Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Review of Crossroads

Review of Mary Ting’s
Crossroads

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

What would you give up for your soul? Love?  Ms. Ting weaves a young adult romance story where the heart and soul come into question in the main character’s life. Turning eighteen, in its self, is a moving event for a young lady.  

Claudia, our protagonist, after a traumatic occurrence, finds herself in another reality or in a dream. In this emotional limbo, she is confronted with answers to her questions that are in conflict with her understanding of reality.

Some of those questions are answered, but will love win over reality. The young have no fears when it comes to love, but reality always seems to set in at some point of time.

Ms. Ting has written an interesting adventure into the unknown, leaving the reader with enjoyable contentment and wondering what will come next in the series. You will want to read on and that means getting the next book in the series.

Well written, as always, Ms. Ting understands a young adult’s demeanor and puts it on the page. It was a little difficult for me at age 65 to understand at first, but I can see how a young lady will enjoy reading this somewhat mystical and dream like novel.


It’s a fine Christmas or anytime gift for the young women in your life. She will learn from the main character’s questions and the answers that are given to her by her Guiding Angel.  It’s leave one thinking.






Thursday, November 21, 2013

Review of Ado in the Meadow

Review of Ado in the Meadow
Written by Mary Danino

Reviewed by author Roy Murry

In the meadow, there is much going on. Young animals frolicking doing their thing, which is nicely illustrated in Ms. Danino’s story of a youngster who is gathering some fruit for his friends.

He is different from the others because of his natural persona that his friends love. However, the adults have a problem with some of his frequent disruptions to the meadow. And, this is where the Ado begins.

The animal (Child) is placed in a position where doubt festers in as to its existence as to who he is. This produces the child’s reactions. 

Mary's simple prose repeats these reactions with illustrations, which when read out laud will bring a smile to a 3 – 5 year old listening to your voice.  This book, I believe is to be read to a child the first time around or many times.

Ado’s main character redeems himself to the adult animals by saving the day. His friends were not surprised. The adults had to agree that he is a friend indeed and should stay in the meadow.

The combination of sound bites repeated and the illustrations makes this an enjoyable read with your young ones. Also, there are morals within the paragraphs. Christmas is around the corner; and I believe a book with illustrations of animals is always a good choice as a gift for a child.


Try this one, which I have read out laud twice. Cute. 

Mary's links are in her interview below: http://bit.ly/1hXICr1

Monday, November 4, 2013

Review of The Dragonfly Door

Review of The Dragonfly Door
Written by Margaret A. Millmore  


Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The story told by Ms. Millmore, in her novel The Dragonfly door, is one of true fiction. She has stretched the reader’s imagination, bringing them to the edge of reality with a thrilling story that keeps you reading on, and on.

Each time the door is opened or closed a new twist is brought to light. Traveling with the speed of light in and out of the door, the main character learns more about why he was placed on earth and how his life has an effect on those that follow him after he makes a decision.

A conundrum, we all try to solve on a daily basis is how what we say to our children will affect their lives and our future with them, is placed in question. In her tale of the unknown, that gap is bridge and revealed somewhat.

This revelation presents eventful situations for the main characters where they meet the future. One of their own, in the present, has contaminated the world with a virus, leading to why one of the doors was opened in the first place.

You may be confused at first, but Margaret brings it all together with exciting prose, beginning with a man who is put in a psychiatric ward to the acceptance that that man and his mission is needed to save the world in the future. But, he is a lunatic. Or is he? You’ll have to read The Dragonfly Door to find out.

This novel hits all the right buttons: entertaining and gripping. A fine read over three or four sittings.


Saturday, October 19, 2013

Review of The Murders at Astaire Castle

Review of 
The Murders at Astaire Castle
written by Lauren Carr

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Intrigue and fun are the words that describe this whodunit novel by Lauren Carr. She takes mystery to a different level that one gets entertained while trying to find out who or what is doing the killings in this tourist town.

‘The Murders’ is the right beginning of the title. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose count, as I did. The chain of events will come to a conclusion that the reader will understand, after Ms. Carr’s main character Mac Faraday and his support team, including Gnarly his German shepherd, uncover the villain.

The crimes are gruesome and non-link able as one may think. They do have one link and that is the personage that had lived and died at Astaire Castle. Is a ghost, a werewolf, a wolf man, a man or a woman the culprit? You’ll have to buy the book to find out.

Ms. Carr’s writing is fun to read if you like having an animal take over the scene. In this novel, likable and unlike able animals take over most of the scenes other than the investigative police work .

Your emotions will be played with in a good way and you’ll have a hard time picking out the criminal, because it’s a shape shifter according to a wolf man. There are also low key love entanglements. Ms. Lauren Carr draws you in; like I just did.


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Review of Playing with Poison

Review of
Playing with Poison
By Cindy Blackburn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The one behind the eight ball has the ability to end the game when playing straight pool or for you Europeans pocket billiards. In Playing with Poison, the sleuth protagonist Jessie has the ability to end the game on a positive note by calling the right pocket.

However, she is put behind the eight ball, figuratively speaking, when a friend’s lover stumbles into her apartment unannounced. He says Jessie’s friend’s name and drops dead on her couch.

The novel starts with that shocker, but continues on, in a light hearted and humorous pace, as Jessie and her new detective friend Captain Rye proceed to find the killer. Of which, Jessie Hewitt, aka Adele Nightingale novelist, is one. How ridiculous, she mentioned to Rye, who has taken her couch away as evidence.

There is a cast of characters who wanted the dead-man dead, but only one did it. Jessie, who won’t let the police do their job, runs them all down to the anguish of Captain Rye.  Sarcasm and sexual intrigue enter into their conversations and non-conversations relating to the case.

Ms. Blackburn’s, first in a series, novel pleasantly entertains as her sleuth investigates using Jessie talk. The language of her romantic novelist character Jessie Hewitt is witty, direct at times and sarcastically on cue. Dialogue is what propels this mystery forward.

It’s interesting, that when Jessie misses putting the eight ball in the pocket, the crime is solved by her and her new acquaintance Wilson Rye, at the same time, from different points of view.  The ending is not what you’d expect. You’ll have to read it to find out.

Ms. Blackburns’ link www.cueballmysteries.com
     


       

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Review of A Perfect Setup

Review of Douglas Wickard's
A PERFECT SETUP 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The world revolves around Sami Saxton, as it seems in this complex character driven novel. The author delves into the background of the main women characters to the point of telling us their intimate sexual preferences and choices of men. Sami’s ex is the only male character that women migrate towards. That is the reason for their parting ways – other women.

A young woman is murdered and the story begins. Sami’s ex, Jerry, is the prime suspect, but he wasn’t there at the time of the crime. Sami living her somewhat psychogenic existence believes that Jerry could never kill anyone. Or, could he?  

The development of Mr. Wickard’s attractive Sami Saxton character has her in a delightful existence in New York City with her lovable dog. In her journeys around town, the reader gets a taste of the big apple. She drives taxi cab drivers crazy with her back seat driver’s attitude. But in all other parts of her life, she has little clue as to where she is going or what is happening around her.

This mystery is thrilling at points, because of Sami’s mental aliments which are minor and controllable with legal prescriptions. However, mixed with wine she gets the feeling that someone is out to get her. They are, but it’s not who she thinks it is.

Mr. Wickard keeps the reader’s attention using the character’s explanations as to why they are doing what they’re doing. Some of the explanations are intriguing and entertaining.

The novel is a quick read that a reader of suspense novels will find captivating. I can’t wait to see what will happen to Sami in her next adventure. Or, should you?

Purchase: http://
amzn.to/SPl3WK



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Interview of Dionne Lister

Interview of Dionne Lister
Author of Shadows of the Realm
(The Circle of Talia)

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself? I was born in Australia to immigrant parents. My mum’s Italian, and my dad’s Greek. I live in Sydney with my husband and two children and enjoy playing competitive team sports.

Do you remember the first story you wrote? The first one I remember writing was a small book when I was about ten — The Silver Waters of Brumby Land. Brumbies are the wild horses in Australia. I still have it, and I illustrated it too. It’s funny to look back on because I always thought I got my horror streak from reading too much Stephen King as a teenager but in my first book, one of the horse characters slipped and fell and smashed his head on a rock. He died. Seems like it’s just my brain and I have no one else to blame lol.

Were you inspired by someone or something? No. I just wanted to be a writer because I loved writing and I enjoy the process so much.

What do you like about writing a story? Many things. I love the process of creating the story — putting the words on the page is incredibly fulfilling, and then I love reading it back and thinking “Where did that come from?” And of course, there is the joy of a stranger (or friend) reading your work and loving it.

Can you tell us about your book? I’ve written three books. The first one is Shadows of the Realm and the sequel A Time of Darkness, both in The Circle of Talia series. They’re young adult high fantasy and center around a group of realists — they draw and use power from the Second Realm. The two main characters, Bronwyn and Blayke, are learning as they go, having been forced to leave home. They’re eighteen and untried. Their daunting task is to learn as much about their Second Realm powers. As they can without getting killed and then band with the dragons, so they have a chance of defeating the gormons who are invading from the Third Realm (akin to hell) where they were banished from Talia (their world) over a thousand years ago. The gormons are angry and want blood; lots of blood.

The other book I have out is Dark Spaces, a book of suspenseful short stories set in the modern-day world.

What genre best fits for the book? Young adult epic or high fantasy is The Circle of Talia series, and Dark Spaces is thriller/suspense.

Are you working on something new at the moment? I’m working on a lot of things. I’m working on the final book in The Circle of Talia series, a standalone epic fantasy which is tentatively called Little Dove, a crime thriller. One which is comedy/women’s fiction which will be released under a pen name as it deals with things I’d rather not have associated with my young adult image.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? Write as much as you can, and if you can study writing, you will learn a few things a lot quicker than if you try to do it yourself (unless you are a freaky genius). Learn to take criticism — it can hurt to start with, but you get used to it, and if you listen to the people who are giving you good feedback, you will improve. No one’s work is perfect so be open to the fact that you need to keep working to get better.

Where can people go to read your work? I have a few short stories and the opening to Shadows of the Realm on my website www.dionnelisterwriter.com. You can also buy my books from all the usual places (where you can also read samples).

Do you have anything to add? If of your Australian readers are interested, I’m talking about self-publishing at The Sutherland Shire Writers Festival and the NSW Writers Centre in November and the Hunter Writers Centre at the end of October. For the US readers, I’m appearing at a book signing morning on 12th October in Dallas (Texas). Twelve authors are getting together. We write in a wide range of genres, and we’ll be selling and signing paperbacks, so come down and see us at Half Price Books Dallas flagship store. And if you’re into speculative fiction, I co-host Club Fantasci — you can find us on Facebook and Goodreads or our website www.clubfantasci.wordpress.com. You can find me on Twitter @DionneLister if you’d like to say ‘Hi.'

Roy: Thanks so much for the interview! I’ve really enjoyed myself. Cheers, everyone J.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Review of Valentine's Surprise



Review of Valentine’s Surprise,
a short story, by Lawrence Wray

Reviewed by Roy Murry

As some of you may know, I subscribe to http://www.one-story.com/  and receive a short story a month, which I read religiously. I have been doing this for a couple of years. I’m telling you this to give you an idea of where I got my knowledge in reviewing short stories – I have read many, including most of Mark Twain’s and other popular authors.

Now to the present and Mr. Wray’s Valentine’s Surprise. I was thankfully surprised and read it twice. It was well constructed prose that kept me interested and made me laugh even though I had to think twice about some of the English converted into American English, which pleasantly slowed down my reading – rethinking what just happened.

The story line was believable and timely. A man buying his wife a present for Valentine’s Day should be an easy thing to do. But when friends get involved a la Lucy and Desi Arnaz of TV comic fame, the results can be hilarious. The laugh meter needle went past the middle on this one.

Lawrence brings the story’s predicament across smoothly. There were no frills, just right to the point story telling. It’s worth the buck or pound for the laugh.
And, we should all laugh each day.

My Lawrence Wray’s links: 

Amazon Author Page  http://viewauthor.at/lawrencewray
Valentine’s Surprise    http://amzn.to/1m2nbJm
Twitter                           @lawrence_wray
Facebook                     www.facebook.com/lawrence.wray.33

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Review of Turnabout Is Fatal Play

Review of
Turnabout Is Fatal Play
Written by Glenn Harris

Reviewed by R. Murry


Rick said at the end of Casablanca to the chief detective, “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” is an appropriate quote to describe the relationship between the main characters in Mr. Harris’ novel, McCall, and Malone, private detectives.  It is also true for the reader who loves detective stories because this series beginner endears you to its characters.

Clint McCall and Devon Malone combine to unravel some situations that range from funny to gruesome.  Even though their styles are clearly different, they mull over events, concluding where the circumstances may end.  Like any partnership, all doesn’t always end the way one may want.

Glenn Harris has put in place the start of a series that flows with some sparks flowing between the main protagonists up to and including the last scene where all seems well in their little part of skillfully defined Portland, Oregon.
Their relationships, future mishaps, and Portland’s landscape will be the base of upcoming episodes, which Mr. Harris has skillfully put in place.

With this background, the gamut of characters come alive, propelling events into action that our detectives fence against. Their duels are sometimes physical, mental, and cute. Whatever the situation, McCall and Malone find a way to deal with it, which is why I feel you’ll admire their accomplishments.

If you’re looking for a series that will keep you attentive, I recommend that you look into this one.

Glenn's books are currently available only in electronic form. There are links on my website, www.glennharris.us, to Amazon (for Kindle owners) and Barnes and Noble (for Nook owners). 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Review Passion, Power & Sin

Review of Mike Wells’

Passion, Power & Sin
Books 1 & 2 of
A Series

Reviewed by R. Murry

A simple act of receiving an E-mail, which most people would consider spam, is the catalyst of these thrilling introductions into this five book series written by Mr. Wells.  His main character, Heather, is a resourceful intelligent red head, who has a stressful money problem. 

Because of her family’s financial turmoil, she opens a second E-mail because the first message came true to her amazement and made her angry she didn’t take advantage of its fruition.  This is when her adventure into the world of international monetary affairs turns into nerve raking events for her and the reader.  However, there are some pleasant moments she encounters.

Mike pulls his readers in and keeps them glued to the page hoping Heather will reach her goals.  Each endeavor seems strange at first glance.  Heather overcomes obstacles by wit, fate and luck.  Mr. Wells writes each event in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering if Heather’s world wind will come to an end, solving her problems. 

There is a love affair in the background of this nail biting suspense story.  It’s kept there, because Heather is doing her thing globe hopping to resolve her problem first, keeping her lover in the dark of its existence. The affair culminated to her satisfaction.

We all want an underdog story to come to a happy ending.  This one may because of the lead character’s ability to go with the flow of events and not get bogged down in self-pity. She moves on, knowing she has the strength inside her to handle what is thrown at her even to the doubts of her friends.

Mike Wells has me hooked into finishing this series.  If you are not prone to heart attacks, this series should be on your “Series to read list.”

Check him out: http://
amzn.to/1hjPrhk



Sunday, August 4, 2013

Review of Something Great

Review of Something Great

Written by M. Clarke



Reviewed by R. Murry


Romantic stories are now geared to the young, because they are the only ones who fall in love?!  The one difference I see in Contemporary Romance vs. any other Romance novel is gadgets used to upscale the plot.  In Mary’s novel Something Great, that gadget is a Smart Phone, with people using texts to convey information.  I’m old school and don’t text. 

Mary has done an excellent job using this communication media to enhance the story of her two lover’s journey.  Using this new way to snappily deliver one’s thoughts brings different emotions into play which a face to face directness diffuses.  The author uses wisely the differences of those exchanges to develop the storytelling.

In M. Clarke’s version of a love story, there is playfulness, teasing, giggling, winking, and the old standby of kissing one’s lover in the place that drives them crazy.  Effortlessly she leads the reader on through a story made in heaven and we all know that when that happens, there is always the pit falls.

The main character armed with a family of three friends, who have a group text site to speed up communications between them, falls heads over heals for the perfect man, albeit some say he is a women magnet and has slept with many of them.  He, on the other hand, has emotions that he never had before, which impedes his directness.

Their affair is sometimes torrid but mostly cute and moves along smoothly.  He uses his position to show his affection and she uses her friends for advice to understand it.  M. Clarke does a fine job of writing an uncomplicated story that becomes complicated because of her intended character’s communication skill and style.

This novel is for the young and old romantics.  It resonates on all levels.  An enjoyable summer afternoon read


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Review of Soul Destruction: Unforgivable

Review of
Soul Destruction:
         Unforgivable

Written by Ruth Jacobs

Reviewed by R. Murry


Forgiveness is a hard concept for many to grasp. There are many quotes on forgiving oneself and others that could fill a book.  I won’t give you one.  All I’ll say is that the world would be better off if people would forgive and forget, including one’s own stupid actions.

Ruth Jacobs’ novel is a crime against forgiveness.  There isn’t a character in this tale of sex, drugs, and crime that has the capacity to forgive, because each of the main characters is wrapped up in their own self-pity.  This,
Ms. Jacobs has well developed.  The three prostitutes, Shelly (Main Character,) Nicole, and Tara, have all not forgiven or forgotten their pasts and have used their individual pasts as a reasons for being where they are in the present.

This character driven story delves into the minds of intelligent individuals whose minds are altered by drugs and the life style they have chosen. Their decision making has been so impaired that they go over the edge, committing an unforgivable crime stemmed from the fact that no one in the group of three can forgive, forget, and move on, which might have stopped the crime.

Ruth’s writing moves the reader to peaks of disbelief that can only be described as horrific.  You feel the compassion in what she has portrayed as the life of a prostitute in the UK and feel the distress in how her characters come to their conclusions.

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your reading chair, this is a crime novel that will keep your attention.

Ms. Jacobs’s links are There’s the Soul Destruction website at www.soul-destruction.com and my author website www.ruthjacobs.co.uk.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

First Chapter of Three X Wives of Don Quixote Smith



              
             


Part One, An Encounter – First Wife
The Year: 1977
    
     My name is Maria, Maria Dominguez, born in a little village north of the city of Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Please excuse my English – my native tongue is Spanish.    I’m using an interrupter.  My Don Quixote Smith story is this:
     Many said when I was young I could dance better than any of my family and friends.  So I started to take lessons when I was fourteen.  I could dance the meringue, our national folkloric dance, far superior to anyone in my class.  My instructor would always say to friends, “Come to my class and see this girl move. She is seductively good.”  He was proud to have me as his student.
     At seventeen, I was picked to go to the capital Santo Domingo as a finalist in the National Meringue Contest.  To my amazement, I won the second prize with my partner Jose.  “Maria and Jose didn’t win because the winner was a general’s daughter,” was the cry from the professionals and friends alike.
     A man, who owned a dance studio and company, saw us perform and hired Jose and me for his touring group.  We played in many of our country’s hotels until we got a permanent one – what do you say in English? – The gig at the Hotel Lina in Santo Domingo.  Jose and I had sex many times.  I became pregnant, and then the time came when I could not dance for fear of hurting my baby.
     The group became famous and got a contract to go on an international tour.  Jose left me behind when they went on tour to foreign lands – Mexico, Spain, Italy, America, and others.  I went to my mother’s home in Santiago to have my baby and never saw Jose again until many years later.  At that time in my life, I detested Dominican men and was leery of their intentions.
     Eventually, Jose fell in love and married a Dominican-American in the U.S.A., and he became a green card resident of their country.  I wish I had his luck.  He did send money for our son and wrote me saying he was sorry, but he had to do what he had to do, whatever that means?  He also wrote that he would bring his son to the United States when he became a citizen – how fortunate for my son.  “But…What about me?” I would cry loudly in my depression, “Dominican men suck!”
     When I regained my slim body, with its admiringly round breast and tight rear end, I looked for another dancing position.  My firm, slender legs and my newly found confidence after my experience of being left on my own by Jose, gave me the strength to dance my way into another dance group.  I had the smile, personality, and seductive moves.  Also, I slept with the director, Juan Sanchez.  We used each other.  I was making my luck.
     One day Juan called a troupe meeting, informing us he had signed a contract for a group of six males and six females to tour Haiti.  I paid a lot of money to get a passport fast, because I was one of the six women he’d chosen after twenty auditioned for the job, and we were leaving in two weeks. 
     I know why I got the dance position – it was my bedroom moves that Juan enjoyed the most, not my dancing.  Juan said at the close of auditions, “Maria.  I hired you to keep the other girls in line when we are in Haiti.  You still got the moves at twenty-one – you’re special.”  The other girls were all eighteen.  Juan liked young women so he could control them.
     I said to myself, “Don’t men always mean that you're special when they want to sleep with you?”  And Juan regularly got his way.  He was troupe leader and a super asshole.
     When we arrived in Haiti, the room assignments were made at the Hotel Royal Haitian, Puerto-Au- Prince.  I slept in a room with Lia and Dolores.  Juan had his room because he was the director/dancer, using it for sex with a different girl each night.  Sometimes two would be beckoned.  Lia and I reluctantly gave him what he wanted one night.  Anything to keep the boss happy was the unhappy attitude of the girl dancers.
     The man was a Puerco, pig.  What could we do?  We couldn't leave – any of us could – he held our passports and most of our money until the tour was over.  He did this to keep control.  But, he said he did it for safety reasons.
     We were his sex slaves on call.  The men in our group were all gay except Jaime.  He played around with local whores who came to see us perform.  He was told to stay away from the girls in our group by Juan.  I started enjoying the younger girls at Juan’s request.  What Juan wants; he takes.  “I want the young ones broken in.  That’s your job.  That’s why I hired you,” was his unvarying take-it-or-leave-it orders.
     The local and foreign tourists tried to have sex with us.  I declined no matter what the money offer was because Juan said he was going to send me home if I did.  He would force me into his bed instead.  The pig started to enjoy rough sex.  I would cry after each encounter and hope for the tour to end.  After our two-week engagement at the Cape Haitian's Hotel Royal Christophe on the north-east side of the country, the tour would end, and I would be free from Juan Sanchez.
     I remember the long bus ride to Cape Haitian.  I stayed alone in the back, not talking to anyone.  I had spent the last night in Port-au-Prince in Juan’s room.  He was more brutal than ever.  I just fell into a cocoon.  I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I was crying inside. Dominican men suck!
     My body did not feel so right from the bruises to my private parts.  I decided to bear with it for the next two weeks and report Juan to authorities when I got home, even though I knew it wouldn’t matter in my male-dominated country.
     We arrived in Cape Haitian at the hotel.  Getting off the bus, I bumped into a young man who was coming out of the hotel. “Sorry…Hi!” he said, looking into my eyes intensely and giving me a beautiful smile.
     “Hola,” was all that came out of my mouth.  I was shaking.  He spoke English and I couldn’t.  Comely and sharp looking at the same time, I just wanted to squeeze him.  I had – what do you say in English? – Goosebumps – all over my body. 
     “Lia, did you see that gorgeous man who just said hello to me and walked away?” I nudged my roommate.
     “Yes. I'd like to get that man into bed!  He looks like an American.  Let’s ask someone,” she replied, licking her lips.
     She asked the hotel worker, who took our bags, in Spanish, “Hi!  Is the man that just left here an American?  Does he stay here?”
     Answering in broken Spanish, he offered, “Si, Si, he is in room #13.  He is Don Quixote Smith.  He lives in the hotel for a month. He is a businessman.” He held his hand out for a tip.  I gave him an American dollar, and he continued smiling, “He goes to the show tonight.  I help – no?”
     I handed the Haitian another dollar and told him, “Find out all you can about him and tell me later. OK?”
     “Si, Si. I find out.”
     We arrived at our rooms and took a long needed rest from our three-hour bus trip.  After showering, I laid on my bed thinking about that good-looking man Don Quixote Smith and knowing that we would meet again.  “I’ll bed him,” I said in a sinister tone. “I don’t care what Juan will do to me.  I’ll take my chances and make my luck.”

Now you can purchase Three X Wives of Don Quixote Smith at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2tyVZaL




Friday, July 5, 2013

Review of 10276 in Two Months

Review of 10276 in Two Months
Written by Giok Ping Ang


Reviewed by R. Murry



The human psyche is very frail when it comes to the question of love.   In my opinion, the five senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, must confirm that issue before it is answered.  Ms. Ang’s protagonist, in her novel 10276 in Two Months, using social media’s Facebook, does not establish all her senses in deciding her love for another because of the distance factor. In essence, he is on the other side of the world.

The drama of this romantic novel’s main story and subplot is so compelling that the reader will have a hard time putting the book down to take a break – it’s that mesmerizing.  Both novellas arrive at conclusions that will frustrate and endear the reader to the lead character and to her screenplay’s main character.  She is writing the play to impress her lover while fantasizing about what she would like her love to be.

Yes, the protagonist is a writer, and so is her lover.  Therefore, like many who are reading this, we use Facebook and Twitter to promote ourselves and our writing.  In their communications, some of it poetically written; they become smitten and arrive at the level of soul mates without using all of their senses – literally and figuratively. 

However, Ms. Ang’s prose has you so involved; you will believe that the outcome will be a match or matches in heaven since there are two love triangles portrayed in this narrative.  When the end of these passionate sinful predicaments arrive, you will know what it would be like, in Ms. Angs’s words, to feel what it’s like if poets ran out of poems and why these characters sank into the poison of love and lust.

If you are romantic, as I am learning that I am, you’ll enjoy this new age communication twist on courting – looking for a soul mate through Facebook.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/1k2JPJ1

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Review of Childhunt.

Review of Childhunt

Written by Faith Mortimer    


Reviewed by R. Murry

The crime is perpetrated by a man from the past at the beginning of this suspenseful novel.  Yes, the novel is about an abduction of two children.  However, it is much more thrilling than one might expect when knowing who and where the deranged perpetrator is.

Historical background of the children’s mother is suspect; the frustration of dealing with the local police is disturbing; a clairvoyant unravels some truths; and Diana Rivers puts her skill as an investigator to work.  These actions are chilling to the point that one does not suspect what might be around the next corner.

No detail is left out of Ms. Mortimer’s novel.  The characters and the local in Cyprus we know from reading other books in the series, but this novel stands on its own.  New characters are developed well to support and enhance this finely tuned additional adventure of writer, part time sleuth, Diana Rivers.  

Tensions rise and fall throughout, psychologically speaking.  Mother’s grief and her being suspect involves the reader to feel deep emotions for what she is going through.  The children’s plight at the hands of a hideous man keeps the reader involved.  The fact that the weather and the limited intelligent police force are hindering the search for the children leads to concern.

All the above and more is a good reason to read Faith Helen Mortimer’s novel Childhunt.   I hope she does not let Diana Rivers fade away.  If Ms. Mortimer does, we are grateful for her short reign as the sleuth on Cyprus.  

Purchase at:  

Amazon US http://amzn.to/1m2iZcJ


    

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Interview of Faith Mortimer



Interview of Faith Mortimer
Author of Childhunt!

Questions by R. Murry


Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Good morning Roy. May I take this opportunity to thank you for having me as your guest author this week.

Briefly, I live about 70% of the time in an old stone-house in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains on Cyprus and the remainder of the year in the south of England where I’m from. I began writing seriously around 2000, when my husband and I took early retirement and decided to go off sailing! We are both qualified Yacht masters and before we settled in Cyprus, we explored the seas from as far north as New York down the east coast of the USA to the Caribbean and Venezuela and then back across the Atlantic into the Mediterranean where we finished our travels in Turkey – a fantastic eight years living on our sailing yacht – and the perfect place to write books!

Do you remember the first story you wrote?
I’ve always written stories ever since I can remember. The most serious was when I was about fourteen. It was a romance set in Borneo!

Were you inspired by someone or something?
I’ve always enjoyed playing around with words (and of course reading), at a young age I knew I wanted to write my own stories

What do you like about writing a story?
Oh that’s easy. It’s MY world. My people, my places, my feelings. I love drawing the characters from people/friends and then taking a bit from one person and adding another – a real mix and great fun.

Can you tell us about your book?
I’ve now written eight books. Five are mystery suspense thrillers known as the Diana Rivers series.. The titles include: The Assassins’ Village, Children of the Plantation, The Surgeon’s Blade, Camera, Action…Murder! and Childhunt.


My other book genre are romantic suspense/historical fiction/family drama/action & adventure; these are The Seeds of Time and Harvest (parts 1 & 2 of The Crossing) and my first romance set in France, ‘A Very French Affair.’ I have a short story collection entitled, The Bamboo Mirror, which is FREE on Amazon, Barnes & noble, KOBO, iTunes and Smashwords.
I’ve almost finished my next books which is a psychological thriller set in Scotland. This is a stand-alone book of many which I plan to write as a separate series. My working title is The Devil’s Brae and it is due out for release in July/August.

How did you come up with your storylines?
Almost all my stories feature either something I’ve experienced, or they are set somewhere where I’ve lived. If I like an idea I’ll go with it and set it down as soon as I can find time.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Yes – never give up. It is often a lonely occupation and only you can write your story. Don’t let others put you off, or tell you what you’re doing and how you’re doing it is wrong…it is how you feel and think and more often than not you will be right. Stick to your plans!

Which authors inspire you?
MM Kaye. Tolkien. Dickens.  I can read a great novel and I then go around thinking about it for days – the author may have a style that I admire and it gives me the impetus to get down and begin to write a new book. No one writer or person inspires me though.

Where can people go to read your work?
Amazon US  http://amzn.to/oLQt8c
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/qe90Lf
The book depository (paperbacks) http://bit.ly/oCON7U
Snippets and chapters are often found on my website www.faithmortimerauthor.com
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/faith-mortimer
Where can people find you on the internet?
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/FaithMortimer.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaithMortimer
My website www.faithmortimerauthor.com

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
Be yourself. Don’t judge others too harshly and always be there to give a helping hand – it could be you wanting that help some day. As I’ve already said it can be a hard slog. When you’re ready to publish make sure that the product you’re going to offer is as good as a paperback. Take time to edit and reedit, over and over. Be patient – it will take time to make any real progress. Be friendly and polite to everyone within the same market – you never know when you might need them and good manners never hurt. You can also learn lots from others as well.

Thank you so much for having me on here today!