What makes your summer sing Tracey Strange?

Good book: Anything by James Lee Burke or Australian author Chris Hammer.

Good programme: The Tunnel (TVNZ) with Stephen Dillane and Cleménce Poésy was adapted from the Danish-Swedish crime series The Bridge. At times, it’s almost unbearably bleak – definitely noirish – but the characters are likeable and complex, and the acting is impressive. Also loved Lessons in Chemistry (Apple+). Brie Lawson in the lead is great.

Good board game: Scrabble. It reminds me of my grandmother.

Good swimming spot: Amour Bay, west Auckland, is lovely, relatively unknown and close to home. But I’m ever cautious about swimming – it has been the object of public health warnings before – so I’d always check. Other than that, French Bay in Titirangi.

Good feed: Pasta & Cuore in Mt Eden: candles on the table; fairy lights in the courtyard. Delicious handmade pasta and fantastic service.