Simple Pleasures: Reading and Eating – Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer and American Hamburgers

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Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle with you today and I’m sharing my review of Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer and my recipe for American Hamburgers

My review of Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer

Picture caption: Cover of Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer featuring the underside of a paw with five toes and long claws

Five-Toed Tigress is a riveting novel with engaging and strong characters, a few of whom are strong females in stereotypically male roles. The story kicks off with an unusual scene featuring a female tigress on the trail of a group of men, one of whom she recognises from her younger years. The tigress saves the lives of the man and his companions, and then they disappear from her territory leaving her to continue hunting alone. This scene sets the mysterious tone for this novel which includes some fascinating mythological threads.

Preston Hawke is an army veteran who is transitioning into a position as an FBI agent. While on probation, Hawke is assigned to work with an intimidating and powerfully built female agent called Gundrum. Gundrum is a fabulous character with her tough demeanor, habit of smoking smelly cigars, but a softer side that makes her a good friend and mentor. I enjoyed watching Gundrum and Hawke’s relationship develop over the course of the novel and seeing how Hawke learned to appreciate Gundrum’s bravery, experience, and kindness.

Deanna Tulene is Gundrum and Hawke’s boss. She is intelligent, dedicated to her job, and an excellent project manager. Under Tulene’s guidance, the trio set out to investigate a lead about a planned disruption to a large interfaith gathering. During the course of the investigation, the agents cross swords with a few powerful and evil men and bear witness to human trafficking and other criminal activities. Throughout all the action, the tracks and signs of a tigress on the hunt are woven.

In addition to the mystery and mythology, there is a strong sexual current that runs through the novel. There is an attraction between Hawke and Tulane and Gundrum also finds Hawke sexually attractive. To add to the intrigue and sexual tension, the object of Hawke’s teenage dreams, a young Cambodian woman whom his father helped raise, Amy, reappears in his life after several years. Hawke is still besotted with Amy and the pair quickly become an item. There are some steamy scenes in this book which add to the overarching theme of the tigress and her quest for a mate. The tigress will do anything to save the man who she has set her sights on.

There are several characters in this book and a number of flashbacks to Hawke’s past in the army in Cambodia. In addition, there are a few subplots that all weave together into a satisfying yet complex story. This book and storyline require concentration but if you are prepared to invest your attention, it is a satisfying and fascinating read.

Purchase Five-Toed Tigress from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Toed-Tigress-T-W-Dittmer-ebook/dp/B06W2K5KB1

Recipe

American Hamburgers

I think Gundrum would really enjoy these American hamburgers.

Picture caption: My American hamburgers with chips

Ingredients

2 kg good quality minced meat

1 onion finely chopped

2 eggs

250 ml oats

50 ml tomato sauce

100 ml Worcestershire sauce

50 ml chutney

15 ml apricot jam

25 ml red wine

15 ml salt

5 ml mixed herbs

3 ml cloves

5 ml ground black peppers

2 ml coriander

Method

Put the mince into a mixing box and break into small pieces. Add the chopped onion and eggs and mix well. Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chutney, apricot jam, red wine, salt, mixed herbs, cloves, black pepper, and coriander. Mix well with your hands. Roll the mixture into golf ball sized balls and then roll in the oats until completely covered. Flatten to about 1 cm thick all over.

Cook in vegetable or olive oil in a hot frying pan for approximately 5 minutes on each side. The middle should be slightly pink.

While the hamburgers are frying. Make a sauce using 100 ml tomato sauce, 100 ml chutney, and 100 ml mayonnaise. Mix well.

Cut your bread rolls in half. Butter the bottom half and cover the top half in sauce. Add a slice of fresh tomato and a piece of lettuce to the bottom. When the hamburgers are cooked, place on the bottom half and close. You can add any other items like cooked mushrooms, fried onion rings, and cheese.

These hamburgers are very tasty and were a big hit in my house.

About T.W. Dittmer

Picture caption: Author photograph of T.W. Dittmer

T. W. Dittmer’s full name is Timothy Watson Dittmer.

He was raised in Gary, Indiana, the son of a steel worker who turned to preaching the Gospel. After high school he joined the Army, volunteered for service in Vietnam, then reenlisted for service in Vietnam. When his time with the Army was over he studied music, digital electronics and information technology.

He started writing music and poetry in high school, and has carried the love of those arts through his life.

He now lives quietly with his wife in Michigan.

Find T.W. Dittmer on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T.-W.-Dittmer/author/B007ZR2UUO

About Robbie Cheadle

Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author photograph

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Social Media Links

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyFo_OJLPqFa9ZhHnCfHUA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
TSL Publications: https://tslbooks.uk/product-tag/robbie-cheadle/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robbie-Cheadle/author/B01N9J62GQ
Unsplash profile: https://unsplash.com/@r_cheadle

71 respuestas a «Simple Pleasures: Reading and Eating – Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer and American Hamburgers»

  1. Avatar de lyndhurstlaura

    Thanks for sharing, Robbie. I like the inclusion of the tiger in this story; animals always make a welcome addition to our stories.Sounds good. 🙂

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thank you, Laura. I really enjoyed the entire premise of this book and its precursor.

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  2. Avatar de Ephemeral Encounters

    Timothy’s book sounds great .
    Thank you for sharing Robbie !

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I really enjoyed this book, Maggie. I also enjoyed the previous book in this series, The Valley Walker.

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      1. Avatar de Ephemeral Encounters

        Another to add to the TBR Robbie 😉

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💗🌷, my TBR grows and grows

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      3. Avatar de Ephemeral Encounters

        😄 mine too 💖

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      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        😄

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  3. Avatar de Patty L. Fletcher

    I just bought the book.

    Right up my reading alley.

    Steamy is something I’m learning to write and my latest offerings have the steam for sure.

    Cannot wait to read the book. The plot sounds amazing.

    I am going to enjoy finding a Kindle voice for this one.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Patty, that’s great to know. I really enjoyed this book.

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      1. Avatar de Patty L. Fletcher

        Hi, I’ve only just now begun to enjoy Kindle books. More authors are making sure the settings for text to speech is turned on for their books. I do not buy books which aren’t.

        But I have choices for reading voices now too, so the reading experience is more enjoyable.

        I cannot wait to read this.

        Have a great day.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        Hi Patty, your comments are interesting to me as I use Alexa to read ebooks to me while I paint. I didn’t know there was a choice of voices. I will look into that. Thank you 😊

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      3. Avatar de Patty L. Fletcher

        Hi, I don’t know if that works with Alexa.

        I’m talking about the Kindle voices.

        I have Alexa Plus and it does not let me read Kindle books anymore.

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      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        Oh, I won’t get Alexa plus then. I’m used to her reading voice.

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      5. Avatar de Patty L. Fletcher

        Well, until yesterday, I was considering rolling back to the regular Alexa, but I just got a new digital reader and I want to see if it reads Kindle books too before I decide.

        I have placed this book at the top of books to be read and as soon as I get things set up I’ll begin.

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  4. Avatar de Take Time for You and Prioritize What You’ve To Do #Author’sCorner, #BusinessCorner, #CoachKaila, #RobbieCheadle, and #Bonus #TipsOfTheDay – Patty's Worlds

    […] Simple Pleasures: Reading and Eating – Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer and American Hamburgers […]

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  5. Avatar de merrildsmith

    Wonderful review, Robbie! The book sounds interesting.

    Interesting ingredients in your «American» hamburgers. I’m sure they’re delicious. (I don’t eat meat.)

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Merril, I’ve read both of Tim’s books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. I like a challenging storyline. I know you don’t eat meat 😄

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      1. Avatar de merrildsmith

        Hi Robbie, great to know.
        I didn’t want to ignore your recipe 😂. It’s definitely not a typical American hamburger.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        No, it is very South Africanized 😂

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      3. Avatar de merrildsmith

        It is! 😂 But that makes it interesting!

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      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        I think it is because we like to add chutney and apricot jam to minced meat recipes as well as bread crumbs. It is very traditional for South African cooking.

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      5. Avatar de merrildsmith

        😊

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  6. Avatar de Gwen M. Plano
    Gwen M. Plano

    Thank you, Robbie, for sharing your review. I very much appreciated Five-Toed Tigress. Tim is a wonderful writer. And your American hamburger looks very enticing! 😊

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Gwen, it’s lovely to see you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book. The hamburgers are tasty 🍔🩵

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  7. Avatar de jonicaggiano

    Dear Robbie, What a great review. I love the way he begins the book, the «Five-Toed Tigress sounds extremely interesting. Of course I love that there are strong female characters in the book as well. The mentor sounds very intriguing and I like that they become such good friends. I also liked that she smoked cigars. I had a pharmaceutical instructor in nursing school who had been in the military who also smoked cigars. She too, was very intimidating. So I got a kick out of that detail.

    Tulene also sounds like an interesting character and I like that Timothy talks about the subject of human trafficking as it is such a serious problem all over our world today.

    Introducing a third woman into the mix with steamy scenes sounds very provocative. Three women who all have a thing for Preston Hawke. I also thinks that the flashbacks in his life to Cambodia would be extremely interesting to read.

    Sounds like a great read and you have done a feature-packed review on this book. Thank you Robbie for reviewing Timothy’s book, it sounds like once you start reading, it would be difficult to put it down.

    Your hamburger sounds amazing. My husband doesn’t eat meat but I love a good hamburger once in a while and a steak. I like that you put oats in the meat to make it healthier and also more filling. Thank you for sharing this yummy sounding treat with us.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Joni, thank you for this comprehensive comment. I enjoyed Tim’s intriguing and unique storyline and fascinating characters. His knowledge of life in the military comes through strongly in his books and makes them very believable. My family enjoy these hamburgers very much.

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      1. Avatar de jonicaggiano

        Timothy appreciated that beautiful review so much. He is one on the wonderfully supportive people in our community. I can only imagine how one’s life is affected by their service. He comes up with some incredible stories. I know that review sold books. Thank you for that recipe. My husband always like the rare smell of meat in the home but never partakes. That looks too good not to try. I think I will make them for our grandsons in September when I see them. I always eat a burger with them.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        Timothy is very supportive and his books are great reads. I hope this review does help sell some of Tim’s books. It’s nice to enjoy a good and appetizing meal with grandchildren.

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      3. Avatar de jonicaggiano

        Yes, I miss them so much. They are already taller than both of us. 🤗🫶

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      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🙏💝

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  8. Avatar de Dale

    This sounds like a most intriguing book, Robbie. I just might have to add it to my teetering pile!!

    Interesting burger!

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Dale, Tim’s stories are definitely different snd entertaining. These burgers are great.

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  9. Avatar de johnrieber

    Great review, but that burger! Interesting to mix egg in with the meat, and your sauce is what is being used right now for Smashburgers….a zesty flavor that goes beyond the standard mayo and mustard…ketchup alone is a big «NO NO!»

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi John, I don’t eat hamburgers very often and this is an old family recipe. I am very interested in your thoughts about the ingredients and sauce. I always use egg to bind meat for burgers or meatballs.

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      1. Avatar de johnrieber

        Robbie, I use them for meatballs to be sure but for whatever reason, that’s rarely done here for hamburgers…I love the idea and you know I am going to make this recipe and note the differences…here in the US, smashburgers use what is closest to a «thousand island» type of mixture: a bit of sweet pickle added….I am going to follow your recipe to the letter and share the result!

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        I am interested to know what you think of the result when you make this, John. These burgers are popular with family and friends.

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      3. Avatar de johnrieber

        going to do it when I get back from a quick London trip! I can’t wait to make them exactly as you have!

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      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        I am making a quick trip to Paris in April 💞

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  10. Avatar de Priscilla Bettis

    Excellent review, Robbie. Timothy’s book sounds creative, sensual, and thought-provoking.

    I’ve never had apricot jam with a hamburger. Sounds good. Thanks for the recipe!

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Priscilla, Tim’s books are very entertaining. They make you think. My family love these hamburgers.

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  11. Avatar de paeansunplugged

    I enjoyed your review, Robbie! The book sounds interesting.

    I like your recipe. Might givve it a try soon.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Punam, I enjoy Tim unusual storylines. The predecessor book is also good. My family love these hamburgers.

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  12. Avatar de Liz Gauffreau

    Congratulations to Tim on the excellent review for Five-Toed Tigress! Sharing to help spread the word.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thank you, Liz. I enjoy Tim’s unique books very much.

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      1. Avatar de Liz Gauffreau

        You’re welcome, Robbie.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💞

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  13. Avatar de John W. Howell

    I read The Five Toed Tigress and it is an extremely entertaining read. I also enjoyed his other book The Valley Walker. Both are very well done.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi John, I have also read both books and I agree completely. Thank you for sharing your opinion here 💞

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      1. Avatar de John W. Howell

        😁

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  14. Avatar de Dawn Pisturino

    I enjoyed The Valley Walker, and this one sounds just as good. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      My pleasure, Dawn. Both books are terrific reads 💞

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  15. Avatar de memadtwo

    Not my type of book but I like the idea of strong female characters.

    We make our burgers plain, adding cheese or pickles or onions–whatever toppings we are craving at the moment. This sounds like it would make good meatballs though. (K)

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I think most ideas are interchangeable. As long as it tastes good in the end 🤗

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      1. Avatar de memadtwo

        That’s the important part.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🙃

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  16. Avatar de Miriam Hurdle

    Thank you for sharing your great review of Tim’s book, Robbie!

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      My pleasure, Miriam. I enjoy Tim’s unique stories very much 💝

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  17. Avatar de thomasstigwikman

    It seems like a very intriguing and captivating novel. I find Tigers scary, but a Tiger that saves a human life is interesting. You wrote a great and very helpful review for this book and thank you for the recepe.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I’m glad you enjoyed this review. The tiger is based on mythology which adds a lot of intrigue to this story. Thanks, Thomas.

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      1. Avatar de thomasstigwikman

        That is interesting. Thank you Robbie.

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🌷🥰

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  18. Avatar de Cindy Georgakas

    Great review of Tim’s book, The 5 Toed Tigress and great pairing with your burgers. It sounds like a great book with all of the right elements of suspense, steam and strong characters. Congratulations to him and thanks for sharing Robbie!
    👏💕

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      My pleasure, Cindy. This wasn’t over the top steamy and I found the insights into how young men’s minds work interesting. It seems very realistic to me having spent time with plenty of young men due to my sons and their male friendships and also work relationships with young male colleagues. I’m pleased you enjoyed this review and the recipe 🩵

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  19. Avatar de Annette Rochelle Aben

    Between Tim’s writing and your cooking… you have set my weekend plans! BTW do you deliver?

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I’m happy to know that, Annette 🍔💗

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  20. Avatar de Smitha V

    This sounds like an interesting read, Robbie. I’m intrigued by the tiger weaved into the story as well as the Cambodia bit. I’ll add it to my TBR. Congratulations to the author on such an amazing review.

    The hamburger recipe sounds yummy.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Smitha, I’ve never been to Cambodia so that information interested me a great deal. Thanks for visiting.

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      1. Avatar de Smitha V

        I think you’ll like Cambodia. There’s a lot of history at Angkor Wat

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  21. Avatar de Carla

    I enjoy a book that has a good ensemble cast. Nice review, Robbie.

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I enjoyed this book, Carla.

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