earn her mother’s approval. And Kirrily, a hotel maid, is struggling under the weight of responsibility, bills, and family. Through unexpected friendships and shared moments of creativity, these women find inspiration and courage to chase their dreams and live life on their own terms.

We’ve paired this uplifting story with a French 75, a cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and refreshing—just like the Duchess Hotel and the journey these women embark on. The sparkling champagne in the drink represents the renewed spark and sense of possibility each woman finds, while the gin adds a subtle strength, reflecting the courage they discover in themselves and each other. It’s a perfect match for a story about rediscovery, friendship, and living life with renewed purpose.

In Taste, award-winning actor and food enthusiast Stanley Tucci invites readers into his world, sharing an intimate memoir that beautifully intertwines food and life. Growing up in an Italian American family in Westchester, NY, Tucci’s evenings revolved around the dinner table, where meals were not just about food but about connection and love. This memoir reflects on his journey—from preparing iconic dishes for films like Big Night and Julie & Julia to creating memorable meals with his wife for their family. With a blend of heartfelt anecdotes, humor, and nostalgia, Taste celebrates the joys and challenges of cooking, reminding us of the powerful role food plays in our lives.

To complement this delightful culinary journey, we’ve paired the book with a classic Vodka Martini. This sophisticated cocktail mirrors Tucci’s elegant storytelling and refined palate, making it the perfect accompaniment to his culinary tales. The crispness of the vodka embodies the sharp wit and charm that Tucci is known for, while the martini’s timeless appeal reflects the enduring love for food that runs throughout the memoir. Sip on a Vodka Martini as you dive into Taste, and savor both the flavors of the drink and the rich experiences of Tucci’s life in the kitchen.

In Caeldonian Road, from Andew O’Hagan the author of Mayflies, we follow the tumultuous journey of Campbell Flynn, an art historian and celebrity intellectual grappling with the realities of middle age. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London in May 2021, Campbell thrives on admiration and the allure of the finer things in life. However, his flippant attitude towards others will prove to be a significant misstep, especially when he becomes entangled with his captivating and provocative student, Milo Manghasa. As the year unfolds, a tangled web of secrets, crimes, and scandals emerges, threatening to expose the true nature of Campbell’s privilege. With the public eye fixed on him, Campbell’s fall from grace becomes an explosive spectacle that challenges everything he thought he knew.

To complement this gripping narrative, we’ve paired it with a classic Negroni. This cocktail, known for its bold and complex flavors, mirrors the intricate layers of Campbell’s life and the tumultuous events that unravel throughout the story. The blend of gin, Campari, and vermouth captures the essence of both indulgence and consequence, perfectly reflecting Campbell’s journey as he navigates the allure of admiration and the pitfalls of privilege. Sip on a Negroni as you delve into Caledonian Road, and savor the rich complexity of both the drink and the tale!

In The Chilling, Australian author Riley James invites readers into an isolated research station in Antarctica, where a brewing storm creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Seeking to escape the fallout of her broken marriage, scientist Kit Bitterfeld accepts a winter research position at Macpherson Station. Her journey takes a dark turn when she and her fellow researchers respond to a distress call from a nearby ship, only to find it ablaze and its crew mysteriously missing. The sole survivor, geophysicist Nick Coltheart, cannot recall his identity or the events that transpired.

As Kit settles into life at Macpherson, unsettling behavior among her colleagues raises alarms, leading her to suspect that Nick is hiding crucial information. With the relentless winter darkness closing in, Kit must unravel the truth before they become completely isolated. The tension mounts as she grapples with the possibility that the true danger may lie not in the harsh elements outside, but among those she thought she could trust.

To accompany this chilling thriller, we’ve paired it with a refreshing Moscow Mule. The crisp combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime mirrors the stark, icy landscape of Antarctica and the sharp twists in the narrative. Just as the Moscow Mule offers a bright and invigorating experience, The Chilling serves up a compelling blend of suspense and mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy a Moscow Mule as you immerse yourself in this gripping tale, and let its vibrant flavors enhance the tension of the story!