The SWEET Taste of MURDER

An Angel Lake Mystery

 

CEECEE JAMES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

Elise, after a marriage breakup, moves home to Angel Lake. She reunites with her childhood friend Lavina.

Well conversing, they find out that a well-known man in the community has had a deadly accident with a train. Suspicion becomes rapid that it was not an accident but a murder.

Brad, a detective and an acquaintance of both women, comes on the scene, leading to Lavina being one of the murder suspects. He and Elise have a developing rapport as she goes about renewing herself with the community members.

In her walkabouts or runabouts, she collects some knowledge of the murdered man, trying to help eliminate her friend Lavina from Brad's and the Police Captain's list of suspects. She finds a few who could have done the deed, but a flower becomes the key to the crime.

Fast pace read that at times is cute and romantically tied. Even a cat and dog get into the act. Taste of Murder is a pleasant afternoon read for the beach, near the pool, or in your favorite chair.

Murder is a crisp, enjoyable read with no blood and guts.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bHiu2Y

 

 

THE FLYING TIGERS

The Untold Story of the American Pilots

Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan

 

SAM KLEINER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The winners of wars write the history of them. Some stories of heroes are not because government leaders hide them to keep a political secret.

In this case, the Flying Tigers, a USA civilian group, contracted to a private corporation, were fighting for China against Japan. Their air battles didn't start until after Pearl Harbor destruction by the Japanese.

They became heroes because of their courageous outnumbered air battles against a formidable foe. Tigers were not military disciplined but were deliberate and meticulous trained to do the job by Claire Chennault.

Sam Kleiner's detailed history does not name all, who were the original contracted Tigers, but the brief bios of some give the reader a sense of war's human turmoil. Claire Chennault's story is the book's backbone; however, it is different from the movie with John Wayne.

Mr. Kleiner's writing brings out some of the conflicts between Chennault and his pilots, i.e., Pappy Boyington, later a Medal of Honor recipient. When the Tigers were forced to disband, all did not go well for his heroes, of which little is written.

This well-written history book is in novel form, which made reading it enjoyable. If you like history in action, this book is for you.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bGt9eh

 

Review of HER BUSH

 

HER BUSH

 

PENELOPE BLOOM

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

What can I say about HER BUSH? Funny and sexual are the first words that come to mind.

The novel is funny because of the plot. It is a young woman who accidentally performs topiary, sculpting a bush into a complete penis by mistake. Funny innuendos abound.

She does the work on the property of a wealthy publisher. They meet, and the courting games begin.

There are twists and turns in promoting HER BUSH as art and in their relationship. That commingling and art endeavor leads to a sexual and enjoyable ending.

This novel is the second that I have read of Ms. Blooms, of which there are many. The other was HIS BANANA.

Both novels are quick and fun reads. I will go back for more soon.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/2Qzruxd

 

Review of AMERICAN WITCHES

AMERICAN WITCHES

A Broomstick Tour through Four Centuries

 SUSAN FAIR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This book is a humorous, lite historical evaluation of how one decided who or what a WITCH is or was. Ms. Fair tells us how the human race is gullible in a pleasant way.

She expands this theme in recounting stories from the Salem trials to Second Salem trials of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. In her explanations, the WITCH thing came from Europe during their dark ages, exacerbated by religious zealots, and provoked by some nut cases.

At times, I felt a little bored because I am not into WITCHES.  However, the overall stories she reported on were fun to read. Ms. Fair's prose made for an enjoyable quick read.

If you are interested in WITCHES, I know you will be earmarking each story for reference. I took a few notes for my review, as you should too.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/2YvurmH

Review of The Widow's Son

 

THE WIDOW'S SON

 

DANIEL KEMP

 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

When you get a promotion, you would expect problems; hopefully, that can be solved with the help from your cohorts. In Patrick West's case, his predecessor, Geoffrey, is not upfront with the real situations at hand which he must confront in his new position.

From the first banter between these two spymasters, Geoffrey’s lies lead Patrick into a maze of international intrigue that elitists have festered. Many characters are involved in a diabolical conspiracy.

Sorting it out is Patrick's job as head of a British Joint Intelligence Committee. What he uncovers after finding out the truth, culminates into a near disaster.

This novel is the third in a trilogy, beginning with 'What Happened in Vienna Jack?' then, 'Once I Was a Soldier,' that I have read because of Mr. Kemp's grasp of English (UK) language. The tit for tat of the main character's lucid conversations kept me turning the pages to see what came next.

I love a conspiracy novel of fiction, particularly one that leads to an unpredictable ending. It would be best if you started by reading book one. However, this novel stands on its own.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3439mnu

 

 

Louisiana Hotshot

LOUISIANA HOTSHOT

A Talbar Wallis Mystery

JULIE SMITH

Review by Author Roy Murry

New Orleans is the background city for a heartbreaking and thrilling story with an explosive ending. Baroness, aka Talbar, aka Sandra, decides to become a private eye, a position she is overqualified to do.

She has cognitive skills and computer geek like abilities. Black, proud, and recherche', Talbar enters the man dominated profession as an associate of Eddie Valentino P.I. Agency.

A Black mother's complaint to a friend becomes a case. She and Eddie are paid to investigate.

The backdrop of the investigation is these characters themself. They both have family secrets that unfold and intertwine with the main plot.

The unraveling of the case and their secrets are done in detail. Each conquers their hurdles with emotional results. Talbar's shots a gun for the first time, remembering the past, and Eddie admits his faults were, regaining a son.

I found the narrative too long (353 pages), and feel a shorter version could have done the job for me. However, I did enjoy Talbar's and Eddie's banter throughout the novel.

The characters were well developed and increased my wanting for the next chapter in their career as Private Investigators. GOOD READ.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/33nRrHI

 

Review of ASSASSINS and LIARS

ASSASSINS and LIARS

CLR DOUGHERTY

Review by Author Roy Murry

Finn, a man, is on a mission for a government organization that meets Mary in a small Puerto Rican port. She needs a ride on his sailboat.

 Mary's looks, knowledge of sailing, and demeanor, enchants Finn. He agrees to take her along on his boat for the ride, even though she has no destination requirement. 

The journey is full of killings and lies. Both have their fill; however, Mary is full of lies. 'Who Finn is and who she is?' is the background moving the journey forward.

Finn and Mary's actions in a thrilling end, expose who they are - Assassins and Liars.

CLR Dougherty's quick pace novel keeps the reader's attention. I liked the sailing jargon, which he is knowledgeable and was the filler between Mary's explanations of why she was in the Caribbean.

If you like a thrilling sea journey with a mission, this enjoyable novel's reading will do for a rainy weekend.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39xVOB0

 

Review of SOILED DOVES

SOILED DOVES

Prostitution In The Early West

 

ANNE SEAGRAVES

 

Review of Author Roy Murry

 

Is prostitution practiced in the USA today? Well, it was in the development of the country's frontier. A brothel was a mainstay in many growing cities in the west.

 "Although Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in 1863, an even more corrupt form of slavery continued to exist in America for another 47 years - White Slavery," is noted in Ms. Seagraves' book. Unfortunately, sex slaves trafficking is still a problem worldwide, as confirmed in criminal arrests lately.

SOILED DOVES is a complete history of the women who unwittingly or volunteer giving sexual favors for money. The book is chuck full of ladies' background stories who did what they did to survive when there were five men to one woman available.

The read was clear and informative - a swift read. I loved the short stories of the women who helped conquer the frontier. They comfort the men in their needs and contributing to community welfare. 

This read will change your mind about legal versus illegal prostitution.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3jsMh2K

 

Review of JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

A Calendar Mystery

 

CAMILLA CHAFER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Sara is a librarian, and she loves her work, primarily where she works, the Calendar City Library. The building is one of the oldest buildings in Calendar, which she is actively protesting its destruction.

The story is upbeat, except for the murder of her recent employed assistant on the second floor of the library. The local detective is, as Sara, befuddled.

In a battle to keep the building open to the public, Sara is continually confronting the man who wants to raze it. His company wants to replace it with condos.

 On another level, she investigates the crime that put the library into the center of a treasure hunt. Also, another good-looking man has come into her life for pleasure.

The levels clash into a climax that the reader is looking for in a good mystery. The reader will cheer for Sara's conclusion, which she did not expect, nor does the reader.

It's a good start of a series where the few characters are defined. The city of Calendar's charm is played-out as a colorful background.

Ms. Chafer's story is somewhat predictable, with a few twists and turns. The writing and flow of words were agreeable and funny at times.

Well done, purchase: https://amzn.to/3fwEC0O

 

Author's Review: UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

 

DINESH D'SOUZA

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Is Socialism metastasizing in the United States of America? According to Mr. D'Souza, it has spread like wildfire into the Federal Government, universities, media, and the organizations intimidating cities and States.

This cancer is destroying the fabric of American history and culture that the country was built. And few are standing up and calling out the interlopers bringing sanity back into the fray.

The battle for the minds of the public is twisted into believing that Socialism is just. Mr. D'Souza defines it and destroys its philosophy economically and culturally.

He leads the reader through history as to the pros and cons of Capitalism vs. Socialism, naming the heroes and culprits past and present. He adds his legal encounter with the Deep State, run by a socialist-leaning girth of the government as an analogy.

If it can happen to him and the other people, he highlights the left disagrees with, and their strong-arm tactics will destroy the public and the country. If "We the People" do not fight back and take control, the USA will be the next Venezuela.

Strong words, but Mr. D'Souza outlines his case using clear cut examples. The writing is intelligent, a crisp narrative that points directly to his corrupt target: The Socialist.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38Aw5as

  

Review of THE JADE EMPEROR

THE JADE EMPEROR

 SUZANNE JENKINS

 Review by Author Roy Murry

 Young men go off to war, and when they come back, that experience changes them. Steve left Kelly and a child behind with her parents.

Vietnam's life turned Steve into an introvert. Kelly, a strong-minded person, knew what she wanted - a large family.

In reaching her goal, she took control while Steve became disconnected over the thirty-plus-year marriage. The reason did not become apparent until one day when a man showed up at the front door claiming to be Steve's son.

From that point on, Kelly's family started to deteriorate; chaos took over. Steve was in love, not with her, but Lee, the man's mother, and some of their six children seemed to be dysfunctional.

 Kelly's twin complained things might have been different had Steve sought help when he returned from Vietnam. Or if Kelly was a weaker person or listened to the people who loved her about Steve. 

Conflicts turned into fights and one attempt of murder. Coming together after that event, Kelly's family healed somewhat.

 Ms. Jenkins' tangled web of relationship novel is a drama that keeps the reader engaged. Her well-written prose helps turn the page to find out the next layer of conflict.

A delightful and captivating read.  Purchase: https://amzn.to/2YLPty2

Review of GOOD WITCH HUNTING

GOOD WITCH HUNTING

A Mackenzie Coven Mystery Novella

SONIA PARIN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A mystery, yes, but more like a comedy skit. Lexie is a witch, who seems to be in training. She has a black cat, Luna, who is a witch with limited powers.

The two of them talk to each other. Luna only allows some people to hear her words of logic. She is also Lexie's muse.

Someone is killing good witches. The reader does not see the murders verbally but hears about them secondhand. Lexie is on the list according to current investigations by an independent organization.

The shenanigans going on will have the reader laughing on every page. Lexie is an investigator who uses unusual methods.

Lexie, in one moment, has no idea what is going on, and in the next, a poof of smoke, the crimes are solved.  She used witchcraft she hadn't used before.

Ms. Parin's writing is fun to read: crisp, clear, silly, and hilarious. I will go back and read another of her novellas. You should read one also.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3dhK3yR

Review of FULL CIRCLE

FULL CIRCLE

Willow Bend Romances

MONA INGRAM

Reviewed by 

Author Roy Murry

'It was an overcast the day Bella found out she was pregnant.' is the first sentence of this tearjerker. The circle is Bella's journey after said event.

The highs and lows on Bella's trip through life keeps the reader pulled into the story. A strong-willed woman appears to arrive with one link to the circle, not complete - her love of a mate.

She has compassion and good energy all around her: her daughter, and friends. Success creeps into her life, but something is missing since the day referred to in that first sentence.

When the events happen, the missing links complete Bella's life. The reader will need a box of tissues at that moment.

Ms. Ingram’s writing is crisp and commits the reader to find out what comes next. The read is quick and flows smoothly.

Bella's life is the basis for the beginning of a series. For Romance Lovers, it is one series to buy.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2UF5mnk