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The Messy Lives of Book PeoplePhaedra Patrick

Contemporary fiction

The Messy Lives of Book People

by Phaedra Patrick

Liv Green cleans houses to support her family while privately dreaming of becoming a writer. Her favorite client is Essie Starling, a reclusive bestselling novelist whose guarded life fascinates the readers who know almost nothing about her. After Essie's sudden death, Liv receives the astonishing request that she complete the author's unfinished final book. Warm and mystery-tinged, this novel suits readers who enjoy books about writers, hidden manuscripts, complicated creative ambition, domestic workers with overlooked talents, and stories asking what an author owes her family, her audience, and the person entrusted with her ending.

Paired for this story

Orange-Vanilla Root Beer + Chapterhouse Amber Ale

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice2 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Death and bereavement; grief; family secrets; deception and identity concerns; difficult family relationships; romantic content; emotional distress.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Orange-Vanilla Root Beer

Vanilla softens the spice of root beer, while a splash of orange keeps every sip lively.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Add syrup and citrus, top with root beer or sarsaparilla, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Citrus wedge.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Chapterhouse Amber Ale

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A mellow, malty pour suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

  • 12 oz Amber ale

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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