LUCY BURDETTE: Back in August we had a post that featured our new summer releases, The Mango Murders, Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure, and All This Could Be Yours.
The Reds have three more books out this fall, and we invite you to choose one or more of them for your book group’s discussion. Here now are questions for Jenn McKinlay’s WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN, Julia Spencer-Fleming’s AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY, and Rhys Bowen’s FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE. They might also suggest a snack that might best complement the stories!
Jenn McKinlay’s Readers Discussion Questions (no spoilers version): Witches of Dubious Origin
Identity and Legacy
Zoe discovers she is descended from a powerful line of witches. How does her background and family history shape her sense of identity? In what ways does she resist and in what ways does she embrace her witch heritage?
Magical Books
The mysterious family grimoire plays a central role in the story. What does the locked book symbolize for Zoe and for the BODO (Books of Dubious Origin) team? How is knowledge (especially magical knowledge) portrayed as a form of power? What did you think of Freya? Would you want a book-cat of your own?
Fear, Vows, and Promises
Zoe made a vow (to her mother) never to use magic — how does that promise affect her decisions? Do you think her fear of magic stems more from personal loss, or from the responsibility that comes with power (or both)? How do promises like that drive the conflict?
Found Family & Community
The BODO staff become a kind of found family for Zoe. What roles do Jasper, Olive, Miles, and Tariq play in her journey — not just in solving magical mysteries, but in her emotional growth? How does belonging to a community change her outlook?
Good vs. Evil & Moral Ambiguity
There are dark forces at work, including an antagonist who threatens Zoe. How does the novel define “evil”? Are the magical threats purely bad, or are there shades of gray? What moral challenges does Zoe face as she learns to harness her power, and how does she choose to use it?
Because our heroine Zoe survives on a diet of junk food, here is the classic recipe for Rice Krispie Treats, a bad breakfast choice for her—IYKYK.
Recipe: Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients:
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 cups mini marshmallows (or about 10 oz large marshmallows)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
(Optional) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Optional) A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare your pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper) so treats don’t stick.
Melt butter and marshmallows
In a large pot over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Mix in cereal
Remove the pot from heat. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Press into pan
Using a buttered spatula or lightly buttered hands, press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Don’t press too hard — you want them compact but still a little light so they're chewy, not rock hard.
Cool and cut
Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes (or until set). Then cut into squares.
Serve and store
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days at room temperature.
Discussion Questions for Rhys Bowen’s newest Royal Spyness mystery, From Cradle to Grave.
What do you think of Georgie’s reaction to a new nanny appearing on her doorstep?
What would your reaction have been?
Do you think she should have spoken out sooner?
How would you feel about having a nanny for your child?
Did you cheer when Georgie finally put Fig in her place?
Did you enjoy the complex puzzle of the mystery?
Were you surprised when you found the link between the victims or had you guessed something similar?
If you’ve been following the series from the beginning how do you think that Georgie has grown and matured?
Queenie…love her or hate her?
Has the writer played fair with the clues?
Discussion questions for AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY (and book club snack suggestions!)
Both Russ Van Alstyne and Clare Fergusson are wrestling with changes of their identities - from police chief to unemployed, and from a couple to a family with a child. How well do they manage these transitions? Do you think they're avoiding these changes, or tackling them head-on? Have you ever faced a major life change, and if so, how did you deal with it?
Clare impetuously (how else?) gets involved with two women on the fringes of a white militia movement. Is her desire to change their views generous, or naïve? Do you think she succeeds in any way?
Kevin Flynn has always wanted to be a police officer. After the events of the book, do you think he still belongs in law enforcement?
Hadley Knox juggles her job, her kids and helping her grandfather. She doesn't really want to care about Kevin and what nay have happened to him, but she just can't help herself. If you were sitting down to a cup of coffee with Hadley, what advice would you give her?
Nature plays a large role in the story. Can you see yourself winter hiking through the Adirondacks, or are you more likely to be at home playing Christmas music by the fireplace?
Do you see any symbolism in the natural world versus the man-made concrete environment we spend time in later in the book?
We meet two new characters who throw their hats in with our heroes. What do you imagine happening to them after the end of the story?
Snack: Clare serves shortbread cookies to Russ, Hadley and Yixin Zhao when they meet at the rectory. If you don't have parishioners dropping cookies off to you, I suggest Celia Wakefield's shortbread recipe. You can make it more seasonal by adding crushed candy cane or peppermint crunch to the dough. Serve with the strong hot cocoa the group shares while decorating the tree - and if you're not sober, like Russ and Clare, a tot of bourbon in the cocoa is very nice indeed!
Reds, have you read these books yet? What are your book groups reading--and eating?
Sadly, no book club or book group here, so I'm reading [and snacking] on my own . . . I've read [and enjoyed] all of them . . . .
ReplyDeleteHot tea with a side of cheese and crackers is my go-to solo reading snack.
DeleteOoh, that sounds perfect!
DeleteI finished Julia's book a couple of days ago and loved it! The other two are on the teetering stack.
ReplyDeleteI'm not in a book club, but I write a series about one! Except they rarely get to the book discussion - the Cozy Capers are too busy solving murders in their Cape Cod town.
I finished Jenn's book and the other two are lined up. I have quite a stack to read this month before the new year.
DeleteLOL Edith, I hope they at least pick books out to read at home:)
DeleteThey do, and I include one cozy for them to read in each book. A Key West Food Critic mystery is up next on their schedule!
Deletewhat fun! thanks for including KW Edith!
DeleteThank you, Edith! I'm delighted you enjoyed it!
DeleteI do not belong to a book club. It would be fun to discuss these books, but I have so much on my personal TBR, that I can't let anyone else assign books for me to read. Most of the books that land on all the critics' favorites lists are not books I will ever choose to read. I do share lots of books I love with friends, so there is an opportunity to chat about them but on a less formal level.
ReplyDeleteSo, if anyone wants to talk about the Reds's stories, I'm game, because I read everything they write.
we appreciate you so much Judy!
DeleteWould love to hear your comments and Judy. I would love to have discussions here.
DeleteI’m not a fan of critics’ favorites either. Reading should be fun. Book clubs, as one of my grammar teachers once said, are an excuse for colleagues to get together and gossip. However, she gave me a list of her book club picks and there were many wonderful books like the bonesetters daughter by Amy Tan and other women authors. It is very unusual for me to like books from a book club.
DeletePerhaps we need a Reds book club?
DeleteIt would be loads of fun to Zoom together to talk about the stories shortly after new Reds books come out. If we plan it ahead of time and people know there'll be spoilers, it could work.
DeleteYou are fabulous, Judy!
DeleteI agree Jenn!!
DeleteNo book club for me, either. I love reading and being part of a book but not a club. I want to read what I want to read when I want to read it. I’ve read all three of the ones above plus Jenn new Witches. Loved them all and am excited to find a fantasy that I really like. There will be a 2nd one in that series? Yes? Hope so. Maybe come out in January? Well, there’s hope it will be soon. Jenn, was that one more difficult to write than the other series you write>. I can see weeks of research going into it. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteOpps, that was me, Paula B
DeletePaula, I'll let Jenn answer your questions, but I know another is coming!
DeleteOh, thank you, Paula. It was more difficult - I had to access an entire different part of my brain! There will be a second WITCHES OF QUESTIONABLE INTENT coming next October - sorry for the wait, I literally turned it in on Monday. LOL.
DeleteI'm not in a book club. I tried but my reading acumen was different from others, most times I was the only one to have finished the book by the next meeting.
ReplyDeletewow Dru, I can see how that wouldn't have worked for you!
DeleteMy book club read DEAD IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA by Venita Blackburn as our local book in November, complete with holiday potluck. In January, it will be YEAR OF WONDERS by Geraldine Brooks.
ReplyDeleteAnd I read and enjoyed WODO.
Oh, thank you, Lisa! I appreciate you!!!
DeleteIt seems as though I should love being in a book club. But I struggle to even read my library books in time to return them because I am often reading 3-4 different books at once. It sounds like a fun idea to sit in a room with other book lovers but I haven’t ever taken the plunge to actually join one. It does seem like a bit of pressure to read on a timeline. Plus, I read for pleasure and don’t want to have to think about “reporting back” on my reading…
ReplyDeleteI tried a book club but they wanted to read non-fiction. Couldn't get there.
DeleteNo book club. I was in one for over 20 years and although it is still going on, I realized I never liked or even finished most of the books chosen. It was nice to socialize with friends and we had about 12-13 people each month.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we just need social clubs with snacks.
DeleteReading for me is a very personal thing, I’m not a member of a book club and I don’t think there is one around. Anyway, I read both in French and in English and my friends only read in French.
ReplyDeleteMany books are translated but very few from this group.
People around me know my passion of books as I share my enthusiasm occasionally. At least two librarians share my love for the kind of books that I borrow from the library.
The three Reds books are on my Kindle. I only had the time to read From Cradle to Grave that I loved.
My activities will be on pause during the Holidays season. I’ll be able to tackle Julia’s book, I can’t wait. And I’m curious about Jenn’s book as it is not a genre I would usually read.
Sorry, it’s me, I forgot to put my name on. I’m happy to be able to put it as I’ve been so long not being able to. I just have to remind myself to do it.
DeleteThank you, merci, Danielle
DeleteMerci bien et Joyeux Noel, Danielle!
DeleteI hope to be the gateway drug to cozy fantasy - lol.
DeleteI just had someone new to our community asking me for book club information last night. Knowing that I am an avid reader, she was surprised to find that I don’t go to book club. I do know that one exists and was able to direct her to someone else who has attended for the details. I was in a book club for many years and gradually realized I didn’t really enjoy it all that much. I am quite happy to talk about books with my friends and make reading suggestions. The silent book club format intrigues me. I want to read these 3 books by The Reds, but haven’t gotten to them as yet.
ReplyDeleteI devoured Julia's book (loved it!), then passed it on to my twin, who also loved it. Our book group reads women authors and tries to read cross culturally, mostly novels, but with a few memoirs thrown in. In December, we usually read a YA or children's book. I am really looking forward to our discussion on Sunday, because the book is fabulous. It is called The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, written by Selma Lagerlof in 1909 in Sweden. Lagerlof was hired to write something to help children learn geography. This classic tells of a naughty boy who gets turned into an elf and then flies on the back of a tame goose who joins a flock of wild geese. They fly over Sweden and have many adventures along the way, incorporating Swedish folk tales. Nils learns to help others instead of being cruel. Lagerlof's nature writing is exquisite. I enjoyed it way more than I expected.
ReplyDeleteI used to have this book before the purge, but don’t think I ever read it. Marked it in Libby to check out on this rec.
DeleteThat sounds fascinating! I’ll look
Deletefor that at the library.
DebRo
Thank you, Gillian, I'm glad you liked it! I love the idea of themed book clubs, and the special seasonal switch to a YA novel is lovely. I can think of several children's novels perfect for the holiday season.
DeleteHow interesting that most of the comments, so far are about NOT belonging to a book club! I'm also one of that group. While the idea seems good, the reality is I don't want to have to read a book with a deadline, most of the books chosen are not what I would read and I find reading a personal experience that I want to hold close to my heart and mind.
ReplyDeleteLoved Jenn's "Witches Of Dubious Origin" and I'm rereading Julia's "Hid From Our Eyes" before I read the newest one. Can't wait.
Anon, I'm also a series re-reader!
DeleteThank you, Anon! You've made my day!
DeleteNo book club for me. I was part of one for a few years, but new members joined who dominated the discussion with irrelevant personal details and the moderator didn't moderate so I decided this was a waste of my time. Instead, I've learned what the various librarians at my library enjoy reading and have found more good discussion and new books that way. I've read and truly enjoyed Jenn's Witches and can't wait for the next one. I think she's found her perfect genre that lets her be mysterious, creative and romantic all in one place. Rhys and Julia's books are on my hold list at the library so I'm waiting my turn for them. -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria!
DeleteThank you, Victoria! You're a peach to be so kind!
DeleteI haven't read any of the three books as yet, though they are on my own personal list. None of the books qualify for the Mystery Book Club at my local library yet. They have to be out six months before any library in the system can use them for a book club title. Plus there has to be enough copies in the system obviously, which raises a whole other issue when that comes up.
ReplyDeleteWe have our monthly meeting of the Mystery Book Club on Tuesday December 18th where we will be talking about the Donna Andrews book 'The Twelve Jays of Christmas'. We always read a holiday themed mystery in December. And when I saw my name in the title, I threw it on the suggestion list as a joke. The members of the group turned it around on me and picked that one to read.
As for what we're eating, since it is December we're having a holiday party during the meeting and there will be lots of goodies on offer I'm told. One of the regular members took charge of putting it together and everyone signed up to bring something. I'm bringing the soda offerings.
Soda is a solid choice, Jay!
DeleteI absolutely love this idea, Roberta! Book club questions are great. And the answers are superb! Really thought-provoking, and add to the enjoyment of these wonderful books.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, nope, no book club. I was in a nice one, but then they decided they didn’t like the book I chose when it was my turn, in fact they hated it, and I decided maybe it wasn’t the place for me.
(If you want to know, it was THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY by Edith Wharton, and that is a spectacular book. )
I knew of Edith Wharton though I’m not familiar with this title. I’ll look for it at my library.
DeleteDid this book club prefer popular fiction like Stephen king or books by male authors?
DeleteJust got a free copy of the Edith Wharton book from Apple Books
DeleteAll good questions! No, they liked more women’s literary fiction, which you would think this would fit right into. Anon let me know what you think! Hooray!
DeleteGreat book discussion questions!
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading a book from Reese’s book club. Though I do have mixed feelings about the book, I noticed a character is an anagram of Princess Catherine and The Duchess Meghan. There are allusions to Shakespeare as in a horse named lady Macbeth. The story, in some ways, parallels with the real life version of tabloid gossip. I wrote a different ending since there are too many loose ends in the story. I wonder if there are plans for a sequel?
You wrote a different ending? Fascinating. Do you do that to other books?
DeleteRhys, I tweaked the ending a bit because I really wanted the villain to get his comeuppance! This rarely happens. I’ve done that to less than 5 other books in 40 years. I can understand why the author wrote the ending though I really wanted the villain to never get what he wanted. If it was a fairytale he would be vanquished!
DeleteI haven’t been in a book club since college, and that was over 50 years ago. I found it to be intimidating.
ReplyDeleteI used to read three or four books a week, but during the pandemic, I lost my ability to concentrate. I’m slowly reading more and more, but I’m not back to three or four per week. I started listening to audible books earlier this year and I find that it’s a nice thing to do when I’m crocheting.
DebRo
That sounds perfect for this sort of weather !
DeleteI'm lucky to live between two different library systems, so I go to a book club in each. I joined because I read mostly mysteries and a little fantasy ( finished Witches last night - awesome) and wanted to read some books I wouldn't normally read. Sometimes times it's a 'careful what you wish for' situation, but overall it's been good. This month is Grapes of Wrath in one and The Silent Patient in the other (which is a mystery, I might have missed it otherwise). Last month it was 4,000 Weeks which I didn't like (rehashed ideas presented as new for longer rhan necessary) and The Measure. Loved The Measure and I would have missed it without book club. And it was excellent for starting discussions. I think it's the people participating that really make or break a book club.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment that is relevant to the very valid reasons for joining a book club, books you might miss and intelligent discussion!
DeleteOf course it all depends on the group of people that are actively part of the book club.
I'm still struggling with my reading, and, unfortunately, I'm not alone. I have read so many accounts of people who are grieving and were voracious readers unable to return to their passion. I do feel I'm slowly getting better, but with concentrating on the recovery of my new knee and the trial of my son's murderer coming up in January, I'm afraid it will be after that before I can try to regain my normal reading and, hopefully, my blog some. So, I have not read these three books that I keep on my bed in my "absolutely will read" stack. Nothing makes it on my bed that I don't plan on reading, come hell or high water.
ReplyDeleteNow, back to the questions for the books. I think the three of you came up with some great ones. I had to laugh at your question, Rhys, about Queenie, "Love her or hate her?". I don't think I'm alone in rather disliking her at first, but now I do indeed love her. I can only hope that Queenie and the Nanny "duke it out." And, I can't wait to read about Georgie putting Fig in her place. Jenn, your questions about Zoe's promise to her mother never to practice magic brought up an interesting question about life. Are there times when it's necessary or acceptable to break a promise to someone that you genuinely intended to keep? Have any of us had to do that? And, Debs, when you mentioned Kevin Flynn, I just about jumped off my ice machine (for knee). Your readers, including me, have really become invested in his fate, and I was quite excited to see him mentioned. And, of course, I am thinking hard on what Russ will take up as a career and how the baby is affecting his and Clare's life together.
Oh, and no book club for me. I do think I'd like one, but I'm afraid I'd be champing at the bit to be a control freak in it about books to read. Maybe not, but at present I don't have time or intent to read any books I don't pick out myself.
Thank you, Kathy! I do try to give my characters conflict even though I struggle as I don't like torturing them. LOL.
DeleteLoved the questions and have read all three books! Julia, can you give us a phonetic pronunciation of Xixin's name? Love the two new characters, by the way!!
ReplyDeleteNo book club for me, although my daughter belongs to one and really enjoys it (as much for meeting up at different local restaurants every month as for the books.) However, our new local bookstore is reading Niall William's Time of the Child for their book club this month and Kayti and I are both going to read it.
Debs, to the best of my knowledge, it starts with a "ssh" sound rounded out with a soft c or z, so SShzee sshzin. I'm happy to be corrected by anyone who knows!
DeleteThanks for asking Deborah and to Julia for answering. Now, just to remember to note this inside the book. Elisabeth
DeleteThanks, Julia! That's how I was pronouncing it. Has anyone listened to the audio version of the book? Just curious as to how the narrator said it.
DeleteMy friend keeps recommending Time of the Child to me, but I have been hesitant because I don’t know that we are on the same book “wavelength” as we used to be. Please let me know your thoughts, Debs, once you read it.
ReplyDeleteI was in a book club with people from work for 3-4 years and it sort of fizzled out. Not sure why, but it was fun at first. It became one of those where more people didn’t finish the book than did so there wasn’t much discussion. My sister keeps encouraging me to join one through my local library branch. I think, though, I’m with the majority above who want to read what we want, when we want without being accountable to someone else.
I have the Reds’ books on my TBR, but did read Julia’s book over Thanksgiving weekend and loved it!! — Pat S
Thank you, Pat! So glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteI asked this a couple weeks ago but no answer. I’m not on social media (I survive nicely) so if there was a post by someone I didn’t get it. My question is where is Grace? I always enjoyed comments.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know the entire answer to your question, but in her last post she said she was going off all social media.
DeleteThanks for answering that question, Anon. I know several people who do an annual social media cleanse (or news embargo, or internet fast) and i wonder if that's what she had in mind.
DeleteThe couple of times I tried a book club, I had flashbacks to elementary school reading groups — ugh. I cannot remember a time when I did not read, nor do I remember learning to read. Those reading groups seemed painfully slow, and took away all the joy of reading. Interesting to see your questions, Jenn, Rhys, and Julia (especially the one about Hadley and Kevin). Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteI find the questions hard to write because I don't want to give spoilers. It's a juggling act.
DeleteI know! Maybe it's easier with women's fiction or literary fiction, but I find it so difficult without giving spoilers.
DeleteI was in two book clubs years ago, each quite different. One was a morning group that met over coffee, and divided our 2-hour meetings into half social, half book-related discussion. We chose the books for each year each June, trying to read from a different genre each month. That one was fun, but not as satisfying in terms of the book discussion, although I did enjoy some of the books I didn’t expect to. And some were awful.
ReplyDeleteThe other group had only one rule - no one could just say they didn’t like a book without saying why. That let to some really great discussions, and interestingly that group grew much closer over the years.
That’s behind me now. I think you all are my book club, as I see what you are reading and writing. I’m at present very much enjoying At Midnight Comes the Cry. Thank you all for enriching my reading life.
Sorry to chime in so late. Was out with a friend and Christmas shopping most of the day.
ReplyDeleteOur book club's best meeting of the year is this week, our annual Christmas party/fancy potluck/book club/pirate book exchange that we share with our spouses and SOs. Looking forward to it! Chris and Dawn host every year, and Chris makes either his famous poached salmon or the roast turkey he is promising this year. (The second best meeting, by the way, is at the home of a member with a beautiful garden, in the summer.)
However, I am almost the only member who truly enjoys mysteries, alas. They all choose books I would otherwise never read, like our current choice, Martyr by Kaveh Akbar. It's supposed to have funny parts, but I'm more than an hour into an 11-hour audiobook and have yet to crack a smile. Stay tuned.
More to the point, I only get to choose a book about every 15-16 months. We have about a dozen reading members, and we meet according to the length of the book, combined with members' schedules, so not every month. Sometimes it's 7-8 weeks since the last get together, which we all recognize as unorthodox for most book clubs. The upshot is it means waiting a much longer time for our turns to choose.
Late to the game--big night out!! Ha but dinner with our son. I love both my book clubs. One is the Zoomers that emerged during covid. We used to be Streetwalkers (don't ask) and then everyone went dormant and then during that period a number of people relocated. So we reemerged and are still vibrant as boomers--five or six of us in person--the rest via zoom. My other book club is at the library and called Murder by the Book. I love it because I am a murder mystery person. It has been growing and we are now up to 25. Not sure how our amazing librarian is going to continue to handle us if we grow larger, but she does. We have great discussions and it is the highlight of my month. Best thing, I get to recommend my selections at the end of each six months and YES, I keep sending your books their way!!!
ReplyDelete