Review of His BANANA

His BANANA

PENELOPE BLOOM

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This novel is a cute and sexy entanglement between a clutz of a reporter and a perfectionist billionaire. The woman and man are put together because of an investigation - she on him.

At times, there are erotic scenes that wake up the reader from the unusual conflict of their dancing around the subject of attraction. When the truth comes out about her secret, the shit hits the fan to an unexpected culmination.

Some twists and turns, with a not so complicated conclusion, are predictable. Good writing helps the pages turn quickly - a quick and enjoyable romantic read leading into a series.

Purchase: HIS BANANA https://amzn.to/2Mlwhk1

Review of The Great Smoky Mountain Bank Job

THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN BANK JOB

& other Sam Jenkins Mysteries

WAYE ZURL

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Mr. Zurl is one author I go to for police action and the entanglements of a crime. He keeps me on my toes.

His novels and short stories are not part of a series per-say, but Sam and his team are the same. He is the only outsider transplanted from New York City to the South, giving some comic relief to the crime at hand.

What changes: are the crimes and those characters who convict them. Each offense that Sam Jenkins unravels baffles everyone around him and the reader - almost Sherlock Holmes.

If you haven't read one of Sam Jenkin's mysteries, this book is an excellent place to start. Then you will be hooked as I am and read a five-star novel by Wayne Zurl. I have read four.

Purchase:  GREAT SMOKY https://amzn.to/36Xp7uf

Review of HOW TO BE IDLE

HOW TO BE IDLE: A Loafer’s Manifesto

TOM HODGKINSON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Sane is the way one would like to keep one's mind. Hodgkinson's delving into the human rationality of existence, hopefully, will lead the reader to a sounder and balanced life.

How we live, sleep, work, and go about the daily chore of surviving on planet earth can be controlled, according to his art of idling.  Many of the famous people who helped make this world a happier place to live are idlers.

Mr. Hodgkinson's (Idlers) philosophy goes against the businesses models that developed after the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the lightbulb. He gives the reader the pros and cons of idling. His view: The advantages out weight the negatives.

Tom's writing is insightful, funny, and convincing. I got an education and found out I am somewhat an idler.

I read this book twice and recommend it highly. I assure you, the reader will be impressed with the premise and may become an IDLER, as I will be for the rest of my life.

I am 73 years old as of this review, and idled in New Orleans for four full days – loved it.

Purchase: How to be Idle https://amzn.to/3B6Z7MI

 

Review of HAUNTED ON BOURBON STREET

Haunted on Bourbon Street

DEANNA CHASE

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This spooky novel is chuck full of characters who have unusual abilities. At times it was hard to know who trumps who in the final chapters.

However, the story flows excitingly in trying to eliminate a ghost when another spirit latches on to one main character who has no abilities.  Jade, the principle character, comes to her aid with a turn of events that puts the story into a tailspin. 

An event that leads into a ghostly ending, the reader will remember and will want to go on to see the next chapter in Jade's life as an empath, one who feels emotions. She has many witch abilities unknown to her, which develop in Book 2, I believe from the narrative.

As a non-believer in ghosts, I found this story fun to read. A believer will have a different take. Whichever you are, you will enjoy the fast-pace journey into Jade’s strange world on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, USA.

Purchase: 

HAUNTED https://amzn.to/34NufzE

Review of Witchnapped in Westerham

Witchnapped in Westerham

Paranormal Investigation 
        Bureau, Book 1

Dionne Lister

Review by Roy Murry, Author

What if you woke up one day and a woman came to your door and told you, "You are a witch?" Well, this is what happened to Lily on her twenty-fourth birthday in sunny Australia.

To top that off, her brother, who works for PBI, Paranormal Investigation Bureau, is in trouble.  Angelica, the person who knocks on Lily's door, is her mentor and leads her on an adventure to London and beyond.

Coffee is Lily's kryptonite.  At times, it gets her into trouble during her indoctrination into the life of a witch. Her powers develop as PIB conducts an investigation that will affect them and her family.

The twist and turns to the end will lead the reader through a fun-filled story. Which Witch will survive is helped by Lily's newfound abilities that no witch has had for decades?

The characters, the story, and PIB are creative, leaving the reader wanting more leading into the next book. Ms. Lister's writing hooks you into buying Book 2, 3, and more of this kind of a pleasant night’s reading diversion.

Well written Book 1.

Kindle WITCHES https://amzn.to/2Q8KD8B

Review of JUSTICE on TRIAL

JUSTICE on TRIAL

Mollie Hemingway

  Carrie Severino

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Qualified people may not care to become a member of the Supreme Court because of the way confirmation is run. Until reading Ms. Hemingway and Ms. Severino's history of the Kavanaugh nomination and hearings, which reads like a suspense novel, I had no idea of what transpired behind the scenes.

When the hearings were on TV and in the news, I didn't pay attention and had problems of my own to resolve.  So, Mr. Kavanaugh selection for the court was not one of my priorities, and I do not indulge in watching any news programs on cable.

I am sad to say this description of how the public and the Congress securitize a candidate, positively and negatively, is mind-boggling.  I consider myself intelligent, and I am wondering what happened to the people of the USA, especially the ones they continue to put in the Senate.

The twist and turns in this story is unbelievable.  What happens to people that want to serve as an Associate Justice is appalling - all for political reasons.

I agree with the authors, paraphrased: The process should be about qualifications, character, approach to judging and the role of the federal judiciary. Putting candidates through pretentious bullshit that some Senators spout is not the way to conduct oneself.

I commend the ladies for bringing to light their view of what happened to Mr. Kavanaugh. Many items to think about, and I will say again the prose read like a suspense novel.

So, friends, if you care to read a thrilling novel, purchase: JUSTICE ON TRIAL https://amzn.to/373zWLw

Review of Ruse & Romance

RUSE & ROMANCE

The Beaucroft Girls, Book One

SUZANNE G. ROGERS

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Kitty and Juliet are the Beaucroft girls who live in England during the mid-1800s. I won't tell you who is the prettiest because it is part of the story, but I will say to you Kitty is the oldest, and during the times and in proper society, she should be the first to marry an eligible wealth titled bachelor.

The 'Season' has begun in London, and their wealthy parents are expecting one of the girls to woo a man of the Lordly class. Let the games begin, and they do.

A scandalous event between Kitty and a Lord presents a socially unacceptable result. To save Kitty's status, another Lord, and her parents contrive The Ruse, which leads into a Romance, that is not proper enough for Kitty's parents.

Then there are twists and turns after The Ruse is in place, which makes for enjoyable reading for the romantic in you. The reader of this pleasant novel will keep waiting for the end, but this is book one, and the hook catches - the reader will want more of The Beaucroft Girls.

The prose and the background are in the 1800s English but not overwhelming.  The novel is a quick, enjoyable read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/354DlrR

meet...Clara Andrews

meet…Clara Andrews

LACEY LONDON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Do Americans mix well with the English? Oliver, a Texan, meets Clara Andrews in a light drama that has an unusual ending.

Clara is a newly promoted Assistant Designer at a company that designs clothing accessories, and Oliver is brought into the company as the head designer of a new product line - Clara's new boss for the duration of his design contract.

A Texan falling in love with a Londoner in the UK is a one in a million shot. However, Clara is not just an English woman; she has the qualities that Oliver would marry.

I don't have to say any more about this romantic novel. You follow the drift.

Ms. London, if that is her real name, brings the reader to the point of emotional climax with a twist that turns to disaster. When the end arrives, the reader will be surprised without explanation.

You'll have to read the next in the series to find out the end. I enjoyed Ms. London's characters and the story-line and may go on to book two sometime in the future.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2MGBQKg

Review of CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE

CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE

AL MACY

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Garrett Goodlove (Really?) is a criminal defender turned family lawyer because of a personal tragedy in his life? That changes when he decides to defend a person accused of murder, his twin sister.

Her special needs are part of the underlining story, which brought light to something many of us do not think about - deafness. Because of this affection, some drama adds twists to the novel will please the reader.

The main plot has an intriguing events in it that come to light in the trial section, which Goodlove takes advantage of for the defense; and at one point he is conned by a beautiful lady. The suspense will keep the reader reading to the end, which will be a surprise, even to the victim's accomplice.

One of the best trial novels I have read lately - fast and not drowned in legalize wordage. I will go back to read another of Al's dramas in the future. You should read at least one.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2F4DYqW

Review of FLAMEKEEPER

FLAMEKEEPER

Peter Clancy Series (Book 5)

TW LAWLESS

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This book is the second of the series I have read, and it stands alone crossing the USA and introducing new characters. Peter's self-confidence is still battling the criminal element with his investigative style.

Peter Clancy's astute cognitive thinking gets him into cliff-hanging episodes the ordinary reporter wouldn't venture. Helping an SFPD inspector, he gets inside information that evolves into front-page news and Peter very close to the criminal element.

In the FLAMEKEEPER, TW's protagonist becomes one of the main characters of his news stories because he is so close to the flame he may burn. These close encounters are thrilling enough to keep the reader involved at a good reading pace. 

This novel is entertaining and keeps the reader connected. Everything I look for in a good read, page-turner.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/2tfTXQc

Review of DEADLY GAMBLE

DEADLY GAMBLE

Charlie Parker Mysteries

CONNIE SHELTON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This novel is the first in a charming series about an accountant who gets involved in a murder case because of her ex-best friend's request. Quite unusual, but her and the real detective, her brother, own an Investigation Agency and he is out of town on another job.

Charlie is her name; however, sleuthing is not.  In this instance, the police didn't do their due diligence. She falls into the mystery, and it solves itself because of her kindness.

Accountants do have cognitive abilities. However, Charlie has another one that is needed to become a real detective - she asks great questions, some of which get her in trouble that adds suspense to the novel.

The characters are well defined, including her dog, which will help the series move on to solve new cases. I may return.

However, I felt something was missing in the plot.  Maybe you can find it. The story was enjoyable.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2YpoLs1

Review of THE FATHER OF US ALL

THE FATHER OF US ALL:     WAR AND HISTORY

 ---ANCIENT AND MODERN---

VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

'Why the human race makes war?' Mr. Hanson's question presented in this somewhat Ph.D. thesis in this book. He completes the examination with an Epilogue with the paradoxes of the present state of war between the Western countries, i.e., mostly the USA vs. the autocratic countries.

Having taken Ancient History in college, I have some semblance of knowledge. However, a reader, who has not, might use the Index to help understand Davis Hanson's comparisons - Ancient vs. Modern warfare, physical and psychological.

Putting aside the above when reading, the reader will enjoy the smooth flow of the words explaining our world turmoil and why humans are killing each other. His narratives into past and present conflicts, over sometimes idiotic reasons, are compelling.

This read is not for the kind-hearted, but for people who cares about the state of affairs of today's wars and they are bloody consequences. Everyone in college and those who intellectually care should read this book, which will help them understand why humans will kill in the future world conflicts.

It would be best if you put your thinking cap on to read this thesis. I had to stop and think many times when contemplating Victor David Hanson's historical commentaries. Try reading it; thinking is a good exercise. 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2EYF87a

Review of FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS

FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS

M.C. SIMON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

As my family, friends, and few fans know, I have written three novels, a poetry book, a few papers, and each week write a book review on my blog. Lately, I have written little - mostly book reviews.

I needed a boost to get over my writer’s block. I looked for solutions because many have asked me what was my 'Work-In-Process' at the moment. I didn’t tell the whole truth.

I saw FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS and thought 'What the hell,' and bought the book. I needed an 'Awakening' to start writing again daily.

Ms. Simon's easy to read instructions on how to regulate energy in the writing area was exciting and in detail. She advises as to where to put your desk, what goes on it, and to the direction, it should be facing according to Feng Shui.

She explains what is Feng Shui and gives a pep talk on how to get writing. She got me thinking – could this work.

Her plausible solutions will lead each type of writer to the energy points needed for results, using theories that may be questionable. However, Ms. Simon came across as a believer and convinced me enough to give them a try.

It was an enjoyable read even if you are not a believer. I’ll get back to you all if it changes my mood and I am writing my fourth novel.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39oL33s