Thin Blue Smoke

This title is an epic American redemption tale about love and loss, hope and despair, God and whiskey, barbecue and the blues. LaVerne Williams is a ruined ex-big league ballplayer, an ex-felon with an attitude problem, and the owner of a barbecue joint he has to run. Ferguson Glen is an Episcopal priest, a fading literary star with a drinking problem, and a past he is running from. A.B. Clayton and Sammy Merzeti are two lost souls in need of love, understanding, and another cigarette. Hilarious and heart-rending, sacred and profane, this book marks the emergence of a vital new voice in American fiction.

LaVerne Williams is a reformed felon, ex-ballplayer, and owner of Kansas City’s best barbecue joint. Ferguson Glen is an Episcopal priest and faded literary star, lover of God, women and liquor (but not necessarily in that order). Their lives intersect at LaVerne’s diner – ‘Smoke Meat’, as the regulars call it. There they are joined by a cast of remarkable characters, including LaVerne’s devoted right-hand man, A.B. Clayton; blues legend ‘Mother’ Mary Weaver; and Sammy Merzeti, a young man with a bloody past – and a bloodier future. Thin Blue Smoke is an epic redemption tale, the story of two men coming to terms with their pasts. It is also a novel about faith, race, storytelling, bourbon, the language of rabbits, and the finer points of barbecue technique. Heartrending and bitterly funny, it marks the arrival of a vital new voice in American fiction.

"In powerfully evocative settings that range from the American Southwest to the islands of the South Pacific, G.W. Hawkes displays an unerring eye for detail as he maps the intricate geometry of the human heart."--Publishers website.

When Greg Dillon is assigned to a federal fugitive task force in Connecticut, he inadvertently uncovers a pattern of misconduct and falsified affidavits. After reporting his concerns to the politically connected but incompetent chief state’s attorney, the whistleblower finds himself a target of reprisal. Investigated, transferred, demoted, and threatened, Dillon hires an attorney, and—with the assistance of legendary whistleblower Frank Serpico—takes on both the state of Connecticut and the Department of Justice in federal court, resulting in an explosive verdict and a significant court ruling. 10 percent of the author’s profits will be donated to Shepherds.

New York Times Bestseller Named "22 Essential Cookbooks for Every Kitchen" by SeriousEats.com Named "25 Favorite Cookbooks of All Time" by Christopher Kimball Named "Best Cookbooks Of 2016" by Chicago Tribune, BBC, Wired, Epicurious, Leite's Culinaria Named "100 Best Cookbooks of All Time" by Southern Living Magazine For succulent results every time, nothing is more crucial than understanding the science behind the interaction of food, fire, heat, and smoke. This is the definitive guide to the concepts, methods, equipment, and accessories of barbecue and grilling. The founder and editor of the world's most popular BBQ and grilling website, AmazingRibs.com, “Meathead” Goldwyn applies the latest research to backyard cooking and 118 thoroughly tested recipes. He explains why dry brining is better than wet brining; how marinades really work; why rubs shouldn't have salt in them; how heat and temperature differ; the importance of digital thermometers; why searing doesn't seal in juices; how salt penetrates but spices don't; when charcoal beats gas and when gas beats charcoal; how to calibrate and tune a grill or smoker; how to keep fish from sticking; cooking with logs; the strengths and weaknesses of the new pellet cookers; tricks for rotisserie cooking; why cooking whole animals is a bad idea, which grill grates are best;and why beer-can chicken is a waste of good beer and nowhere close to the best way to cook a bird. He shatters the myths that stand in the way of perfection. Busted misconceptions include: • Myth: Bring meat to room temperature before cooking. Busted! Cold meat attracts smoke better. • Myth: Soak wood before using it. Busted! Soaking produces smoke that doesn't taste as good as dry fast-burning wood. • Myth: Bone-in steaks taste better. Busted! The calcium walls of bone have no taste and they just slow cooking. • Myth: You should sear first, then cook. Busted! Actually, that overcooks the meat. Cooking at a low temperature first and searing at the end produces evenly cooked meat. Lavishly designed with hundreds of illustrations and full-color photos by the author, this book contains all the sure-fire recipes for traditional American favorites and many more outside-the-box creations. You'll get recipes for all the great regional barbecue sauces; rubs for meats and vegetables; Last Meal Ribs, Simon & Garfunkel Chicken; Schmancy Smoked Salmon; The Ultimate Turkey; Texas Brisket; Perfect Pulled Pork; Sweet & Sour Pork with Mumbo Sauce; Whole Hog; Steakhouse Steaks; Diner Burgers; Prime Rib; Brazilian Short Ribs; Rack Of Lamb Lollipops; Huli-Huli Chicken; Smoked Trout Florida Mullet –Style; Baja Fish Tacos; Lobster, and many more.

Book 1: Embark on a fantastical journey with “Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women by George MacDonald.” George MacDonald weaves a mesmerizing tale that blurs the lines between the real world and the realm of faerie. In this romantic and imaginative narrative, readers follow the protagonist as he navigates a dreamlike landscape filled with enchanting creatures, magical adventures, and profound reflections on life and love. Book 2: Explore the art of love with “Ars Amatoria; or, The Art Of Love by Ovid.” Ovid, the Roman poet, provides a poetic and playful guide to the intricacies of love and seduction. This classic work, filled with wit and wisdom, explores the nuances of romantic relationships and offers timeless advice on the pursuit of passion and desire. Book 3: Discover a tale of transformation and self-discovery in “The Blue Castle: A Novel by L. M. Montgomery.” L. M. Montgomery, best known for "Anne of Green Gables," presents a novel that follows a young woman named Valancy as she breaks free from societal expectations and embarks on a journey of personal liberation. Filled with humor and romance, this novel is a testament to the transformative power of courage and self-empowerment.

Easy recipes for smoking meat that anyone can make at home—no experience required Whether you're new to the practice or just want to brush up on the basics, Smoking Meat Made Easy is your ultimate guide to backyard smoking. Master the most flavorful techniques, with dozens of options that are easy to follow, and work with any type of smoker. From beef and pork to poultry and fish, these recipes are sure to please any palate, and clear instructions will ensure success as you read up on the art and science of smoking. Smoking Meat Made Easy includes: Smoking meat 101—Learn everything from choosing the right wood to preparing your smoker, controlling the temperature, and even smoking on a regular BBQ grill. Simply smoked—These recipes are designed to require nothing but your favorite meat, a simple smoker setup, and several hours of smoke time. Build your skills—The recipes in each chapter get progressively more challenging, so you can decide which level of smoking you're ready to take on. It's simpler than ever to get perfectly smoked meat at home, with Smoking Meat Made Easy.

Learn everything you need to know to make mind-blowingly delicious smoked meats There's something about the intoxicating aroma of brisket roasting over an open flame. Makes your mouth water, doesn't it? The Complete Guide to Smoking Meat gives you the know-how to make melt-in-your mouth smoked meat at home. This essential smoker cookbook provides clear, step-by-step methods and recipes that will get you fired up about BBQ and turn you into a meat smoking master. What sets this BBQ cookbook apart from other smoker recipes cookbooks: Smoker fundamentals—Learn all about smokers, the basic tools you'll need, how to set up cooking zones, and more. Master your fire—Discover which wood to use to achieve the flavor you desire, how to prep meats, and strategies for achieving the perfect amount of smoke. 100 smokin' good recipes—Make everything from traditional low and slow BBQ to hot and fast meat dishes, including Central Texas Barbecue Brisket, Spicy Smoky Dino Ribs, and Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde. You also get smoked sides and fruit- and vegetable-based recipes to add to your wood-fired repertoire. Cook up the best BBQ in town with The Complete Guide to Smoking Meat.