Against My Better Judgment

(Mauzzy and Me Mystery, #1) By B.T. Polcari

New Adult Contemporary Mystery,

Romantic Comedy Paperback & ebook,

298 Pages September 16th 2020 by The Wild Rose Press

When freshman year at the University of Alabama draws to a close, Sara Donovan finds herself grappling with the same old question—listen to her head or follow her heart. What she ends up doing is purchasing an Egyptian souvenir funerary mask, and after a mysterious phone call, she’s certain a ring of antiquities smugglers are operating in Tuscaloosa.

With finals never far from her mind and her return to ‘Bama hanging in the balance, she should be studying. Instead she launches her own investigation to prove her mask is indeed a stolen artifact, and not a cheap trinket. When it comes time to snoop, Sara is more than ready, or at least she was until a hot new teaching assistant moves in next door.

Suddenly she learns things are never as they seem. Ever.

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Character Guest Post

Sara Donovan’s Top Ten Things to Take on a Stakeout

Sara Donovan here. Conducting surveillance of possible perps is an important part of an investigation. This is not to be confused with observing the idiosyncrasies and the comings and goings of neighbors. That is just good security. The keys to any successful stakeout are: 1) finding an unobtrusive location to park the car that provides a good visual field of the target’s location; 2) be prepared for long, boring hours of no activity; and 3) take precautions to keep from being made. In this regard, I have put together my list of the top ten things I take on a stakeout to ensure its success, even if the target never shows (that’s why I have #8). 😉

Proper stakeout attire. Loose and comfortable, such as dark-gray dress yoga pants with a black empire-waisted blouse and three-quarter length sleeves. After all, it’s about being stylish in case you’re made.

Thermos of coffee. Note to self: be extremely careful when pouring and drinking the liquid goodness so we don’t have another unfortunate accident.

Snacks such as granola bars, crackers, and a can of soup with spoon. Note to self: move phone to passenger seat when eating the soup so we don’t have another unfortunate accident.

Pepper spray.

Floppy hat to shield the face should the target look my way.

Dark sunglasses for further shielding of said face.

Binoculars.

Pride and Prejudice, in case things are slow. Note to self: don’t become too engrossed in Mr. Darcy. Remember why we’re here.

Purse complete with OCD Tissue System, patent pending by Sara Donovan; hand sanitizer; and phone charger.

Phone.

Final note to self: Although this does not qualify as something to take on a stakeout, it would be against my better judgment not to do so prior to leaving on a stakeout. Pee.

About the Author

Ever wonder what retired business executives do after they have put in years of effort for society and decide it is time to hang up their hat? Perhaps strolling along the country club’s fairway, or lounging on a 50-foot yacht?

Alas, B. T. Polcari is unlike your typical retired executive. Empty nester and Scarlett Knights alum, Polcari is still learning the meaning of “retired” while feverishly typing away on the next new book idea, smashing the fuzz off the little green tennis ball, or blasting bowling pins for a perfect game. Yes there is a boat, but not one that comes with its own crew; this retiree prefers to bustle along a serene lake in a quaint single seat Sunfish sailboat.

Perhaps the only time BTP can be found in a quiet moment is while enjoying the morning company of two family dachshunds over a newspaper and cup of coffee. B. T. Polcari currently resides in Chattanooga, TN and is thrilled to be fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a published author.