Murder Mystery May at RED: Dive Into The Hitman’s Apprentice with a Side of Chocolate Pretzel Cigars and Right Hand, Left Hand Cocktails

At RED, we believe book club should be about more than just the book. Sure, we love a juicy plot twist as much as anyone, but it’s the rituals—the snacks, the sips, the laughter, and the late-night debates—that turn a simple gathering into an event you’ll remember. This May, we’re leaning into the shadows, the secrets, and the suspense with Murder Mystery May.

This week on our agenda: a dark, gritty mystery that doesn’t flinch. We’re talking about The Hitman’s Apprentice by Ira Allen Ross Johnson—a book that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.

Buy on Amazon | Check it out on Goodreads

READ: The Hitman’s Apprentice

There’s something irresistible about a story set on the edge. In The Hitman’s Apprentice, you’re dropped straight into the world of contract killers—a place where loyalty is dangerous and trust is a liability. As the layers of deception peel away, you’re left wondering who’s really pulling the strings, and how far you’d go if it were you in the crosshairs. This isn’t your grandma’s cozy mystery; it’s dark, smart, and just a little bit twisted.

Eat: Chocolate Pretzel Cigars

No murder mystery is complete without a little noir flair. Swap out the real smokes for something sweet: Chocolate Pretzel Cigars. They’re salty, chocolatey, and just the right amount of playful. Plus, they look sharp on a tray—perfect for snapping a book club group pic before you dig in.

Drink: Right Hand & Left Hand Cocktails

Plot twists pair best with a strong drink in hand. This week, we’re shaking up both the Right Hand and Left Hand cocktails. Both are riffs on the classic Negroni—one with rum and chocolate bitters, the other with bourbon and mole bitters. They’re bold, a little unexpected, and guaranteed to get the conversation flowing. (Bonus points for anyone who catches the symbolism.)

Book Club Topic Ideas

Ready to stir up some debate? Here are a few topics to get your crew talking:

• Who was the real puppet-master in The Hitman’s Apprentice? Did anyone see the twist coming?

• How does the apprentice’s journey compare to other “reluctant killer” stories you’ve read?

• What makes a character morally ambiguous, and did you find yourself rooting for anyone you didn’t expect?

• If you were in the apprentice’s shoes, what would you have done differently?

• Let’s talk about the setting—did the gritty atmosphere add to the tension, or did you crave a little more light?

• And just for fun: Who at book club would make the best (or worst) hitman, and why?

  
  

So pour yourself a drink, grab a chocolate pretzel cigar, and settle in for a night that’s equal parts suspense and snacking.

Happy Reading, Eating and Drinking!