Book Club Snack and Wine Pairings by Genre

Nothing fancy. Just a small nod to the book that gets the conversation started before anyone opens it.

Mystery & thriller

A cheese board with one "suspicious" cheese nobody can identify. Pour a dry red such as Chianti, or offer black coffee for the late-night crowd.

Strawberries, dark chocolate and something pink and sparkling. Non-drinkers get a hibiscus spritzer with lime.

A tavern spread: crusty bread, honey, roasted nuts and a hard cheese. Cider or mead if you can find it, spiced apple juice if not.

Cook something from the book's time and place, even something simple: shortbread for Scotland, madeleines for France. Tea service never hurts.

Olives, good bread and a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Keep it quiet and grown-up, like the book.

Blood-orange anything, black licorice and a deep red. Turn the lights down.

Whatever the author would eat. If the book is set somewhere specific, order from a restaurant from that region.

Always have a good non-alcoholic option, and drink responsibly.