Confronting Evil

CONFRONTING EVIL: Assessing

The Worst of the Worst

 BILL O'REILLY & JOSE HAMMER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

"What a piece of work is a man." William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet. The authors have assembled a collection of notorious individuals, ranging from Genghis Khan to Mao to Hitler to Vladimir Putin, who are pieces of work.

This book is a detailed story prose that will give the inquisitive reader an understanding of evil that is not in any history book I have ever read. Before the college student goes around spouting who is a king, they should consume this chronicle.

I will not go into detail about everyone described in 'Confronting Evil,' but I will say that the humans who followed these men did not have the same level of communication we have today. Present-day humans who follow the concepts of those men are either inhuman or stupid.

O'Rielly and Hammer have put together a book that should be part of all colleges' history curriculum. It's an awakening that young people need to be educated in.

Well written and easy reading.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4qLBKCr

The Advocate

THE ADVOCATE

TERESA BURRELL

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Sabre Brown is a lawyer who handles cases for the Juvenile Division in California, also known as Kiddie Court. One of her clients is a ten-year-old named Alexis Murdock, the granddaughter of a wealthy family in Atlanta, Georgia.

The distance between Georgia and California, the backgrounds of the father and others, and the unusual circumstances surrounding Alexis' upbringing present obstacles for Sabre in protecting her client. These situations lead to thrilling events that cannot be understood by Sabre, her friend Bob, and an Atlanta detective.

When Sabre and Alexis' rollercoaster ride comes to an end, the reader will have mixed emotions that will stick in their minds. The protection of innocents is the central theme.

Ms. Burrell demonstrates clarity and thoughtful precision in her writing. Whether the legal protocol is correct, I'll let you legal beagles decide.

Fine read. Purchase: https://amzn.to/4nHGiqQ

HEXES & HUSH MONEY

HEXES & HUSH MONEY

A Cat Café Witch Mystery

HAZEL CARAWAY

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Hex is the familiar cat of Ivy Rowan, owner of Catnip Café in a small New England town. Ivys and Hex’s lives are put in a tailspin when a man Ivy fights with over a town development is found dead in the alley behind the café the same day.

Gold coins and witchery are the centerpiece of this quirky story of investigating the murder. Even the Sheriff appeals for Ivy to move the plot along.

When all is said and done, a surprise criminal appears at the conclusion. Then the author does something I have never seen in a cozy mystery – an interesting lead-in to Book 2 of the series as a chapter.

This novel is quick and engaging, making it a good read due to its flamboyant characters, including a witch named Rowan Gran and multiple cats.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4hrKFEX

HOW TO TEST NEGATIVE FOR STUPID

 

 

HOW TO TEST NEGATIVE FOR STUPID:

And Why Washington Never Will

 JOHN KENNEDY, USA Senator

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

Mr. Kennedy’s dissertation on his journey to and in the United States’ Capital is written in easy-to-read prose with a dab of his classic Louisiana humor.

His explanation of how Washington works and the foolishness of some who control the system has led to the worst of times. Hopefully, common-sense policies will lead to the best of times.

Senator Kennedy’s honest opinions drive home what every American can understand and should be worried about. He contends that an age of wisdom can help keep the USA afloat for another 250 years.

This non-fiction is a personal attempt to involve citizens in their country’s destiny. It’s a well-written journey, and a must-read for those with an inquisitive mind.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3WdO28y

SLAY BELLS RING

SLAY BELLS RING

The Wedding Bell Mystery Novel

NANCY RUBARDS THOMPSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Jenna is a wedding planner, and her mother, Maddie, is a mystery writer. They turn into amateur sleuths. Peculiarly, Jenna is planning the wedding of her ex-lover and an out-of-towner.

Circumstances put Jenna in the position of being the last person to see he ex-lover before he is hit on the head to his death. From that moment on, the reader knows Jenna could not have done the deed; however, the chief insinuates she did it.

Maddie, who has a thing for the chief, is upset that he thinks Jenna could kill, and goes on an investigation that skirts the law. The reader of this so-so cozy mystery, after a few interviews, should have solved this crime.

Ms. Thompson's characters are plausible and usable for the next book in this series. Not one of the best Cozy Mysteries I've enjoyed, but passable for a quick read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4o5IAAy

First Deadly Sin

The First Deadly Sin

Lawrence Sanders

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Captain Edward X. Delaney (Police) vs Daniel Blank (Nut Cake). Both men are consumed by what they are attempting to accomplish.

Blank’s deviation from his norm kills and loves his victims at the same time because of his love affair with a disturbed woman. Delaney is caught up in administrative bull that leads him to search for Blank outside the regular police channels.

The author uses too much detail in describing each man’s journey – Blank, a psychopath, enjoying his kills, and the Delaney, using everyone to reach his end of bringing Blank to justice.

This turmoil is well-written, but overly psychologically developed. I would have liked a shorter version without all the ‘mumbo jumbo’.

If you like reading a lot of boring police details or a man’s reasons for killing, this book is for you. If not, read a cozy mystery.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4gPAXvA

The Girl Behind the Gate

THE GIRL BEHIND THE GATE

BRENDA DAVIES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The times (1930 – 1950s) that Nora is put in a mental institution for a “Defect,” which is explained in this novel, is one of the UK’s historical defects. Her journey in that HOSPITAL is long, exasperating, and cruel.

Nora goes into a cocoon, without psychological aid, for many years, because of the crude, authoritarian management system of the institution. Modern psychiatry arrived forty years later, in the form of Dr. Humphrey, a compassionate woman who also struggled with her own personal issues.

Nora and Humprey’s interviews and communications change each woman’s understanding of who they are positively, making for an inspirational read. The novel is a lengthy and complex read, making it time-consuming.

Tears and laughter will guide you through to the end.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4mGrN63