Standout Books of the Year

First we have the winners of last weeks Blog Jog Day Book giveaways.  The winner of prize pack #1 is Jennifer and the winner of prize pack #2 is Patricia Rockwell.  You should have received an email asking for your mailing address to send the books to.  Congratulations!  

This week I want to hear from YOU.  We are nearing the end of the year and I would like to open this up to hear from each of you as to what mystery/suspense novel did you read this year that really stood out.  Which book did you read that you had to share with everybody?  What was the stellar mystery/PI/police procedural/cozy/amateur sleuth/suspense novel that was so well written with great characters and masterfully told?  Leave a comment so we can share these gems with all the readers of the blog.

For me I would have to say Wild Penance by Sandi Ault and Tomorrow River by Lesley Kagan were the standouts for me.  Runners up would be The Crocodile's Last Embrace by Suzanne Aruda and Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen.  Check out my reviews by clicking on the titles.

Your turn.

The holidays are great for pot luck dinners and I found this fantastic dessert last week and just had to share it with you.

Chocolate Graham Cracker Eclairs

Ingredients

    * 2 individual packages graham crackers
    * 2 (3 ounce) packages instant French Vanilla pudding mix
    * 3 cups milk
    * 1 (8 ounce) container frozen French Vanilla whipped topping, thawed
   

Directions

1. Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with graham crackers.
2. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Stir well. Stir in whipped topping to pudding mixture.
3. Spread half of mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding. Top all with a final layer of graham crackers
4. frost with chocolate sauce (see below) or a package of prepared chocolate frosting. If you use a can of frosting, remove all foil and microwave about 30 seconds (just enough to warm it.)  This allows you to use less for just a glaze.

Refrigerate until serving.


Chocolate Sauce Recipe:
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1 teasp vanilla
1 stick butter
1/4 cup milk

Mix cocoa and sugar in sauce pan.
Add  vanilla, butter and milk.
Boil for 1 minute, then set aside to cool.
Once cooled top pan of graham cracker eclairs

We are approaching the end of this year and I would truly appreciate your vote if you haven't already.  If each follower voted for me I would win!!

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * *