The Echanted Garden Cafe

THE ENCHANTED

GARDEN CAFÉ

Abigail Drake

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

At first, I thought ENCHANTED was a normal mystery. However, this story is a mishmash of comedy, drama, and romance.

The characters ranged from Fiona, a conservative and skeptic, to her mother and friends, who are free spirits: palm and card readers, a Trans clothing store owner, and other interesting people. An elderly saxophone player is attacked, leading to a whirlwind of events.

A land grab is at the center of the South Side's Enchanted Garden predicament and whether it will survive as the community's linchpin. The developer's instigators are closer than one would think, right up to the end.

Fast-paced read with a couple of unnecessary descriptive sex scenes that don't serve the plot. The characters are lovable enough to be used in the second book in the series.

Good Read. https://amzn.to/3TcJK3i

 

BEHAVE, The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

BEHAVE

THE BIOLOGY OF HUMANS

AT OUR BEST AND WORST

 

ROBERT M. SAPOLSKY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Mr. Sapolsky's evaluation of how humans behave because of their physical wiring, beginning with the brain. As the parts of the brain develop, the propensity towards good or evil evolves.

His thesis is extensive; it requires patience to read and an inquisitive mind. Have a dictionary available unless you have a medical vocabulary.

Otherwise, his stories move along interestingly and will keep the reader engaged. It is detailed and, at times, boring.

However, reading this book, you will learn many things about yourself, as I did. Take your time reading this exceptionally well-written book on physiology, philosophy, and the psychology of how humans developed.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/45ZM9Bh

Murder at an English Pub

MURDER AT AN

ENGLISH PUB

Sarah Vane Mysteries Book 1

ALICE CASTLE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Sarah, a retired doctor, moves to a small seaside town, where her friend Daphne lives. They find a dead body in Daphne's beach hut that she just purchased.

The investigation is not à la Miss Maple, far from it. Sarah and Daphne mull through a question-and-answer feast of people who are acquaintances of the murdered - all but one.

Unlike other English mysteries I have read, this one does not have a heroine who solves the crime. The murderer does.

Easy to read, but not a good lead-in to a cozy mystery series. However, Ms. Castle's English prose is flavorful to read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/45CLp4W

Bed, Breakfast & Bones

BED, BREAKFAST, & BONES

Carolyn L. Dean

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

When Amanda Graham inherits an old bed and breakfast from her unlikable uncle, who recently passed away, she claims it, and a dead body is found in the garden. Being new to Ravenwood Cove, she sets out to learn about her relative and why he is the prime suspect.

Amanda has conflicts with the "Powers to Be" over opening the B&B while searching for the murderer. She becomes friendly with the Cove's citizens, who become allies. The information she gathers leads to a few twists and turns.

Gutsy Amanda remodels the building little by little, investigates, and learns to love the Cove and the people. Not knowing if she will be able to open the B & B, she unravels the mystery to an unusual ending.

Ms. Dean's characters are a good base for a cozy mystery series, and the prose flows well for the reader to follow with ease. If you like cozy mysteries, pick up this series.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4hATU7U

 

NOT YOU, IT'S ME

NOT YOU, IT'S ME

A Boston Love Story #1

JULIE JOHNSON

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Gemma, an aspiring artist, is kissed by Chase behind the basketball team's bench at a national championship game while her date is on his cell phone. It's a kiss seen across the global media because of who Chase is.

Gemma runs away when security is heading their way. She runs into a comical love-hate whirlwind adventure. She and Chase, a billionaire, live in two different worlds that collide.

That one kiss leads through conflicts of hate, greed, passion, and individual dilemmas. Those struggles collide into a close encounter with death.

'NOT YOU' is a love story that ends like all of them, but with a twist that will have that genre's lovers wanting more of Boston Love Stories.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4hkvC1E

 

Murder in Hamstead

MURDER IN HAMPSTEAD

Sabina Manea

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

As the book cover reads, this is a classic 2021 London whodunnit, with characters, except for one, who is a trained investigator. The main character, Lucia Steer, is an ex-lawyer, now an interior decorator, involved in investigating the murder of her new client.

 How Lucia takes over the murder case by using her intuition is impressive as a Sherlock Holmes conundrum. The action is all about uncovering germane evidence.

 Lucia does this so well that Detective Chief Inspector Carliss falls into line and documents it. With the help of Lucia's friend Nina, a key piece of evidence is uncovered, leading to the arrest of the killer, who was not considered throughout the novel.

Ms. Manea does an excellent job in producing this whodunnit. HANSTEAD is a consuming read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4bkXD5r

NEXUS

NEXUS: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

YUVAL NOAH HARARI

 Review by Author Roy Murry

 In general, a nexus is a central point or hub where things converge. Mr. Harari's central point in NEXUS is to explain how the world has changed from the Stone Age through today because of how humans communicate.

From the tablet to the computer, societies and governance have evolved, some for the worse and some for the better – from dictators to democracies. Harari's political beliefs are part of his explanations; however, they are not the crux of the book.

His thesis is that overcontrol of a country's people interferes with its power to develop, whereas freedom of people's action does not. The NEXUS is freedom of communication through, in today's world, the computer, iPhones, and a non-biased media.

NEXUS is an extensive book of detailed history and information that an Inquisitive Mind will enjoy. It is not a casual read, but an enjoyable one.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4bKiQG1

MY COUSIN VINNY

MY COUSIN VINNY

Studio-Authorized Novel

LAWRENCE KELTER

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

MY COUSIN VINNY is one of my favorite movies, and this is the first time I've read a book that was produced as a movie first. This book is as funny as the movie, with the main characters, Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei.

The descriptions, conversations, and anecdotes of these characters and the supporting actors come alive throughout the print. I couldn't stop laughing.

Vinny, a virgin lawyer in litigation, comes to Alabama to save his cousin and friend from death row. They are on trial for murder.

Vinny bluffs his way into and through the situation, but it's his fiancée, Tomei, who directs him on how to proceed. Her insight and automobile knowledge during and in the trial are the linchpin that saves the day.

If you want a fun read, this novel is for you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4pqwp2V

INVISIBLE COUP

THE INVISIBLE COUP

How American Elites and

Foreign Powers Use

Immigration as a Weapon

PETER SCHWEIZER

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Amazingly, the liberal NY Times has this book on its best-selling list. This analysis of what is happening in the USA's illegal immigration is astounding.

Is Mexico trying to take back property using immigration? Are China and Muslims developing enclaves in the USA to take control of the country?

These questions are fully explained, with notes that support Mr. Schweizer's hypothesis, which will keep the reader turning the page. Whether you agree with him or not, the facts are staggering.

Your political affiliation should not keep you away from reading this well-developed evaluation of how certain presidents and other elites are complacent. Every citizen of the world should read this.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/44VcXC5

SALTWATER MURDER

THE SALTWATER MURDER

A Posie Parker Mystery #7

L. B. HATHAWAY

https://amzn.to/4eYpQQD

Review by Author Roy Murry

Posie Parker, P.I., has a knack for accumulating and storing investigative information until an epiphany arises and she brings everyone together à la Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot "Summation Gathering".

In 1924, an important English Judge is murdered in chambers in an unusual way: a box is delivered, and the contents kill him. He has also been receiving postcards from a saltwater tourist destination in the U.K.

London's Chief Inspector Lovelace asks Posie to help with the investigation of the crime. She is well known to the victim and all the possible criminals, which puts her in a difficult situation.

From this point on, a whirlwind of confrontations and information is produced. However, only Posie puts it together, and when the murderer makes a statement, the events leading to the killing arise.

Excellent read: https://amzn.to/4eYpQQD

 

 

ERIN

ERIN

Coffee & Dessert

In Key West, Book 3

JAN ROMES

https://amzn.to/4eydpMs

Review by Author Roy Murry

Erin is in a relationship rut and visits the Coffee & Dessert Shop owned by Meg and Marvin. They also run a dating service in Key West, Florida, where everyone knows each other.

Meg sets Erin up with a couple of dates, but they fizzle out. One reason is that Erin has a thing for Gino.

Gino, Marvin's brother, is defensive about the opposite sex because his longtime relationship fell apart. Marvin sees that Gino has a thing for Erin; however, he cannot convince Gino to make the right move.

How Erin and Gino evolve is the center of the story, which includes fun and interesting conversations among all the characters. This is a pleasant character-driven romance.

I recommend starting with book one of the series, MEG, as I did. This is a fun series.

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

ROMANCING LADY ROSE

ROMANCING LADY ROSE

A Closed Door Regency Romance

 SHARIAH DRAKE

 https://amzn.to/4oCtYtY

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Alice (Soon-to-be dubbed Lady Rose) is brought by her overbearing mother to a royal birthday fortnight to secure a wealthy husband. Duke Elias is the one pursued, with the help of the Dowager.

Elias's friend, Captain Victor, whose demons from the past cloud his judgment, is the duke's protector against "Gold diggers". Victor's communications and tit-for-tat with Alice lead to an uncommon and unetiquette relationship.

The situations that arise during the festivities promote and confirm the amiable agreement between Alice, Elias, and all in attendance that there will be a consummation of Duke and Lady Rose's future. However, Alice and Victor's feelings lead to a scandalous event.

Author Drake's eighteenth-century period story captures the nuances of a time when women were used to elevate a family's standing through marriage. The writing flows well with conversations that the reader will enjoy.

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

Three Shades Called Horace

THREE SHADES

CALLED HORACE

JINX JAMES

https://amzn.to/3PWW3PR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Hilarious, no; funny, yes, are the antics of the three shades (ghosts) called Horace that went viral on the internet. This and the grassroots individuals who produced it come alive in adventures that can only be described as a cluster ____.

Rollo, a business magnet, wants to buy the program, thinking it's making a bundle. He sends his people and enforcers to no avail. He will do anything, legal or illegal, to gain control of the show.

The long history of several characters: Harry (Financier), Fenella (Witch), Pansy-Peonie (Medium), Angelia (Secret agent), and Max (Rollo's gofer), is incorporated, leading to why the Horace ghosts will survive. Their behavior is beyond the pale.

The novel is long, going back and forth in history. However, to pull off the ending, Jinx James did his job.

Worth the dime. Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3PWW3PR

Murky Murder

A MURKY MURDER

Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mysteries

CINDY BELL

https://amzn.to/4erJbKI

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I have read many cozy mysteries, and this is a good one as a series starter. However, the main character, Bobbie, is not a cozy individual.

She moves to a small lakeside town, looking for answers about her parents' history and death, which her dead uncle gave a murky background on. As Bobbie is settling in, her next-door neighbor is murdered.

Not being from the town, she pushes her way into investigating what is none of her business. Her contention is that she is a writer, and it was her neighbor who was killed.

Bobbie gets her due, makes new friends, and solves some twists and turns that will leave the reader happy they spent the dime.

Ms. Bell's writing will keep the reader turning the pages to see what Bobbie is getting into outside of investigating.

Good Read. Purchase: https://amzn.to/4erJbKI

MADE IN AMERICA

MADE IN AMERICA

XI VAN FLEET and YU JIE

https://amzn.to/4uXgQC9 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

If you are like most people in the United States of America, you are ignorant of China's History and how our politicians, particularly our presidents, have helped in the development of the CCP, until now. The authors intelligently lay out this enablement.

The 100-year plan of the Chinese Communist Party to influence and control the world begins with the infiltration of the West. It spreads its socialist ideology to undermine current free, capitalist, democratic thinking.

U.S. presidents, politicians, entrepreneurs, and many others have overlooked the CCP's propensity to undercut democracies in the past. The authors show when, how, and where the CCP has succeeded in convincing people that communism is good for everyone.

The authors' historical evaluation goes back to when China was at war with Japan and extends up to Trump's confrontation over tariffs. The reader will have no trouble following this ample narrative.

An excellent read.

#purchase: https://amzn.to/4uXgQC9

 

The ONLY HEART that MATTERS

The Only Heart that Matters

LISA SHELBY

https://amzn.to/4dra5Cd

Review by Author Roy Murry

Mia and Angus live in a small town in a close-knit family environment and have been in love since childhood. Their adult journeys separated them: he into the military and the killing fields, and her into becoming a single parent to a boy named Sawyer.

Years later, Mia and Angus' hearts are calling for each other. However, they have personal secrets that keep them from taking the final step toward bliss.

These conflicts become clear, and their family members help them navigate their dilemmas, culminating in an unpredictable conclusion.

The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. A romance to read if you love that genre.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4dra5Cd

AGED FOR MURDER

AGED FOR MURDER

A Tuscan Vineyard

Cozy mystery Book I

FIONA GRACE

https://amzn.to/3PqB33q

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This well-written novel does not seem to be a cozy mystery. It becomes a mystery more than halfway through this two-hundred-fifty-page book.

It's a lead-in to a series on winemaking and the story of how Olivia ends up in Tuscany. Olivia makes a life-changing decision on a whim.

After muddling through events, she takes a job at a vineyard and has problems with her community-hated boss, who ends up dead. Olivia does not seem to be a sleuth, and the problem solves itself with one of her whims.

The read is an excellent background on wine. So, if you like wine, this series will cheer you up.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3PqB33q

REALITY IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS

REALITY IS NOT

WHAT IT SEEMS

The Journey to

Quantum Gravity

CARLO ROVELLI

 https://amzn.to/42peQpv

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Is a glass of water ever empty? In college, I studied astronomy as part of my elective curriculum, which I enjoyed immensely and understand the author. The truth is: A glass is never empty.

Mr. Rovelli lays out an extensive account of humanity's quest to understand the universe, historically, from before Einstein to Hawking. A science layman with an inquisitive mind will find his explanation of what reality is fascinating.

The scientific concepts and theories are clearly written in a plausible way, so the reader's interest will be piqued, and they will continue an educational journey. After reading this science nonfiction, the reader will want more, as I do.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/42peQpv

 

SEASON OF MAGIC

SEASON OF MAGIC

CHRISTINE POPE

https://amzn.to/4tfDnID

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Rose is a witch, prima in waiting, who runs away from her responsibility of kissing men ages twenty-one to twenty-four, to find her consort. She finds her soulmate in Shaine, a twenty-eight-year-old warlock, who belongs to another clan.

Their relationship is a romance made in heaven, but it's too long in the making because there is no MAGIC, a feeling Rose needs to fulfill her responsibility. MAGIC must happen.

This witchy romance will overwhelm the reader. I wanted to stop reading about adults who let a religion called MAGIC control their lives. I kept on reading, and the story ended the way romances always do.

The writing keeps a romance lover on the edge – will she or won't she lose her virginity, a key MAGIC (Rose's consciousness) controls? Sleeping together does not count.

SEASON is a good novel, but only for romance lovers. Everyone else, stay away. LOL

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

Art & Craft of Murder

Cozy Mysteries: The Art & Craft of Murder

(Whistler's Cove Cozy Mystery Series Book 1)

COZY CAT PARKER

https://amzn.to/4u7H7g7

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The title is longer than the story. LOL 

Misty, a teahouse owner, has a regular elderly female customer in town who is the only one who drinks a particular homemade tomato juice.

This customer, who controls an art gallery, which is the center of an art controversy, dies after drinking the juice. So begins the short mystery and ends with an unusual and unpredictable event.

The setup for a series features good characters, a fast-paced story, and easy-to-read prose. It's fifty pages, and the price is zero on Kindle.

Quick read and good lead-in like a prologue to fun reads.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4u7H7g7