Friday, March 25, 2022

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

 

Saturday, March 19, 2022

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

Sunday, March 13, 2022

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

 

Sunday, March 6, 2022

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 21st 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

Thursday, February 24, 2022

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

Saturday, February 19, 2022

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.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

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

 

Friday, January 21, 2022

Review of THE GENIE ACADEMY



THE GENIE ACADEMY

 

KARIN DE HAVIN

 

Review by Roy Murry

 

An interesting concept put into a novel - a genie college? Edmund's family wants him to be a lawyer.

Their big mistake was hiring a Jin as a tutor, or does the genie pick the family? Whichever, Edmund is in for a life-changing adventure.

What happens in the academy stays in the academy. Edmund learns this and much more.

This fun book keeps the reader laughing about the trials and errors of a young man going to school. He gets in trouble with the headmaster, falls in love, and is taunted by his Genie/Tudor and classmates.

The novel is well constructed for a first in a series for young adults.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3Amfp4I

 

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Review of A RECIPE FOR LOVE

 



NICOLA YEAGER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

DELICIOUS is a word to describe A RECIPE FOR LOVE. This novel set off endorphins in my mind when reading about the Christmas menu prepared at Carol's Bistro.

 Ms. Yeager is either a French Chef or has done excellent research in writing this fun novel. According to their accountant, Carol and her partner, Roksana, own a Bistro in London that needs an uplift.

But it's Christmas time, which for Carol is a time for a lover's depression moment. So, she cooks dinner for her mother to explain the situation and then listens to her reply - In this case, 'mother knows best.'

Carol gives into a Christmas affair with Roksana and their staff. The games begin with the Bistro, menu, and all. The transition is hilarious to read about, and if you are a foodie – DELICIOUS.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3daW6An

 

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Review of Book 1 in Poppy McGuire Series

  


 

THE ELEVENTH HOUR

The Poppy McGuire Series

 

ANNA COLLINS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Poppy is a grown-up Nancy Drew, except her father owns the only bar in town. She teams up with a town outsider, Alex, a young retired detective.

A wealthy woman is strangled in her home, and the police believe it is a robbery. Poppy disagrees, believing that the person who killed her was someone the woman knew.

The case moves in Poppy's direction when a neighbor mentions that a man came to the murdered woman's door in the eleventh hour a few nights a week and the night in question.

Poppy and Alex investigate further when she thinks it's one person and Alex has his doubts. Unfortunately, the killer is closer than they think when a deadly event happens to them.

This novel is personality-driven with Poppy, the narrator. A little too detailed for me, but it works with uncomplicated writing.

Poppy will get better at investigating in the series, and I will most likely read another in it. Good Read first in a mystery series.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o1rzuU

 

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Review of THE LONG CASE CLOCK

THE LONG CASE CLOCK

 KEN FRY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

A fast-paced thriller you should read if you dare to. A marriage is broken by circumstance - money, and personality.

The couple goes on a trip and rents a house. A villager tells the man, "Things are not right with that house."

He laughs inside and returns to the house to cook a great meal for his ungrateful wife, sightseeing. Then, finally, the clock comes alive and psychologically takes over the man.

The slow pace to the end is a killer.

This snippet of Ken Fry's writing will entice the reader to buy one of his novels. It has for me.

 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3FzNLCA

Ken Fry: https://amzn.to/2ZbRdnq

 

Friday, November 19, 2021

Review of Shadow Play



SHADOW PLAY

Book 1 The Fea Games Series

An Urban Romance

 

JILL RAMSOWER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

With a B.S in Art, Rebecca is at a dead-end job in New City, living with her best friend, Ashely. All changes when her dream job opens up at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, Ireland. They travel to Ireland to check it out.

Rebecca's life unravels into something she could not phantom from day one to end this Feary journey. A necklace around her neck, which she never takes off, is the key to her dilemmas - she is a Fea?

In this journey, characters define the happenings of a world within a world. Two Fea men are trying to screw her mind and body.

To call this an Urban Romance is a misnomer. There is no romance in this novel. However, there is an image of it from Becca.

Ms. Ramsower's writing is fun to read because of its imaginary factor. If you as a reader enjoy fantasy, I recommend the series.

However, fantasy is not my cup of tea.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3oE5kdM

 

Saturday, November 13, 2021

The Dying Citizen

 


THE DYING CITIZEN

 

VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

THE DYING CITIZEN is the third book (Check the book list of Blog) that I have read by Mr. Hanson because I enjoy expanding my intellect as limited as it is. You should also if you care about the USA and by participating as a citizen.

Victor Davis' development of a historic citizen, leading to what a USA citizen presently is, brings up questions the reader will mull over in his mind. His composition flows through six chapters of detailed information many have forgotten but will recognize.

From peasant citizen to bureaucrat of Roman to the USA's present situation of government leaders wanting us to be part of a Globalist society, this book leaves the reader in a dilemma - figuratively revolute or not. Use every means possible to engage with our Washington politicians.

Mr. Hanson's explanations define clearly with observational writing as to where the present USA citizen is today. You do not have to be a Ph.D. in history or psychology to understand where he stands as a citizen.

The reader will need to decide if you are A DYING CITIZEN and want to do something about it.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3n9l9tt

 

 

Friday, October 29, 2021

Reiview of THE AURA


 

THE AURA

 

CARRIE BEDFORD

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I rate this paranormal mystery at the top half of my read ratings as far as mysteries go. The read has some good elements, mainly Kate, but falls short on the suspense side.

Kate's reading of auras is the central item driving the story based in England. However, I did not get the 'English Feel' in this story that I have felt in other novels backgrounded there.

The book is the first in a series and gives the reader a reason to move on to book two. Kate is developing her abilities in understanding her auras and could lead to interesting situations.

Lastly, the storyline was different, making it somewhat enjoyable, so that I may go on and read another in this eight-book series. You should read one of Carrie's books during a vacation.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/31eendq

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Let Me Be the One



Let Me Be the One

 

LILY FOSTER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Tom and Darcy go on a rollercoaster romance ride during their college years. If you've been to college, you understand it's where one makes essential life decisions.

The peaks and troughs are many on this ride because each leads the main character off the rails. But, unfortunately, each makes the wrong evaluation about the other's standing. 

The last one includes a life-changing for all the families involved. The conclusion is not what one would expect in a romance novel, but the reader will like it.

Ms. Foster seems to be writing from experience. If not, the development of the story and characters are well-produced. The prose is enjoyable but lacking in the tear factor.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3m0VFOr

 

Saturday, October 16, 2021

The Great Reset



THE GREAT RESET

How Big Tech Elites and the World's People can be enslaved by China CCP or A.I.


CYRUS A. PARSA, The A.I. Organization


Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The title is a mouth full as well as the Parsa's content of multiple RESETS. So, I'll give you a few: Ethical, Bio-Digital, and Grid Infrastructure.

Mr. Parsa starts with A.I. definitions. I didn't know there was more than one. The reader might agree.

It's scary to think A.I. technology and advancements are available to nefarious people as the CCP. However, western civilization must meet the challenge.

The summary presented will pique the reader's attention, hopefully motivating government leaders into action. If we don't, the CCP will take over most of the world, leading to a stand-off.

Mr. Parsa's book is a well-written description of what humanity has to look forward to enjoying. I am sarcastic, but this is mind-blowing stuff.

According to the author, if only part of the RESETS happens, humanity is heading into a tailspin. If you didn't know, Cyrus A. Parsa predicted the COVID 19 scenario in another book.

Must Read for the Inquisitive Mind.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3p9AhZm