Review of 12 Rules of Life

12 Rules of Life

AN ANTIDOTE TO CHAOS

JORDAN B. PETERSON

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

"To Tell the TRUTH, or, at least, don't lie." one of Mr. Peterson "Rules," I'll pursue in this review, as I always do. I have watched some of his videos and listened to some debates he participated. The reason I bought this expensive book.

I was a little disappointed at first, but kept on reading, because I felt Jordan's sincerity in his words. However, I can say to you J. Peterson is not a Mark Twain whose writing brings smiles to my face when reading. Sad concern for the world came to mind reading Jordan's words.

Each chapter is a rule; all based somewhat on a Bible verse. Similar to a modern preacher, Peterson sounds better up and front, and in action, which I enjoyed immensely in the videos I watched. However, his writing was so articulate that I felt apathetic at times but kept on reading.

Some of his "Rules" did become clearer after my re-reading of the notes I took during my first read. Peterson is wordy and repetitive when getting his points across.

Peterson's philosophies and psychological interpretations of humanity were worth the read. As usual, I agreed with some and not others. Therefore, interested parties in those endeavors should purchase this man's understanding of humankind.

Purchase at http://amzn.to/2EACGTj

Review of Kings And Queens

Kings And Queens

Terry Tyler

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

This Contemporary Drama of Harry and the Lanchester Dynasty rivals with the American television drama series Dallas (1978 to 1991) and Shakespeare's Henry VIII. Knowing Terry Tyler's writing, I have read a few of her books, I decided to read a genre I usually do not - expanding my horizon. LOL

Will his best friend lead the commentary, while each of Harry's sexual partner's sign in, giving their interpretations of how they met, loved, lived, and enjoyed Harry's company, whether they stayed in it or not? Harry speaks through them.

As each well-written chapter developed, the reader gets to know the 'Haves' from the 'Have not's.' Harry is one of the 'Haves,' born into money and pushed into the throne of a wholly owned family company at an early age.

How he deals with the company, his wives, and his lovers tells us a story of a man who is expedient and lavishes the ones he cares for in his orbit. Harry's narcissism, lack of self-control, amiability, and gut feelings lead him to not care much for his future.

However, Harry's luck in business and the stability of a hard rock company founded by his grandfather goes on, while Harry and his children move into different dimensions. The Dynasty goes on to the next era led by his children with the youngest child, a male, at the helm.   

Will the Dynasty survive? Only Terry Tyler knows if she writes the second book in this possible series. I would enjoy that read as I have this drama.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2BzAmJ3

Review of Three Odd Balls

THREE ODD BALLS

A Cue Ball Mystery

Cindy Blackburn

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

I keep on coming back to Blackburn's novels because they are fun to read with an underlying theme of mystery that may or may not be easy to unravel. The characters are well defined and compliment Jessie, author, and amateur sleuth.

In this book, the bartender of enticing pink drinks is found dead in Jessie's mother's Hawaiian vacation bedroom. How Jessie's close inner group gets to Hawaii and the antics that follow are hilarious.

Everyone in Jessie's group gets involved with an original investigation which does not go along with the Official Police conclusions which are that one of her tourists committed the crime.

The events leading to solving the crime are funny, and near the end, deadly. As in all of the Blackburn's stories, Jessie is the center of an unusual conclusion that is exciting. 

I think this is my fifth of the Cue Ball Mysteries. I'll be back for more fun. 

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2roKHbb

Review of FRAMED

FRAMED

Black Swann Investigations #1

WAYNE KERR

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Reggie is the Black Swann. How she got that name is an interesting fact, as is that she spent prison time for a murder that Reggie says she didn't do. All criminals say that, but was she FRAMED?

A hearing finds, on some technicalities, that there is enough doubt that Reggie did commit the murder. She is sent back out into the world. Returning home, the Black Swann, an ex-detective, is asked to investigate a murder/disappearance by the people who helped set her free.

Using her abilities and the help of new friends, Reggie goes about trying to help a man she feels killed his wife. Although there is no corpse but evidence that a crime has been committed, she has a feeling. Has he been FRAMED also?

Little bits of evidence lead her in a direction that is highly unlikely by all concerned. However, when the information is put together by another, a shocking result almost cost Reggie her life. 

This novel has strong supporting characters and is an excellent first book in a series for the Detective genre. Black Swann Investigations will go on and solve more crimes with style and creative themes.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2Dtc89f

Review of How Not to Die

How Not to Die

MICHEAL GREGER, MD

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Have you reached the time in your life that you realize death is near? I have, at age 70.

For the first time in my life, I was ordered by my doctor to take pills for cholesterol and high blood pressure. Having never taken a pill in my life, not even an aspirin, I became despondent but complied looking for alternatives.

How Not to Die came to my attention on YouTube from Lionel Nation. I looked and bought, reading and learning How Not to Die from Heart Disease, from High Blood Pressure, and many other physical problems.

Dr. Greger's central premise is to change your diet from meat-intensive to plant-based foods, eliminating all processed and junk foods that we Americans love for many reasons. Beans, Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables should be the central foods eaten on a daily basis to lower the chances of a multitude of cancers and diseases.

His comparisons with what other counties consume versus what Americans do, the descriptions of how plant-based food versus processed ones destroy our immune system, and the proof of accredited organizations findings, gives a compelling argument to change one's diet.   

The book of "How Not to Die," will change your diet, even a little, as it has mine at 70 years old.  Dr. Greger's alternatives and writing are easy to follow.

Start today, as I have, purchase at http://amzn.to/2B00igH

Review of An Innocent Client

An Innocent Client

Joe Dillard Series, Book 1

SCOTT PRATT

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Legal Defenders of people accused of a crime to some are the scum of the earth. How could they defend a killer, a rapist, or a pedophile? Scott Pratt's Joe Dillard is a defense lawyer who has his demons, past, and present.

Joe and Caroline have a loving family because they worked at it and was derived from his income as a lawyer, most of which seem to come from defending the guilty. He gets these cases from judges that don't care for him, and the pay is not lucrative.

However, a significant payday arrives when he agrees to defend Angel, a beautiful young girl who claims her innocents, substantiated by the lady paying him a quarter of a million dollars to take the case.

Joe has other problems and cases going on at the same time. His mother is dying; his sister is a criminal, and a man he is defending is a multiplicative nut case, 'All in days’ work.'

Mr. Pratt gives the reader insight into the working of the legal system and how both the defender and prosecutor use that system to their advantage. The prose moves smoothly with some twist and turns. It was worth the price.

Purchase  http://amzn.to/2Dw7R1Q

Review of Chasing Justice

CHASING JUSTICE

The Piper Anderson Series Book One

DANIELLE STEWART

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Piper has a past and moves to a quiet town to get away from it. The center of the city is a dinner where everyone meets.

Here she meets a lovely lady and involves herself in something she can't handle at the moment: a man, a judge, and a family. All present problems Piper is not accustomed to, which is love, crime, and stability.

Piper Anderson's emotions and those of the people she confronts are the highlights of the story.  How she overcomes those depends on Betty, a family's linchpin, who grieves over the loss of her husband's death, a police officer and the way he die.

It all unravels after Piper, on a hunch, gets involved with the town's criminal syndicate poking around and following one man who she feels has a questionable sexual appetite. What she confronts could destroy her new-found family.

The twist and turns, the highs and lows of a love-hate relationship, and Piper's sensitiveness make for a rollercoaster reading ride. This novel is an excellent lead into a series.

Purchase    http://amzn.to/2D2TQrr Free on Kindle

Review of Barrie Hill Reunion

BARRIE HILL REUNION

LISETTE BRODEY

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Brodey's instigating protagonist, Leah, captures most of the reunion's conversations with fellow literary students after being apart for twenty years. For some reason, she is at odds with Clare, the organizer.

Six of them meet in a well-known hotel near the campus and where they gathered weekly while attending school. Each had gone on to newsworthy endeavors when they parted: an author, an actor, an editor, a publisher, a playwriter, and Leah.

Where Leah anger comes from, no one knows, except possibly her husband, Colin. She is smart, manipulative, cunning, and at one-time wrote a play with him.

The three-day reunion will keep you, the reader wondering what is going on. Leah is playing everyone trying to reach her goal of undermining Clare’s status. She does not know that she might be the one being played.

Each of the characters has their hidden problems brought up over the course of the weekend and are somewhat resolved by the end. However, the climatic ending will have the reader cheering.

What goes around comes around. Need I say more - NOT HERE.

This is the second book I have read of Lisette's. I am back for more as you should be too, because she writes exciting topics, with intriguing characters.

Purchase at http://amzn.to/2CNnDHv

Review of The Establishment is Dead

THE ESTABLISHMENT IS DEAD

The Rise and Election of Donald Trump

BEN SHAPIRO

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Not being a political fanatic or hack, I am still interested in what politically knowledgeable people think. Leaving Mainstream Media, a long time ago, I now watch YouTube for the news of what is happening in the world.

There is where I found Ben Shapiro. After listening to him a few times, I read his biography on Wikipedia and then bought this book.

Although I do not agree with some of his discourse in The Establishment is Dead, I did enjoy Shapiro's commentary about Hillary R. Clinton and Donald J. Trump's run for President in 2016. His insights were sharp, not pulling any punches, and comical at times.

I don't think The Establishment is Dead yet, and I don't believe Ben thinks so. But it is a good title for a conservative's book that was well written.

It seems that Mr. Shapiro was writing the book as 2016 transpired diary style and added in his commentary and hyperbole to spice up the events (Pro and Con) leading to Trump's victory. I enjoyed his philosophical endings of each chapter but not all his conclusions - I am not that conservative.

All in all, I learned something from a younger man than I and will listen to more of his YouTube commentary.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2pVWGw7

Review of COME FLY with ME

COME FLY with ME

Judith Whitmore

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Come Fly with Me is a delightful story about the love of flying and a man and woman. Both have to work at it to stay in the right direction.

Whitmore's characters are strong personalities. Each is moving in the direction he or she wants his or her lives except Kate Randolph, who is married to a wealthy man much older. She is having problems being alone with her husband out making money.

Kate does have endeavors. She can fly small airplanes and managers a non-profit. The incompleteness of her marriage and the purchase of a Learjet by her husband send her in another direction - she wants to qualify to fly the jet, and her husband's pilot is recruited to teach her.

Here is where emotional directions change again for Kate, her husband, and the pilot. However, it is an event in her husband's other personal life that intensifies the situation for better or worst depending on what family member you are.

The story has some twists that will surprise the reader. However, all in all, the novel is a well-written love story.

Purchase at  http://amzn.to/2lhU9Ya

Review of Flaw Abiding Citizen

     FLAW ABIDING          
          CITIZEN

   
The Worst Detective Ever

             Mystery Series

CHRISTY BARRITT

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

A relative disappears, and your life cannot function. This is where Joey, a TV detective, is at and consumed into finding.

In her quest to find her father, clues popup, she has conflicts with a loved one, and people die. The mystery is why all these things are happening around her interfering that quest.

The rollercoaster ride comes to a rail missing on the track, and loved ones reach their limits. The ending passages will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ms. Barritt's characters were developed in earlier books in the series, but are easily defined in this book six. Emotions, humor, and color are embedded in their real-life morality.  Joey sometimes draws off her TV personality, a detective series.

This novel is a fast-paced page changer I read in two sittings. I read book one a while ago and jumped in here to see a change. There was none. Ms. Barritt style is entertaining and easy to read.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2D5HwpH

Review of CRIMSON

Crimson

C. G. Blade

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Conspiracies have been abounding since JFK's murder. They have multiplied over the years into all realms of conjecture. When a real one exists, will we recognize it?

It is 2076, Blade's heroine of book one of his trinity series, Petra, a Cobalt semi- A.I., comes out of a four-month state of rehabilitation to find herself confronted with a Conspiracy against the USA. Who or what is behind it?

The North American Continent is being attacked by numerous disasters that scientifically is not explainable. Petra is given the task to get to the root of the problem.

With her new programming including a humor side, she and Ter, her computer counterpart, confront the evil attacking the American way of life. In that confrontation, Crimson, another semi- A.I. and a company of characters have become an enemy that is formidable.

The battle is on an international scale and me, the reader, marveled at the ingenuity of the weaponry. The exciting result appeases me for a moment until learning that it was not what it seemed to be.

The caveat is set to entice the reader to want more of the action, characters, historical notes, the humor, and the battle against a Conspiracy.

A great transition for this Trinity to keep the reader interested. Cobalt set the stage for this Sci-Fi Thriller.  My review: http://bit.ly/2t37BVC

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2kKtlj1

FUDGERY

FUDGERY

Vonda Norwood

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

If you are an author or a would-be writer or even an avid reader, FUDGERY will tickle your funny bone. What we writers go through to become semi-famous, famous, or just to have people read our books is overwhelming.

In FUDGERY, Ms. Norwood protagonist Irma is exalted to the position of Publicist of a small publishing company because of her so-called internet popularity. She sold six books. It is what she knows is essential, according to the publisher.

Irma's first job is to take a few authors to a book convention. Here is where the funny storm begins. It begins with a not so luxury bus she drives to pick up the authors and ends at the climax of a comedy parody that, if not for its length, could be a skit on Saturday Night Live.

The authors on the journey are unique to their genre and play their roles. Irma is the conductor spouting the publisher's axioms, alone will give the reader many chuckles.

The story is fast-paced, funny, and one sitting read. I read it twice for enjoyment. I am a published author, after all.

Purchase at   https://amzn.to/2vLjeTu

Review of the American Spirit

DAVID McCULLOUGH's

The AMERICAN SPIRIT

Who We Are and What We Stand For

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The American Spirit is the second book of McCullough that I have read. The first was John Adams.

History books for many of us are not what we pick up at the bookstore initially. We buy fictional novels mostly as Americans.

However, people tell stories, and that is history. I read because I like stories. Therefore, I purchase a history book or based on history novel every once in a while. You should do that too if I were so bold in noting.

Here, McCullough tells stories in the form of speeches to people including graduates at various universities in the United States. His accounts of the men who help develop what we now call our Republic will inspire the reader to care more about our country.

David chronicles history, some of which I knew being from Massachusetts and others that I was unaware of their existence. Many reading this enjoyable book  will learn history without drudgery interesting, usable facts.

I will be reading another of David McCullough's books. You should try one, starting with The American Spirit.

Purchase http://amzn.to/2AqwfDM

Review of SILENT FEAR

SILENT FEAR

(A novel inspired by true crimes)

Lance & James MORCAN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A school of higher learning for the deaf is the background for this thriller that keeps the reader looking in the wrong direction for a house serial killer. When one person is murdered, an English police detective is brought in to evaluate the situation.

Before her team arrives to get the forensics, the United Kingdom, and the University she just walked into is quarantine because of a pandemic. The cold outside world, literally and figuratively, is militarily closed to the people inside and outside a six-story building that has four hundred plus people including detective Valerie Crowther.

Valerie is partially picked for the job because she knows British Sign Language and her being a no-nonsense crime solver. Moreover, this should have been a case easy to solve.

However, she is cut off from any external help needed to do proper police work confined in a building full of panicked student, faculty, and daytime workers. To top this off, another murder expires a second and then another.

The criminal is within the building. How hard can 'He or she' be found? The rollercoaster ride Valerie, her boss, the school's Chancellor and nurse go through in fighting a Monkey Flu and trying to figure out who's the killer at the same time is daunting.   

The MORCAN's writing kept me on the edge of my seat with an atypical and surprisingly gratifying ending which cleaned the slate for Valerie. Just the conclusion was worth the ride.

Purchase http://amzn.to/2kMpYLF

Review: A Wizard of Dreams

A Wizard of Dreams

(Myrddin's Heir Book 1)

ROBIN CHAMBERS

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Gordon is a special boy, who has a gut feeling or an 'imaginary friend' Zack go on adventures that are informative, mysterious, and educational. This book is not a one storyline novel.

There are individual interesting stories that show and enhance Gordon's growth as a child towards adulthood. His friend Zack helps Gordon to reach his goals during dreams and on daily encounters.

As a grandfather, I can see myself reading these stories to my grandchildren connecting the dots between each, leading to helping them develop a character as Gordons. The only concern is when Gordon will let Zack go and move through on his own, which we may find out in other books in the series.

Book 1 is a functional lead for the future books. The characters are colorful, engaging, and detailed.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2AeHCNK

Review of BAD BLOODS

BAD BLOODS

November Rain

Shannon A Thompson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

I always loved the name Serena; and enjoyed the movie of the same name many times. In this Young Adult novel, the protagonist Serena is running away from commitment, whereas the other ran towards it.

A bit on the morbid side of life where the Bad Bloods, young adults, are outcasts because of their unique DNA. Their lives are in jeopardy unless the world accepts their being in a national election.

There are similar tribes, groups, which are in the same situation but do not meet on common ground to fight for their rights. This void is where Serena comes in accidentally.

Mysterious rendezvouses with another group's male member after running from the cops to save her life blends into an intrigue that will keep the reader interested.  However, the meetings become a little tedious but are needed to keep the story going.

Ms. Thompson's writing is simple to the point and easy to read. It is a good lead in the series, leaving the reader wanting to know what happens next in Serena's life.

In the movie Serena, there was a happy ending. This Serena's life is on shaky ground going forward.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2zP7gth

Review of Four Play

Four Play

Cindy Blackburn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A murder takes place outside in a High School parking lot at night. The victim is a teacher laying in an unusual position on a car.

The car belongs to Jessie, Romance Author, pool shark, and fiancé of the police chief, albeit all funnily are on shaky ground. She is ruled out as the killer, because one, she let a young friend of hers use it to go to that night's dance at the school, and two her beau is the head cop and knows her better than anyone.

From this point, Jessie and her friends go sleuthing to the chagrin of her soon to be married lover's desires. The dialog of the characters is humorist and telling, leading to some strange confrontations.

Little by little, Jessie puts the crime line into perspective taking the center of the investigation and directing towards the right reason for the murder which is sick. However, all doesn't fall into place until the exciting ending.

If you want to laugh, delve into a good mystery, and enjoy some likable characters, Ms. Blackburn has the formula you want to read. This novel is my second of hers I have read this year for the fun of it, six in total over the last four years.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2hAYW8L

Review of ONCE I WAS A SOLDIER

Once I Was A Soldier

Daniel Kemp

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The way people are brought up and the way they treat others in their growth will build their character. Melissa Iverson's silver-spoon upbringing, her little maternal influences, and her non-conforming to her father's dying wishes produce a young adult woman who is self-involved, caring little for others.

When wealthy world traveler Melissa meets Terry, an undercover British intelligence service officer, her life becomes more confusing than it was. She never met a person like Terry. His mysterious being and his secret mission collide with her endeavors, including a maniac who is communicating to her that he will torture and kill her.

International events jump between the United Kingdom, Italy, and the USA, involving spy manipulators, a Presidential hopeful, and sexual encounters of Terry and Melissa and each with others. The interwoven involvements of those characters are what dives this thrilling novel to its end that the reader will want more to read.

I think there will be more from how Mr. Kemp wrote the last chapters. I have read a few of Danny's books and the reason I go back for more - He writes exciting and enjoyable novels.

Well done; purchase at https://amzn.to/37bc1cV

Review of Shine On

Shine On

Allison Jewell

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

During the USA prohibition of alcohol, strange bedfellows came together to give the drinking public what they wanted - a stiff drink at the end of the day's work or just anytime. It also pitted law-abiding people and casual homegrown moonshiners against the law and criminals.

It sounds complicated, and it was the reason those laws didn't work. It's also why Ms. Jewell's protagonist Emmie, a young Southern innocent lady, ended up in a calamity of events she otherwise wouldn't have.

She was in the midst of a gang warfare without knowing it after her step-father was found dead; she finds a still on their property, and moonshine in a closet. Being a trusting and naive person, Emmie confides in her friends, one of which becomes her lover and, unknown to her, a purveyor of illegally distilled drinks at local joints.

The wooing process of Em and Silas turns into who trust who in the deadly game of supply and demand of liqueur in her hometown. Em's best friend, Ava from the wealthy side of town plays an integral part in both Emmie's and Silas actions until he takes charge of the game.

Allison Jewell has put together a plausible situation with historical background juxtaposed into the prose. The story keeps the reader interest in the characters whom I presume will continue in Jewell's next novel, Book #2 in the Shine On Series, another must read.

Purchase:     http://amzn.to/2zlo21N

Review of the negotiator

the negotiator

AVERY FLYNN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A wealthy CEO of his family's company, Sawyer, and Clover, a beautiful looking traveler of the world who doesn't make commitments meet in an unusual set up which leads to a negotiation immediately. Every meeting of the two after becomes minuets - individual dances to know each other even though their newly written contract says otherwise.

As an employee, Clover has a peculiar position where her talents endear her to Sawyer. Although Clover is waiting for the completion of the contract to be free from her responsibility, her relationship with Sawyer gets complicated in a way neither of them expected.

So, they negotiate that sexual endeavor that moves from fun to a hot, complicated emotional joining of their minds and bodies. And, this becomes another negotiating point of no return.

Although she is not happy with the union from the beginning, Sawyer's mother is pushing him to do the right thing by marrying a woman of his pedigree who will get Sawyer out of his business shell. Meeting with Clover, she is amazed at how the young lady changed her son - to her pleasure.

Of course, this leads to another negotiation in this fun twisting novel Ms. Flynn has written. Sometimes sexually hot, this fast-paced story was enjoyable to read.

Purchase:   http://amzn.to/2yznN3j

Review of THE WILL

THE WILL

Benjamin Laskin

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Where there's a WILL, there's a way, is an appropriate lead-in for this review. Also, "Old School" vs. "Snowflakes" can be applied.

Jose, a young man, who has been living off his father's wealth all his life, comes to a turning point when his father dies. At the reading of the WILL, Jose put in a position he never thought he would be - he must overcome his laziness to receive the benefits of his father's hard work in two years.

Life's lessons, Jose miss-understood when growing up, he must learn to enjoy the fruits of the WILL. At first, he complains until put into a near-death position himself.

Making the turn towards reality, Jose confronts the tasks he must complete to live the life he wants. He muddles through with the help from unlikely sources (A Mexican chief, a man in a cast, a young girl with a medical problem, a Japanese fighter, a nurse, and others) that leads him to a new reality of why we are here on earth.

This novel conveys lessons we should all learn. One I like is "Readers are Leaders."

The prose is easy to follow with some exciting twists in events that lead the reader to believe in something higher than ourselves. The story is well interwoven with faith and reality.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2zaBwdx

Review of THE LAWYER

THE LAWYER

John Ellsworth

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The twist and turns in this legal thriller will have your head spinning. Michael Gresham, the series protagonist lawyer, defends a low life in a murder case with one judge on the bench and another, the victim's husband in the courtroom.

To top this off his brother, a well-known lawyer, is a missing person with an international problem which has involved Michael in a deadly incident. And the reader, to the conclusion of the novel, is trying to figure out who is attempting to kill who.

Attorney Gresham's brother appears with a show-stopping evidence to put Mexican corporate people away, costing them money and time.  This confrontation leads to murder, kidnapping, and an uphill battle that conflates with Michael's original case.

This novel is a well-written introduction to a series. The characters are well defined, the story-line leaves the readers with items they might care to follow, and the courtroom drama is compelling and should continue.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/2yjdSPd

Review of FEMME FATALE

FEMME FATALE

DOMINIC PIPER

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Classy good-looking bastard would be one way a woman would describe Piper's protagonist London's, PI Daniel Beckett. He is a charmer, using his wit to get the point across.

Beckett is out on a date and hears a sound that sends him into action. The result is a non-stop whirlwind of investigative intrigue. His physical abilities and exceptional aptitude get him in and out of trouble.

A burlesque irresistibly attractive woman is the center of his investigation into a missing person case, and a Chinese Femme Fatale is the liaison between Beckett and his Soho client. Throughout the novel, there are many erotic women, but only one has him baffled to the end.

Mr. Piper has written a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At the end of each chapter, you'll be wondering what will come next to the point of thinking - WTF.

What you think will come next, will not. The story and the prose keep you attentive, written at a good pace. I read it in two sittings and will look forward to reading another shortly.

Purchased: https://amzn.to/36eFhzz

Review of THE SMEAR

The SMEAR

How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News

CONTROL What You See, What You Think and

                     HOW YOU VOTE.

Sharyl Attkisson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Long Nose Pete is what we called him as a kid because he told our group of friends a fib. That name still sticks today. That is a smear. He no longer lies. At least we do not think he does.

In Ms. Attkisson's THE SMEAR, name-calling and nitpicking is blown-out of proportion for political and monetary gain. It does not matter which party is doing it; the process is eating away at the USA's Republic and upsetting the world order as to what is truthful information given to the public.

Ms. Attkisson proves her points by explaining the ins and outs of what happened in the psychological warfare of the 2016 Presidential election in the USA - the generating of falsehoods (Smears) and how operatives format them confusing the public with near truths and lies. Using the present-day conventual media, responding to these conjectures, they made small items into front-page bullshit that looks like the real thing.

Take these presumptions to add into the mix applied confusion on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Blogs, the parties promoting a falsehood can be a disaster for the object of THE SMEAR. Countermeasures put in place but in most instances too late to offset THE SMEAR which continues to live.

Ms. Attkisson's, with twenty-one years of work for CBS news in numerous journalistic positions, gives us uninformed an education that may change our minds as to what is the truth behind the platitudes we read or hear on a daily basis - BEWARE.

The writing was excellent and easy to follow for any novice of THE SMEAR.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/392seST

Review of TIPPING POINT

TIPPING POINT

(Project Renova Book 1)

TERRY TYLER

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

How people react to a catastrophe that pits human against human for survival brings out the best and the worst in them. Add to this a devious plot, and you have this gripping novel that Ms. Tyler has given us.

She develops her numerous characters so that you'll remember them going into a short series most will enjoy. The leading character is a mum, Vicky, who wants to protect her teenager, Lottie, from the events surrounding a pandemic.

With the help of her lover Dex, Vicky overcomes a major hurdle that keeps her and her daughter alive in a cruel world where people are fighting for the bare minimum amenities to go on. Having been separated from Dex for a time, Vicky, and Lottie go searching for him at some safe house miles from their militarily controlled hometown.

Their adventure begins, leading to trials and errors that confront them, without the use of our modern gadgets we use today: TV and Internet service, iPhones, Computers, electricity, clean water, etc. You get the point. They find little security and maybe a future.

You'll have to read this book to see if they and Dex have a future together, which I will do in my future.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2fAHdJK

  

Review of NO EXIT

NO EXIT

TAYLOR ADAMS

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

We don’t know what we are made of until we are confronted with a life threating event. From 7:39 p.m. until 6:22 am, Darby, a young college student on her way to visit her mother in the hospital, is stranded on a highway visitor’s stop because of a major snowstorm.

She is confronted with a predicament that we all find repulsive, a kidnapping of a child. The problem is who did it, how to face the criminal, and how she can save the child in the cage.

From the moment Darby enters the small building at the stop, the challenges begin. One after another, the confrontations get deadlier. Darby’s makes many errors when communicating with the people involved and seems to always land on her two feet each time, literally.

The twists and turns are well placed that the reader will think the end has arrived for Darby, but the criminals underestimated her resolve. Others would have given up in their quest, but not little Darby. Will she die for her cause?

Mr. Adams did an excellent job developing the characters, plot, and pace of this heart stopper. You should read this or one of his other novels.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2jjvCn1

Review of Nomad

NOMAD

A Thriller

(The Earth Series, Book One)

Matthew Mather

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The end of the world as we know it is coming. Are the governments of the earth telling you the truth? Only time will tell.

Jessica's father, Ben Rollins knows the facts, and he has known for a while. She and her mother Celeste are in Europe to meet him after he attends a conference. The human race goes nuts after hearing rumors and a government press release by Ben and his scientific cohorts. 

Jess is in Italy with her mother waiting to meet dad.  Each is trying to get free from dangerous situations so they can comfort each other. Those side conflicts enhance and intertwine with the Armageddon approaching.

The forces are against each of the main characters at every turn, but Ben has the key on his laptop. Some will survive, but few will understand the impact. This thrilling set up for the series keeps you hoping all will remain alive.

As in life adventures, Mr. Mather's character's will not all make it into book two. He keeps you hoping until the end. You'll have to read this page-turner to see who does live for another day, including a few I haven't mentioned.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/2eutkwc

Review of Jack of Hearts

JACK OF HEARTS

A Detective Jack Stratton Novel

Christopher Greyson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Jack, visiting his parents in a community for mature adults with his girlfriend and a large dog, is hoodwinked into solving a small crime wave. The mature adults are less than knowledgeable involvement.

Behind the petty thieves is hidden a deadly crime that comes to light because of Jack's probing and the mature adult's interference.  The large dog Lady, and Alice, Jack's soon to be, play their parts in uncovering the real crime which started when his parents and others returned from vacation cruise in the Caribbean.

The story has "It's close calls," mini adventures, and funny instances including a baby alligator confrontation. When mommy gator comes out of the water later, it's a big bite missed.

As far as a detective story goes, Hearts is a simple, straightforward case. I must have read too many mysteries because I solved the case faster than Jack.

However, the story was an enjoyable read with the introduction of Jack, Alice, and their big dog, Lady who stole the show in this book. All in All, I may read another of Mr. Greyson’s many novels.

Purchase at: http://amzn.to/2wzJIX9

Review of ON BULLSHIT

ON BULLSHIT

Harry G. Frankfurt

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Humbug, Lies, Short of Lies, Bullshit, and Pretentious Bull, are among the items that Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Princeton University Frankfurt discusses in his book/thesis on how humanity has conducted itself when covering up something it doesn't want to reveal. His work is apolitical but resonates in the multi-media world we live in today 2017.

Not mentioning names, he notes “that the contemporary proliferation of bullshit has deeper sources in various forms.” I believe he is referring to the TV news media, Facebook, Twitter, and all opinion driven outlets.

Frankfurt's definition of the above mention shades of deception is clear and easy to digest for the average reader. However, the thesis is more appropriate for an academic audience, i.e., college Philosophy majors.

Somewhat humorous, Professor Frankfurt keeps the reader's attention in this short but dangerous work. The reader may, after reading and analyzing "On Bullshit," reevaluate their rhetoric, that of the talking heads in the TV media, and fellow humans.

I read the thesis twice before this review. It’s only 81 pages.

Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2xfMdKV