Review of Disappeared

Disappeared:  MANTEQUERO

Written by Jenny Twist

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Can love or the lack of it, kill you? In Ms. Twist’s short novel, where a person disappears on vacation, many levels of love are deviled into. The love of friends, relatives, and an unknown Vampire type character are brought into the light.

An English teacher has not returned from her vacation in Spain. Her adoring cohort is surprised she has not returned and is flustered over the matter. It seems that no one else is concerned other than that missing teacher’s niece and the travel agent who sold her the ticket.

Alison, the protagonist, inquires getting no answers. She and the overweight travel agent, Heather, decided to do something about the disappearance of their friend June. After some investigation, they go to Spain together on holiday.

Alison, who speaks Spanish, and Heather, who has a European driver’s license, arrived in the town where June had stayed. What seems like a pleasant place turns into a Frankenstein event after they go to a local bar.

Infatuation leads one our vacationers into an unsafe situation. The unraveling of it changes their lives forever.

The reading was easy and not overburden with subplots. The story is a quick, entertaining read for a rainy or wintery afternoon.

Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1IuKntP

Review of UNBELIEVABLE

Unbelievable

A Cassie Baxter Mystery

Written by Cindy Blackburn

If only animals could talk, what a world this would be? Ms. Blackburn’s comical whodunit has animals in it that if they could talk, would have solved the case before Cassie’s antics, theories, and innuendos.

Escaping from her father’s breakfast, Cassie leaves in frustration early in the morning. While kayaking in her pajamas, Cassie comes across a woman’s dead body on Lake Elizabeth, Vermont. ‘Being in her pajamas,’ becomes the local small town joke when that body is not found.

Using hilarious and factual deductions, Cassie goes about trying to solve the case, stirring up the locals, who think she is a nut case. This upsets the Sheriff but intrigues the Captain of the State Police, who also thinks Cassie is a little odd.

Things do fall into place at the end of this enjoyable funny novel. Ms. Blackburn has presented a plausible crime that happens a very small town point of view.

Unbelievable is an engaging and pleasant novel that you should enjoy if you like animals and a good mystery story. And who wouldn’t like a well put together a humorous mystery?

Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/11FrHTC

Review of Pope Joan

Pope Joan

Written

by Donna Woolfolk Cross

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Between the years of 853 – 855 AD, there was a Pope after the death of Pope Leo IV who is left out of the Book of Pontiffs. In the history of Roman Catholic Church, the story of a person who reigned as Pope John is missing.

Ms. Cross brings to life the story of a young girl with an inquisitive mind in a period of time when women were considered to be without the capacity think. They were subservient to man according to “God’s Will,” and did as they were told.

Joan’s brothers are preparing to go to religious school, and she dares to ask why she can’t go to. Her elder brother takes pity on her and shows her the way that only men can go – school to learn the scriptures.

Thrilling and educational circumstances lead Joan through a labyrinth of events which graduates her status in a man’s religious clerical system that does not identify her as a woman. It is her knowledge accumulated over the years which elevates her to prominence as Lord of the Roman Church.

Her love of a man, which she vowed never to be complacent in, brings her, as Pope John, to her fatal end. Her demise as Pope is horrific, leaving no doubt of her sex

Well written, researched, and presented, Ms. Cross tells a tale, some would say is impossible to have happened according to limited records – the story is a myth. Donna Woolfolk Cross’ detailed story is a compelling vindication of the Pope Joan myth.

Decide for yourself. It is a read not to miss. Purchase at: http://amzn.to/1m2fwKY

          

   

Review of Reprisal

Reprisal

Written by Alfie Robins

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Law and Order, NYPD Blues, and many other American police TV programs have been my education into how a police department works. Mr. Robins, in Reprisal, give us an in-depth look into the workings of a detective unit in a North East England police headquarters.

Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Philip Marlowe is the “Boss” of the unit that has been confronted with a murder of significant pathology. When a second murder presents itself with the same M.O., the unit goes into overdrive, believing that they might have a serial killer at large.

The day to day procedures of looking for evidence and deciding where to move next is what propels this detailed story forward. Mr. Robin’s Marlowe is the focal point of his unit - an average bloke. The other characters in the unit are given their due per their relationship to the DCI.

Their investigation is slow moving until a van is tied to the murders. ‘Who is the owner? Where is the van?’ are the keys needed to bring their detective work to its conclusion. It was like finding a needle in a haystack. When these factors are accomplished, all hell breaks out.

This story has its twist that keeps you reading. Much is hidden from the reader, but the clues are there. Mr. Robin’s gives readers a surprising ending that they can live with. The novel peaks at the right moment – at The End.

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zvRjOn

Review of Book Clubbed

Book Clubbed

Written by Lorna Barrett

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

This story of murder is a layback whodunit. There is a killing, but a somewhat none violent one in the storeroom of a bookstore owned by the protagonist Tricia.

Tricia and her sister Angelica are business women in a small tourist town that is in the offseason. Angelica owns a restaurant. Hence, there is not much to do with few customers other than to solve the murder of Tricia’s employee.

The victim is not what everyone suspected which increases the interests of the sisters and propels the narrative forward. The case slowly moves forward to the end which goes up in flames.

Ms. Barrett’s story is a predictable one but intriguing pleasantly. There is no harshness in her writing which moves along smoothly explaining why the main character Tricia goes about doing the business of being involved without trying.

There was no heavy thinking to be done in the reading of this novel. So if you’re not looking for a messy murder story, this novel is for you.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/1zMfZoS

Review of Sleeping through the Beauty

Sleeping through the

           Beauty

Written by Regina Puckett

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Love, at First Sight, has always been a controversial debate among Love Doctors. Regina puts a delightful spin on this – falling in love with a Sleeping Beauty.

Romance is in the air when one brother is invited to the wedding proposal of another. It’s a dinner party where the loving couple takes off leaving the invited brother alone with the mother of the soon to be a bride.

The mother introduces him to the essence of her other daughter, who is unavailable for medical reasons. His enchantment in that daughter leads to an unlikely romance story that will bring tears to your eyes – you won’t put this short story down until the last year.

Romance is Regina Puckett’s forte, and I will continue to read her works, as you should.

For 99 Tears: Purchase at http://amzn.to/1m2kxDu

Review of A Tine To Live, A Tine To Die

A Tine To Live,

    A Tine To Die

Written by Edith Maxwell

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

When I first looked at the cover, I thought, Tine & Vegetables, what do they have in common? “Tine to Live and Tine to Die,” what does this me? I am glad I looked at the book.

Food has its mysteries, but this was a murder mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Having had part of my life living on a vegetable farm with my grandparents, I related to the main character’s daily endeavors albeit she is cultivating an organic farm; my grandparents did not.

Cam, the protagonist, a farm is disrupted by a violent event where a pick fork with three tines was used. The police are called, and the mystery of what had happened commences.

In a well-written story, Ms. Maxwell uses her main character to explain how organic farming is done, how she is coping with bad publicity the farm is getting over a murder on her farm, and how she is trying to unravel the mystery to save a friend.

I know the food is interesting. I eat every day LOL.  Ms. Maxwell has woven an entertaining adventure around it - a pleasant read with an exciting ending.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/1y3nAf9

Review of Bourbon and Blood

Bourbon and Blood

Written by Garrard Hayes

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Life in the Big Apple, New York City, can be overwhelming. It can be even deadly if you happen to be dragged into being associated with mobsters. This is what happens to Mr. Hayes’ main character Bill. The “Who, what, when, why and how,” is conveyed in plausible events.

From induction, Bill goes on a path of never-ending destruction of property and individuals. He is paired with a criminal mind, who is working for his own preservation and leaves Bill with the bag at times, so to speak.

All the elements of the criminal world cross Bill’s path including drugs, prostitution, murder, and gang boundary battles. Using living color descriptions of the underbelly of big city life, Mr. Hayes keeps us on edge, scene after scene.

In the last scene, which comes after Bill makes an important decision; the author leaves the reader wanting to know what will happen to him next.  Will his journey bring him back to a normal city life free from crime involvement? Will his love affair renew itself?

Well, I will have to read the next book in this series. It will be on my BTR list when it comes out because Mr. Hayes' writing is no-nonsense prose, thrilling, and right to the point.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/1PFHOrl

Hot scene from Three X Wives

Three X Wives of Don Quixote Smith

Excerpt from Part II Second wife, a Prostitute, who Don Quixote meets at a brothel in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.

The women tell their stories. Romonita speaks:

      I handed him the soap and checked his nails. “I’m glad you got a manicure or I wouldn’t let you wash me where I want those fingers to go.  Don’t be gentle.” I kissed him and turned around giving him my rear end to clean.

     He rinsed me down with warm water and moved his soapy fingers down my back to the crack of my buttocks. Kissing me on the neck, he whispered, “I know what you want.”

     Moving gently at first, he entered my short body with one and then two fingers. Kissing my neck and back, moving his fingers in and out for some time (I lost my sense of time.) I heated up so much I almost climaxed. 

     When he removed his fingers, he seemed to be taking a break.  I turned around to kiss him. One short kiss was all I got. He turned me around saying jokingly, “I’m not done with you yet.” He kissed my neck.

     Q penetrated my anal area. First, probing with one finger and then with two, I went crazy with my emotions towards his prob.  Again, I lost time in the pleasure of the moment – his fingers probing each orifice and my movement towards his force, giving me enjoyment I never received from a man I cared about. I climaxed with such a groan I was crazy with joy.

      I relaxed for a moment and then took control. Face to face, I said, “Now you get what’s coming to you.”

Purchase at:  https://amzn.to/2tyVZaL

Review of The Drive-By Wife, Book 1

The Drive-By Wife, 
Book 1

Written by Mike Wells

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Mike has done it to me again. I read his Lust, Money & Murder (Series,) and could not wait to read each book in the series.

The Drive-By Wife leaves you in the same mood. A woman and her husband have an encounter with a man in a park. This confrontation spins off numerous events that bring more conflict into their lives.

In their situation, life snowballs into events that become uncontrollable. They are at odds with each other to the brink.

The fast-paced and suspenseful, this novel will keep you involved and want more at the end of Book 1.

USAhttp://amzn.to/1IuR1Aj
UK http://amzn.to/1vHGGa7

Review of No Mercy

No Mercy

By Wendy Cartmell

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I enjoy short stories. In this small collection, Ms. Cartmell also gives an excerpt for Steps to Heaven, which I totally enjoyed a few months back, and others with short stories.

In each story, she keeps you on edge.  “No Mercy” is the events of a soldier being burnt to a crisp in his kitchen. It’s another Sergeant Major Crane SIB Investigation, as was Steps to Heaven.

Two leads are perused with impressive results, but the possible murder suspect isn’t apprehended.  It may have been the victim, who set himself on fire, or it was a domestic violence situation that led to his death. She had No Mercy.

“What if…?” is a different twist on domestic violence.  This may or may not have ended in a boom. “Another Satisfactory Day” has a marriage end in a comical and resolving day for the wife.

Wendy keeps the reader involved and interested. She has mastered storytelling.

See Wendy at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1IuRgLK

Review of The Law Man

The Law Man

Written by Vonda Norwood

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

If you are looking for Erotic stimulation, I recommend any of Vonda Norwood’s novels or short stories: Indie Authors Make Better Lovers, Playing the Coach, and others. She has a knack for putting you in the middle of the action when she writes.

In The Law Man, a young college student, Mary Evans is looking for someone to control her daily sexual life. A little domination is what she would like. The explicit way that Ms. Norwood conveys this to the reader may or may not shock you.

For me it was entertainment, reminding me of when I was young and uneducated sexually. Mary is a student who has learned her lessons from her dominating professor behind closed doors of his classroom to explosive heights.

A $.99 Purchase at http://amzn.to/1m2kcAw

Fruits of Faith

Fruits of Faith

Health, wealth, and wisdom are weighed

in our universe of human discourse.

God’s health, wealth, and wisdom

cascades us when we Believe.

Our health, wealth, and wisdom

transcends normalcy in that Faith.

Our convictions ascends us to His

health, wealth, and wisdom.

For He, does not refuse His faithful

health, wealth nor wisdom.

Therefore, have Faith in His

Health, Wealth, and Wisdom.

by
Roy Murry

If you enjoyed this poem, more are published in 'In the Clouds.' 

USA: https://amzn.to/2zAMfR1
   UK: http://amzn.to/2rBnrW8

VAMPIRES, are they real?

VAMPIRES, are they real?

By Author Roy Murry

I do not believe in Vampires. However, I am reading my second novel which uses them as an important part of the plot. Breathless by Scott Prussing is that novel. I will have a review in one or two days.

A mystic around Vampires started when that undead shell of a human was introduced in the 1800s.  Sophisticated superstition propelled them into the limelight when John Polidori, an English author, wrote The Vampyre in 1819, the first published modern work of its kind.

I must say that what I have read about them has been convincing. The genre has been fortified over the years by professional sources, as they call themselves.

If you are into that genre, my review comes out in two days. It is Some Interesting Stuff.

Get Breathless free on Kindle: http://amzn.to/1oiDpXL

+Vampires +Mystic +Books

    

Google It?

Google It?

Written by Author Roy Murry



I’ll preface this with the fact that I’m 66 years old.

We come to the 21^st Century. I remember when we decided an argument like – who kick the 1955 field goal to win X American Football game? - By asking someone in the know. If that person wasn’t available, we’d find a World Almanac. My last one purchased is the 2010.

In the local pub, club, living room with friends or any place people meet, discussions can get heated over a question like – who won the MVP in any sport in X year.  One person would say one name and another would disagree.

Who has the right answer? And we would ask another person or if it was available, consult The World Almanac.

Yesterday, I was in a bar and the question arose – who portrayed the brother of Maureen O’Hara in the movie The Quiet Man, an Irish tale of love and a family dispute over a dowry. One said Ward Bond and another person said Victor McLaglen.

Words were had. An argument pursed and bets were made.

“Google It!” was the cry. And the answer was googled…   

Bali Rain

Bali Thanh Lot Temple

In April 2011, I went to visit my son in Singapore where he worked with Credit Swiss learning the Asian trade. We took a side trip for his and my birthday. I wrote this on my return to the USA.

Bali Rain 

Bali rain hits with such clean force on high temples that protects their Gods.

Rain comes down everywhere without discrimination cleaning the nectar of their life.

Streets of motorbikes hide under cover.

Rice paddies refresh in all the private property squares.

Plumerias open drinking water.

Many dogs play in the puddles.

I sit and drink my Arrack with ice, garden poolside, thinking, what a beautiful place Bali Rain made.


If you liked this poem, more are published in 'In the Clouds.'

USA: http://amzn.to/2qY11On UK: http://amzn.to/2rBnrW8

Sweet Molly

Sweet Molly Ringwald, the Jazz Singer

We all know Sweet Molly as the lovable girl in the movies Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. She was what part of what they called the Brat Pack, which was a group of young actors that were in films together in the 80’s.

They included Emilio Estevez, AlleySheedy, Anthony Micheal Hall, and Judd Nelson, who starred with Molly in the movie Breakfast Club, another staple of the TV screen over the last few years.

What you may not know is that she is a Jazz Singer. Released April 9, 2013, was her album Except for Something: http://amzn.to/1AiDUYV. I have, and it is enjoyable with Sweet Molly’s voice.

She also has a part in the upcoming Jem: The Movie. Check Molly out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Ringwald for more info.

A Novel Obsession

A Novel Obsession

Written by Jeff Joseph

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

We have all been obsessed with something in our lives, but I hope not with a person. In Jeff Joseph’s A Novel Obsession, you will be surprised with who is obsessed with whom.

Abby, the main character, has a crush on Daniel, who is a world renowned romance writer. She sends a fan letter to him inviting him to speak at her school.

The letter was so overwhelming to Daniel that he had to meet her. It conveyed to him the woman, who wrote it, was so insightful into why he wrote what he wrote. He wanted to know her.

As in all good books and movies, romances aren’t always peaches and cream. Mr. Joseph puts compelling and thrilling events in to action that you wonder if the two will ever meet.

This read will keep your attention. The ending will leave you hanging wanting more. When you do reach the climax, you will be surprised.

A must read for Romantics: http://amzn.to/1qzMbYF

Review of First Date.

FIRST DATE

Love & Regrets
Written by Vanessa Wester

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry


I remember my first date with the most beautiful redhead I have ever met and dated up to and including our High School Prom. Later in college, she found her soul mate and married him, while I was fighting a war in Vietnam.

Vanessa’s FIRST DATE brought back memories of my first time, and it will work for you.  The book is two romantic short stories in one. It is free on Amazon.com today.

Ms. Wester does an excellent job of setting you up for what you would think would happen on a first date. The tension is there between the two participants: the holding of the hands for the first time, the opening of the door by the male, and the inquisitive conversation – He cares for me?

Then Vanessa throws in a factor that changes the dynamic of the first date – another man. Only by reading this quick moving love story will you get the answer.

Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2hgUM
  

Review of The Trees Have Hearts

The Trees Have Hearts

Written by Mrs. D

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

The wind blows through the trees, and the sound is music to a young girl who had moved into a new home with her mother.  She has a language bearer with the community, but not with nature.

Her imagination brings her close to nature – the three trees in the garden yard of the house she lives in. An endearing relationship amongst them is enjoyed, and the little girl is helped through her daily troubles by the comfort of the trees. She overcomes to her fears with their help.

Mrs. D. has produced an exceptional children’s book to be read to your young ones. She, as I do, recommends that you read to your kids on a daily basis. I believe readers are leaders because they know different ways to complete an endeavor.

This is not a complicated read but should be read to a child up to the age of seven or let them read it at that age. It is quite mystical in nature and has some life lessons in it that we all could learn.

 Purchase at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2mYWF

Review of Time to Let Go

Time to Let Go

Written by Christopher Fischer

Reviewed by Roy Murry, author


The way we think and function on a daily basis is who we are. When those abilities decline, changes in our character lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This alteration will affect the dynamics of the environment that is lived in.

Mr. Fischer’s ‘Time to Let Go’ deals with that dynamic within a small family where the husband becomes the primary care giver of a once caring and giving wife Biddy, who has the disease and is declining into her own shell. Walter, Biddy’s husband knows what is best for her.

This is where the ‘What’s best for Biddy?’ comes into play. Their daughter visits because she has a major problem that she feels guilty about - an event at work that could change her life. Conflicts arise over what is best for Biddy.

Walter has his solution and is living it. Hanna and her brother Henrik have each theirs which includes putting Biddy in a home. Only Biddy is left out of the decision making. Each has their merits, but Walter wants Biddy at home in her/his routine. His way trumps all others because it’s his wife for better or worst.

This story goes into the debt of the disease. It’s what one family went through to find the right decision for the better health of the family, which is the health of their loved one Biddy who has her ups and downs. Based on a real family the story, it is written as character driven fiction.

Christopher Fischer wrench gripping story will keep your attention. You’ll be wondering, ‘What would I do in that situation?’ I pray that you’ll never have to be in Walter’s shoes.  

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1m2mO1B

Review Good Sister, Bad sister

 Good Sister, Bad Sister

The Heart of the Staff, Book 1

 Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps

 Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

This delightful tale of yore, if there ever was a place, is presented in a colorful setting. Relatives, families, siblings, and royalty are the same throughout history, even if some of them are wizards, witches, dragons, or birds, as it is in this novel.

In the Phipps’ fictitious land, there is a clear-cut divide between good and evil. One sister is the child any mother or father would love, where the other sister is the one you would like to take out in the woods a hit with the strap. But this is not what you do with a witch that can travel at will through thin air.

The story is about disagreements going back before time began. This family dynamic pits brother against brother, a daughter against mother, and sister against sister. The way they resolve their differences make this fun read.

Now, who do you know can turn his brother into a dragon because he has been a bad boy? Or, when was the last time you heard a sister be jailed in her own kingdom by using wards, whatever they are.

The language HITS on a new but easy to follow vocabulary that won’t hinder your train of thought. You’ll have a few chuckles out of hearing a crow’s wife talk to him about his business and how he’ll get the next meal.

This first book in a series was well thought out, and I recommend it to the fun-loving reader. I enjoyed it much.

Series only Paperback: https://amzn.to/35VrPjb

Life is a Circus Run by a Platypus

Review of
Life is a Circus Run by a Platypus

Written by Allison Hawn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Ms. Hawn’s Circus is a collection of well put together little acts formed during her exciting life. I believe that she has learned her life lessons, according to her summaries at the end of each episode after the curtain comes down.

Those experiences came after trials and errors young adults go through growing up. Her writing brings out the funny side and or positive side of the situations she muddles through.

The situations she-devils in are enjoyable to read and seemed to be geared to lessons for the young but do have some universal axioms en-grained. Using comic references to popular and not so popular characters and events, she gets her points across colorfully, bringing the reader to a pause where they will contemplate what just transpired.

Funny most of the time, but sad in some instances, Allison tells it like it is in her writing. She doesn’t hold back any punches. She gives her interpretation of what transpired in her life.

This is not a book to read at one session, but a collection to be read one story at a time. The reader can go back many times for a laugh.

I have earmarked a few for reread, a laugh, and reference in my storytelling.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2w4mwwF

Review of Wrong Place Wrong Time

Review of Wrong Place Wrong Time

Written by David P Perlmutter

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

When we were young, our thought processes sometimes got confused either by lack of knowledge, by our emotions, or by some drug-induced states we put ourselves in. It was our up bring that brought us back to reality and got us through those befuddled state of affairs.

In Mr. Perlmutter’s Wrong Place Wrong Time, David is just about to mature into an executive with all his future laid out for him. Working hard in a profession he enjoys, an error in judgment he makes leads to the disruption of that life, leaving him on the outside looking in.

To comfort himself, he goes to a Spanish resort area to get away from it all and to reorganize his thinking, looking for a new future. All is going well for a short period of time until more conflict enters his life. What is one to do – go with the flow even if it is not where you want to go?

David does that but lands where no one wants to be in a foreign country – on the wrong side of the law because he thought he was doing the right thing. And no one was listening, other than his family back home.

This true story by the author has some misadventures to get into detail. What I will say is that David did the right thing in coming clean with his family, thereby freeing him from any guilt and allowing him to go forward with his life albeit not being a rosy situation.

The story was well written and gripping. It was somewhat of a cliffhanger at times that the reader will keep on going until the end. Good job for David P. Perlmutter’s first endeavor.

I have also read his My Way and got some great tips on marketing a book on the internet. Thank You, David. We have many of the same friends.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QbVEpz