The Takeaway: Horror nerds will geek out to Kill Creek's horror movie references.
Kill Creek is the debut novel by Scott Thomas, the executive producer of a Disney Channel show turned horror writer (what's not to love?). Thomas has used his talent to deliver a unique haunted house story. Many reviewers have compared it to the movie, The Conjuring. I have to agree, at least atmosphere wise. If you like creepy, you will love this book.
There is a whole lotta scary packed into these pages. Thomas takes the haunted house theme to the next level by throwing in some blood and gore. However, I found it was balanced out by mystery. Overall, Kill Creek has a well-rounded plot that should satisfy both thriller fans and horror fans alike.
The Plot
Four famous horror authors spend the night in a haunted house. What initially is supposed to be a one-night publicity stunt changes the course of these four authors' lives forever.
…And if you still refuse to believe in the power of the house on Kill Creek… well… I can only urge you to visit yourself. Once you have, once you've stepped through that doorway and walked its shadowed halls, you will believe. You will believe.
-Scott Thomas (Kill Creek)
The Drink
I finished this book right before the 4th of July, so I am pairing it with these adorable Strawberry Daiquiri Jell-O Shots. Mostly because I made them for a party, but I think they look pretty sinister when photographed with Kill Creek's fantastic cover.
I usually like to keep my drinks low sugar and free from artificial flavors and colors. However, sometimes Jell-O shots are just too much fun to resist. But let's face it… Jell-O shots can be awkward. That's why housing them in a strawberry is such a great idea. You can slurp out the alcohol goodness and chase with the strawberry, or plop the whole thing right into your mouth.
Strawberry Daiquiri Jell-O Shots
Yield: 40 servings
Prep: 20 minutes Total Time: 4 hours
What You Need:
1 box of strawberry Jell-O
1 cup water
¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
½ cup white rum
40 large strawberries
What You Do:
Combine the box of strawberry Jell-O and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
Hollow out strawberries using a paring knife and/or grapefruit spoon. Shave off a tiny piece from the bottom of each strawberry, this will allow them to stand upright (be careful not to shave too much or they will leak). Place strawberries in a glass pan.
Add lime juice and white rum to the saucepan with cooled gelatin.
Fill strawberries with spiked gelatin mixture. Refrigerate for at least four hours or, for best results, overnight.