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Dark Reading MatterJasper Fforde

Fantasy mystery

Dark Reading Matter

by Jasper Fforde

Book 8 of the Thursday Next series

Years after her last recorded adventure, Thursday plans a holiday with Landen but is diverted to a decaying Shakespeare theme park in Wantage. The park's mysterious Gateway may open onto the underworld, and Thursday knows uncomfortably well that she is entering the final volume of her own series. Old allies, literary logic, and questions about who controls an ending converge around one last investigation. Warmly metafictional and knowingly conclusive, this finale suits longtime readers who enjoy theatrical ruins, afterlife portals, returning characters, and heroines determined to negotiate with the story that expects to finish them.

Paired for this story

Mint Lemonade + Manhattan

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Crime, danger, violence, and death

Alcohol-Free Pour

Mint Lemonade

A bright, refreshing sip suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Manhattan

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters make a Manhattan for an evening with a little intrigue.

What you'll need

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • Ice

How to mix it

  1. Stir with ice until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe.
  2. Garnish: Cocktail cherry or orange twist.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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