In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Margot Douaihy’s 2023 novel Scorched Grace. Topics include lemon ribbons, New Orleans and how much we love it, how not upsetting a murder mystery is, the uniqueness of a nun (and a punk nun at that) solving mysteries, kickass feminist nuns, Sister Holiday’s views on religion, how Nina is THE WORST, the interesting partnership between Sister Holiday and Riveaux, and the tragedy of Sister Augustine. Plus, we talk about our latest independent bookstore adventures. 

This week’s drink: Sazerac via Friday Night Cocktails by A.J. Dean

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ oz absinthe, to rinse
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• 2 oz rye whiskey
• Lemon twist, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a lowball glass, add the absinthe and swirl to coat the inside of the glass. Discard the excess and set the glass aside.
2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, add the sugar, bitters, and a few drops of water and mix until well combined. Add the whiskey and stir until chilled.
3. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:

Blessed Water by Margot Douaihy

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (and really the whole Robert Langdon series)

The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West

Wine: Taste, Pair, Pour by Charlotte Kristensen (from the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT!)

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Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. 

Join us next time as we read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.