Enjoy a cozy afternoon with 'Two Can Keep a Secret' by Karen M. McManus, as you savor the rich flavors of Cinnamon Raisin Scones paired perfectly with a classic Hot Toddy whiskey cocktail. The suspenseful twists of the novel beautifully complement the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and whiskey, creating an immersive escape that feels both mysterious and inviting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add raisins: Stir in the raisins until evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Two Can Keep a Secret
Two teens discover a possible motive for murder and betrayals in a small town as they try to uncover the truth behind mysterious deaths.
The "must-read YA thriller" (Bustle) from #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying about a small town with deadly secrets. "When it comes to YA suspense, Karen M. McManus is in a league of her own…" –Entertainment Weekly Echo Ridge is small-town America. Ellery's never been there, but she's heard all about it. Her aunt went missing there at age seventeen. And only five years ago, a homecoming queen put the town on the map when she was killed. Now Ellery has to move there to live with a grandmother she barely knows. The town is picture-perfect, but it's hiding secrets. And before school even begins for Ellery, someone has declared open season on homecoming, promising to make it as dangerous as it was five years ago. Then, almost as if to prove it, another girl goes missing. Ellery knows all about secrets. Her mother has them; her grandmother does too. And the longer she's in Echo Ridge, the clearer it becomes that everyone there is hiding something. The thing is, secrets are dangerous–and most people aren't good at keeping them. Which is why in Echo Ridge, it's safest to keep your secrets to yourself. Fans of the hit thriller that started it all can watch the secrets of the Bayview Four be revealed in the One of Us is Lying TV series now streaming on NBC's Peacock!
Discussion Questions
- What are the central themes of 'Two Can Keep a Secret' and how do they relate to contemporary society?
- How do secrets drive the plot and character development in the story?
- Discuss the role of trust in the relationships between characters.
- How does the setting enhance the tension and mystery of the story?
- What role do family dynamics play in shaping the characters' actions and decisions?
- Analyze the structure of the book — how does the narrative unfold and how does it affect suspense?
- How do murder mystery elements in the book reflect typical genre conventions?
- Which character did you find most relatable or intriguing, and why?
- In what ways does the novel explore the concept of identity and self-discovery?
- What were your initial impressions of the ending, and did it meet your expectations?
Authors:
Karen M. McManus
ISBN: 9781524714727
Publisher: Ember
Published Date: 2021-03-02
ISBN: 9781524714727
Publisher: Ember
Published Date: 2021-03-02
Hot Toddy
Warm up with a classic Hot Toddy, a soothing cocktail combining strong whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices. It's the perfect drink to accompany a thrilling story on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon wheel
Instructions
- In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour in the hot water and stir well to dissolve the honey.
- Add the cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for garnish.
- Let the flavors infuse for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy while reading 'Two Can Keep a Secret'.