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

 

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR:

A Fun Detective Cozy

(The Alvarez Family Murder

Mystery Series, Book 2)

 

HEATHER HAVEN

If you love mysteries as I do, this story hits all the items we enjoy in a good murder/detective story. WEDDING has a super sleuth, a family member locked up for killing a victim, and an impressive supporting cast.

 Mira's betroth Carlos's hands are on the murder weapon, and their wedding planner, family member, Private Detective Liana Alvarez investigates. With the family's company of characters, the case turns into a Mexican adventure leading to a bigger problem.

 Liana, and mother, who is President of Discretionary Inquiries, fly across the border, and the mystery unravels on the property of Carlos' family. The game begins, and Liana returns to the USA to find the solution leading to a close encounter deadly ending.

 Ms. Haven's writing is crisp, funny, and is an adventure the reader will enjoy in one or two sittings, preferably with a glass of wine or, in my case, two double Dewars on the rocks. I love a quick read, and you should, too, if you like a good mystery.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3eyELA1

 

Review of The PAPER MAGICIAN

The PAPER MAGICIAN

CHARLIE N. HOLMBERG

Review by Author Roy Murry

Not Alice in Wonderland, however, the main character Ceony, a Paper Magician's apprentice, falls into the heart of the magician. And the life and death games begin.

Depending on Ceony's performance in a world unknown to her, Magician Thane's life is figuratively in her hands. But his heart is in another place literally.

Paper Magician is a horror story involving a man's life. Ceony sees it from within his heart's function. How it ends depends on her feelings for him as a man, not as her mentor in paper magic.

The ending will surprise the reader. It's is magic after all, even if the form is paper. Paper overrules scissors.

Ms. Holmberg's writing flows fast but confusing at times. One has to be on their toes and quick to understand many caveats of Ceony's endeavors and the Paper Magician's heart’s events.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2TG0Rsc

Review of SAFARI

SAFARI

Tony Park

Review by Author Roy Murry

SAFARI is the first novel that I have read with the background of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe and the The Democratic Republic of Congo.) Mr. Park's descriptions of lands, animals, and human traits bring you into the hunt.

The prey in the hunts will lead the reader into an alarming shock. However, the novel is a little bit wordy with an interwoven love story that changes with the new knowledge of the woman involved in the triangle.

Pouching and killing of rare African animals are the central themes of SAFARI and a county's dividing line as to who can hunt and what will die in those endeavors. The killing zone is theirs, and if you cross the line, the government or representatives will get revenge.

I wouldn't say SAFARI is a page-turner, but the author keeps the reader interested with sub-stories of two women. One of them becomes an unknowing hero when the plot thickens at the end of a hunt—her love for a particular animal.

I purchased another of Mr. Park's books and am looking forward to reading it. You should add one to your library also for the thrill of learning a little about Africa.

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

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 Caliphate Ave.

Caliphate Ave.

Leilani Graceffa

Review by Author Roy Murry

I have no idea why this story is titled Caliphate Ave. I have read it twice, and the story is compelling but has nothing relating to the Muslim caliphate.

I like reading well written short stories every once in a while. This gripping description of debauchery leads the reader into a discussion about someone we know, maybe a pedophile. When something affects one’s family, we take action.

Bradley's young sister finds a USB, and she thinks it's a bug; the story begins. What is on the unit is shocking; he does not identify any faces until it's too late and does not convey his findings to anyone.

His sister is ecstatic; she is going to meet her idle. Bradley has agreed to take her to the event before seeing the complete video events of disgusting endeavors with a face he recognizes.

The idles face is in the USB's videos. He takes her to the event. What happens next will surprise the reader.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2W7fZiV

Review of YOUTUBE SECRETS

YOUTUBE SECRETS

Sean Cannell & Benji Travis

To get around YouTube.com, this guide into that world is full of tidbits that will help a newbie YouTubers start in the right direction. I am a newbie, at 72 years old today, and learned a great deal.

The directions I received help me find ideas I will use in the future. I did not need their pep talk because I was already motivated and produced forty-three videos as of this review. Also, I love the concept of those videos - helping people decide on purchasing a book by giving them a proper book review.

This book includes biographic material that explains their reasoning one should use a concept. These concepts should help reach one's goals as a Youtuber if they use them.

Many of the concepts in this book will help a newbie. However, I recommend watching Sean and Benji's videos to expand on them.

Not a complete understanding of YouTube success, the ideas within are the basis to start vlogging. And one must start somewhere.

The writing is easy to read and follow, but not for seasoned YouTubers. The authors' ideas are not difficult to understand, but just the beginning.

#purchase: https://amzn.to/2VSSQRc

Review of BURDEN OF TRUTH

A Cass Leary Legal Thriller

ROBIN JAMES

Review by Author Roy Murry

Not Perry Mason, but Cass Leary has her act together. She is a litigator who gets the job done.

Cass returns to her home town, taking on a murder case of a sports icon. The criminal is a nineteen-year petite young lady who is half the size of the murder victim, who is a six-three-foot, high school basketball coach.

Slut is just one of the names of the teen who is going through an emotional rollercoaster ride.  She believes another did the deed; she is a victim of sexual assault; she confesses to the murder.

Cass Leary must overcome these factors and her emotional baggage, family troubles, and historical background in the big city she practiced law to defend a young girl she believes is innocent.

With the whole town against her and the client, the dramatic trial begins with no hope in sight - the slut is guilty. The verdict goes to the jury, and then a wrench is put in the case's process, which erupts into chaos.

The story layout is well-defined with highs and lows, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave the reader wanting more. The author reveals Cass's next case at the end of this one, and it looks like another page-turner.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2yuRYu4

Review of Legally Yours

LEGALLY YOURS

Spitfire Trilogy, Book 1

NICOLE FRENCH

Review by Author Murry

Ms. French's novel is an entangled romance between (Spitfire) redhead Skylar and billionaire Brandon. The way they meet is unusual and embarrassing for Skylar and comfort to Brandon's eyes - he is smitten.

From that moment on, he tries his best to show his caring for her but makes classic errors. At each turn, she lays into him with verbal spitfire.

However, makeup-sex is so good that it keeps the relationship going until the L-word is said. That changes with the appearance of another woman.

He explains, and they are at it again sexually. Then another hurdle is written in a legal contract that is Skylar's last straw - it's over.

This relationship is a rollercoaster ride with sex in the highs and depression for both in the lows. At the end of book #1, Ms. French does her job - she hooks the reader into book #2 with a life-changing event on Skylar's graduation date from Harvard Law School. 

Well written. Free: https://amzn.to/2K626Ms

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 FROM THIS MOMENT ON

FROM THIS MOMENT

DEBRA CLOPTON

Review by Author Roy Murry

Grant arrives in Windswept Bay. He meets Cali Sinclair, one of the owners of the resort. He is to paint a few murals.

It is a setup neither Grant nor Cali comprehend at the moment they meet. Sparks fly when they enjoy the beauty and sound of the oceanfront resort and journeys around the area so that he can get inspiration for the murals.

Both have psychological baggage to overcome - Cali a broken marriage and Grant the death of friends. It takes a while for each to confide in each other with the gentle pushing of the Sinclair family.

The story is simple - boy meets girl. She is beautiful, and he is gorgeous. And, the environment is conducive for enjoying life.

There are not any significant conflicting moments in this story, just a crescendo of enjoyment with considerate self-evaluations by each. It is their gut-wrenching pasts that brings Grant and Cali together.  

The writing is enjoyable; the characters are few, and the background description is colorful - an excellent read for one sitting.