Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks
Bill Miles
Beneath the surface
New suspense novel explores the veneer of perfection
by JUDY GELMAN
Costco’s suggested Book Club read provides insight into a selected novel, as well as an appropriate recipe to accompany your own book club’s discussion.
Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s latest domestic suspense thriller, The Golden Couple, is about a therapist with unconventional methods who attempts to unlock the mystery of a “perfect” marriage.
When their editor suggested The Golden Couple as the title for their next book, the authors were taken. “With those three words as our inspiration, we began to explore the heart of our story,” Hendricks tells the Connection.
“The couple had to be seemingly flawless: Marissa and Matthew Bishop get the best tables at restaurants and never seem to argue or have mud on their designer boots,” says Pekannen.
But the thriller writers knew their characters needed to have deep, troubling secrets. “We created a central character who could uncover the truth about our perfect couple: therapist Avery Chambers, who won’t tolerate being lied to,” says Hendricks. “Avery is most successful when she helps a client understand that the most important person they’ve been lying to is themselves.”
Food plays an important role in the characters’ lives—and highlights their differences. Avery lives alone and relishes eating what—and when—she chooses, “whether it’s a veggie burger at a bar after work or carry-out Thai food,” Hendricks says.
But Marissa longs for intimate family dinners—often impossible because of her husband’s late nights at work. When Avery recommends the couple reconnect on a date night, Marissa and Matthew plan to meet at their favorite restaurant. Matthew doesn’t arrive, leaving Marissa to begin dinner by herself. “She feels self-conscious and sad, her appetite gone—in sharp contrast to how Avery feels dining alone,” says Pekannen.
Later, Marissa surprises Matthew at his office with a sweet treat to remind him of a romantic moment. “He offers her the first bite and tells her eclairs always remind him of their trip to Paris. That eclair, and the memories it sparks, helps our ‘golden couple’ reconnect,” adds Hendricks.
Cooking was also an important part of Marissa’s childhood: She helped her mother prepare lobster salad, cobblers and dips at Conner’s, the family’s gourmet-food market on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The authors suggest that book clubs enjoy this recipe for artichoke dip, the signature dish Marissa spent many afternoons preparing at her family store.
Costco Connection: The Golden Couple (Item 1708089; 1/3) will be available in most Costco warehouses.
Judy Gelman is the creator of the website Bookclubcookbook.com.
