Episode 72, William Hjortsberg's Falling Angel

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The Mikes dig deep for a discussion of a book that both really like. The problem: how do you discuss a book without griping about it? We try and mostly fail.

It's Cocktail Time!

Black Mass

1 shot rum

1 shot Kahlua

1 shot coconut milk

combine with ice in any way you choose and enjoy with a garnish of pineapple and cherry.

Closing music: "Voodoo Voodoo" by LaVern Baker

Episode 71 Off Season by Jack Ketchum

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The Mikes ponder all the ways "To Serve Man" in Jack Ketchum's classic cookbook / horror novel OFF SEASON. Whether broasted or fricasseed even Julie Child would be schooled by this gruesome, bloody, dark, disturbing romp into unexpurgated ritualistic cannibalism. Yum.


COCKTAIL TIME

Two Fingers


In a tall glass of ice pour:
Two fingers of anejo tequila
Three fingers of tomato juice
Two fingers of Rauchbier (a German smoked beer)

Add some smokey hot sauce and a lime. Stir.  If you have a nice smoked pig's knuckle, garnish freely.

Music: Shake Your Tail Feather

Episode 70: Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls

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Lacking the courage to read and discuss Helter Skelter, the Mikes instead read a book about the horror of grief, especially the horror of grieving for persons not yet dead.

It's Cocktail Time!

Tree Sap


In a shaker combine

• 1 shot maple syrup
• 2 shots blended scotch
• 1 shot dry vermouth

Shake with ice and pour into a rocks glass. Stir with a maple twig.

Closing music: "Dark Was the Night" by Ry Cooder

Episode 69, Colson Whitehead's Zone One

Click to Listen.

The Mikes are as split down the middle like the remnants of a rotting zombie, which you can read all about in Colson Whitehead's  Zone One.  Do the literati have any business invading the sacred territory of the current zombie meme or is it best to be cordoned off and left for those hard-boiled horror writers who know how it is done?

It IS Cocktail Time!

Manhattan Is Burning.

2 shots rye whiskey

1/2 shot red vermouth 

Pour in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled glass.  

Top with Angostura bitters.

Flame an orange by warming over a flame and pinching so the oils catch fire and fall

on to the drink—or not; it takes a little practice.

End Music:  I Love New York by Madge.