Review of COSMOS

COSMOS

Carl Sagan

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

If you are intrigued by the universe beyond Earth and its human perspective, this book offers a unique exploration. If not, it may not be the right fit for you.

Mr. Sagan weaves a compelling narrative of the cosmos' birth and the potential consequences of its disruption. His storytelling is not just readable but also captivating.

I took Astronomy in college, and this book awakened memories for me. For someone who has yet to study it, this chronology of life since the Big Bang might overwhelm the reader.

However, this is a book for the Inquisitive Mind.

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

 

Death Under Wratful Skies

DEATH UNDER WRATHFUL SKIES

The Victoria Sedgewick Mysteries

Book 2

BLYTHE BAKER

Review by Author Roy Murry

In the 1820s, Ms. Victoria attempts to be a private inquirer (Detective) after solving the murder of her husband (Book 1). Her advertisement in the local Hyde Park, London paper is attached to an article that piques her attention—a third man is killed in the same manner as the previous two.

Ms. Victoria starts her business (Investigating) by combining efforts with Mr. Keats, a well-known detective hired by the police to find the killer. Included in the conversations are her butler, housekeeper, cook, and the nanny of infant Daniel.

The characters and the story are well-developed, making this mystery series worth reading. I have only read this novel.

With intelligent deduction, Ms. Victoria and Mr. Keats come to the same conclusion about who the killer is: she does it unconventionally, and he uses Ms. Victoria's informational letter delivered the same day she goes into action.

The ending is surprising and dangerous because, after all, Ms. Victoria is a novice.

Good, Quick, and Fun Read. I read in two sittings.

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

FOR NOW and FOREVER

FOR NOW and FOREVER

Inn at Sunset Harbor, Book 1

SOPHIA LOVE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Because of personal problems, Emily leaves the big city to return to Sunset Harbor, a small, quiet, close-knit town. Waiting for her is a huge house her father left that needs extreme repairs.

The land has a guest house in which Daniel, a young man of Emily's age, lives. He is the caretaker by choice.

Emily's father is nowhere in sight. After going down memory lane, she decides to investigate the house and make many repairs over six months.

After three months of confusion, feelings for Daniel, and conflicts with the town's leaders over her living in the rundown house, she must decide her fate.

The writing is professional but the story is a little too cutesy and predictable. Romance lovers will enjoy this.

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

 

Road to Eden is Overgrown

THE ROAD TO EDEN IS OVERGROWN

DAN WHEATCROFT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This novel is a police procedural drama based in Liverpool, U.K., and its surrounding area. Dicks, the protagonist and a government agent, goes around killing undesirables. A clean-up team protects Dicks.

It is unknown what agency he works for because the local police are searching for the killer of a mobster and others. After one killing that saved a woman's life, DCI Thurstan Baddeley (Detective Chief Inspector) has Dickerson in his crosshairs because of evidence.

With this and word-of-mouth knowledge, the DCI is ready to arrest Dicks, so he thinks. This time, the failure of the clean-up team opens the door for arrest. But does it?

OVERGROWN is a well-written suspense thriller that will be a bit confusing for American English readers. However, the plot moves along and keeps the reader's attention.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4cnTzz5

DEAD before DINNER

DEAD before DINNER

A Maddie Swallows Mystery

KAT BELLEMORE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In small towns, people gossip, and everyone knows everyone. Maddie Swallows, a psychologist, drags her children, Flash and Lilly, and her fellow therapist, Trish, back to her hometown, where they will open shop.

We all know that in small towns, there are no murders. However, not in this town - two people are killed within days of each other. Both are members of the Town Council.

Old friendships get Maddie involved after a troubled woman dies at her friend Debbie's dinner party. She goes about snooping because the sheriff has made her a prime suspect,

Her sleuthing is haphazard. Using her skills as a psychologist, she ultimately hits her target.

This novel was fun and interesting. The characters in the prologue will lead you into the second in this mystery series.

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

LOVING the LADIES' Man

LOVING the LADIES' Man

KRISTIN CANARY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

LOVING has cute and fun dialog from a woman's point of view. Evie, who is an introvert, is put in competition with Connor, a ladies' man, for the same promotion.

Despite their differences, Evie and Connor maintain a professional relationship, mingling daily as they navigate their shared workplace. When those barriers break, and they become a couple, they find feelings for each other.

Those interactions are the center points of the novel. Romance is in the air until the day one will get the promotion.

Who will become the other's boss? You will have to read the book to find out. The ending will surprise the reader.

 

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

Ignorant Witch

AN IGNORANT WITCH

E.M. GRAHAM

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Despite not being the best in the genre, Graham's novel holds a special charm that will resonate with those who adore fairy tales.

Fairies are involved in the kidnap of a Normal, and Dara, a half-witch, is asked by a friend for help freeing her brother. A male half-witch gives Dara the courage to pursue his freedom.

The calamity that follows Dara's commitment is weird. She finds her powers, which leads to an acceptable conclusion for this Witch Story.

While the prose may be a bit rough around the edges, Graham's potential as a writer is evident in this first book of the series. If you are a fan of fairy stories, consider supporting this promising author by purchasing their book.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3Yf9tYX