Investigating Food Used in Novels
This month’s food scene and recipes come from Katherine Hutchison-Hayes’ Suspense/Thriller novel, A Fifth of the Story.
CIA operative Brock O’Reilly meets with two agents. Using a restaurant as a backdrop, the author gives the reader a sense of the characters and how they interact. (Wait until you see what’s in the North Pole special they order.)
Here is the scene:
Brock winced as he gingerly pushed his swollen, bloody hand into the glove. He got out of his car and limped to the restaurant. Each step became more excruciating than the last. He kept his eyes down and his peripheral vision sharp, watching every person who walked by.
Brock entered the rally point and looked around but couldn’t get a visual on Berkley or Dexter.
While waiting for the hostess to seat the patrons ahead of him,
Brock wondered if he could’ve prevented any of the recent nightmarish events. Like a TV rerun, he continued to replay the deaths of his fellow agents, and an abysmal chasm opened within him. Maybe I’m responsible.
“Any particular table for you today?” the hostess asked.
“I’d like to be seated at table ten if possible.”
“Right this way.”
She led Brock to a dark corner booth separated by a wide glass partition he hadn’t noticed earlier. She handed him a menu before walking back to her station.
Brock picked up the menu and instantly decided he needed caffeine—
lots of it.
“Sir, are you dining by yourself, or are you expecting company?”
his waiter asked.
He looked up. “I’m expecting two friends,” Brock said. “But I’ll take
a triple expresso while I wait.”
No sooner had the waiter hurried off than Berkley walked into the
restaurant. Brock waved him over to the table.
“Good timing,” Berkley said breathlessly and handed Brock a nondescript backpack. “This is for you.”
“Thanks. I think?”
Brock hauled the heavy bag onto the seat next to him. Before long, the front pocket of the bag began vibrating. He opened the pocket, retrieved the vibrating phone, and answered it.
“Yeah?”
“You can hang up. It’s just me making sure you’re connected,”
Berkley said. “Go ahead and check the inside pocket.”
Brock searched the pocket and found a ticket to JFK for the next
day. He was flying under an alias. He nodded to Berkley. “Got it.”
“Also, inside the backpack is a wallet complete with an ID card with
your new name and enough cash to get to New York. Pay your portion
of today’s bill with the cash provided.”
“Wait a second, where’s Santa’s lookalike?”
A high-pitched laugh rang through the restaurant. “I suppose you
mean my partner, Agent Dexter. He’ll be here in a few. The guy’s a
total foodie and stopped to chat it up with people he knows in the
kitchen,” Berkley said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he went ahead and
ordered for us.”
Brock looked up while he was being served his expresso. Santa had
walked from the kitchen and was headed toward their table. “Speaking
of the devil,” Brock said.
“Might I recommend item number eight?” Santa winked and sat
across the table.
Brock checked the menu. “Thanks. I think I’ll go with your recommendation.”
“I’ll get the North Pole special, too,” Berkley said, chuckling.
“Excellent choices.” Santa tapped his menu. “Because I already ordered for us.”
Author Katherine Hutchison-Hayes, who enjoys being a foodie herself, shares this recipe for the North Pole Special that Agent Dexter orders.
North Pole Special
(Maple Bacon Waffles and Sausage-Cheese Stuffed Crepes)
For the recipes go to Investigatin’ Recipes above under Investigator’s blog or Click Here.
More about A Fifth of the Story:
There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock?an agent of the CIA?finds himself in the middle of the mess. He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.
In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.
In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.
It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization or find himself?and those he loves most?at their mercy.
A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, action-packed tale of one man's courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he's fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US's history's darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.
About the author:
Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. is a multi-talented individual who has been actively involved in leadership roles for many years. She is an author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor, with a passion for delivering impactful messages that resonate with her audience. Her unique style of storytelling, infused with quick wit and real-life experiences, makes her a sought-after speaker for various events and conferences.
She currently serves as a content editor and writing coach for Iron Stream Media, where she is responsible for ensuring the quality of content produced by the team. Additionally, she works as a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines, where she provides feedback on manuscripts to ensure that the content is culturally sensitive and inclusive.
As a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations, an online magazine for Christian writers, Katherine actively supports and encourages aspiring writers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for writing.
Her work in poetry, art, and writing has earned her numerous awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference.
Connect with her at https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/
Rabbit Stew in WWII, The Road Remembered by Kaye D. Schmitz
Sally Jo Pitts
10/1/2024
Rabbit Stew in WWII, The Road Remembered by Kaye D. Schmitz
Sally Jo Pitts
10/1/2024
An excerpt and a recipe worth savoring from Caroline Powers’ A Future and a Hope
Sally Jo Pitts
9/15/2024
Yum. Cream Puff Bars Recipe and The Road Home by Malissa Chapin
Sally Jo Pitts
9/1/2024
A Novel of Extraordinary Faith--Food Scene and Recipe from R.F. Whong's Blazing China
Sally Jo Pitts
7/31/2024
Civil War and Hot Water Cornbread from Annette O'Hare's Northern Light
Sally Jo Pitts
7/15/2024
Regency Romance and Recipe from author Linore Burkard
Sally Jo Pitts
6/30/2024
Book Giveaway, Novel Scene, & Recipe from Dawn Kinzer's Where Love Is Planted
Sally Jo Pitts
6/2/2024
Cathead Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy-Food Scene and Recipe from Kathy Harris's Deadly Conclusion
Sally Jo Pitts
5/14/2024
Waffles, Crepes, & Suspense--Oh,my! Investigating A Fifth of the Story by Katherine Hutchison-Hayes
Sally Jo Pitts
5/3/2024
Finally Forever Food Scene and Recipe from author Karin Beery
Sally Jo Pitts
3/31/2024
New Second Chance Romance and recipe from Jennifer Slattery
Sally Jo Pitts
3/1/2024
Southern romance and cornbread come together in Mary A. Felkins' new novel
Sally Jo Pitts
1/31/2024
We Three Kings: Bearing the Gift of German Cookie Inspiration
Sally Jo Pitts
1/8/2024
Christmas Novella Giveaway & Cranberry Walnut Recipe
Sally Jo Pitts
11/30/2023
An Audiobook Giveaway and Novel Food Scene from Author Travis W. Inman
Sally Jo
10/31/2023
A Novel Soup Scene from Shelia Stovall's Welcome Home to Redbird Falls novella
Sally Jo
9/30/2023
An Amish Picnic Scene and Quiche Recipe from PeggySue Wells.
Sally Jo
8/31/2023
Star Trek Inspired Novella Food Scene by Linda Wood Rondeau
Sally Jo
7/31/2023
Princesses, a Kingdom, & Cobbler
Sally Jo
7/3/2023
Johnny Cakes Recipe and Food Scene from Cynthia L. Simmons
Sally Jo Pitts
6/7/2023
Zoe M. McCarthy's Above the Lake Food Scene and Recipe
Sally Jo Pitts
5/1/2023
Sarah Hamaker's Protecting Her Witness Food Scene and Recipe
Sally Jo
4/1/2023
Novel Use of Food by Nora Roberts
Sally Jo Pitts
2/28/2023
3 Ways to Feed Your Body, Soul, and Spirit in February
Sally Jo
1/31/2023
Attitude and health link together
Sally Jo Pitts
1/15/2023
A Simple Christmas Main Dish from Winter Deception
Sally Jo
12/13/2022
A Standoff food inspiration from author Patricia Bradley
Sally Jo Pitts
11/9/2022
SECRETS AND SOUP
Sally Jo
10/16/2022
A Novel Food Scene with Grits
Sally Jo
9/18/2022
Rich New Orleans Flavored Novel Scene by Mary A. Felkins + recipe
Sally Jo PItts
8/14/2022
Ready for a good cup of coffee?
Sally Jo
7/18/2022
Apricot Pie, A Novel Idea
Sally Jo
6/16/2022
"Zero Guilt Calories" makes an appearance in Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo Pitts
5/15/2022
Some Like it Hot!
Sally Jo
4/17/2022
Winner, Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference
Sally Jo
4/11/2022
Can you RUN FASTER?
Sally Jo
3/15/2022
Valentine's Day and Novel Traditions
Sally Jo
2/13/2022
Christmas Special & Chocolate Recipe
Sally Jo
12/16/2021
Breaking Bread with author Zoe McCarthy
Sally Jo
10/14/2021
African Pizza, A Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo
9/15/2021
"Taste & See" Davalynn Spencer's food scene and recipe from Always a Wedding Planner
Sally Jo
8/13/2021
Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo
7/11/2021
Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo
6/13/2021
Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo
5/14/2021
Spring ... a time for Cheesecake ... and Betrayal
Sally Jo
3/15/2021
Love Inspired Cookie
Sally Jo
2/19/2021
A Taste of Small Town
Sally Jo
1/13/2021
Filet Mignon & Rosemary Potatoes a la Justice Delivered
Sally Jo
12/13/2020
Tis the Season for Cranberries
Sally Jo
11/23/2020
Winter Deception Ebook Available for Pre-order
Sally Jo
11/1/2020
Cuban Sandwich Celebration "Designed to Love"
Sally Jo
10/25/2020
A $1.99 sale & free book opportunity "designed to love"
Sally Jo
10/20/2020
Cozy Up to Autumn and Ablazing Grace
Sally Jo
10/12/2020
A Christian Writer's World--Blog guest
Sally Jo
10/2/2020
Just Released
Sally Jo
9/20/2020
Cover Reveal
Sally Jo Pitts
9/17/2020
Chicken & Dumplings and Dinner on the Grounds
Sally Jo
9/11/2020
Craving Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler?
Sally Jo
8/20/2020
Chicken from a Cozy Mystery
Sally Jo
7/11/2020
Novel Use of Food by author Kaye Schmitz
Sally Jo
6/13/2020
Novel Use of Macarons
Sally Jo
5/13/2020
A Favorite Recipe from Novel Writer Kathy Harris
Sally Jo
4/15/2020
Novel Giant Pancake
Sally Jo
3/14/2020
Agatha Christie’s Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo
2/1/2020
Can You Buy Love?
Sally Jo
1/3/2020
Banana Millet Muffins and a Taste of Grace
Sally Jo
11/15/2019
Novels and Food
Sally Jo
10/16/2019
Novel Strawberry Ice Cream
Sally Jo
9/15/2019
Hamilton Harbor Legacy book #2 Coming in October
Sally Jo
9/7/2019
Fried Pickles, A Novel Use
Sally Jo
8/19/2019
Fried Cornbread and Family Memories
Sally Jo
7/22/2019
Mashed Potatoes and Emotion
Sally Jo
6/12/2019
Food in a Debbie Macomber Novel
Sally Jo
4/7/2019
Puff Pastry, A Novel Delight
Sally Jo
3/6/2019
Apple pie and a good book
Sally Jo
2/8/2019
Investigating books and food
Sally Jo
1/6/2019
Nuture: December’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
12/1/2018
Endurance: November’s Inspirational Word
Sally Jo
11/2/2018
Tranquility–October’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
10/1/2018
Harmony - September’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
8/31/2018
Determination - Inspiration for August
Sally Jo
7/31/2018
Adventure: July’s Inspirational Word of the Month
Sally Jo
7/1/2018
Challenge: June’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
6/1/2018
Perspective: May’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
5/2/2018
Ambitious: April’s word of inspiration
Sally Jo
3/31/2018
Creativity - The March Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo
3/1/2018
February’s word of inspiration: STRENGTH
Sally Jo
2/1/2018
Envision: January’s inspirational word
Sally Jo
1/9/2018
A Healthy Christmas Gift Idea
Sally Jo
12/11/2017
Investigating Kitchen Tips for the Holidays
Sally Jo
12/4/2017
What to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Sally Jo
11/19/2017
The 66-Day Experiment to Redeem Time Finale
Sally Jo
11/1/2017
Concluding the 66-Day Experiment to Redeem Time
Sally Jo
10/29/2017
Investigating Bible Study Time
Sally Jo
10/21/2017
Find your Weak Spot in the 66-Day Experiment
Sally Jo
10/15/2017
The 66-Day Experiment and the Family Life Cycle
Sally Jo
10/8/2017
Finding Time in Your Day for the Want-to’s
Sally Jo
10/1/2017
Make Time for Bible Time
Sally Jo
9/25/2017
Make Time for Exercise
Sally Jo
9/16/2017
Planning Healthy Meals Your Family Will Eat
Sally Jo
9/10/2017
Why 66 days to redeem time?
Sally Jo
9/3/2017
The 66-Day Experiment to Redeem the Time
Sally Jo
8/27/2017
Writing with Momentous Meaning
Sally Jo
8/14/2017
Ezekiel’s Object Lesson
Sally Jo
8/3/2017
Jeremiah Writes Flaming Words
Sally Jo
7/29/2017
Commands to Write in Isaiah
Sally Jo
7/24/2017
How do you write on the heart?
Sally Jo
7/21/2017
Mordecai’s Life-Saving Letter
Sally Jo
7/2/2017
A Covenant Renewed & Sealed
Sally Jo
6/8/2017
Document, Document, Document
Sally Jo
5/15/2017
Write the record of a king
Sally Jo
5/2/2017
Write a Song
Sally Jo
3/31/2017
Join a Private Investigator
Sally Jo
3/6/2017
Write Upon Great Stones
Sally Jo
3/6/2017
WRITE: A Command Fit for a King
Sally Jo
2/13/2017
God’s Rewrite
Sally Jo
1/5/2017
Writing on posts and gates
Sally Jo
12/18/2016
The Bible and Writing
Sally Jo
10/16/2016
Ten Commandments Get a Second Chance
Sally Jo
9/10/2016
I will write upon these tables…
Sally Jo
8/19/2016
The Bible and Writing
Sally Jo
7/21/2016
Create a Legacy with a Play
Sally Jo
6/30/2016
The Wedding Letter
Sally Jo
5/31/2016
Beth Vogt’s new book to investigate!
Sally Jo
4/9/2016
A Teddy Bear Legacy
Sally Jo
3/19/2016
A Legacy Book
Sally Jo
1/15/2016
Christmas Nostalgia
Sally Jo
12/20/2015
What’s Cookin’ Thanksgiving?
Sally Jo
11/25/2015
Thanksgiving Tradition
Sally Jo
11/1/2015
Halloween Nostalgia
Sally Jo
10/22/2015
A Family Tradition Trip
Sally Jo
9/27/2015
Sundial-A Heritage Pass Along
Sally Jo
9/18/2015
A Vintage Birthday Banner
Sally Jo
9/4/2015
A Special Teen Promise Ring
Sally Jo
8/19/2015
A Family Heritage Shotgun
Sally Jo
8/3/2015
A Family Heritage Clock
Sally Jo
7/21/2015
A Scottish Family Heritage Wedding
Sally Jo
6/21/2015
Wedding Legacy Objects to Pass Along
Sally Jo
6/1/2015
Wedding Legacy Pass Alongs
Sally Jo
5/15/2015
Family Heritage Pass Alongs
Sally Jo
4/28/2015
Family Heritage Pass Alongs
Sally Jo
4/6/2015
Family Heritage Items to Pass On
Sally Jo
3/16/2015
Make a Family Valentine
Sally Jo
2/14/2015
Create a Family Cookbook
Sally Jo
1/30/2015
Out with the Old, in with the New
Sally Jo
1/12/2015
Background Memoir Check
Sally Jo
12/9/2014
Memoirs of Faith
Sally Jo
10/19/2014
Remembering Mother’s Cooking
Sally Jo
10/3/2014
Remembering Answered Prayer
Sally Jo
9/18/2014
Leaving a Worthwhile Legacy
Sally Jo
8/31/2014
Remembering Childhood Pets
Sally Jo
8/13/2014
Remembering Family July 4th Celebrations
Sally Jo
7/13/2014
Writing Family into Fiction
Sally Jo
6/17/2014
Hop Along on a Blog Hop
Sally Jo
6/2/2014
A Royal Heritage
Sally Jo
5/25/2014
A Visiting Preacher
Sally Jo
5/13/2014
A Lesson from Dad
Sally Jo
4/28/2014
A Lesson from Mother
Sally Jo
4/7/2014
Childhood Fears
Sally Jo
3/24/2014
Your Childhood Hometown
Sally Jo
3/9/2014
A Valentine Story
Sally Jo
2/28/2014
Remembering Your Grandparents
Sally Jo
2/9/2014
Memoir Writing–Twelve Easy Steps
Sally Jo
1/27/2014
What is Authorpreneurship?
Sally Jo
1/18/2014
REMEMBERING A FAVORITE ACTIVITY
Sally Jo
1/12/2014
A Special Christmas Gift
Sally Jo
12/27/2013
Remembering Mother’s Work
Sally Jo
12/1/2013
Remembering Your Father’s Work
Sally Jo
11/18/2013
Early Church Memories
Sally Jo
11/3/2013
Describe your childhood bedroom
Sally Jo
10/20/2013
Describe Your Childhood Home
Sally Jo
10/6/2013
What’s Your Name?
Sally Jo
9/22/2013
What is Your Earliest Childhood Memory? (Writing Your Own Background Check)
Sally Jo
9/5/2013
Write Your Own Background Check
Sally Jo
8/22/2013