Vic’s Picks

1.

THE MURDER CLUB

The Murder Club is the second in the Miller Hatcher series by local crime writer Nikki Crutchley. The first, Nothing Bad Happens Here, was a finalist in the Ngaio Marsh Award for best first novel in 2018.

‘Not all evil, on the surface, is ugly and menacing. It doesn’t always lurk in city centres after dark. It mows your lawns, frequents your local pub, takes its kids to school and contributes to communities.’

When the first letter arrives saying that ‘tonight it begins’, journalist Miller Hatcher ignores it. But then the body of a murdered woman is discovered, strangled, a scarf around her neck.

Cassie Hughes has always vowed to find the man who murdered her mother. Cassie knows he’s out there and wants him to pay, and Miller agrees to bring the cold case back into the public’s eye.

Logan Dodds has been obsessed with true crime ever since his sister was murdered thirty years ago. He has turned his obsession into a career and has created the True Crime Enthusiasts Club and his newest venture, True Crime Tours.

The lives of Miller, Cassie and Logan – all affected differently by murder – become entwined as The Scarf Killer, desperate for infamy, and Miller’s attention, makes his mark on the small town of Lentford.

Available from www.nikkicrutchley.com, as an ebook on Amazon, or order from your local bookshop.

5.

PHORIC NATURAL ENERGY DRINKS

Phoric was started by two university students, determined to create a clean, greattasting energy drink without the artificial ingredients and refined sugars. It’s also a refreshing alternative to a cup of coffee. Five cents from every bottle sold goes to Supporting Families NZ, a charity doing life-changing work in the mental health space here in Aotearoa. Phoric is made in Tauranga, using the incredible guayusa leaf as an organic source of energy.

Available in three flavours, Original (Apple Lemon), Ginger Turmeric, and Elderflower Lime. www.phoric.co.nz 2. FERMENTFEST Back for its fourth year, Fermentfest celebrates all things fermented. What started as a celebration of Waikato cheesemakers and brewers now has chocolate, sourdough, kimchi, yoghurt makers and more all fizzing as they converge on Sky City Hamilton for the one-day festival.

Saturday 26 September. Free Entry For more details www.waikatofoodinc.com/fermentfest

3.

A NIGHT WITH PETA MATHIAS

La Cave & Waikato Food Inc present a wonderful evening of food, fashion and fun with Peta Mathias. Tickets are $115 which includes a glass of bubbles and buffet dinner and are sure to sell out.

Thursday 15 October

For more details go to facebook. com/WaikatoFoodies

4.

GET IN EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

Looking for the beautiful cut of meat for this year’s Christmas lunch? Look no further than Expleo in Te Awamutu who pride themselves on providing an old-fashioned butcher experience. Grass fed, free range, organic, spray free NZ meat is their specialty, meaning you will get a great product and service.

And if you are after something special for Christmas, fresh free range turkey, Expleo made ham, whole eye or scotch fillet or a lovely leg of lamb, I suggest you call in and order it early!

Expleo, 51 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu www.expleo.co.nz