HOW TO TEST NEGATIVE FOR STUPID

 

 

HOW TO TEST NEGATIVE FOR STUPID:

And Why Washington Never Will

 JOHN KENNEDY, USA Senator

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3WdO28y

SLAY BELLS RING

SLAY BELLS RING

The Wedding Bell Mystery Novel

NANCY RUBARDS THOMPSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

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

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

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

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

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

First Deadly Sin

The First Deadly Sin

Lawrence Sanders

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Girl Behind the Gate

THE GIRL BEHIND THE GATE

BRENDA DAVIES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

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

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

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

Tears and laughter will guide you through to the end.

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

FIELD RULES

FIELD RULES

Romance in the Ruins, Book 1

CARLA LUNA

Review by Author Roy Murry

Olivia wants to earn her PhD in archaeology and is invited to a survey school dig to instruct undergrads. She had a sex experience on a prior dig where she fell for Rick.

Several years after that experience, unknown to her, Rick is at the school in Greece, and memories return to both – not good ones. However, the spark is still there; now they are teachers, not students.

Conflicts arise from personal, school procedures, and ethical issues, which put both in a position of losing credibility in their chosen fields. Olivia and Rick’s resolve leads to a Hallmark ending.

This archaeological background romance is the first in a series and is well-written with characters who pull the reader in. Next stop is Turkey.

If you like Mediterranean adventures, you will enjoy this novel series.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/46eAjUV

Murder Mystery Book Club

MURDER MYSTERY

BOOK CLUB

DANIELLE COLLINS

Review by Author Roy Murry

Eva owns a Bed & Breakfast in Key West, Florida, where everyone knows your name. Her guests are from off-island.

A storm breaks out on the key, and a strange event happens to Eva between the main house and her cottage. The next morning, a Detective is knocking on her door.  

There has been a murder on her property, he says. The games begin, ending with a setup to catch the murderer.

The events that follow the killing are fun to watch when Eva’s book club gets involved with the investigation. Old members and a new one move Eva’s investigation into conflict with the Detectives.

The writing is crisp, the characters are fun, and the dialogue directs Eva’s actions. This novel is a well-crafted cozy mystery, serving as a lead-in to a series.

Excellent read: https://amzn.to/3Vc7d21

STAGE 3

STAGE 3

KEN STARK

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

There is an axiom in writing novels that is ‘Show, don’t tell.’ By using sensory details, character behavior, and subtext to convey meaning naturally, Mr. Stark draws the reader into a world immersed in zombies.

Immersed is saying it lightly. From beginning to end, the main character, Mason, kills more zombies than exist while protecting an intelligent, blind ten-year-old Mackenzie on a journey to find her aunt Sara.

With limited conversations, Mr. Stark pulls off a compelling novel that keeps the reader engaged with horrific events. I am not a zombie novel enthusiast, but I enjoyed most of this long, drawn-out story.

I recommend the STAGE 3 series for people who like zombies. For those who don’t, read a romance novel.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/481zzna