Review of HELLO NEIGHBOR

 

HELLO NEIGHBOR

Missing Pieces

Carly Ann West

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Neighbor' is Nicky's story, who moves with his parents into a town with a burnt down amusement park. Across the street lives another twelve-year-old named Aaron, his parents, and his sister.

Two notes that set the tone at the beginning of this somewhat creepy novel are words of wisdom from Nick's parents: "Lu, he's twelve. He is barely human at this age," and "Remember, the family makes you stronger."

On the other side of the street lives the weak and disturbed family of Aaron Peterson. His father is living through a mental hell about what happened at the amusement park.

The two boys’ bond, break into the park using their unique ability to unlock locks, and, in another event, get into legal trouble costing their parents needed monies. Split apart, the boy with the strong family ties survives.

When Nicky tries to reunite with Aaron, Aaron leaves a bloody note for Nicky - I make bad things happen. What has happened? You will need to read book two in the series to find out.

I don't recommend this novel for a ten-year-old even though there are some excellent qualities to the read. A twelve-year-old may understand some of the deep thoughts and words intoned.

Note: I have helped bring up two boys who are doing well in their forties.

 

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

 

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 PREY for THE DEAD

 

PREY for THE DEAD

 

SUSANNE LEIST

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The small oceanside town Oasis is not an Oasis. "I am sure Sean feels the same way. Vamps and hybrids...Elders and Watchers...this town is a crazy hotspot for the paranormal." Keith, a visitor, grunted, is a quote from PREY.

This novel is the second in THE DEAD GAME series, which I have read. THE DEAD and Wolf, a vampire, has returned to Oasis to save his family. A war is brewing.

Among the participating main characters are two humans, Linda and Shana. They have their infatuations with vamps and hybrids, which they pursue, and are in the warring center of two fractions lead by Todd and Gregg.

Both are in love with Linda. Shana has Sam, or maybe. Protection of the lady humans is the utmost concern of the vamps when the battle starts with many turns in the adventure.

It is a fun fictional book to read. In the end, the diehard reader of this genre will want more. Lucky for them, there is a third book in the series.

It is better to read the first book in the series THE DEAD GAME, which hooked me. Review: https://youtu.be/8L1g3zHJp-A Written http://bit.ly/2VTz0Hc

Purchase PREY for THE DEAD: https://amzn.to/2HRw74P

Review of MR. LOVE

 

MR. LOVE

A Romantic Comedy

 

SALLY MASON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This book hit my funny bone in the right way. I laugh every time I think of the plot, characters, and how opposites attract.

Gordon unusually meets Jane, a Literary agent. She is hunting another person, a woman, and finds Gordy, a man who uses Viola Usher as a pseudonym for his racy novel.

He self-publishes digitally, and it has gone viral, making Gordy a lot of money. Agents are going crazy trying to find Viola to sign her to a book deal. Jane is the only one who finds him/her.

But Gordon, who wants to sell his American Novel (Trash), convinces his sister to be Viola. And the fun begins - twists and turns that bring a "Pompous and liar," Gordy and, sweet, diligent Jane together.

The writing is intelligent, with funny and literary conversations bringing out Jane, Gordon, and his sister Betsy's real character.

Purchase:   https://amzn.to/3mukIH4

 

Review of MURDER at CATMMANDO MOUNTIAN

 

MURDER at CATMMANDO MOUNTAIN

George Shaw Cozy Mystery #1

 

ANNA CELESTE BURKE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

At a major animal theme park, known as the "Cat Factory," the owner's daughter is murdered. Jack Wheeler, detective, and Georgia Shaw, PR Director of the park, combine their resources to solve the crime.

However, evidence points to Georgia as the suspect, which confuses Jack's case. Things do not match the crime scene's modus operandi, and Georgia was not on the property during the time frame.

Jack does his due diligence, interviews everyone, and finds time to woo Georgia. Circumstances unravel the crime, leading to a closure. The reader will be content and will want more of the series.

There are many twists and turns in this quick-paced fun novel. The reader will keep turning the pages until the conclusion.

The characters are interesting, with some crazies included. Lastly, if you like cats, Georgia owns one, and they are part of the theme park.

 It's almost Purrrfect for cat lovers.

 Purchase: https://amzn.to/35pDNTV

 

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 MY YOUTUBE CRUSH

 

MY YOUTUBE CRUSH

 

C. Courtney & Michelle Courtney

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This Young Adult romance is a charming read with a not so plausible plot.

Cassie's family has a popular YouTube channel and goes to a VidCon, Video Convention.

Her family members love Jordan Rand's channel, which is the top YouTube channel of all time. However, Cassie thinks he and his channel are overrated but has not seen it.  Why? Who knows?

She meets a young man named Jordan, she never saw before, at the hotel swimming pool. She is avoiding the convention's proceedings because of a video glitch in her past.

You can take it from there. Simple plot - girl meets boy.

The story is well written and fun to follow, even though the ending is romantically preordained in the genre sense. Sweet and cute are a proper description of this young woman’s love adventure and a possible sequel to follow.   

Purchase: https://amzn.to/316vCdM

 

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. 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3d5Gnlj

 

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 IMPERFECT CHEMISTRY

 

IMPERFECT CHEMISTRY

 

MARY FRAME

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Lucy, a super nerd, has her grant money put on hold because she doesn't understand human nature in relationships. At twenty, she has a Ph.D. but is oblivious to her feelings toward males.

Trying to discover how to get her grant reinstated, direct and technical rhetoric comes out of Lucy's mouth. Her brain works differently than cohorts her age, one of which uncorks the genie within Lucy's emotional being.

This NA comical romance develops around Lucy's investigation of her next-door male's overstated lifestyle. Her friend Freya pushes Lucy into her and Jensen's world, presenting funny results with only one roadblock to overcome.

Many times, the 'woman-meets-man' tale has been written. This funny story is more like a woman, Sheldon Cooper (TV Sitcom Big Bang) personality meets a gorgeous male enjoying her banter and physical traits. Love is in the air.

A hilarious two or one seating read for a romance genre lover.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3mJxHp6

 

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.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/32HDJPa

 

 

 

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