Review of MAGIC DESTINY

 

MAGIC DESTINY

The Irish Rogue Series, 

Book One

 KATE GELLAR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Looking at the Amazon reviews, I seem to be the only guy to read about Abby's adventure in Ireland. I picked out the book to read because of the "Irish Rogue Series." I am part Irish.

Then I started to read and thought I was getting into an erotic novel with the talk of bonding. Surprise, the novel is about witches and the keeping "A Seal" closed, locking in evil spirits into the underworld.

Four men, guardians, evaluate ten women who have witches’ linage to find a queen. All four men are to bond with the queen to save the Irish world.

Abby has no idea what is happening. The world has changed for her in an adventure that turns her life upside down.

This beginning may or may not save the day until the bonding is complete. Maybe in book two of the series - an excellent writing hook by the author.

I would have liked a little more background story. However, I enjoyed Abby's play with the guardians.

The prose was first-rate and the main characters are well-defined, leading into book two, which I will not read because one bonding is enough for me.

However, this read is a good one standing on its own.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/37TZXAc

Review of HIT THE ROAD JACK

 

HIT the ROAD, JACK

A JACK RYDER NOVEL

WILLOW ROSE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I enjoyed this novel. However, Jack Ryder is not the sharpest Police Detective I have met in print.

I am a television LAW and ORDER freak and have read many books in this genre for ninety-nine cents. This thriller had its moments but did not meet my high standards of police dramas/thrillers.

Hit the Road, Jack, the first book in a series, is based around a serial killer who kills women who cheat on their husbands. Clues are abounding, and for a small island, a number stand out like a sore thumb for amateur sleuths but is entirely unnoticed by Jack.

I liked the characters, but I wished Ms. Willow Rose developed them more in this novel. However, with Florida's motel/hotel background, I got a kick out of, because I lived and worked in more than one, beaches and all.

The prose was clear and understandable, with no mystery to solve. All in all, the novel was a fair read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38pIONE

 

Review of SLANTED

 

SLANTED

 

SHARYL ATTKKISSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In October of 2017, I read Ms. Attkisson's THE SMEAR. Her detailed insights I confirmed through research. She writes clear and concisely, so I decide to read SLANTED.

This thesis compares what we face today with the dystopian world foretold by Orwell in 1984, which most of us have read in college. Journalism, print, and television news are SLANTED towards their corporate Narrative.

The Narrative is promoted and SLANTED using it, not giving the consumer the complete facts or leaving out information that would change the Narrative. I noticed this in 2016 watching CNN every day through President Trump's inauguration, and have not watched the channel since.

Ms. Attkisson begins with her journey in the 1990s, from CNN to CBS, and brings us many personal experiences to illustrate her thesis. However, she started her career in 1982 at PBS, where she learned, at the time, that journalists should stick to the reporting standards they've developed, rather than abandon them.

Unfortunately, most journalists have abandoned the core standards by putting the truth first and upfront in a story reported. They SLANT towards THE NARRATIVE.  I see it all the time after reading her two books.

Ms. Attkisson's abilities shine through THE NARRATIVES and get to the truth of the matter. The media have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years, but more so during the Trump years.

 

Thank you, Sherly, for The insight.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2J9QZVS

 

Review of THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

 

THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

Paul Phipps-Williams

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I usually don't purchase horror novels; not my cup of tea. It's the same with movies. I find them silly. I picked up this novel because I think I got it free.

The only enjoyment I got from this novel was it centering around a pub. In small towns worldwide, the pub is where the people meet to discuss local and national news.

Mark Adams takes a position of honor running a pub in a land of horror by a lady he adores. At first, he is oblivious to the situation, he catches on, and then falls into a drunken dream or reality.

The elements he meets, human and non-human, define his life's introspection. How Adams lives through the adventure will be chilling to some readers, but it was not for me.

I had to be careful not to lose my place in reading this somewhat dull novel. However, I will say at times, the Scratching, a plague in the novel bothered me.

Mr. Phipps-Williams writes well, but as I said, horror is not a genre I like to read or watch in a movie. If you do enjoy horror, I recommend it to you.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/39VBuM0

 

Review of CASTELMEZZANO

 

CASTELMEZZANO,

THE WITCH IS DEAD

An Italian Cozy Mystery

ADRIANA LICIO

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.

This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.

All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.

The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o28B4H

 

Review of ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

CYNTHIA WRIGHT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

When France and Scotland joined by marriage, a regal mandate, in the 1500s, one of the main characters, Christophe, Chevalier de St. Briac, must journey to Scotland to refurbish that King's castle. In his endeavor, he meets Fiona, a cultured lass of a robust and wealthy family.

From that moment on, a whirlwind of events commences based on the Scottish culture's moors clashing with the French. However, Fiona and Christophe's engagements and conversations are above the fray, putting them in harmony with each other.

Each must overcome an evil put upon them by another to be together. This situation leads to an unexpected ending, hooking the reader into the next chapter in the 'Crowns & Kilts' series.

The story is a bit of a captivating experience, bringing history and cultural differences into the forefront. A romance novel with adventure is always an excellent read when written by a person with the style of a Cynthia Wright.

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Review of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

TERRY TYLER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The people living in your circle, family, and friends, do you know them?  Are they what they seem, or are you delusional?

A thirty-five to a fifty-year-old serial killer is roaming Lyndford, England. The police publish his facial sketch in the newspaper. The young women are his target.

Who is he, Tom, Dick, Harry or someone you know? Ms. Tyler gives the reader a few stories that may define the killer.

Each scenario is a dramatic, wrenching event that guides the reader to believe this person is the man. The lead plot character is sure they know the killer and determine to get him.

Only one man did the crimes, or did he? The reader may know at THE END or not.

Drama and thriller put into a good read. You'll have to be a Sherlock to read between the lines and decide whodunit.

This novel is my third read of Terry's endeavors. Well written and enjoyable as always.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/393c5zA

 

Review of HELLO NEIGHBOR

 

HELLO NEIGHBOR

Missing Pieces

Carly Ann West

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Neighbor' is Nicky's story, who moves with his parents into a town with a burnt down amusement park. Across the street lives another twelve-year-old named Aaron, his parents, and his sister.

Two notes that set the tone at the beginning of this somewhat creepy novel are words of wisdom from Nick's parents: "Lu, he's twelve. He is barely human at this age," and "Remember, the family makes you stronger."

On the other side of the street lives the weak and disturbed family of Aaron Peterson. His father is living through a mental hell about what happened at the amusement park.

The two boys’ bond, break into the park using their unique ability to unlock locks, and, in another event, get into legal trouble costing their parents needed monies. Split apart, the boy with the strong family ties survives.

When Nicky tries to reunite with Aaron, Aaron leaves a bloody note for Nicky - I make bad things happen. What has happened? You will need to read book two in the series to find out.

I don't recommend this novel for a ten-year-old even though there are some excellent qualities to the read. A twelve-year-old may understand some of the deep thoughts and words intoned.

Note: I have helped bring up two boys who are doing well in their forties.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3lrohxC

 

Review of ANNO 2020

 

ANNO 2020

JAMES MORCAN

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.

Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning?  Or else the beginning of The End?'

All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.

This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.

Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author. https://bit.ly/35guZRo

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2Ue8mH1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of I'm Your Emotional Support Animal

 

I'm Your Emotional 

Support Animal

 

ADAM CAROLLA

Review by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Carolla has his unique way of punctuating a point many times, using vulgarity. However, when the point is made, the reader should understand it.

"This book will remind you that you should also be amused." --Tucker Carson. That being the absurdity of the way American psychologically goes about living.

Mr. Carolla begins with his philosophy about why support dogs in airports and on airplanes have mushroomed to ridiculous levels. He ends with the #MeToo and the China Virus Panic (My phraseology).

In between those mentioned above, comments on Trump's evolution, academia nuts, and many other items that annoy his sense of what is right or wrong with our society. You may disagree with Mr. Carolla's opinion, but you will laugh at how he phrases the dialogue.

 

Controversial and funny.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2I5BFZV

Review of LOSERTHINK

LOSERTHINK

SCOTT ADAMS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

My Green Beret Specialist psychological warfare background helps me grasp Mr. Adams' explanations of what he calls LOSERTHINK. Starting with a person's mind prison in many debatable items, he leads the reader through different definitions of loser thoughts. 

He uses his ego tools (Adams' words), right-thinking of unique underinformed ideas he discusses, i.e., climate change, political philosophies, and many others. One takeaway by the reader will be 'Boy, am I stupid.'

But you are not. According to Scott Adams, he makes the mistakes that he delves into outlining his different definitions of situational loser think. Behavior science is not Adams' forte, but his comic relief and sometimes profound techniques to get out of a person's mind prison is worth the read.

As he notes, we don't know what we don't know. This book is as good as others I have read in the self-help genre—just a little egocentric. 

If you think your thinking is lopsided, this read is for you. If not, pass on this overpriced book.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2HjGI7X

 

Review of APOCALYPSE NEVER

 

APOCALYPSE NEVER

Why Environmental Alarmism

Hurt Us All

 

MICHEAL SHELLENBERGER

 

Book Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The world is coming to an end; the east coast of the USA will be underwater in twenty years; nuclear energy will kill us, are things I heard when I went to college in the 1970s. Alarmists have not changed, and I am happily retired on the east coast of USA's Florida in my 70s.

Mr. Shellenberger, an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations, worked for both sides of the environmental debate.  In APOCALYPSE NEVER, he outlines the reasons why people who are the most apocalyptic about environmental problems tend to oppose the best and most obvious solutions to solving them.

Nuclear energy vs. Other sources, eating meat vs. vegetarian endeavors, and forest management vs. Not doing it are some of the arguments he outlines - many alarmists have propagandized the wrong solutions. Mr. Shellenberger details eminent environmental scientists' path to why the earth is just fine, and the human race will not die away by the billions.

The book is a read for the person with a curious mind. Using extensive notes and photographs, he leads the reader through a world of conflict where they can decide for themself what side of the environmental debate to be.

Murry's "Reader are leaders," this is a must-read for your inquisitive mind. 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3d5Gnlj

 

Review of ASSIGNMENT IN AMESTERDAM

 

ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM

CARRIE BEDFORD

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

ASSIGNMENT is my first Bedford novel. I should not have started with book five of this paranormal book series.

For me, the plot was a little implausible. Let's put that aside.

Kate Benedict, the main character, reads auras of people, indicating danger in Amsterdam's architecture assignment. Then, an adventuristic mystery begins that is confusing.

She is part of a group that goes to a huge house to prepare it for sale. The house has secrets attached to an influential group leading to murder and abduction.

The twists and turns and running around seem waisful but become clear in a somewhat nail-biting ending. Kate's abilities help save the day.

Bedford's writing is long-winded and overly descriptive. I would have enjoyed a shorter, more mysterious version, which I find in other cozy mystery series.

However, the novel is a good read for the price. 

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/34itvV9

 

Review of LEGACY OF LIES

 

LEGACY OF LIES

A Legal Thriller

 

ROBERT BAILEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

How long can a lie stay a lie? In Mr. Bailey's novel, it is evident in the epilogue. Therefore, start at the beginning, and you will be as surprised as I was at the end of the story.

LEGACY is a story of many lies that come to light after a Tennessee Attorney General's arrest for killing her husband, a well-known lawyer.  Bo, Bocephus Haynes, comes out of self-imposed retirement, helping a cohort because of his legal dilemma.

As she is called in Tennessee, the General wants the best defense lawyer. That is Bo. He sees that the government has a solid case looking for an alternative that leads him into a web of lies, including the person he is defending.

Bocephus' case comes to a dead-end when the trial begins. He doubts the General's innocents but finds loopholes in what he has been told by all the people he has interviewed: The defendant, other lawyers, a commissioner, and a wealthy rapist.

Do many lawyers lie? In this novel, they do—a well-written thriller with a killer Epilogue.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/32HDJPa

 

 

 

Review of A KINGDOM'S COST

 

A KINGDOM'S COST

Book 1 of Historical Trilogy of Scotland

 

J. R. TOMLIN

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

War in the 1300s was all blood and guts. King Edward of England made sure of that when he raged war in Scotland.

Young Sir James, Lord of Douglas, tells how he grew up in the battles and trials of youth fighting alongside Scotland's king. His education is confirmed in book one with the murders of his enemies and a loved one.

The author writes details about the times' crudeness, down to the quartering of William Wallace, a Scottish hero. If you cannot handle this type of content, beware.

The historic story seemed to be as authentic as one can write a book of fiction. I liked the character's banter even though I had to go back to the glossary to find out the meaning of words said.

Reading this novel will give you an understanding of their fight for freedom. It is a difficult road taken against an outnumbered enemy, the Scottish Black Douglas battled.

J.R. Tomlin's writing flows well throughout. She put much time and effort into this novel, which made the historical journey worthwhile.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2ZtWeEE

 

The SWEET Taste of MURDER

An Angel Lake Mystery

 

CEECEE JAMES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

Elise, after a marriage breakup, moves home to Angel Lake. She reunites with her childhood friend Lavina.

Well conversing, they find out that a well-known man in the community has had a deadly accident with a train. Suspicion becomes rapid that it was not an accident but a murder.

Brad, a detective and an acquaintance of both women, comes on the scene, leading to Lavina being one of the murder suspects. He and Elise have a developing rapport as she goes about renewing herself with the community members.

In her walkabouts or runabouts, she collects some knowledge of the murdered man, trying to help eliminate her friend Lavina from Brad's and the Police Captain's list of suspects. She finds a few who could have done the deed, but a flower becomes the key to the crime.

Fast pace read that at times is cute and romantically tied. Even a cat and dog get into the act. Taste of Murder is a pleasant afternoon read for the beach, near the pool, or in your favorite chair.

Murder is a crisp, enjoyable read with no blood and guts.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bHiu2Y

 

Louisiana Hotshot

LOUISIANA HOTSHOT

A Talbar Wallis Mystery

JULIE SMITH

Review by Author Roy Murry

New Orleans is the background city for a heartbreaking and thrilling story with an explosive ending. Baroness, aka Talbar, aka Sandra, decides to become a private eye, a position she is overqualified to do.

She has cognitive skills and computer geek like abilities. Black, proud, and recherche', Talbar enters the man dominated profession as an associate of Eddie Valentino P.I. Agency.

A Black mother's complaint to a friend becomes a case. She and Eddie are paid to investigate.

The backdrop of the investigation is these characters themself. They both have family secrets that unfold and intertwine with the main plot.

The unraveling of the case and their secrets are done in detail. Each conquers their hurdles with emotional results. Talbar's shots a gun for the first time, remembering the past, and Eddie admits his faults were, regaining a son.

I found the narrative too long (353 pages), and feel a shorter version could have done the job for me. However, I did enjoy Talbar's and Eddie's banter throughout the novel.

The characters were well developed and increased my wanting for the next chapter in their career as Private Investigators. GOOD READ.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/33nRrHI

 

Review of ASSASSINS and LIARS

ASSASSINS and LIARS

CLR DOUGHERTY

Review by Author Roy Murry

Finn, a man, is on a mission for a government organization that meets Mary in a small Puerto Rican port. She needs a ride on his sailboat.

 Mary's looks, knowledge of sailing, and demeanor, enchants Finn. He agrees to take her along on his boat for the ride, even though she has no destination requirement. 

The journey is full of killings and lies. Both have their fill; however, Mary is full of lies. 'Who Finn is and who she is?' is the background moving the journey forward.

Finn and Mary's actions in a thrilling end, expose who they are - Assassins and Liars.

CLR Dougherty's quick pace novel keeps the reader's attention. I liked the sailing jargon, which he is knowledgeable and was the filler between Mary's explanations of why she was in the Caribbean.

If you like a thrilling sea journey with a mission, this enjoyable novel's reading will do for a rainy weekend.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39xVOB0

 

Review of SOILED DOVES

SOILED DOVES

Prostitution In The Early West

 

ANNE SEAGRAVES

 

Review of Author Roy Murry

 

Is prostitution practiced in the USA today? Well, it was in the development of the country's frontier. A brothel was a mainstay in many growing cities in the west.

 "Although Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in 1863, an even more corrupt form of slavery continued to exist in America for another 47 years - White Slavery," is noted in Ms. Seagraves' book. Unfortunately, sex slaves trafficking is still a problem worldwide, as confirmed in criminal arrests lately.

SOILED DOVES is a complete history of the women who unwittingly or volunteer giving sexual favors for money. The book is chuck full of ladies' background stories who did what they did to survive when there were five men to one woman available.

The read was clear and informative - a swift read. I loved the short stories of the women who helped conquer the frontier. They comfort the men in their needs and contributing to community welfare. 

This read will change your mind about legal versus illegal prostitution.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3jsMh2K

 

Review of JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

A Calendar Mystery

 

CAMILLA CHAFER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Sara is a librarian, and she loves her work, primarily where she works, the Calendar City Library. The building is one of the oldest buildings in Calendar, which she is actively protesting its destruction.

The story is upbeat, except for the murder of her recent employed assistant on the second floor of the library. The local detective is, as Sara, befuddled.

In a battle to keep the building open to the public, Sara is continually confronting the man who wants to raze it. His company wants to replace it with condos.

 On another level, she investigates the crime that put the library into the center of a treasure hunt. Also, another good-looking man has come into her life for pleasure.

The levels clash into a climax that the reader is looking for in a good mystery. The reader will cheer for Sara's conclusion, which she did not expect, nor does the reader.

It's a good start of a series where the few characters are defined. The city of Calendar's charm is played-out as a colorful background.

Ms. Chafer's story is somewhat predictable, with a few twists and turns. The writing and flow of words were agreeable and funny at times.

Well done, purchase: https://amzn.to/3fwEC0O

 

Author's Review: UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

 

DINESH D'SOUZA

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Is Socialism metastasizing in the United States of America? According to Mr. D'Souza, it has spread like wildfire into the Federal Government, universities, media, and the organizations intimidating cities and States.

This cancer is destroying the fabric of American history and culture that the country was built. And few are standing up and calling out the interlopers bringing sanity back into the fray.

The battle for the minds of the public is twisted into believing that Socialism is just. Mr. D'Souza defines it and destroys its philosophy economically and culturally.

He leads the reader through history as to the pros and cons of Capitalism vs. Socialism, naming the heroes and culprits past and present. He adds his legal encounter with the Deep State, run by a socialist-leaning girth of the government as an analogy.

If it can happen to him and the other people, he highlights the left disagrees with, and their strong-arm tactics will destroy the public and the country. If "We the People" do not fight back and take control, the USA will be the next Venezuela.

Strong words, but Mr. D'Souza outlines his case using clear cut examples. The writing is intelligent, a crisp narrative that points directly to his corrupt target: The Socialist.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38Aw5as

  

Review of GOOD WITCH HUNTING

GOOD WITCH HUNTING

A Mackenzie Coven Mystery Novella

SONIA PARIN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A mystery, yes, but more like a comedy skit. Lexie is a witch, who seems to be in training. She has a black cat, Luna, who is a witch with limited powers.

The two of them talk to each other. Luna only allows some people to hear her words of logic. She is also Lexie's muse.

Someone is killing good witches. The reader does not see the murders verbally but hears about them secondhand. Lexie is on the list according to current investigations by an independent organization.

The shenanigans going on will have the reader laughing on every page. Lexie is an investigator who uses unusual methods.

Lexie, in one moment, has no idea what is going on, and in the next, a poof of smoke, the crimes are solved.  She used witchcraft she hadn't used before.

Ms. Parin's writing is fun to read: crisp, clear, silly, and hilarious. I will go back and read another of her novellas. You should read one also.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3dhK3yR

Review of FULL CIRCLE

FULL CIRCLE

Willow Bend Romances

MONA INGRAM

Reviewed by 

Author Roy Murry

'It was an overcast the day Bella found out she was pregnant.' is the first sentence of this tearjerker. The circle is Bella's journey after said event.

The highs and lows on Bella's trip through life keeps the reader pulled into the story. A strong-willed woman appears to arrive with one link to the circle, not complete - her love of a mate.

She has compassion and good energy all around her: her daughter, and friends. Success creeps into her life, but something is missing since the day referred to in that first sentence.

When the events happen, the missing links complete Bella's life. The reader will need a box of tissues at that moment.

Ms. Ingram’s writing is crisp and commits the reader to find out what comes next. The read is quick and flows smoothly.

Bella's life is the basis for the beginning of a series. For Romance Lovers, it is one series to buy.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2UF5mnk

Review of ONE MORE THING

ONE MORE THING

Stories and Other Stories

B.J. NOVAK

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

You have an Inquisitive Mind if you are reading this. I thank you, and B.J. Novak will thank you for buying his book; after all, he is a New York Times Best Selling Author.

Anyways that is why I bought his book of short stories. Some so quick they are two or three lines which make you think or maybe not and get bored.

 If bored, you don't have an Inquisitive mind. Wake up your brain and buy the book.

 I could give you a list of the stories and delve into what I think, but I would be wasting your time. Watch my video to learn more: https://youtu.be/xCuY8UUR5_o

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3hbm8Es

 

Review of HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?

HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN

The Election of 2016

P.J. O'Rourke

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

"We're so stoned that we have no idea what we're talking about, but if you get as high as we are, it will all make sense," babblings of Yuppies. This quote is in Mr. O'Rourke's Book Epilogue, and I believe it is appropriate to say that he babbles much in this fun read.

P.J. O'Rourke, National Lampoon's ex-editor-in-chief among numerous other Journalism endeavors since the 70s, writes enthusiastically and excessively about the candidates who attempted to become President of the USA in 2016. I laughed so hard my stitches almost busted.

He equates all the contenders as to clowns stuck in a Volvo Bug car trying to get out. When that long event is over, Hillary and Trump are what is left.

This pundit does not have kind words for either. He uses sarcasm, hyperbolic descriptions, and antidotes to bring his point home - we are left with President Trump, who embodies American's current taste vs. elitism.

P.J. muses, "If America didn't want a poor choice of leaders, America wouldn't have a poor choice of leaders." I believe he is saying Mr. Trump is a weak leader, and the USA has had many of them.

In delving into previous Presidents, he qualifies many of them and the wannabes like Joe Biden. Therefore, if you time to spare, want to laugh, or think about your preferred politician, this book is for you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2YKrwHI

Review iof Ancient Lies

ANCIENT LIES

E. Nicolson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

I will leave it to you. What recent lies equate to Ancient Lies, the book? You will have to read the novel to find out.

Hardcore Science Fiction and fans of Star Wars will enjoy this adventure. I, not a follower, read the whole book with only one problem.

Even though name recognition separated the episodes, I would have liked to place and timeline division. However, the writing is well thought out. 

Lovers of Sci-Fi will like all the gadgets and the different spaceships - new and ancient. But people are the same in the future.

Ms. Nicolson gives us her philosophy on racism, here and now, conspiracy theories, good vs. evil, and what our future entails.

These all come together at the end of the book when Professor Andy, a Shakespearian teacher, sums up present-day events.

Really. Do Aliens live among us? Andy's friends are traveling into Outer space.

You need to read this novel to find out the Who, What, When, and How this all comes together with excellent detail. 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2SFQVOV

Review of INTELLIGENCE and SOCIETY

INTELLECTUALS AND SOCIETY

Thomas Sowell

Review by Author Roy Murry

Most of my friends and followers will not purchase this book, but they should if they have an inquisitive mind and willing to pay for it.

I & S is a textbook stylebook about how much of the intelligentsia affected history.

The Intellectual Elite pushed their agendas on society because they believed their ideas were correct, and everyone else was not. Mr. Sowell goes back into USA history and explains the impact of these ideas that confused society, moving it many times in the wrong direction, i.e., the Vietnam war and conflicts prior.

His dissertation explains many intellectual theories, concepts, and thoughts that became groupthink, many of which do not work in our society today. These ideas are throwbacks of another era that did not work then.

Explaining Karl Marx's intellectual elaboration misconceptions vs. Adam Smith's economic theories, Mr. Sowell boils it down to Intellectuals produce ideas, not results as an engineer will. If the engineer messes up, the bridge will fall. However, the intellectual will not pay the price for his errors.

I will leave you with this quote from the introduction of Intellectuals and Society: INTELLIGENCE MINUS JUDGEMENT EQUALS INTELLECT.

There is so much in this book; it is a challenge to write a review of all Mr. Thomas Sowell's ideas.

The read is easy to follow. However, the reader must put on a thinking cap.

I will leave it there for now. My Live-stream video on the subject reveals more. Video at Youtube.com Author Roy Murry (No 'a' in name.)

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2wvQP4N

Review of A VEIL REMOVED

           A VEIL REMOVED
A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel

Review by Author Roy Murry

Henrietta and Howard return from their honeymoon because of the death of Howard's father, the patriarch of a wealthy Clive family. No one believes his death was other than an accident.

"A Veil Removed' is book four in a five-novel series. Therefore, I have no idea how Henrietta and Howard meet. However, the author gives the reader hints as to the two different worlds from which they came.

Elsie, Henrietta's sister, love involvements, schooling, and social life, take center stage to the mystery of Howard's father's death and the mob business that led to it. But, when H and H get down to investigating, the plot thickens.

The 1930s background, and how wealthy people lived then added to the novel's distinct and colorful language brought the characters alive. Boy, life has changed since then.

The writing is fashionable to the time, which gives the reader a laugh once in a while. The story, however, lacks the mystery I usually enjoy - my fault.

I should have started with book one in the series. From the author's description of Henrietta and Howard, in this book, I believe the mysteries they solved in the novels one through four are worthy.

I will buy book one in the series, as should you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2UX3fef

Book 1: A Girl Like You https://amzn.to/2JD3ZQu

Review of CHILD OF WATER

CHILD OF WATER

Book One of Heirs of Anarchy

G. Lawrence

Review by Author Roy Murry

'It is the continuation of the story that matters, not poor shades left behind,' is thought of Matilda, Lady of the English. The daughter of Henry I, the woman who wages war against men for a throne.

G. Lawrence writes this memoir of the English aged regent in the first person, telling her life's journey in a man's world. The words and thoughts of Matilda do not ring well against male domination in eleven hundred ten.

At age eight, she is married to the Holy Roman Emperor, where her education into regal life begins. Taught in their ways, she excels and learns how to use the power of the throne.

On the way to adulthood, Matilda spouts words of wisdom in colorful and intelligent ways. G. Lawrence writes those words that sing truths that apply today but did not then.

The turmoil’s the Empress lives with she overcomes in the Empire, but there comes a time when she must return to England. Life as a woman begins again until she is heir to the English throne. Or does it?

Matilda's words are musical and will stay with the reader throughout this enjoyable journey of the Lady's life. G. Lawrence has done an excellent job in combining History, Philosophy, and Renaissance of 12th-century norms into a pleasant novel. 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2U3IRrm

Review of The Dead Game

THE DEAD GAME

SUSANNE LEIST

Review by Author Roy Murry

A whirlwind starts this paranormal cum vampire novel.  A house consumes a family of four, and the reader is left hanging in the thrilling prologue.

Linda moves into the town five years later and sets up shop meeting with what she believes are like-kind individuals, her friends. Among them is a man Todd who is a leader and not what he seems to be.

The group goes to a party at the consuming house, which has a secret history, and all hell breaks out - THE DEAD GAME begins. Who's who - vampire or not becomes the theme when the game starts.

The twist and turns of the novel are fast and thrilling. The list of players is many and range from local non-combatants to international villains - The Dead.

The writing is crisp. The characters are many—however, there is the main underlying attraction between Linda and Todd will lead the reader to the sequel.

I recommend getting both in The Dead Game story and read to the end.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2v2p8zR

Review of SPEAK NO EVIL

SPEAK NO EVIL

TANYA ANNE CROSBY

Review by Author Roy Murry

Flo, a wealthy socialite newspaper heiress, dies supposedly falling a flight of stairs. She leaves a will in which her three daughters must complete specific tasks while living together in the family mansion for one year to receive their inheritance.

The eldest daughter must manage the newspaper; the middle daughter is to renovate the house, and the youngest is to write a novel. Neither wants the jobs needed to full fill the mother's will.

However, if one fails, no one gets the money. Let the games begin. The women must work harmoniously or fail.

Interwoven into the above scenario is a love story, a serial killer, and the Charleston wetlands that have a secret to unravel.  All collide into a thrilling story, ending in a flame.

Ms. Crosby does hook the reader in because many questions are left open after an ending event that would have nullified the beginning circumstance. Well worth the read - easy flowing, good characters, and twist and turns that keep the reader engaged.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2uvozOF

Review of THE SOUL OF THE WORLD

The Soul of the World

Roger Scruton

Nothingness is on the other side - death. Therefore, should we believe in a monolithic god or just faith in one?

This and other questions of personal relationships, moral intuitions, and aesthetic judgments to light in this exceptional understanding of the world in which we live.

Sir Roger has gone into his "Nothingness," on January 12, 2020, with his passing over into another realm. He died — this book published in 2016.

In this lecture driven book, he outlines the journey us humans take in this time on earth - how we commune, how we think, and our thoughts of death and a higher power's participation in it – sacred vs. atheism. You have to be a bit of a philosophy scholar to understand his dissertation fully.

At times, his writing had me at a disadvantage, but his examination of human beings and their relationship with each god made sense.  Kant and Sartre’s philosophies drove home his points of observation at the end of this long read.

Sir Roger's explanations of the human mind, using his cognitive dualism, helped complete part of my life's journey. We will meet him in Nothingness soon enough.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2O6pWKb