Friday, December 29, 2017

Review of The Establishment is Dead

THE ESTABLISHMENT IS DEAD
The Rise and Election of Donald Trump

BEN SHAPIRO

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Not being a political fanatic or hack, I am still interested in what politically knowledgeable people think. Leaving Mainstream Media, a long time ago, I now watch YouTube for the news of what is happening in the world.

There is where I found Ben Shapiro. After listening to him a few times, I read his biography on Wikipedia and then bought this book.

Although I do not agree with some of his discourse in The Establishment is Dead, I did enjoy Shapiro's commentary about Hillary R. Clinton and Donald J. Trump's run for President in 2016. His insights were sharp, not pulling any punches, and comical at times.

I don't think The Establishment is Dead yet, and I don't believe Ben thinks so. But it is a good title for a conservative's book that was well written.

It seems that Mr. Shapiro was writing the book as 2016 transpired diary style and added in his commentary and hyperbole to spice up the events (Pro and Con) leading to Trump's victory. I enjoyed his philosophical endings of each chapter but not all his conclusions - I am not that conservative.

All in all, I learned something from a younger man than I and will listen to more of his YouTube commentary.



Review of COME FLY with ME

COME FLY with ME

Judith Whitmore

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Come Fly with Me is a delightful story about the love of flying and a man and woman. Both have to work at it to stay in the right direction.

Whitmore's characters are strong personalities. Each is moving in the direction he or she wants his or her lives except Kate Randolph, who is married to a wealthy man much older. She is having problems being alone with her husband out making money.

Kate does have endeavors. She can fly small airplanes and managers a non-profit. The incompleteness of her marriage and the purchase of a Learjet by her husband send her in another direction - she wants to qualify to fly the jet, and her husband's pilot is recruited to teach her.

Here is where emotional directions change again for Kate, her husband, and the pilot. However, it is an event in her husband's other personal life that intensifies the situation for better or worst depending on what family member you are.

The story has some twists that will surprise the reader. However, all in all, the novel is a well-written love story.

Purchase at  http://amzn.to/2lhU9Ya


Sunday, December 24, 2017

Review of Flaw Abiding Citizen

     FLAW ABIDING          
          CITIZEN
   
The Worst Detective Ever
             Mystery Series

CHRISTY BARRITT

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

A relative disappears, and your life cannot function. This is where Joey, a TV detective, is at and consumed into finding.

In her quest to find her father, clues popup, she has conflicts with a loved one, and people die. The mystery is why all these things are happening around her interfering that quest.

The rollercoaster ride comes to a rail missing on the track, and loved ones reach their limits. The ending passages will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ms. Barritt's characters were developed in earlier books in the series, but are easily defined in this book six. Emotions, humor, and color are embedded in their real-life morality.  Joey sometimes draws off her TV personality, a detective series.

This novel is a fast-paced page changer I read in two sittings. I read book one a while ago and jumped in here to see a change. There was none. Ms. Barritt style is entertaining and easy to read.


Saturday, December 23, 2017

Review of CRIMSON

Crimson

C. G. Blade

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Conspiracies have been abounding since JFK's murder. They have multiplied over the years into all realms of conjecture. When a real one exists, will we recognize it?

It is 2076, Blade's heroine of book one of his trinity series, Petra, a Cobalt semi- A.I., comes out of a four-month state of rehabilitation to find herself confronted with a Conspiracy against the USA. Who or what is behind it?

The North American Continent is being attacked by numerous disasters that scientifically is not explainable. Petra is given the task to get to the root of the problem.

With her new programming including a humor side, she and Ter, her computer counterpart, confront the evil attacking the American way of life. In that confrontation, Crimson, another semi- A.I. and a company of characters have become an enemy that is formidable.

The battle is on an international scale and me, the reader, marveled at the ingenuity of the weaponry. The exciting result appeases me for a moment until learning that it was not what it seemed to be.

The caveat is set to entice the reader to want more of the action, characters, historical notes, the humor, and the battle against a Conspiracy.

A great transition for this Trinity to keep the reader interested. Cobalt set the stage for this Sci-Fi Thriller.  My review: http://bit.ly/2t37BVC




Sunday, December 17, 2017

FUDGERY






FUDGERY

Vonda Norwood


Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author



If you are an author or a would-be writer or even an avid reader, FUDGERY will tickle your funny bone. What we writers go through to become semi-famous, famous, or just to have people read our books is overwhelming.

In FUDGERY, Ms. Norwood protagonist Irma is exalted to the position of Publicist of a small publishing company because of her so-called internet popularity. She sold six books. It is what she knows is essential, according to the publisher.

Irma's first job is to take a few authors to a book convention. Here is where the funny storm begins. It begins with a not so luxury bus she drives to pick up the authors and ends at the climax of a comedy parody that, if not for its length, could be a skit on Saturday Night Live.

The authors on the journey are unique to their genre and play their roles. Irma is the conductor spouting the publisher's axioms, alone will give the reader many chuckles.

The story is fast-paced, funny, and one sitting read. I read it twice for enjoyment. I am a published author, after all.

Purchase at   https://amzn.to/2vLjeTu


Sunday, December 10, 2017

Review of the American Spirit

DAVID McCULLOUGH's

The AMERICAN SPIRIT

Who We Are and What We Stand For

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The American Spirit is the second book of McCullough that I have read. The first was John Adams.

History books for many of us are not what we pick up at the bookstore initially. We buy fictional novels mostly as Americans.

However, people tell stories, and that is history. I read because I like stories. Therefore, I purchase a history book or based on history novel every once in a while. You should do that too if I were so bold in noting.

Here, McCullough tells stories in the form of speeches to people including graduates at various universities in the United States. His accounts of the men who help develop what we now call our Republic will inspire the reader to care more about our country.

David chronicles history, some of which I knew being from Massachusetts and others that I was unaware of their existence. Many reading this enjoyable book  will learn history without drudgery interesting, usable facts.

I will be reading another of David McCullough's books. You should try one, starting with The American Spirit.



Review of SILENT FEAR

SILENT FEAR
(A novel inspired by true crimes)

Lance & James MORCAN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A school of higher learning for the deaf is the background for this thriller that keeps the reader looking in the wrong direction for a house serial killer. When one person is murdered, an English police detective is brought in to evaluate the situation.

Before her team arrives to get the forensics, the United Kingdom, and the University she just walked into is quarantine because of a pandemic. The cold outside world, literally and figuratively, is militarily closed to the people inside and outside a six-story building that has four hundred plus people including detective Valerie Crowther.

Valerie is partially picked for the job because she knows British Sign Language and her being a no-nonsense crime solver. Moreover, this should have been a case easy to solve.

However, she is cut off from any external help needed to do proper police work confined in a building full of panicked student, faculty, and daytime workers. To top this off, another murder expires a second and then another.

The criminal is within the building. How hard can 'He or she' be found? The rollercoaster ride Valerie, her boss, the school's Chancellor and nurse go through in fighting a Monkey Flu and trying to figure out who's the killer at the same time is daunting.   


The MORCAN's writing kept me on the edge of my seat with an atypical and surprisingly gratifying ending which cleaned the slate for Valerie. Just the conclusion was worth the ride.


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Review: A Wizard of Dreams

A Wizard of Dreams
(Myrddin's Heir Book 1)

ROBIN CHAMBERS

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Gordon is a special boy, who has a gut feeling or an 'imaginary friend' Zack go on adventures that are informative, mysterious, and educational. This book is not a one storyline novel.

There are individual interesting stories that show and enhance Gordon's growth as a child towards adulthood. His friend Zack helps Gordon to reach his goals during dreams and on daily encounters.

As a grandfather, I can see myself reading these stories to my grandchildren connecting the dots between each, leading to helping them develop a character as Gordons. The only concern is when Gordon will let Zack go and move through on his own, which we may find out in other books in the series.

Book 1 is a functional lead for the future books. The characters are colorful, engaging, and detailed.


Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Review of BAD BLOODS

BAD BLOODS
November Rain

Shannon A Thompson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

I always loved the name Serena; and enjoyed the movie of the same name many times. In this Young Adult novel, the protagonist Serena is running away from commitment, whereas the other ran towards it.

A bit on the morbid side of life where the Bad Bloods, young adults, are outcasts because of their unique DNA. Their lives are in jeopardy unless the world accepts their being in a national election.

There are similar tribes, groups, which are in the same situation but do not meet on common ground to fight for their rights. This void is where Serena comes in accidentally.

Mysterious rendezvouses with another group's male member after running from the cops to save her life blends into an intrigue that will keep the reader interested.  However, the meetings become a little tedious but are needed to keep the story going.

Ms. Thompson's writing is simple to the point and easy to read. It is a good lead in the series, leaving the reader wanting to know what happens next in Serena's life.

In the movie Serena, there was a happy ending. This Serena's life is on shaky ground going forward.



Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Review of Four Play

Four Play

Cindy Blackburn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A murder takes place outside in a High School parking lot at night. The victim is a teacher laying in an unusual position on a car.

The car belongs to Jessie, Romance Author, pool shark, and fiancé of the police chief, albeit all funnily are on shaky ground. She is ruled out as the killer, because one, she let a young friend of hers use it to go to that night's dance at the school, and two her beau is the head cop and knows her better than anyone.

From this point, Jessie and her friends go sleuthing to the chagrin of her soon to be married lover's desires. The dialog of the characters is humorist and telling, leading to some strange confrontations.

Little by little, Jessie puts the crime line into perspective taking the center of the investigation and directing towards the right reason for the murder which is sick. However, all doesn't fall into place until the exciting ending.

If you want to laugh, delve into a good mystery, and enjoy some likable characters, Ms. Blackburn has the formula you want to read. This novel is my second of hers I have read this year for the fun of it, six in total over the last four years.



Friday, November 10, 2017

Review of ONCE I WAS A SOLDIER

Once I Was A Soldier

Daniel Kemp

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The way people are brought up and the way they treat others in their growth will build their character. Melissa Iverson's silver-spoon upbringing, her little maternal influences, and her non-conforming to her father's dying wishes produce a young adult woman who is self-involved, caring little for others.

When wealthy world traveler Melissa meets Terry, an undercover British intelligence service officer, her life becomes more confusing than it was. She never met a person like Terry. His mysterious being and his secret mission collide with her endeavors, including a maniac who is communicating to her that he will torture and kill her.

International events jump between the United Kingdom, Italy, and the USA, involving spy manipulators, a Presidential hopeful, and sexual encounters of Terry and Melissa and each with others. The interwoven involvements of those characters are what dives this thrilling novel to its end that the reader will want more to read.

I think there will be more from how Mr. Kemp wrote the last chapters. I have read a few of Danny's books and the reason I go back for more - He writes exciting and enjoyable novels.

Well done; purchase at https://amzn.to/37bc1cV


Sunday, November 5, 2017

Review of SNAPPED






SNAPPED

C.M. Sutter

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Jade, a newbie in the FBI, is on a learning curve and put in a position she should not have been. Her character well developed in investigating a crime but moves forward alone against a serial killer, which is not FBI's MO.

Jordan is on a quest to the right a wrong done to her family, which comes together with little by little as she kills her victims. Although Jade Monroe is the lead in this thriller, I feel Jordan's psyche moves the story along not Jade's education, and she gets one in confronting Jordan.

Both characters moved this predictable story forward. However, why Jordan SNAPPED is not and doesn't come to light until the shocking end. The highs are in Jordan's endeavors, and the lows are in the FBI's.

All in all, it's a good read.


Review of Shine On

Shine On

Allison Jewell

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

During the USA prohibition of alcohol, strange bedfellows came together to give the drinking public what they wanted - a stiff drink at the end of the day's work or just anytime. It also pitted law-abiding people and casual homegrown moonshiners against the law and criminals.

It sounds complicated, and it was the reason those laws didn't work. It's also why Ms. Jewell's protagonist Emmie, a young Southern innocent lady, ended up in a calamity of events she otherwise wouldn't have.

She was in the midst of a gang warfare without knowing it after her step-father was found dead; she finds a still on their property, and moonshine in a closet. Being a trusting and naive person, Emmie confides in her friends, one of which becomes her lover and, unknown to her, a purveyor of illegally distilled drinks at local joints.

The wooing process of Em and Silas turns into who trust who in the deadly game of supply and demand of liqueur in her hometown. Em's best friend, Ava from the wealthy side of town plays an integral part in both Emmie's and Silas actions until he takes charge of the game.

Allison Jewell has put together a plausible situation with historical background juxtaposed into the prose. The story keeps the reader interest in the characters whom I presume will continue in Jewell's next novel, Book #2 in the Shine On Series, another must read.

Purchase:     http://amzn.to/2zlo21N


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Review of The KA

The KA

Mary Deal

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Pyramid, Pharaohs, and Paranormal, the three Ps of this novel set in mysterious Egypt. Moreover, the writings are on the wall.

Chione has a gut feeling and dreams that lead her and a California archeologist team to the land of the Pharaohs to what is called a "Find," the business of digging up the graves of the ancient wealth. Each step of the way into "The Dig," she receives extrasensory perceptions and cryptids that lead to events that most may not believe.

Her friend/lover is also on the dig and shows up in what Chione perceives of two ancients' union. The ending of those relationships leaves the reader with the thought of what will come next.

During the dig, strange events happen which unravel. People die, go missing, and fall in love. What is learned from digging up graves? Nothing but much, the mystery behind a world that hasn't changed in centuries was nice to dabble into through Ms. Deals prose.

The detail in Ms. Deals writing is worth the read if you care about Egypt and Paranormal events. I found the read a pleasant diversion from my usual readings.



Sunday, October 22, 2017

Review of the negotiator

the negotiator

AVERY FLYNN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A wealthy CEO of his family's company, Sawyer, and Clover, a beautiful looking traveler of the world who doesn't make commitments meet in an unusual set up which leads to a negotiation immediately. Every meeting of the two after becomes minuets - individual dances to know each other even though their newly written contract says otherwise.

As an employee, Clover has a peculiar position where her talents endear her to Sawyer. Although Clover is waiting for the completion of the contract to be free from her responsibility, her relationship with Sawyer gets complicated in a way neither of them expected.

So, they negotiate that sexual endeavor that moves from fun to a hot, complicated emotional joining of their minds and bodies. And, this becomes another negotiating point of no return.

Although she is not happy with the union from the beginning, Sawyer's mother is pushing him to do the right thing by marrying a woman of his pedigree who will get Sawyer out of his business shell. Meeting with Clover, she is amazed at how the young lady changed her son - to her pleasure.

Of course, this leads to another negotiation in this fun twisting novel Ms. Flynn has written. Sometimes sexually hot, this fast-paced story was enjoyable to read.

Purchase:   http://amzn.to/2yznN3j


Sunday, October 15, 2017

Review of THE WILL

THE WILL
Benjamin Laskin

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Where there's a WILL, there's a way, is an appropriate lead-in for this review. Also, "Old School" vs. "Snowflakes" can be applied.

Jose, a young man, who has been living off his father's wealth all his life, comes to a turning point when his father dies. At the reading of the WILL, Jose put in a position he never thought he would be - he must overcome his laziness to receive the benefits of his father's hard work in two years.

Life's lessons, Jose miss-understood when growing up, he must learn to enjoy the fruits of the WILL. At first, he complains until put into a near-death position himself.

Making the turn towards reality, Jose confronts the tasks he must complete to live the life he wants. He muddles through with the help from unlikely sources (A Mexican chief, a man in a cast, a young girl with a medical problem, a Japanese fighter, a nurse, and others) that leads him to a new reality of why we are here on earth.

This novel conveys lessons we should all learn. One I like is "Readers are Leaders."

The prose is easy to follow with some exciting twists in events that lead the reader to believe in something higher than ourselves. The story is well interwoven with faith and reality.



Review of THE LAWYER

THE LAWYER
John Ellsworth

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The twist and turns in this legal thriller will have your head spinning. Michael Gresham, the series protagonist lawyer, defends a low life in a murder case with one judge on the bench and another, the victim's husband in the courtroom.

To top this off his brother, a well-known lawyer, is a missing person with an international problem which has involved Michael in a deadly incident. And the reader, to the conclusion of the novel, is trying to figure out who is attempting to kill who.

Attorney Gresham's brother appears with a show-stopping evidence to put Mexican corporate people away, costing them money and time.  This confrontation leads to murder, kidnapping, and an uphill battle that conflates with Michael's original case.

This novel is a well-written introduction to a series. The characters are well defined, the story-line leaves the readers with items they might care to follow, and the courtroom drama is compelling and should continue.


Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Review of FEMME FATALE

FEMME FATALE

DOMINIC PIPER

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Classy good-looking bastard would be one way a woman would describe Piper's protagonist London's, PI Daniel Beckett. He is a charmer, using his wit to get the point across.

Beckett is out on a date and hears a sound that sends him into action. The result is a non-stop whirlwind of investigative intrigue. His physical abilities and exceptional aptitude get him in and out of trouble.

A burlesque irresistibly attractive woman is the center of his investigation into a missing person case, and a Chinese Femme Fatale is the liaison between Beckett and his Soho client. Throughout the novel, there are many erotic women, but only one has him baffled to the end.

Mr. Piper has written a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At the end of each chapter, you'll be wondering what will come next to the point of thinking - WTF.

What you think will come next, will not. The story and the prose keep you attentive, written at a good pace. I read it in two sittings and will look forward to reading another shortly.


Sunday, October 8, 2017

Review of THE SMEAR

The SMEAR
How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News
CONTROL What You See, What You Think and
                     HOW YOU VOTE.

Sharyl Attkisson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Long Nose Pete is what we called him as a kid because he told our group of friends a fib. That name still sticks today. That is a smear. He no longer lies. At least we do not think he does.

In Ms. Attkisson's THE SMEAR, name-calling and nitpicking is blown-out of proportion for political and monetary gain. It does not matter which party is doing it; the process is eating away at the USA's Republic and upsetting the world order as to what is truthful information given to the public.

Ms. Attkisson proves her points by explaining the ins and outs of what happened in the psychological warfare of the 2016 Presidential election in the USA - the generating of falsehoods (Smears) and how operatives format them confusing the public with near truths and lies. Using the present-day conventual media, responding to these conjectures, they made small items into front-page bullshit that looks like the real thing.

Take these presumptions to add into the mix applied confusion on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Blogs, the parties promoting a falsehood can be a disaster for the object of THE SMEAR. Countermeasures put in place but in most instances too late to offset THE SMEAR which continues to live.

Ms. Attkisson's, with twenty-one years of work for CBS news in numerous journalistic positions, gives us uninformed an education that may change our minds as to what is the truth behind the platitudes we read or hear on a daily basis - BEWARE.

The writing was excellent and easy to follow for any novice of THE SMEAR.




Sunday, October 1, 2017

Review of TIPPING POINT


TIPPING POINT
(Project Renova Book 1)

TERRY TYLER

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

How people react to a catastrophe that pits human against human for survival brings out the best and the worst in them. Add to this a devious plot, and you have this gripping novel that Ms. Tyler has given us.

She develops her numerous characters so that you'll remember them going into a short series most will enjoy. The leading character is a mum, Vicky, who wants to protect her teenager, Lottie, from the events surrounding a pandemic.

With the help of her lover Dex, Vicky overcomes a major hurdle that keeps her and her daughter alive in a cruel world where people are fighting for the bare minimum amenities to go on. Having been separated from Dex for a time, Vicky, and Lottie go searching for him at some safe house miles from their militarily controlled hometown.

Their adventure begins, leading to trials and errors that confront them, without the use of our modern gadgets we use today: TV and Internet service, iPhones, Computers, electricity, clean water, etc. You get the point. They find little security and maybe a future.

You'll have to read this book to see if they and Dex have a future together, which I will do in my future.


  


Thursday, September 28, 2017

Review of The Grey Man

THE GREY MAN

S.R. CROCKETT

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Crockett has put together an epic novel about the upbringing of a Scottish knight. The story sometimes flows in a poetic mode which I found entertaining.  The length of it became troublesome for me.

I like books that get to the point fast to a thrilling conclusion. Although the prose of The Grey Man was colorful, the story was predictable - good overcomes evil with detours into grey areas, no pun intended.

There were a few nail-biting moments, but they were hard to discern because it was written in an old Scottish language. However, when I reread many sentences, in a comical sense, the incidents became apparent to me.

All in all, the chronicles of this young man's adventure from Squire to Knight in a historical setting was an educational time well spent. Other shorter stories are included for just $.99 of an interesting read.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2wXypJl

S. R. Crockett
British writer
Samuel Rutherford Crockett, who published under the name "S. R. Crockett", was a Scottish novelist.
  •  September 24, 1859, Duchrae
  •  April 16, 1914, France
  •  Scottish
http://bit.ly/2hAfi0J
  


Sunday, September 17, 2017

Review of Daughters of the Dragon

DAUGHTERS of the DRAGON
A Comfort Woman's Story

WILLIAM ANDREWS

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Andrews' historical novel of Korea and one of the many atrocities of war inflicted on it by Japan during World War II and continued through the Korean War is an eye-popping reality, the abuse of women and children. The Japanese take Jae-hee, fourteen, and her sister, sixteen, from her mother to work as comfort women, sex conduits for their soldiers, during the World War II.

In Daughters of the Dragon, a golden comb becomes an instrument of hope in Jae-hee's horrific journey through the depravity of dominance by ill-educated men. Jae-hee tells her family's story giving her grandchild a history lesson years later. 

The close to violent events that play out in that story will have the reader thinking as to how the Japanese could inflict such crimes against Koreans, knowing how docile they are today. However, they did, and that is still a deep-seated mindset in North and South Korea's psyche, I believe.

Mr. Andrews writing style is smooth explaining this Korean experience that few know. Unfortunately, it is a story repeated and hidden throughout history about wars. Women and children of the opposite combatants become commodities in the quest to win the war or conflict.

Purchased at:  http://amzn.to/2haqJsh For background on author and Comfort Girls: http://bit.ly/2wlWjxL


Monday, September 11, 2017

Review of NO EXIT

NO EXIT

TAYLOR ADAMS

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

We don’t know what we are made of until we are confronted with a life threating event. From 7:39 p.m. until 6:22 am, Darby, a young college student on her way to visit her mother in the hospital, is stranded on a highway visitor’s stop because of a major snowstorm.

She is confronted with a predicament that we all find repulsive, a kidnapping of a child. The problem is who did it, how to face the criminal, and how she can save the child in the cage.

From the moment Darby enters the small building at the stop, the challenges begin. One after another, the confrontations get deadlier. Darby’s makes many errors when communicating with the people involved and seems to always land on her two feet each time, literally.

The twists and turns are well placed that the reader will think the end has arrived for Darby, but the criminals underestimated her resolve. Others would have given up in their quest, but not little Darby. Will she die for her cause?

Mr. Adams did an excellent job developing the characters, plot, and pace of this heart stopper. You should read this or one of his other novels.



Review of Just Stop

JUST STOP
                         
A Brief Guide to Rational Thought
For the Modern Conspiracy Theorist

Ross Elder

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

As an Ex-Green Beret in Operations and Intelligence, Vietnam Service, and Bronze Star recipient for thinking in action, I can say I found this paper, because it is not a book, to be an interesting dissertation on “How to think?” Mr. Elder makes one point I agree with immensely: If a person is first trained incorrectly to think, it 's hard to correct his mindset. Green Berets are teachers, and I have had this problem.

Mr. Elder uses a few items to show how some people conflict truth with falsehoods. Item #1: Not caring about UFOs, I will bow to Ross’ interpretation of if there is or is not a UFO conspiracy going on.

Item #2: As far as JFK’s assassination, unless there is confirmed ballistics showing the bullets came from Oswald's gun, I think more evidence is needed to prove he shot the deadly one. I don't reflect on it. If you are still worried about it, give up and don’t waste your time. And Mr. Elder gives no answer for it or will anyone else.

Item #3: 9/11 Conspiracy thoughts: I have yet to get an acceptable answer as to why Building 7 collapsed the way it did. I was concerned at the time because my son worked as an intern for Credit Suisse on the date in that building. I didn’t know he was moved to 5th Avenue office a month earlier.

So, when it fell, literally fell, I doubted and still question the event as told in the media nor the commission. Having worked with the CIA in Nam, I know anything is possible

After I knew my son was safe and interrogating him over the phone from my Dominican Republic office, I was happy to let the implosion out of my mind. But today, a little something in my well-trained mind tells me something is wrong in Denmark, so to speak.

I’ll let it be. I have better things to do with my life. If you’re reading this review, Mr. Elder has nothing new for your mind; save a dime. This review is almost as long as his so-called book.


 



Sunday, September 3, 2017

Review of Nomad

NOMAD
A Thriller
(The Earth Series, Book One)

Matthew Mather

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry


The end of the world as we know it is coming. Are the governments of the earth telling you the truth? Only time will tell.

Jessica's father, Ben Rollins knows the facts, and he has known for a while. She and her mother Celeste are in Europe to meet him after he attends a conference. The human race goes nuts after hearing rumors and a government press release by Ben and his scientific cohorts. 

Jess is in Italy with her mother waiting to meet dad.  Each is trying to get free from dangerous situations so they can comfort each other. Those side conflicts enhance and intertwine with the Armageddon approaching.

The forces are against each of the main characters at every turn, but Ben has the key on his laptop. Some will survive, but few will understand the impact. This thrilling set up for the series keeps you hoping all will remain alive.

As in life adventures, Mr. Mather's character's will not all make it into book two. He keeps you hoping until the end. You'll have to read this page-turner to see who does live for another day, including a few I haven't mentioned.



Sunday, August 27, 2017

Review of Jack of Hearts

JACK OF HEARTS
A Detective Jack Stratton Novel

Christopher Greyson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Jack, visiting his parents in a community for mature adults with his girlfriend and a large dog, is hoodwinked into solving a small crime wave. The mature adults are less than knowledgeable involvement.

Behind the petty thieves is hidden a deadly crime that comes to light because of Jack's probing and the mature adult's interference.  The large dog Lady, and Alice, Jack's soon to be, play their parts in uncovering the real crime which started when his parents and others returned from vacation cruise in the Caribbean.

The story has "It's close calls," mini adventures, and funny instances including a baby alligator confrontation. When mommy gator comes out of the water later, it's a big bite missed.

As far as a detective story goes, Hearts is a simple, straightforward case. I must have read too many mysteries because I solved the case faster than Jack.

However, the story was an enjoyable read with the introduction of Jack, Alice, and their big dog, Lady who stole the show in this book. All in All, I may read another of Mr. Greyson’s many novels.


Sunday, August 20, 2017

Review of ON BULLSHIT



ON BULLSHIT

Harry G. Frankfurt

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry






Humbug, Lies, Short of Lies, Bullshit, and Pretentious Bull, are among the items that Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Princeton University Frankfurt discusses in his book/thesis on how humanity has conducted itself when covering up something it doesn't want to reveal. His work is apolitical but resonates in the multi-media world we live in today 2017.

Not mentioning names, he notes “that the contemporary proliferation of bullshit has deeper sources in various forms.” I believe he is referring to the TV news media, Facebook, Twitter, and all opinion driven outlets.

Frankfurt's definition of the above mention shades of deception is clear and easy to digest for the average reader. However, the thesis is more appropriate for an academic audience, i.e., college Philosophy majors.

Somewhat humorous, Professor Frankfurt keeps the reader's attention in this short but dangerous work. The reader may, after reading and analyzing "On Bullshit," reevaluate their rhetoric, that of the talking heads in the TV media, and fellow humans.

I read the thesis twice before this review. It’s only 81 pages.


Sunday, August 13, 2017

Review of Old School




OLD SCHOOL
Life in the Sane Lane


Bill O'Reilly &
Bruce Feirstein

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

'It is not often that people learn from the past, even rarer that they draw the correct conclusions from it.' I paraphrase Henry Kissinger who, by the way, is not one of my favorite people. However, his words are related to O'Reilly and Feirstein's thesis on human conditioning.

With the loss of truthful history and discipline in our schools, Old School values of the past are in the most cases lost in American culture. The authors wove into this book their knowledge of their cultural growth intellectually, using short stories of each families' past.  

Many of those stories resonated with me. I am a Baby Boomer who lived through the same period, albeit I served in Vietnam where my core values changed somewhat. Participating in war does that to you.

Snowflakes, however, live in the now and won't look at the psychological development of the past to add value to their life, unless there are core family values already installed. It’s an endeavor losing ground, according to the authors.

Unfortunately, this declarative historic on values will be only read by Old Schoolers and maybe psych majors who want to understand human conditioning. Americans are being conditioned at a faster rate today than in the 60s, 70s, and 80s via sound bites. The authors allude to this conditioning.

Mr. O'Reilly and Feirstein have put together a fast-moving book with laughs and interesting observations. However, its fundamental theories, although somewhat factual, won't work in today's world. Few young Americans read history, Snowflakes won’t.


I enjoyed the read because I am Old School. Buy at http://amzn.to/2wFr3pL

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Review of I SPY, I SAW HER DIE

I SPY, I SAW HER DIE
Book 1 & 2

IAN C.P. IRVINE

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

"Do the right thing," is a thought many of us have when confronted with an event where a decision is needed. Mr. Irvine's protagonist, a professional hacker, Ray Luck has a lover who breaks up with him. She uses that phrase trying to bring him back to reality.

Luck disregards her plea, even though he thinks about it, her, and goes ahead about using one of his cyber programs anyway. He sees something that he might or might not have been programmed to witness - murder. 

Leaving his cyber 'Safe space,' Luck goes visit a hacker bro to get some clarification of the video he downloaded. The events that follow are life changing and threatening for Ray Luck because of the misuse of government power by a few. 

He puts his life and the lives of his lover, friends, and family in the crossfire of a foe; he thinks he knows. It's the right thing to do.

Mr. Irvine has written a two-book series; you can't put down. This thriller has all the ingredients with hurdles that seem impossible to get over for Ray Luck and a nemesis that has all the power to eliminate him from existence. 

Book two is a continuation of one. I recommend that you buy them together for a promotional price on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2waQLS9