Review of The Paris Package

 

The Paris Package

 

A. W. Hartoin

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This thriller kept me turning the pages. Stella Bled and Nicky Lawrence jump from one frying pan into another on their honeymoon in Europe, going from Vienna to Paris.

They have an object the Nazis want in their possession and will do everything to get it. The brown shirts use lethal force in the pursuit to capture Stella, who has the object and is the main character in this series.

The Bleds of German descent own a major beer factory distribution in the USA and have supported companies in Germany for years. On Stella and Nicky's deadly adventure trying to escape their pursuers, they use those companies as refuse.

But not all goes well, even in Paris, where the story comes to an explosive ending, giving an exciting lead to this series' second book.

Hartoin's writing is snappy and quick-paced. However, a humous side to the story between Stella and Nicky keeps the novel together.

A fun read with essential life lessons interwoven.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38C7I06

Review of San Fransicko

 

SANFRAN--SICKO

Why Progressives Ruin Cities

 

MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Note before review: I was in financial transition in 2002. Progressive friends called me homeless. My book HOMELESS in HOMESTEAD is the story. The links are below if you care to read an adventure.

 I concur with two statements in Mr. Schellenberger’s developing a dissertation on why progressives ruin cities. First, 'The people who bear the consequences aren't the same ones who set the policy.' and 'As such, it is time for us to grow up.'

Mr. Schellenberger writes an excellent narrative about how an individual should be treated as an individual, not as a generic "HOMELESS PERSON." Not all unfortunate people living on the streets are addicts, mentally ill, or criminals.

But, in general, that is the understanding. First, however, Shellenberger goes through the evolution of how Sanfransico and other California cities developed through politics into having a large portion of their population, as they say, homeless.

He gives the pros and cons of each side (Conservatives and Progressives) in solving the problems to eradicate the inhuman situation. But unfortunately, as noted in many of these cases, politics get in the way.

Mr. Shellenberger has his solutions to the problems. I agree with many but feel that politics will always get in the way of real reform.

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

 

HOMELESS in HOMESTEAD https://amzn.to/2PMEK1X

NOOK, Apple, and more: https://books2read.com/u/m2evx7

REview of MURDER SERVED COLD

 

Murder Served Cold

 

Nancy Skopin

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Every once in a while, I go looking for a cozy mystery. Nancy Skopin never lets me down with her invented plots solved by Nikki Hunter. So, I pick a book and read.

In this novel, a friend dies. Is it murder? Well, Nikki goes all out to solve the crime.

With a wealth of well-defined helpful characters, friends, and associates, she gets to the bottom of a situation the police are baffled in their investigation. And, as always, she is put in a deadly situation.

Ms. Skopin's writing brings in the reader and keeps them involved because each novel stands on its own even though it is a book eight in this series.

I'll go back and read another. If you like mysteries, start with the first novel n the series.

 

Purchase https://amzn.to/3Odl9nw

Review of ABOVE and BEYOND

ABOVE and BEYOND

 

KATHRYN SHAY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Adding family values to relationships is not the vogue these days. However, Ms. Shay does an excellent job incorporating the two into this somewhat suspenseful novel.

The Secret Service protects the President of the USA and his family when needed. In ABOVE and BEYOND, a Service family comes together to protect the President's sister.

I found this a little overkill. But, in this story, the family's togetherness brings one of theirs into romantic contact with the President's sister, and it works.

However, too many heroes to follow in the Secret Service family. Book one in a series leaves the author with many options for books two through six.

The prose is corny but fills the romantic's need for a satisfactory ending. Shay's writing is Best Selling level.

I think this is my second Shay novel which pleased me. You should read one.

 

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

 

Review of ON THE RUN

ON THE RUN

 

SUSAN AMANDA KELLY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

A star is born in this romantic comedy. Her name is Minnie.

Minnie's family are Bikers on the west coast, and a rival gang of Bikers is on the east coast where she lives. There is a conflict, and Minnie is at the center of it.

The east coast gang is trying to abduct Minnie. And her brother has Mike, an ex-biker, sent to protect her.

The fun begins with Minnie being more of a biker than Mike. However, she outshines Mike with her abilities, which leads to funny episodes. But, point to make - she dislikes the bikers' world.

However, her sasquatch, Mike, turns into the man she wants and will be with her in the second book of this series.

This novel is a fun, fast, and well-written one-sitting read.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/35AaUZh

Review of Bad Vampire

 

BAD VAMPIRE

 

LAUREN DAWES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This novel is a fun read because the events within are unbelievable. A rookie, Cat McKenzie, a human, is paired up with Sawyer, a veteran of the Paranormal Investigations Group, and he is a supernatural incubus who loves sex.

While Cat is going through various crazy episodes with supers that Sawyer brings her to investigate, she shines while he seems to be becoming a dud. The main event is the confrontation with the Bad Vampire, who is producing baby vampires.

I like Cat McKenzie's sassy character, the novel's linchpin. But, unfortunately, the story doesn't work without her because the supers in P.I.G. are decorations.

Cat could be put in any novel, and I would like it. If you like WOKE ridiculous novels, you like this - women's rule novel.

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

Review of Peonies and Peril

 

Peonies and Peril

Sue Hollowell

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In many cozy mysteries, there is a corpse and usually a cat prancing around. Chloe comes home to help her mother cook the hotel books, and she brings Max, the dog who does the high eyebrow and prances.

Her mother's nonfriend friend is found dead. So, Chloe, an accountant, suddenly becomes a detective after finding herself in the middle of the investigation. And we know where that will end.

The story is delightful but, at times, was perplexed. Chloe and her style will keep the series interesting.

I enjoyed the nonsensical writing, and you will enjoy the read also.

 

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

 

Review of Soul Awakening

SOUL AWAKENING

The Dacque Chronicles

 

DOUG SIMPSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I thought about this book after reading it before writing this review. First, of course, I realize it is fictitious.

However, the universe connects humans in a way we cannot explain. Why not the soul? But a soul that lives on and reconnects through reincarnation is a tough sell.

In SOUL AWAKENING, the characters have each other in common - they believe in fairy tales and need a reason to live. Again, connection to a faith organization is the need.

Their story goes on and on, snowballing into a cult-like group looking into the past. But, again, the reader is pulled in, and if they do not have other faith base ideas, they will get lost in this fairy tale.

Mr. Simpson has produced a well-written tale that is enjoyable to read.

But this tale is repeated on and on in a series; if you enjoy fantasy, buy SOUL AWAKENING and decide for yourself.

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

REview of WITCH for HIRE

 

WITCH for HIRE

 

N.E CONNEELY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Unlike the novel, this will be a short book review. Witch for Hire is a little too long for a book one in a series, with no pull into the next in the series.

Michelle is a young witch, working alone for police departments to solve significant problems, such as the trolls can't be found or a mermaid is in trouble. There are many stories like these within the main one - who is Michelle Oaks?

I have read many 'Book 1' novels, and I believe this book was overdone, getting to the core story. Young adults may enjoy this witch's stories, but people who want a fast read will not.

Many readers will enjoy Conneely's imagination, but she overly defines individual mythological specialty characters. But, again, I believe this was done for the young reader.

WITCH for Hire is not a novel to read in one sitting.

 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3t7koUQ

 

LOVE BEYOND TIME

Love Beyond Time

 

BETHANY CLAIRE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

A young woman goes back, in time, to when men ruled and women were property. The events are put in place by a Scottish witch named Morna to help save a clan.

Bri, the young woman, confuses the clan's laird with her 21^st Century language and customs. Finally, however, they fall in love with a war brewing because of their nuptials. That is the unusual crux of the story.

The time travel usage made the story enjoyable. However, it seemed unreasonable because of the communications factor that helped events along.

For a book one that is free on Amazon Kindle, the read was worth it. The writing does pull the reader into wanting to read more. Although, I will not.

If you like romance, this is a strange one you may enjoy.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3pGLS1m

Review of BRIGHTSIDE, A Novel

 

BRIGHTSIDE, A Novel

MARK TULLIUS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I found Brightside, a novel, to be a disturbing story. The government confines characters in an environment of their kind - telepaths on a mountain. Does this sound familiar?

The story is confusing and dark. Joe, the main character, is on the verge of a mental breakdown. His misadventures in relationships and misuse of his abilities might drive him over the edge.

There are only two ways for Joe to resolve his predicament - kill himself or get off the mountain. However, his interrelationship with others and nonsensical events lead to an unconventional ending.

Mr. Tullius' writing is crisp, fast-moving, and clear to understand. But unfortunately, Brightside, A Novel is not on the bright side but the dark side of the human mind.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3t7vOqc

Fuel From Russia

 

End Times? February Rant 2022

 

I moved to Free Florida in the '70s from Massachusetts, my birth State. I was not too fond of the ideas floating around by my political and family members. I worked on a Democrat City project (Family aided appointment) and helped a Democrat family friend run for City Council. My family and friends were Democrats.

I grew up disliking Republicans - our family DNA. Our Italian family was huge, with twelve aunts and uncles and fifty-two cousins.

My problem, or maybe their problem was, I started asking questions. I just graduated from college and spent my time before that in Vietnam as a Green Beret, a specialist in Operations and Intelligence ('69 -'71.)

They didn't call me a racist or a white supremacist. But the cousins and friends who went to college and not to Nam told me they knew better. In other words, we know better, follow don't lead.

I always thought, "Out of the box," looking for ways to make things better. But unfortunately, nothing has changed in Massachusetts. They are still "Woke," the State is called Taxachusetts, and all voted for Biden.

I talked to one Democrat cousin last month, who voted for Biden. She told me the State was importing fuel from Russia, and gas prices increased.

She is eighty-four, so I did not rub it in nor ask questions about Russia and Ukraine or how that war would affect her stove fuel. I just let it go. Old age does that to one. I am seventy-four and writing on Substack and Scribestar.

 

Go Figure.

Review of THE REDHEAD

 

THE REDHEAD

Aleksandar Miljkovic

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This story seems plausible with recent the United Kingdom and USA news coming to light - wealthy men taking advantage of young women. Present-day (2/16/22), a prince pays twelve million dollars to a woman for his indecent acts while on a junket to a wealthy Hollywood producer's compound.

In this story, Buster, a Miami detective, is asked to help solve a crime in Canada with no details about the crime.

It is a secret that his new Canadian partner Cliff advises him of the sex trafficking of redhead women by wealthy connected men. And, Billy is doing what Billy does well in another part of town - interesting and strange happenstances with his new friend Albert.

The four men evolve in thrilling events that keep the reader waiting for this page-turner to end. When it comes, THE REDHEADS will be grateful, and the reader will be glad they read this well-written novel.

 Purchase:  https://amzn.to/36ljqLH