The series is set in Savory, Alabama (nicknamed Alligator Alley) which is a fictional town on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Author Karen McSpade includes a delicious Cajun inspired recipe. The recipe highlighted in this review is simple and ready in only 20 minutes. Perfect cooking time for this short novella.
The story of Piper Sandstone continues. It is not safe for Piper to return to Chicago, so she is using her talents as “Sharon”, a new resident of the small town of Savory. The first mystery was a missing championship poodle and before that could get solved, there is the discovery of a body. Sharon can’t resist her investigative tendencies and tries to subtly solve the mysteries.
Red Beans and R.I. P. by Karen McSpade
Ruthie’s Ragin’ Cajun Dinner
from a cozy mystery novella
Red Beans and R.I.P.
by Karen McSpade
Book Outline and Tone:
Piper was called back to Chicago, but it was not to welcome her home. Instead she was warned that the judge advised she stay in Savory until the trial starts. Piper is forced to return to Savory Alabama and continue her life, hiding. Piper, as Sharon, is on the hunt for more information about a missing AKC championship poodle named Victory Cup Valentino. As Sharon is investigating, a body is found and Sharon can’t stop her cop instincts. Now she is trying to investigate that murder and see if it is tied to the missing dog. These novellas are a fun and quick read. I would highly recommend getting all 5 added to your ereader because when one book stops, you will want to start the next one.
The Best Quote:
“All I had to do was sneak onto the Channing property and crawl across the lawn to avoid the security cameras until I reached the cottage. Then I stepped over the tape, put on a pair of cloves, and picked the lock on the door. And just like that, I was in. Easy as pie.”
Point of View:
The novel is told in first person from main character Piper Sandstone’s perspective.
The Author: Karen McSpade
I am delighted to report that I discovered this series after seeing author, Karen McSpade, on TikTok talking about her books. Her videos are personable and drew me in, so I just knew her books would too!
Calling Northwest Arkansas home, her bio claims that she has been an active reader since she was a child and briefly tried her hand at breakdancing, influenced by her love of Michael Jackson music. Fortunately for us readers, she eventually began writing. As described in the Goodreads about her section, her books contain characters who are compassionate and strong-willed with a touch of humor added to stories. She is very active on Tiktok. You can also get updates about her books and thoughts on Instagram and Facebook.
What is not to like?:
I’m reviewing these books one book at a time, even though they are more like serials that don’t have an ending. I chose to review each one, because each novella has a different set of recipes. The recipe I made from this book, Ruthie’s Ragin Cajun, was simple and delicious. Give it a try.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Ruthie’s Ragin’ Cajun Dinner
Assemble the Ingredients
Brown pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Italian seasoning,
black beans, Ro-Tel,
and jalapeno juice.
Stir well, cover with lid, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook instant rice according to package instructions. ***I don’t care for instant rice, so I just made regular long grain white rice.
Once meat and rice are ready, add a cup of rice into each bowl and then scoop the Ragin’ Cajun mixture on top.
And voila, there you have it-an easy, delicious, and hearty meal that will satisfy your family and give you more time to enjoy together!
Ruthie's Ragin' Cajun Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 pound of your favorite pork sausage (hot or mild, depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 15 oz can of black beans drained
- 1 12 oz can of Ro-Tel
- 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of jalapeno juice optional
- Long grain or Instant brown or white rice 4 servings
Instructions
- Add Italian seasoning, black beans, Ro-Tel, and jalapeno juice. Stir well, cover with lid, and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook instant rice according to package instructions.
- Once meat and rice are ready, add a cup of rice into each bowl and then scoop the Ragin' Cajun mixture on top. And voila, there you have it-an easy, delicious, and hearty meal that will satisfy your family and give you more time to enjoy together!
What would I do differently next time?
This is a simple and excellent dinner. Perfect when time is short or you don’t feel like cooking. I will be making this, just as is, many more times.
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