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The Haunted Man and the Ghost's BargainCharles Dickens

Classic Christmas fiction

The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

by Charles Dickens

Book 5 of the Christmas Books series

Chemistry professor Redlaw is consumed by memories of betrayal and loss when a phantom double offers to erase every sorrow he has endured. The bargain also gives Redlaw the power to spread the same forgetfulness to others, but freedom from pain leaves them selfish, harsh, and cut off from gratitude. Only the loving presence of Milly Swidger can resist the contagion and show that remembered suffering can deepen mercy rather than merely wound. Dark and philosophical, this final Dickens Christmas book suits readers who enjoy ghostly bargains, moral experiments, wintry academic settings, and stories arguing that joy and compassion lose their meaning when grief is removed from memory.

Paired for this story

Smoked Orange Tea + Rhenian Honey Ale

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy3 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Grief, poverty, illness, and eerie supernatural scenes

Alcohol-Free Pour

Smoked Orange Tea

A shadowed citrus tea for a ghost story about bitterness and grace.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Rhenian Honey Ale

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Honey and lemon peel lend amber ale a bright, gently sweet finish.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Pour the ale into a pint glass, stir in honey syrup gently, and express the lemon peel over the top.
  2. Garnish: Lemon peel.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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