RED Friday: Descent Into Science Fiction Horror

October means one thing for RED (Read, Eat, Drink): we turn the lights down, pour something dark and mysterious, and lose ourselves in books that make you check the shadows twice. This week’s blog is for anyone who loves a story that’s as tense as it is strange, and just a little bit claustrophobic.

READ: The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

If you’ve never felt afraid of caves, The Luminous Dead might change that. Caitlin Starling’s debut is a slow-burn nightmare, set deep underground on a hostile planet. The story follows Gyre, a caver desperate for money, who signs up for a solo expedition with only a mysterious handler named Em as her lifeline. What starts as a job quickly turns into a psychological battle: against the dark, against isolation, and (maybe) against something else lurking in the tunnels.

It’s a book that’s less about monsters and more about the terror of being completely alone, with no way out. The tension ratchets up with every chapter, and Starling’s descriptions of the cave—wet, tight, and endlessly winding—make you feel like the walls are closing in. If you want to get lost in a story and maybe sweat a little, this is your pick. Check out more about The Luminous Dead here.

Favorite Quote: "They both had two options: fester and die, or take what they were given and grow." 

EAT: Dirt Cups (Layers of Earth, But Sweeter)

Why not eat your fear? This week’s snack is a play on the layers of earth Gyre burrows through: classic dirt cups. Chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and gummy worms—simple, nostalgic, and perfect for anyone who likes a little playfulness with their existential dread. The best part? They’re almost impossible to mess up, even if you’re reading with one hand. Grab the recipe here.

DRINK: The Expedition

Nothing pairs better with chocolate than coffee. Enter The Expedition, a cocktail from Smugglers Cove that mixes coffee liqueur, rum, and a little citrus. It’s rich, a little smoky, and the caffeine kick might help if you’re planning to finish the book in one late-night sitting (or if you just need something to steady your nerves). Find the recipe here.

Local Lore: The Lost River Cave, Bowling Green, KY

Since we’re talking caves, let’s shout out a weird, wonderful piece of local history. Bowling Green’s Lost River Cave isn’t just an underground marvel—it was once a speakeasy during Prohibition. Imagine: jazz echoing off stone, people sipping bootleg gin in the cool dark, hidden from the world above. It’s proof that caves aren’t just for horror stories; sometimes, they’re for secret parties. Next time you’re in Kentucky, check out this local gem.

Book Club Topic Ideas

• The psychology of isolation: What happens to the mind when you’re truly alone?

• The cave as a metaphor: Why do caves make such great horror settings?

• Trust in extreme situations: Gyre and Em’s relationship is complicated—what would you do in her place?

• Science fiction vs. supernatural horror: Do you need a monster, or is the environment scary enough?

• Real-world cave stories: Share your weirdest underground adventure (or your worst fear).

Happy Reading, Eating and Drinking!