Rubbed OutDo you like going to festivals? I do. By the way, my name is Lulu and I own this barbeque restaurant. It’s your first time here? Oh, I recommend the ribs, for sure. And don’t forget the spicy corn muffins to go on the side.

Yes, festivals can be a whole lot of fun and the barbeque festival in Memphis has got to win the prize for best all-around. It’s got it all—food, music, and food. Oops, I already said food, didn’t I? Well, the food is so tasty, I’ve got to mention it twice.

Some of my best friends have a booth this year. They formed a team for the barbeque competition. They’re huge Elvis fans, so they’re all dressing up like Elvis and Priscilla and what-all. They called their team Don’t Be Gruel. They’re having a fine time and it all sounds like a heap of fun.

The only thing that doesn’t sound fun is this guy named Reuben, who has the booth right next to them. Actually, he sounds like real trouble, and seems determined to drag my friends right into it with him.

Let’s hope everyone just takes a deep breath and settles down. After all, a festival is for having a good time.

Well, look at you! You ate the barbeque plate right up, didn’t you? Hope you saved some room for dessert…I recommend the peach cobbler with a scoop of homemade ice cream on top.


Thanks to Penguin, I have one (1) copy of RUBBED OUT to give away. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. Contest ends July 24; US entries only per publisher’s request.


Meet the author
Riley’s latest book is Rubbed Out: book four of the Memphis Barbeque mysteries. Her next book, Quilt Trip (written as Elizabeth Craig) releases December 2013. Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin/NAL, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently. Find out more about her books on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com.

Books are available at retail and online booksellers.