Review of ANNO 2020

 

ANNO 2020

JAMES MORCAN

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.

Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning?  Or else the beginning of The End?'

All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.

This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.

Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author. https://bit.ly/35guZRo

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2Ue8mH1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of I'm Your Emotional Support Animal

 

I'm Your Emotional 

Support Animal

 

ADAM CAROLLA

Review by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Carolla has his unique way of punctuating a point many times, using vulgarity. However, when the point is made, the reader should understand it.

"This book will remind you that you should also be amused." --Tucker Carson. That being the absurdity of the way American psychologically goes about living.

Mr. Carolla begins with his philosophy about why support dogs in airports and on airplanes have mushroomed to ridiculous levels. He ends with the #MeToo and the China Virus Panic (My phraseology).

In between those mentioned above, comments on Trump's evolution, academia nuts, and many other items that annoy his sense of what is right or wrong with our society. You may disagree with Mr. Carolla's opinion, but you will laugh at how he phrases the dialogue.

 

Controversial and funny.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2I5BFZV

Review of LOSERTHINK

LOSERTHINK

SCOTT ADAMS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

My Green Beret Specialist psychological warfare background helps me grasp Mr. Adams' explanations of what he calls LOSERTHINK. Starting with a person's mind prison in many debatable items, he leads the reader through different definitions of loser thoughts. 

He uses his ego tools (Adams' words), right-thinking of unique underinformed ideas he discusses, i.e., climate change, political philosophies, and many others. One takeaway by the reader will be 'Boy, am I stupid.'

But you are not. According to Scott Adams, he makes the mistakes that he delves into outlining his different definitions of situational loser think. Behavior science is not Adams' forte, but his comic relief and sometimes profound techniques to get out of a person's mind prison is worth the read.

As he notes, we don't know what we don't know. This book is as good as others I have read in the self-help genre—just a little egocentric. 

If you think your thinking is lopsided, this read is for you. If not, pass on this overpriced book.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2HjGI7X

 

Review of APOCALYPSE NEVER

 

APOCALYPSE NEVER

Why Environmental Alarmism

Hurt Us All

 

MICHEAL SHELLENBERGER

 

Book Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The world is coming to an end; the east coast of the USA will be underwater in twenty years; nuclear energy will kill us, are things I heard when I went to college in the 1970s. Alarmists have not changed, and I am happily retired on the east coast of USA's Florida in my 70s.

Mr. Shellenberger, an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations, worked for both sides of the environmental debate.  In APOCALYPSE NEVER, he outlines the reasons why people who are the most apocalyptic about environmental problems tend to oppose the best and most obvious solutions to solving them.

Nuclear energy vs. Other sources, eating meat vs. vegetarian endeavors, and forest management vs. Not doing it are some of the arguments he outlines - many alarmists have propagandized the wrong solutions. Mr. Shellenberger details eminent environmental scientists' path to why the earth is just fine, and the human race will not die away by the billions.

The book is a read for the person with a curious mind. Using extensive notes and photographs, he leads the reader through a world of conflict where they can decide for themself what side of the environmental debate to be.

Murry's "Reader are leaders," this is a must-read for your inquisitive mind. 

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Review of ASSIGNMENT IN AMESTERDAM

 

ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM

CARRIE BEDFORD

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

ASSIGNMENT is my first Bedford novel. I should not have started with book five of this paranormal book series.

For me, the plot was a little implausible. Let's put that aside.

Kate Benedict, the main character, reads auras of people, indicating danger in Amsterdam's architecture assignment. Then, an adventuristic mystery begins that is confusing.

She is part of a group that goes to a huge house to prepare it for sale. The house has secrets attached to an influential group leading to murder and abduction.

The twists and turns and running around seem waisful but become clear in a somewhat nail-biting ending. Kate's abilities help save the day.

Bedford's writing is long-winded and overly descriptive. I would have enjoyed a shorter, more mysterious version, which I find in other cozy mystery series.

However, the novel is a good read for the price. 

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/34itvV9

 

Review of LEGACY OF LIES

 

LEGACY OF LIES

A Legal Thriller

 

ROBERT BAILEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

How long can a lie stay a lie? In Mr. Bailey's novel, it is evident in the epilogue. Therefore, start at the beginning, and you will be as surprised as I was at the end of the story.

LEGACY is a story of many lies that come to light after a Tennessee Attorney General's arrest for killing her husband, a well-known lawyer.  Bo, Bocephus Haynes, comes out of self-imposed retirement, helping a cohort because of his legal dilemma.

As she is called in Tennessee, the General wants the best defense lawyer. That is Bo. He sees that the government has a solid case looking for an alternative that leads him into a web of lies, including the person he is defending.

Bocephus' case comes to a dead-end when the trial begins. He doubts the General's innocents but finds loopholes in what he has been told by all the people he has interviewed: The defendant, other lawyers, a commissioner, and a wealthy rapist.

Do many lawyers lie? In this novel, they do—a well-written thriller with a killer Epilogue.

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Review of A KINGDOM'S COST

 

A KINGDOM'S COST

Book 1 of Historical Trilogy of Scotland

 

J. R. TOMLIN

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

War in the 1300s was all blood and guts. King Edward of England made sure of that when he raged war in Scotland.

Young Sir James, Lord of Douglas, tells how he grew up in the battles and trials of youth fighting alongside Scotland's king. His education is confirmed in book one with the murders of his enemies and a loved one.

The author writes details about the times' crudeness, down to the quartering of William Wallace, a Scottish hero. If you cannot handle this type of content, beware.

The historic story seemed to be as authentic as one can write a book of fiction. I liked the character's banter even though I had to go back to the glossary to find out the meaning of words said.

Reading this novel will give you an understanding of their fight for freedom. It is a difficult road taken against an outnumbered enemy, the Scottish Black Douglas battled.

J.R. Tomlin's writing flows well throughout. She put much time and effort into this novel, which made the historical journey worthwhile.

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

 

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.

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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.

 

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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.

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