Review of ELF KILLERS

 

ELF KILLERS

 

Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Firstly, my friends, the reader must read the glossary to get a rhythm of Trollish language. Otherwise, you may be irritated by what many Trolls are saying.

Then delve into this fast pace fantasy of two imaginary being types. The Elves are compassionate, intelligent beings, and the Trolls, are brutish war-loving individuals who enjoy eating elves.

The appearance of being true or accurate of these beings comes through in Phipps' writing. The reader will laugh at the antics of the Trolls and will feel the trauma of the Elves.

Elf Killers is a multi-level composition of good versus evil—unfortunately, that theme has been used to death in novels. However, Carol and Tom Phipps' twist engages the reader's curiosity, leaving them wanting more.

That is why I have read three of their novels.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3lU4Ajc

 

Review of EARTHBOUND

EARTHBOUND

Chronicles of the Maca - Book 1

MARI COLLIER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

ALIEN meets Cowboy in the 1850s; what could go wrong. Mac, the alien's new name, intermingles with Texians.

He and his partner go from rags to riches buying land near Mac's spaceship that he wants to operate but needs an education on earth to do so. This endeavor leads our man from another world through conflicts of the wild west and the USA Civil War.

Because of his alien being, Mac is different than most men and has secrets that he only allows his loved ones to know about - his spaceship and its contents. Finally, after a long relationship, his partner and his wife are allowed entry.

The three survive many traumas leading to other conflicts that lead the reader into Book 2 of this chronicle. Many questions Mac and his earthly friends are left open.

I didn't think I would like this novel, but it was so well-written I overlooked the fictional theme. I read little of the Cowboy or Sci-Fi genres. However, Ms. Collier’s writing may have convinced me to read more of them.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3hCXnD7

 

Review of THE STRANGE DEATH OF EUROPE

 

THE STRANGE DEATH OF EUROPE

 

DOUGLAS MURRAY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'When you allow unvetted mass immigration into your country, the world's problems become your problems.' is my takeaway from this well-researched book on how the globalist in Berlin and Brussels (EU) destroyed nation-states in western Europe.  England, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden are the center countries of Murray’s arguments that have collapsed in identity, socially, demographically, and economically.

For me, this is an indictment of failed politicians (Globalists) who feel they know best for other countries. They do not consider the clashes of cultures, Islam vs. Christianity psychologically. The integration of humanity will take of that.

Mr. Murray makes excellent points on what I just mentioned and more, leaving the reader with PERHAPS... Maybe profoundly ingrained beliefs, over centuries, will change.

The arguments, pros, and cons about religion, mass migration, refugees, and national pride are profound. So, as I, the reader, will stop, take notes, think, and want to know where the world is heading.

Born in the USA, I am concerned with its new unvetted mass migration and refugees from Afghanistan arriving daily. If you are also, you should read this book.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38Ql06n

 

Review of ALL OF ME

ALL of ME

The Bridesmaid Club

LEEANNA MORGAN

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Tess, an ex-model, owns a small-town cafe after a traumatic event that still possesses her. Logan, a veteran war reporter, moves to the town and, for a year, is smitten by her.

She does not like reporters. At this point, the educated reader knows they'll get together. Each has its horror stories that collide in the relationship that lead to confrontations.

Romance lovers will love the characters, but the storyline has too many backstory gaps, which they will overlook. However, these genre lovers will enjoy the tit for tat of Tess and Logan's relationship and forgive the holes in the story.

Because ALL OF ME is well-written with interesting characters, I recommend it to all Romance Lovers, using Kindle, to read the series. All others beware.

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

 

 

Review of SAGE ADVICE

SAGE ADVICE

Lives and Maxims of Some 

of History's Wisest People

 

RICHARD K. BORDEN

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

SAGE ADVICE is a collection of thoughts for the INQUISITIVE MIND. These thoughts or maxims make your mind go into a tailspin.

From Ptah-Hotep of Egypt to Gandhi, eighteen of Borden's wisest people’s short biographies and advice in thoughtful phrases are well organized. Fortunately, the book layout divides the bio from the maxims giving the reader the luxury of not being confused or trying to know who said what.

With each biography, the reader will see the evolution in thoughts over the thousands of human existences. The maxims, if read slowly, quietly, and separately, will lead the reader to self-evaluation – always a good thing.

You don't need to be a philosophy or a psychologist to read SAGE ADVISE. However, you should be a thoughtful person with an Inquisitive Mind a la Murry's Readers Are Leaders.

A well-written collection.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3xtm89J

 

Review of The POWER of Your Subconscious Mind

The POWER of Your Subconscious Mind

 

JOSEPH MURPHY

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I started reading this book in 2008 and pick it up every day to remind me that life goes on and I can change how I see it. Murphy's book did change my life; I will not go into details of how.

But this book, combined with ‘How to Be Idle,’ can do that for you.

See review: https://bit.ly/2UVt81K.

It would take all day for me to explain what I mean. YOU NEED TO READ THESE BOOKS.

Murphy goes into detail on how our human minds work and how we use them. What we read, think, and profess goes into our subconscious mind and stays there.

You can change what goes in your mind by following proven methods given within. Do it today before it’s too late.

A computer maximum is "Garbage in; Garbage Out," and according to this book, the same is for your subconscious mind. So, therefore, I agree with Joseph Murphy 100%.

That is why I recommend this brilliant book.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3zb2BfG

 

Review of Dog Man

 

DOGMAN #1

 

Dav Pilkey

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

It is a fun book with illustrations of Dog Man and his nemesis Petey, a cat, of course. Who else would irritate a dog?

Petey is the mastermind of most of the city's crimes. Dog Man is a policeman who goes after the criminal of somewhat stupid crimes.

One crime stands out for me. Petey deletes all the WORDS of the world. It is incredible and hilarious how Dog Man solves the crime. I am happy to say Dog Man promotes reading in the adventure.

The reading is simple, and the illustrations are funny. Dog Man series is a good one for your nine to twelve-year-old.

I read it on my kindle, black and white. But, my ten-year-old grandson has a book, which is colorful, and he loves it. So, I will see how many he has in the ten-book series and buy him the rest.

 Purchase the series or just this book: https://amzn.to/2TKfDSh

 

Review of DOOM

 

DOOM

The Politics of Catastrophe

NIALL FERGUSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This profound history of every disaster you know or think you know - from wars, volcanoes, famines to plagues. Mr. Ferguson writes the story's factors one would not think existed.

The depth of each disaster's background is disturbing and not in any history books printed about those events I have read. I am 73 years old and have read much history.

In Niall Ferguson's written words, "the central point of this book - that all disasters are at some level man-made political disasters, even if they originate with new pathogens." His explanations of those horrendous events in history bring the reader to the present day.

While living in lockdown, he proposes why the Asian Flu 1957-1958 is similar to the COVID 2020 and shows the political and network differences at the beginning of the events. In some of his detail, the reader will agree with, some not.

However, his arguments are worth reading if you have an Inquisitive Mind - One of my top 10 reads of my life.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3qHu2ux

 

Review of BED and BREAKFAST an MURDER

BED and BREAKFAST and MURDER

Fiona Fleming Cozy Mysteries #1

PATTI LARSEN

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

If you love Pugs that fart and follow you around, this book is for you. Fiona or Fee returns to her Vermont hometown because she inherited her grandmother's B&B and her pug; and because she was running away from a bad relationship.

Soon Fee finds out the business may not be hers from a despicable man. That person is found dead in the B&B's garden the next day.

Fee's family is a ‘Police.’ one, and she feels she should have been a detective, as her father was the Sheriff of the town. So, she does the sleuthing of the crime against multiply confrontation with the new good-looking present one.

Fiona does upset many in the small town leading to an explosive ending with an unlikely suspect. Truthfully, the reader should be able to follow the clues as the pug does.

Ms. Larsen's writing is cute and humorous but not the best cozy mystery I have read. Her character Fiona is the only character you will want to follow if you decide to read the series, which I recommend for fun because she is a character. 

 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3iPBmlO

 

Review of TROUBLE TRIANGLE

 

TROUBLE TRIANGLE

Bk#1 Tyler's Trouble Trilogy Series

 

TRAVIS CASEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when first we practice to deceive.” Sir Walter Scott. This quote is appropriate for what happens after Tyler's USA Navy deployment in Hawaii.

Based on a bet with his roommate, Mark, he pursues a young lady, Holly. At the same time, he is enjoying the company of another woman, Debbie, who has a secret connection with the first.

Tyler's past life catches up with him, and he becomes connected to Holly, both physically and legally speaking.  Debbie asks Tyler for a sexual favor, and he complies. Both wrong moves, according to Mark.   

The relationship games begin becoming an emotional rollercoaster ride for all in the TROUBLE TRIANGLE. That triangle leads to an explosive ending which the reader will not see coming.

Mr. Casey's writing is crisp, easy to follow, funny, and at times vulgar. His characters, especially Tyler, come alive in an adult romantic comedy.  

I believe Book # 2 will have some more foot-in-mouth adventures.

 Purchase https://amzn.to/3pJBtAS

 

Review of I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A SPY

 

I ALWAYS WANTED

TO BE A SPY

A Maggie Sloan Thriller

JUDITH A. BARRETT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Maggie is a strange but incredible individual. A Librarian who wants to be a spy. Her ability to observe and clarifying a situation is out of the box for an average person.

She sees something and has an immediate recall. Maggie's personality has a wit the reader will enjoy as her supporting characters, including her imaginary sidekicks.

An event at the library she is working puts Maggie and her friends through multi-whirlwind thrilling deadly encounters with an unknown enemy. Consolidated effort brings this adventure to a dreadful gunfight ending.

Ms. Barrett's story has its peaks and lulls, but the peaks outweigh the lulls. The characters and interwoven thrilling events make this a worthwhile read, a series starter.

Thrillers will be thrilled.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3wR5nFq

 

Review of I CLOSE MY EYES

 

I CLOSE MY EYES

Close Series; Book One

 

REGINA PUCKETT

 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

Out of the 1800s, Ms. Puckett brings us two new characters, Lady Jane, the daughter of a Duke, and a young Duke Phillip. Each has a significant conflict with their fathers, which leads to discomfort.

The times dictate society's mores. In Jane and Phillip's case, their betrothal is unconventional for the level of the caste culture of royalty.

The two were found in a simple misunderstanding that Jane's stepmother stained it with a lie. A conflict began, and they were married.

The conflict is not with Jane and Phillip but with others. The devious events that follow throughout by those people bring the two closers.

Their marriage becomes an individual soul searching of the past, which brings them together to the place that Jane sees when she closes her eyes. And, the next chapter in The Duke and Duchess live to begin in Book Two.

I believe this is my fourth Romance novel by Ms. Puckett I have read.  All have been a delightful read. I assure you the series is a tear-jerking read.

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

 

 

Review of THE MADNESS OF CROWDS

 

THE MADNESS OF CROWDS

 

DOUGLAS MURRAY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

"Disagreement is not oppression. Argument is not assault. Words - even provocative or repugnant ones - are not violence. The answer to speech we do not like is more speech." is a quote Mr. Douglas Murray uses in his dissertation on Gay, Women, Race, and Trans' evolution. This rational analysis opened my eyes using historical information and events unknown to me.

Mr. Murray's insightful conservative conclusions dissect the grievances of many who are too Woke to the point that they would call this book propaganda. On the other hand, I call his A-to-Z explanations: the mores of the mob dominating our social media and affecting young minds.

The new world metaphysics and intersectionality have a battle on their hands against facts, science, logic, and the truth. Mr. Murray brings this all to light in his long and detailed debates of the issues mentioned above.

The writing is an intelligent and thought-provoking read. "The Madness of Crowds is A BOOK FOR THE INQUISITIVE MIND, ala Murry's Readers Are Leaders.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2Rnsh8v

 

 

Review of RUNNING UNDER SAIL

 

RUNNING UNDER SAIL

A Connie Barrera Thriller

 

CLR DOUGHERTY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Having lived and worked in the Caribbean islands for twenty-six years (List below), I look for reads about places I have been. Mr. Dougherty, with his thrilling series, fills that void. I have read a few of his novels.

Even though this read is 5th in the Connie Barrera series, this adventure story stands alone. You get the Connie and Paul's background with a twist that keeps the reader wanting more.

Sadie's agent charters Connie and Paul's yacht to cruise the Caribbean, running from a past that wants her back and under control.  Because of Sadie's popularity as a jazz singer, that bad element has made headway and bears down on their location.

That criminal element has no idea what they are up against until the last moment. Connie puts on the con to con a con man, and Paul, an ex-cop, calls in favors.

This adventure leads to a thrilling end which builds up throughout the read. RUNNING UNDER SAIL is a nautical term Sadie learns, and the reader will RUN/READ this novel in one sitting - guaranteed.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3gGblV4

 

The list of places I have worked in the Caribbean Hospitality Industry: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Curaçao, Aruba, and Margarita, Venezuela. While there, I traveled to other islands by air or sail.   

Review of HOOKED

 

HOOKED

Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants exploit our Addictions

 

MICHAEL MOSS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

HOOKED is an explosive read that will have your brain spinning. There are no conclusions into why humans are addicted to food, alcohol, or drugs, only expert opinions.

Mr. Moss gives an excellent case that the major food producers manipulate their products' formulas to control human consumption and sales. However, the center of human addictions to food cannot ultimately indict them.

As he notes, paraphrased: Humans have been unwitting conspirators in letting them exploit all the ways that we're drawn to their food. We have a choice as to what we eat, whether it's processed food, i.e., a jar of spaghetti sauce, or cooking it from scratch, as I do.

Mr. Moss cites the use of price, ease of purchase, taste (Salt, Sugar, and Fat) are the ways major food producers control human eating habits. They spend millions to perfect that marketing program to keep humans HOOKED on their product lines.

His case is solid but does not convict those manipulators, in my opinion. HOOKED is full of opinions, as with what you put in your mouth.

HOOKED is a book for THE INQUISITIVE MIND. It is an excellent read that the reader will use and think about it for days.

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

 

Review of Harvey Penick's Little Red Book of Golf

 

'GOLF' HARVEY PENICK'S

     LITTLE RED BOOK

HARVEY PENICK & 

BUD SHRAKER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I found this little jewel of lessons and teachings from Mr. Penick's lifetime in golf by accident. I have been playing golf since I was fourteen and never heard of Harvey.

If you lived in Texas in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s and heard of Davis Love III, Tom Kite, Byron Nelson, Kathy Whitworth, and many others you may have known about Harvey, their instructor.  I had not because I was living, working, and playing golf in the Caribbean during that time with little access to the USA's TV channels.

At the beginning of this book, the above professional golf champions introduce Harvey to the reader. I was surprised that I had not heard of him, and if you're a golfer of that era, you may also have not.

Bud Shrake, an American journalist, sportswriter, and novelist helped Harvey write the rest of this book of golfing advice. I had some of Harvey's lessons in my brain because I was on my high school's golf team.

Our coach was a part-time professional in the '60s. So I knew how to approach the ball, perform my waggle, and hit the ball straight. If you do not know why a 'waggle' is needed, you need this book.

Harvey's advice is extensive; a beginner, a weekend player, or an active golfer should read the book from cover to cover. Two of my playing partners are using Harvey's nuggets of knowledge, and you should use them also.

 

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