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Once Upon a RiverDiane Setterfield

Historical fiction

Once Upon a River

by Diane Setterfield

On a winter solstice night, a badly injured stranger carries the apparently drowned body of a little girl into an ancient inn beside the Thames. Hours later, the child revives but does not speak, leaving several families to claim that she belongs to them. Storytellers, photographers, farmers, servants, and investigators follow competing currents of evidence as the river carries older losses into the present. Atmospheric and generous, this novel suits readers who enjoy folklore, Victorian communities, missing children, and mysteries where scientific inquiry and the possibility of wonder flow side by side.

Paired for this story

Bookshop Cocoa + Cucumber Mint Gin Cup

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy3 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Child kidnapping and child endangerment; death and grief, including presumed child death; domestic abuse and coercive control; murder/violence; drowning and river peril; alcohol use.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Bookshop Cocoa

Velvety chocolate suits a quiet, reflective reading mood.

How to mix it

  1. Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
  2. Garnish: As listed.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Cucumber Mint Gin Cup

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Cucumber and mint give this gin cup a fresh, garden-side sparkle.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Gently muddle cucumber and mint with lemon juice. Add gin and ice, shake briefly, strain over fresh ice, and top with soda water.
  2. Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.

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