We’re excited to launch the Kindred Tours Book Club, showcasing a new book every month that inspires adventure both on and off the page. With an eye on the American Southwest, we’ll select books that spark further exploration—epic journeys, just outside our front door! To begin, we’ll meet in our Sun City West office for light refreshments, followed by a lively blend of discussion and social time. Watch your inbox for the big reveal! Our first title will be announced via email on January 8th, and it would be fun if we could all read at least the first chapter before the meeting. East Valley people, do not hesitate to reserve your seat. Free transportation will be provided to Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix participants, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Depart: Mesa 9 a.m. Scts 9:30 a.m. Phx 9:45 R: 1 p.m.
January Title
The Trunk Murderess:
Winne Ruth Judd
by: Jana Bommersbach
If history is right, a 26 year-old beauty named Winnie Ruth Judd murdered her two best girlfriends one hot Phoenix night in 1931. Then she hacked up their bodies, stuffed the pieces into a trunk, and took them by train to Los Angeles as her baggage.
If history is right, she was sentenced to die but “cheated the gallows” by acting insane. She spent nearly 40 years in Arizona’s insane asylum-flummoxing officials by escaping six times.
If history is right, she only got her freedom at age 66-after serving more time than any other convicted murderer in the history of the nation―because Arizona was finally tired of punishing her.
But if history is wrong, Winnie Ruth Judd’s life was squandered in a horrible miscarriage of justice.
Award-winning journalist Jana Bommersbach reinvestigates the twisted, bizarre murder case that has captivated the nation for decades. She not only uncovers evidence long hidden, but gets Winnie Ruth Judd to break her life-long silence and finally speak.
In telling the story of this American crime legend, Bommersbach also tells the story of Phoenix, Arizona―a backwater town that would become a major American city―and the story of a unique moment in American history filled with social taboos.
But most of all, she tells the story of a woman with the courage to survive.
We’ll follow it up with...
Northwest Valley:
Sundome Plaza
13547 W. Camino Del Sol
Sun City West, AZ 85375
Located in the heart of Sun City West at the Sundome Plaza Shopping Center.
Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.
Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights
Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.