Review of CASTELMEZZANO

 

CASTELMEZZANO,

THE WITCH IS DEAD

An Italian Cozy Mystery

ADRIANA LICIO

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.

This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.

All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.

The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o28B4H

 

Review of ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

CYNTHIA WRIGHT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

When France and Scotland joined by marriage, a regal mandate, in the 1500s, one of the main characters, Christophe, Chevalier de St. Briac, must journey to Scotland to refurbish that King's castle. In his endeavor, he meets Fiona, a cultured lass of a robust and wealthy family.

From that moment on, a whirlwind of events commences based on the Scottish culture's moors clashing with the French. However, Fiona and Christophe's engagements and conversations are above the fray, putting them in harmony with each other.

Each must overcome an evil put upon them by another to be together. This situation leads to an unexpected ending, hooking the reader into the next chapter in the 'Crowns & Kilts' series.

The story is a bit of a captivating experience, bringing history and cultural differences into the forefront. A romance novel with adventure is always an excellent read when written by a person with the style of a Cynthia Wright.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3fKdkVH

Review of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

TERRY TYLER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The people living in your circle, family, and friends, do you know them?  Are they what they seem, or are you delusional?

A thirty-five to a fifty-year-old serial killer is roaming Lyndford, England. The police publish his facial sketch in the newspaper. The young women are his target.

Who is he, Tom, Dick, Harry or someone you know? Ms. Tyler gives the reader a few stories that may define the killer.

Each scenario is a dramatic, wrenching event that guides the reader to believe this person is the man. The lead plot character is sure they know the killer and determine to get him.

Only one man did the crimes, or did he? The reader may know at THE END or not.

Drama and thriller put into a good read. You'll have to be a Sherlock to read between the lines and decide whodunit.

This novel is my third read of Terry's endeavors. Well written and enjoyable as always.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/393c5zA

 

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 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. 

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 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

 

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

 

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