Welcome to the World of Frozen Lives
Looking for your next book club read? How about a chilling mystery that will spark lively debates, test your theories, and keep your group talking long after the last page?
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush’s latest novel, Frozen Lives, offers more than just a thrilling whodunit, it’s a story that will have your book club peeling back layers of suspense, dissecting character motives, and grappling with moral dilemmas. It’s the kind of book where every detail matters, every clue could be a red herring, and every character has something to hide.
But the experience doesn’t stop when you reach the final page. To help your book club dive even deeper into the icy twists and forensic intrigue of Frozen Lives, Jennifer has created a FREE Book Club Guide, your key to unlocking the heart of the story. Inside, you’ll find:
- Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions designed to inspire spirited debates and character deep dives.
- Behind-the-Scenes Insights into Jennifer’s inspiration and the real-life forensic science woven through the plot.
- Fun, Themed Activities to make your book club night unforgettable, from icy cocktails to casting your dream adaptation of Frozen Lives.
Whether your club is meeting in person or online, this guide will transform your discussion into an event, one filled with discovery, surprises, and chills (both literal and figurative).
So, grab your copy, gather your friends, and get ready for a book club experience you won’t forget. The mystery is calling… are you ready to solve it together?
Why Choose Frozen Lives for Your Book Club?
A Mystery You Can Solve Together:
Frozen Lives is more than just a page-turner, it’s an invitation to play detective. Gather your book club and sift through the clues together. Who seems guilty? Who’s hiding something? And who saw the twist coming before the reveal? Debate motives, dissect red herrings, and see who in your group can crack the case before the final chapter. You might be surprised whose theories turn out to be right, or hilariously wrong!
Real-Life Forensic Fascination:
Jennifer’s background as a coroner’s daughter infuses the novel with real-world forensic science, adding layers of authenticity that true crime and mystery lovers will adore. From autopsy details to investigative techniques, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the morgue or the evidence room, without the smell, of course. It’s the perfect chance for your club to discuss how science, justice, and morality collide in solving a crime.
Complex Characters & Twisting Themes:
The best book club reads aren’t just about the plot, they’re about the people. Frozen Lives offers plenty to unpack: flawed heroes, suspects with secrets, and choices that blur the line between right and wrong. Discuss who earned your sympathy, who made you furious, and whose actions you could, or couldn’t, forgive. How far would you go for justice or revenge? And what does the novel say about trust, loss, and the cost of keeping secrets?
With Frozen Lives, your book club will have everything: mystery, science, heart, and plenty to argue about.
To make your book club experience unforgettable, Jennifer has crafted a FREE Book Club Guide, your all-in-one companion for a thrilling and immersive discussion. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, this guide will transform your book club night into a can’t-miss event. Here’s what’s inside:
Discussion Questions to Spark Conversation:
Go beyond “Did you like it?” with deep, thought-provoking questions designed to inspire lively debates. Explore the novel’s moral dilemmas, character choices, and plot twists. From first impressions to final shocks, these questions will ensure your group never runs out of things to discuss.
Author Insights & Behind-the-Scenes Details:
Ever wondered what inspired the icy backdrop or how Jennifer crafted the forensics with such authenticity? In this section, Jennifer pulls back the curtain to share her creative process, her experiences as a coroner’s daughter, and how real-life science shaped the story’s most chilling moments.
Themed Activities for a Memorable Night:
Make your book club meeting more than a discussion, make it an event. The guide includes fun activities like:
- Icy Cocktails & Frozen Treats: Recipes for drinks and desserts inspired by the novel’s frosty atmosphere.
- Character Debates: Would you forgive that betrayal? Who had the strongest motive?
- Whodunit Challenge: See who can solve the mystery before the big reveal!
Fun Extras & Interactive Games:
Bring the story to life with bonus activities your club will love:
- Cast the Movie: Who would play the characters if Frozen Lives hit the big screen?
- Create a Playlist: Build a soundtrack inspired by the novel’s mood, setting, and characters.
- Would You Survive the Cold?: A playful “survival” quiz based on choices from the book.
With this guide, your book club won’t just read Frozen Lives, they’ll experience it.
Sneak Peek: A Few Discussion Questions to Spark Conversation:
- How do the frozen elements of the setting reflect the characters’ emotional states?
- Which character’s choices surprised you the most, and why?
- How did Jennifer’s use of real forensic details change your reading experience?
Add a Frosty Flair to Your Gathering: Themed Snacks & Drinks
Turn your Frozen Lives book club meeting into an immersive experience with themed refreshments and music that echo the novel’s icy intrigue. From cool cocktails to frosty desserts, these suggestions will help you create a gathering as memorable as the mystery you’re discussing.
Icy Cocktails & Mocktails: Cheers to a chilling read with frosty drinks that set the mood!
Frozen Martini: A classic shaken (not stirred) cocktail with a frosty twist. Garnish with a twist of lemon or a frozen berry.
Blue Curaçao Mocktail: A bright blue, non-alcoholic option as cold and mysterious as the novel’s setting. Mix blue curaçao syrup, lemonade, and a splash of soda over crushed ice.
Snowy White Russian: Creamy, cold, and coffee-flavored, perfect for sipping as you debate whodunit.
Glacier Shots: Small, layered drinks with blue curaçao and coconut cream for a frozen effect.
Chilly Treats: Sweet bites inspired by the icy backdrop of Frozen Lives
Frozen Cheesecake Bites: Creamy, bite-sized desserts straight from the freezer, easy to share and perfect for nibbling between discussions.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Let guests build their own frosty masterpieces with toppings like crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream.
Snowball Cookies: Buttery, powdered-sugar-covered cookies that melt in your mouth, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
Arctic Charcuterie Board: Add a savory twist with smoked salmon, cold cuts, and chilled shrimp cocktail, because every icy mystery needs a cold bite.
Atmospheric Playlist: Moody, Wintry Tunes to Echo the Novel’s Themes:
Set the tone with a playlist of songs that evoke the chill, tension, and emotion of Frozen Lives. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
🎶 “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish (Eerie and suspenseful, perfect for murder mystery vibes)
🎶 “Frozen” – Madonna (Because, of course!)
🎶 “Take Me to Church” – Hozier (Dark, haunting, and perfect for slow-burn discussions)
🎶 “Sweater Weather” – The Neighbourhood (Chilly but comforting, just like your book club!)
🎶 “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron (For those deep character-driven discussions)
Pro Tip:
Add a frozen flair to your table setting with faux snow, silver platters, and blue-and-white candles to create a cool, wintry atmosphere.
Place character name cards or “suspect profiles” around the table to spark conversation.
With these frosty touches, your Frozen Lives book club gathering will be as unforgettable as the book itself.
A Note from Jennifer to Book Clubs:
“I wrote Frozen Lives to chill your spine and warm your heart. As the daughter of a medical examiner, I’ve seen firsthand how the smallest clue can crack the biggest case. My hope is that your book club finds as much joy unraveling this mystery as I did writing it. And if you can guess the twist before the reveal, well, you have my forensic respect!” – Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Dear Book Clubs,
There’s something magical about gathering with friends, over wine, coffee, or maybe a frosty cocktail, to share your thoughts, theories, and favorite twists from a book. That’s why I created Frozen Lives: not just to entertain, but to ignite conversation, spark debate, and keep you guessing until the final page.
This story was born from my lifelong fascination with crime, justice, and forensics, fascination rooted in my childhood spent around autopsy tables and case files. Growing up, I learned that death investigations aren’t just science; they’re stories. Every piece of evidence is a character. Every clue is a plot twist. And every crime scene holds secrets waiting to be told.
As you and your book club dive into the icy depths of Frozen Lives, I hope you:
Challenge each other’s theories, because half the fun is playing detective.
Debate the characters’ choices, who’s right, who’s wrong, and who’s hiding the most.
Step into my forensic world, where the smallest detail can change everything.
But most of all, I hope you have fun. If you guess the ending early, I applaud you. (And if you don’t, even better, I live for that moment when a twist knocks you off your chair!)
So, enjoy every clue, every red herring, and every gasp-worthy reveal. I’ll be there with you in spirit, cheering you on as you solve the case. And if your club cracks the mystery before the final chapter, congratulations, sleuths. You have earned my highest forensic respect.
Happy reading, happy guessing, and happy sleuthing!
– Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Download the Guide & Share Your Thoughts
Ready to dive into the icy intrigue of Frozen Lives with your book club? Grab the FREE Book Club Guide and start planning your discussion today! It’s packed with everything you need to create a memorable and meaningful book club experience, from deep-dive questions to fun activities that bring the story to life. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, this guide will turn your gathering into a night to remember.
Share Your Experience, Jennifer Wants to Hear from You!
Once your book club has cracked the case, debated the twists, and chosen your dream cast for the movie, don’t stop there, share your experience! Jennifer loves hearing from readers and book clubs. Post your thoughts, photos, and favorite theories on social media and let Jennifer know:
- Did anyone guess the twist before the reveal?
- Who was your favorite character, and who did you love to hate?
- How did your group answer the moral dilemmas in the discussion guide?
Be sure to tag Jennifer so she can join the conversation and cheer you on!
Tag her on social media: @JenniferDornbush
Bonus: Your Book Club Could Be Featured!
Jennifer regularly features book clubs on her website and social channels. Share your experience and you might see your club’s name in lights! Snap a photo of your group (bonus points for themed snacks or costumes!) and tell Jennifer what you loved most about Frozen Lives.
So, download the guide, gather your group, and get ready to experience Frozen Lives like never before. And when the discussion wraps, keep the conversation going, because every story gets better when it’s shared.
