Sunday Synopsis - True Crime

But I Trusted You and Other True Cases by Ann Rule
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ann Rule is the queen of true crime writing for a reason. She takes an actual crime and writes it so that it flows smoothly like fiction. This book focuses on crimes committed by people who were otherwise trustworthy.

The first and longest story in the book is about a middle school counselor who is found shot to death on his own steps on an icy February morning. Having been a middle school teacher for so long, this one blew my mind. I will say that this particular middle school counselor definitely had some eccentricities, but nothing that would lead to his death. It's a twisted and interesting story.

Another story is one called "Death in Paradise: The Haunting Voyage of the Spellbound." This one left me (and the public in general) with more questions than were actually answered by the family and friends on board the Spellbound at the time of the deaths. Yes, multiple.

The remainder of the stories also contribute to the theme of betrayal and hidden darkness. If you like true crime, you will enjoy this book.

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All Everyone's Talking About

 It's that time of year.  No, not Valentine's Day.  Superbowl Sunday, a day where even people who have no idea what's happening in the game, nor do they care, watch football for the sole purpose of seeing the new commercials that premier during the game.  

I occasionally watch football, but I have no skin in this particular matchup-Patriots and Seahawks.  But my husband did place a bet.  I have no idea exactly what he bet, but we had to drive to Louisiana to make the bet because we aren't allowed to gamble in Texas.  Luckily, it's less than two hours away.  And we made a day trip out of it and went to Delta Downs for a few hours.  It was fun, and we came home winners.

Anyway, I'm looking forward more to the commercials.  Usually, I look forward to the halftime show, too, but I have very little clue about Bad Bunny.  I saw part of the Budweiser commercial that starred a Clydesdale foal and an eaglet, and a full-grown Clydesdale and eagle.  A Dalmatian had a cameo. Here's a link if you want to see the clip and can't wait.  But if this commercial doesn't make you cry... well, I don't know what will.  Let me know what you think after you see it!

And now...

Have a great week and remember to visit Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Sunday Synopsis (Cozy Mystery)

 

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Liz Fielding
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I know the Christmas season is over, but this is a cute book and you might not even mind that it's no longer the Christmas season while you're reading it. This is a cozy mystery, but it has more twists and turns than the typical cozy mystery.

Meet Abby, mom to three children, divorced, but her ex recently passed away, and she is seeing someone she has reacquainted herself with. She runs the gardens in the town.

Abby delivers the mistletoe and holly to the church for decorating. While she is there, Edward, who's unsteady on his feet, is attempting to place the star on the tree when he falls. As the accident is being investigated, they realize that this was supposed to happen to Gregory Tatton, on purpose, not by accident.

As the reader learns, Gregory Tatton was a ladies man and was blackmailing a large number of community members. It must be one of them who had it in fir Gregory. You'll have to read to find out, but this is a really well-written book.

This is Maybridge Murder Mystery #2. I haven't yet read number 1.

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Brrrrr. It's cold!

 Thank goodness the amount of freezing precipitation we were supposed to get here was grossly exaggerated!  They ended up canceling school for yesterday, but we didn't even have any ice.  There were a few overpasses that iced over on the weekend, but they were further north than where I am.  It barely got above freezing yesterday, and we had below freezing temps overnight, but it wasn't as serious as we were first led to believe, and we Texans PANIC when there is anything unusual about the weather. Now... our daughters in Dallas and Austin got full blown SNOW.  It's beautiful, but I couldn't get used to it on a daily basis. I don't know how some of you do it!  I guess it's what we are and aren't used to.  How's the weather where you are?

Please visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.  Have a great week!

Ensanada Taco Trail

 Which includes two Michelin Star Restaurants that used to be street carts.  

Pork and black bean taco with pickled onions, pineapple and salsa

Poblano Pepper and Cheese Quesadilla

Shrimp Taco

The Original Fish Taco (which is actually made from Mako Shark) This is the one Anthony Bourdain claimed was the best taco in the world.

Crab Tostada

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