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Food Spotlight: The Last Word Cocktail
The perfect food pairing for this novel is The Last Word Cocktail. This drink is a Prohibition-era gin classic—and the perfect drink to pair with Taylor Adams’s The Last Word. Not only does it share the same name, but its sharp, herbal flavor fits the novel’s dark and twisty cat-and-mouse vibe. The mix of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice creates a bold, slightly mysterious drink that lingers—much like the suspense in the story. Sip it slowly while you read, and let the tart, layered flavors keep you just as on edge as Emma in her fight for survival.
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
The Last Word by Taylor Adams is a tense, twisty thriller about Emma, a young woman living in isolation who leaves a one-star review on a horror novel. The author—or someone claiming to be—begins taunting her online, and soon the threats spill into real life. As Emma’s paranoia grows, she must figure out what’s real, what’s imagined, and whether she can survive the deadly game she’s been pulled into.
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Food Featured In The Book
Swedish Fish is mentioned in the novel as one of the creepy stalker’s favorite treats, adding a chilling detail to his character.
Character Cravings
Emma Carpenter is a mysterious woman house-sitting alone in a beach house along the Washington coast, surrounded by crashing waves and an uneasy sense of isolation. A perfect food for her would be takeout pizza—easy, familiar, and comforting in a place that feels anything but safe. It’s the kind of meal you eat straight from the box while watching the fog roll in, requiring no effort or attention, just quiet sustenance. Pizza reflects Emma’s need for something normal and grounding as she navigates her solitude and the secrets closing in around her.
Book Club Bite
Taffy would make a fun and playful snack for a book club discussion. Its sweet, chewy texture is perfect for munching while delving into the suspense of the thriller, offering a simple treat that keeps everyone engaged and satisfied as the story unfolds.
“Deek recommended the single worst e-book she’s ever read: Murder Mountain by H. G. Kane.” -Taylor Adams