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

Review of ONE MORE THING

ONE MORE THING

Stories and Other Stories

B.J. NOVAK

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

You have an Inquisitive Mind if you are reading this. I thank you, and B.J. Novak will thank you for buying his book; after all, he is a New York Times Best Selling Author.

Anyways that is why I bought his book of short stories. Some so quick they are two or three lines which make you think or maybe not and get bored.

 If bored, you don't have an Inquisitive mind. Wake up your brain and buy the book.

 I could give you a list of the stories and delve into what I think, but I would be wasting your time. Watch my video to learn more: https://youtu.be/xCuY8UUR5_o

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3hbm8Es

 

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR:

A Fun Detective Cozy

(The Alvarez Family Murder

Mystery Series, Book 2)

 

HEATHER HAVEN

If you love mysteries as I do, this story hits all the items we enjoy in a good murder/detective story. WEDDING has a super sleuth, a family member locked up for killing a victim, and an impressive supporting cast.

 Mira's betroth Carlos's hands are on the murder weapon, and their wedding planner, family member, Private Detective Liana Alvarez investigates. With the family's company of characters, the case turns into a Mexican adventure leading to a bigger problem.

 Liana, and mother, who is President of Discretionary Inquiries, fly across the border, and the mystery unravels on the property of Carlos' family. The game begins, and Liana returns to the USA to find the solution leading to a close encounter deadly ending.

 Ms. Haven's writing is crisp, funny, and is an adventure the reader will enjoy in one or two sittings, preferably with a glass of wine or, in my case, two double Dewars on the rocks. I love a quick read, and you should, too, if you like a good mystery.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3eyELA1

 

Review of The PAPER MAGICIAN

The PAPER MAGICIAN

CHARLIE N. HOLMBERG

Review by Author Roy Murry

Not Alice in Wonderland, however, the main character Ceony, a Paper Magician's apprentice, falls into the heart of the magician. And the life and death games begin.

Depending on Ceony's performance in a world unknown to her, Magician Thane's life is figuratively in her hands. But his heart is in another place literally.

Paper Magician is a horror story involving a man's life. Ceony sees it from within his heart's function. How it ends depends on her feelings for him as a man, not as her mentor in paper magic.

The ending will surprise the reader. It's is magic after all, even if the form is paper. Paper overrules scissors.

Ms. Holmberg's writing flows fast but confusing at times. One has to be on their toes and quick to understand many caveats of Ceony's endeavors and the Paper Magician's heart’s events.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2TG0Rsc

Review of SAFARI

SAFARI

Tony Park

Review by Author Roy Murry

SAFARI is the first novel that I have read with the background of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe and the The Democratic Republic of Congo.) Mr. Park's descriptions of lands, animals, and human traits bring you into the hunt.

The prey in the hunts will lead the reader into an alarming shock. However, the novel is a little bit wordy with an interwoven love story that changes with the new knowledge of the woman involved in the triangle.

Pouching and killing of rare African animals are the central themes of SAFARI and a county's dividing line as to who can hunt and what will die in those endeavors. The killing zone is theirs, and if you cross the line, the government or representatives will get revenge.

I wouldn't say SAFARI is a page-turner, but the author keeps the reader interested with sub-stories of two women. One of them becomes an unknowing hero when the plot thickens at the end of a hunt—her love for a particular animal.

I purchased another of Mr. Park's books and am looking forward to reading it. You should add one to your library also for the thrill of learning a little about Africa.

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

Review of HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?

HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN

The Election of 2016

P.J. O'Rourke

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

"We're so stoned that we have no idea what we're talking about, but if you get as high as we are, it will all make sense," babblings of Yuppies. This quote is in Mr. O'Rourke's Book Epilogue, and I believe it is appropriate to say that he babbles much in this fun read.

P.J. O'Rourke, National Lampoon's ex-editor-in-chief among numerous other Journalism endeavors since the 70s, writes enthusiastically and excessively about the candidates who attempted to become President of the USA in 2016. I laughed so hard my stitches almost busted.

He equates all the contenders as to clowns stuck in a Volvo Bug car trying to get out. When that long event is over, Hillary and Trump are what is left.

This pundit does not have kind words for either. He uses sarcasm, hyperbolic descriptions, and antidotes to bring his point home - we are left with President Trump, who embodies American's current taste vs. elitism.

P.J. muses, "If America didn't want a poor choice of leaders, America wouldn't have a poor choice of leaders." I believe he is saying Mr. Trump is a weak leader, and the USA has had many of them.

In delving into previous Presidents, he qualifies many of them and the wannabes like Joe Biden. Therefore, if you time to spare, want to laugh, or think about your preferred politician, this book is for you.

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

Review iof Ancient Lies

ANCIENT LIES

E. Nicolson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

I will leave it to you. What recent lies equate to Ancient Lies, the book? You will have to read the novel to find out.

Hardcore Science Fiction and fans of Star Wars will enjoy this adventure. I, not a follower, read the whole book with only one problem.

Even though name recognition separated the episodes, I would have liked to place and timeline division. However, the writing is well thought out. 

Lovers of Sci-Fi will like all the gadgets and the different spaceships - new and ancient. But people are the same in the future.

Ms. Nicolson gives us her philosophy on racism, here and now, conspiracy theories, good vs. evil, and what our future entails.

These all come together at the end of the book when Professor Andy, a Shakespearian teacher, sums up present-day events.

Really. Do Aliens live among us? Andy's friends are traveling into Outer space.

You need to read this novel to find out the Who, What, When, and How this all comes together with excellent detail. 

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

Review of Caliphate Ave.

Caliphate Ave.

Leilani Graceffa

Review by Author Roy Murry

I have no idea why this story is titled Caliphate Ave. I have read it twice, and the story is compelling but has nothing relating to the Muslim caliphate.

I like reading well written short stories every once in a while. This gripping description of debauchery leads the reader into a discussion about someone we know, maybe a pedophile. When something affects one’s family, we take action.

Bradley's young sister finds a USB, and she thinks it's a bug; the story begins. What is on the unit is shocking; he does not identify any faces until it's too late and does not convey his findings to anyone.

His sister is ecstatic; she is going to meet her idle. Bradley has agreed to take her to the event before seeing the complete video events of disgusting endeavors with a face he recognizes.

The idles face is in the USB's videos. He takes her to the event. What happens next will surprise the reader.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2W7fZiV