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

Review of FUREY'S WAR

 

FUREY'S WAR

 

T.W. LAWLESS & KAY BELL

Review by Author Roy Murry

My first thought was that this was a memoir of an old soldier: ex-military hero, ex-police Sergeant Furey. After the first chapter where he, at 100, is lying in bed waiting for death, I felt like I was in for a whirlwind of a story, which I got.

The time was World War II. The Yankees were coming to Furey's Catholic-run town in Australia. Where close by, the American's were building a military air-base.

Furey's War is the conflicts in ideologies and norms of the nineteen forties, fifties, and the sixties. As a retired Catholic Baby Boomer, born in 1948, I understand what John Furey lived through as a policeman.

Furey investigates a murder, rape of a young girl, abortion rights, the town's gossip mill, military (Aussie vs. the USA), and a Catholic priest raft with these conflicts daily. Interwoven is the human problem of racism.

That is a mouth full, but T.W. and Kay make the story work where even the Archbishop agrees (Read the story to find out why). Their prose keeps the reader wondering, 'What next could happen?'

I recommend this story to the intelligent reader. There is more to it than the story.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3s5k317

 

Review of KINGS & DAEMONS

 

KINGS & DAEMONS

The Gifted and The Cursed

Book 1

 

MARCUS LEE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Good virus Evil is a tale that is told in many genres. This one happens to be a Fantasy with some unusual twists that gives the Good the upper hand over Evil.

Both sides of the spectrum are gifted in one way or the other.  Maya, a young woman, is the lead character who meets Taran, another gifted person on her way to be prisoned by the evil Witch-King Daleth, who has a different kind of gift.

Maya is the key to the adventure where Taran and his lord Rakan are her protectors, keeping her from getting into Daleth's hands. This journey to freedom has many roadblocks leading to many blood and guts conflicts with daemons, giants, and Daleth's elite Rangers.

Mr. Lee's novel meets all the Fantasy requirements with illusions, magic, faith healing, and flying in one's dreams to another land. It is a good lead-in Book 1 with character development and excellent writing technic that leaves the reader wanting more.

If you like Fantasies, this is for you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39DCx2o 416 pages for $.99 on Kindle

 

Review of SUNNY SIDE UP

 

Sunny SIDE UP

A Deadline Cozy Mystery

Book 1

SONIA PARIN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

Between jobs and running away from events, Eve decides to visit her romance author, aunt Mira. Arriving in her aunt's small town, she meets people familiar who welcome her back since she hasn't visited for a while.

Eve spends a couple of nights in her aunt's house alone because her aunt Mira is nowhere to be found. This does not bother Eve nor their town friends since Author Mira goes about her research and writing business away from town.

What does upset the apple cart is Eve finds a dead body in her aunt's kitchen returning from buying groceries. She knows the victim because it's her ex-husband.

Detective Jack begins his investigation after interviewing Eve, telling her not to go anywhere nor butt in. However, Eve and her new friend Jill go about sleuthing.

When they do, the twists and turns are few because the killer is closer than expected. And still, opened is where is her aunt Mira - dead?

Fast, well-written read with fun conversations between the lead characters. This novel is a good lead-in for a series if you like reading them.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3lOCc1s

Review of QUEEN OF KLUTZ

 

QUEEN OF KLUTZ

 

SAMANTHA GARMAN

Sibby Series Book 1

 

Review by 

Author Roy Murry

 

Sibby is her name, and boy is she different. This tongue-in-cheek story focuses on the hilarious misadventures of a young lady trying to find her groove.

This comical relief's dialogue is quick wit with little profanity. She is a klutz, but things happen to her that many people do not experience in a lifetime.

The novel starts with a few scenes that few could handle. It puts her life into a tailspin, and she finds a home as a waitress.

Even though Sibby's propensity for spilling, dropping, tripping, her ability to laugh at herself and make light of each situation leads her to a man.  This develops into a foregone conclusion for romance readers.

That trip has its ups and downs but lands in a comfortable place, leading to an enjoyable ending, unlike most romance novels. Peaches and cream lead into book two of this klutzy series.

The writing was fast-paced, funny, and sometimes ridiculous—a quick, enjoyable read.

Book is Free for Kindle Readers: https://amzn.to/2Q3ZQeB

Review of BLATANT LIES

 

BLATANT LIES

 

PAUL KNOX

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This 110-page thriller went so fast; I could not help myself; I finished it in one sitting.  Mr. Knox keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Newbie Deputy Reece Cannon strangely earns her stripes. She meets a crazy woman by stopping her for a speeding violation.

Jessie, that woman is talking about spies, the CIA, and a conspiracy. One thing leads to another, and Reece contacts her friend, a Lieutenant who speaks one of the spy's languages.

Could it be? There are spies among them. Yes.

Reece's world goes into a fast-paced spin with Jessie in the middle of a trap. How the deadly events that follow explode go so fast the reader will have to slow down and read over the events.

Mr. Knox makes it into my top thriller category for excellence. I will read another of his novels soon. You should too.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3tfjrH6

Review of JUST ONE CHANCE

 

JUST ONE CHANCE

 

BRENNA JACOBS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Young and good-looking Chicagoan Doctor David moves in next door to Avery on affluent Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. She has eyes for Dr. Dave after a few meetings, but she has an on-again, off-again lover, Matt.

Avery is trying to close the deal with Matt. However, he seems to be different from their first go around, and in the relation's voids, she finds Dave refreshing in his lack of social graces. Dave is smitten with Avery.

Dr. Dave inadvertently finds out Matt is not the man he seems to be. A conflict between the two leads to the close destruction of all three's relationships.

This collision course explodes, and all three end up where logic and love prevail. To find out whom romance triumphs, one must read this small tangled web of a story.

A quick and enjoyable read for Romance lovers.

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

 

 

 

Review of BLACK ROSES

 

BLACK ROSES

 

SAMANTHA CHRISTY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Love is not in the air. Piper does not like men, and Mason is smitten, which is not new for him being a professional jock. 

 Piper returns home from Europe, where she has lived with her girlfriend for years, to help with her sister's wedding. Mason and his daughter are adopted Mitchell family members.

Their meeting leads to an emotional rollercoaster: Piper has a dark secret that sent her into a psychological tailspin; Mason has a ball and chain he has not fully disconnected. That relationship includes a stalking girlfriend.

Mason, after a few meetings with Piper, is in love. She does not want anything to do with a man, but he is a good man, family, and friends sell that fact.

The romance is a battleground of trust, which leads to an explosive emotional ending. Will they be joined in bliss? You'll need to read this unpredictable journey.

Ms. Christy's writing brings tears to your eyes. But if you have a weak stomach, her descriptive prose and adult language may shock you, beware.

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

 

Review of SUBVERSIVE

 

SUBVERSIVE

Clandestine Magic Trilogy, Bk 1

 

COLLEEN COWLEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'He has magical powers. She does not. Only men can have that power.' is the central theme of this novel. Women could never become wizards; that is the law.

Blackwell, a wizard, picks Beatrix to be his assistant. Her sister is a women's rights advocate. Let the games begin.

Because of the above relationships, conflicts arise that upset both the magical and ordinary worlds. These events include attempted murder, a love story, and a magic upheaval.

Beatrix's sister is a marked woman because of her group's' activism; Bea and Blackwell have a thing going on in their dreams; the high powers are investigating everyone. All the events come to an explosive ending.

The prose was fun to read because of the unpredictable characters and the magical episodes. It was an interesting setup for this trilogy. I may read on.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3psT4vJ

Review of WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME

 

WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME

A Pleasant Gap Romance

 

PEPPER BASHAM

 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

I had no idea what a Pleasant Gap Romance novel was until now. It is a story of a Family Faith-based couples falling in love.

In this novel, the second in a series, Julia, who physically and mentally is not inclined to fall in love. And, Henry is visiting from England on an assignment to write music for his friend's movie.

Their love of music uniquely grounding and brings them together. On many levels, that media bring each out of their introverted existence.  Hers is a seven-month pregnancy from rape, and he is writing music and a dysfunctional family in England.

There is a joint ground meeting of the minds, and sparks fly. When this happens halfway through the book, the reader can surmise the ending.

The two lovers also solve a mystery of who or what Julia's benefactress dead aunt is, which brings an ending to this second book. The mystery started in London and brought both back there.

Other than the obvious, this read is a pure delight to read. A book an authentic Christian will enjoy.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3qkfe3o

 

 

 

 

Review of 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

 

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

 

Yuval Noah Harari

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Democrat politics, human rights, and free-market seem destined to conquer the entire world.' is one of lesson one's core points. I beg to differ. China actions, he does not consider.

In 21 chapters, Mr. Harari opines on almost everything under the sun: Technology, Politics, Humanity, and His Truths. The philosophy and psychology of each he delves into with zeal and commitment.

Whether you agree with him or not, his arguments and thesis are worth reading. I had to stop and read over several passages to understand his points fully.

If you are a thinking person, I recommend this book to go along with others: Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell and Jennifer Michael Hecht's DOUBT, a History.  They will open your eyes to what is happening in the 21st Century.

One thing I loved about this book is that Mr. Harari's writing is clear and thought-provoking. Nihilist will be surprised.

Both books mentioned above I have reviewed - search above.

Purchased this: https://amzn.to/2Lfi8Yp

Review of MAGIC DESTINY

 

MAGIC DESTINY

The Irish Rogue Series, 

Book One

 KATE GELLAR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Looking at the Amazon reviews, I seem to be the only guy to read about Abby's adventure in Ireland. I picked out the book to read because of the "Irish Rogue Series." I am part Irish.

Then I started to read and thought I was getting into an erotic novel with the talk of bonding. Surprise, the novel is about witches and the keeping "A Seal" closed, locking in evil spirits into the underworld.

Four men, guardians, evaluate ten women who have witches’ linage to find a queen. All four men are to bond with the queen to save the Irish world.

Abby has no idea what is happening. The world has changed for her in an adventure that turns her life upside down.

This beginning may or may not save the day until the bonding is complete. Maybe in book two of the series - an excellent writing hook by the author.

I would have liked a little more background story. However, I enjoyed Abby's play with the guardians.

The prose was first-rate and the main characters are well-defined, leading into book two, which I will not read because one bonding is enough for me.

However, this read is a good one standing on its own.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/37TZXAc

Review of HIT THE ROAD JACK

 

HIT the ROAD, JACK

A JACK RYDER NOVEL

WILLOW ROSE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I enjoyed this novel. However, Jack Ryder is not the sharpest Police Detective I have met in print.

I am a television LAW and ORDER freak and have read many books in this genre for ninety-nine cents. This thriller had its moments but did not meet my high standards of police dramas/thrillers.

Hit the Road, Jack, the first book in a series, is based around a serial killer who kills women who cheat on their husbands. Clues are abounding, and for a small island, a number stand out like a sore thumb for amateur sleuths but is entirely unnoticed by Jack.

I liked the characters, but I wished Ms. Willow Rose developed them more in this novel. However, with Florida's motel/hotel background, I got a kick out of, because I lived and worked in more than one, beaches and all.

The prose was clear and understandable, with no mystery to solve. All in all, the novel was a fair read.

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

 

Review of SLANTED

 

SLANTED

 

SHARYL ATTKKISSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In October of 2017, I read Ms. Attkisson's THE SMEAR. Her detailed insights I confirmed through research. She writes clear and concisely, so I decide to read SLANTED.

This thesis compares what we face today with the dystopian world foretold by Orwell in 1984, which most of us have read in college. Journalism, print, and television news are SLANTED towards their corporate Narrative.

The Narrative is promoted and SLANTED using it, not giving the consumer the complete facts or leaving out information that would change the Narrative. I noticed this in 2016 watching CNN every day through President Trump's inauguration, and have not watched the channel since.

Ms. Attkisson begins with her journey in the 1990s, from CNN to CBS, and brings us many personal experiences to illustrate her thesis. However, she started her career in 1982 at PBS, where she learned, at the time, that journalists should stick to the reporting standards they've developed, rather than abandon them.

Unfortunately, most journalists have abandoned the core standards by putting the truth first and upfront in a story reported. They SLANT towards THE NARRATIVE.  I see it all the time after reading her two books.

Ms. Attkisson's abilities shine through THE NARRATIVES and get to the truth of the matter. The media have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years, but more so during the Trump years.

 

Thank you, Sherly, for The insight.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2J9QZVS

 

Review of THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

 

THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

Paul Phipps-Williams

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I usually don't purchase horror novels; not my cup of tea. It's the same with movies. I find them silly. I picked up this novel because I think I got it free.

The only enjoyment I got from this novel was it centering around a pub. In small towns worldwide, the pub is where the people meet to discuss local and national news.

Mark Adams takes a position of honor running a pub in a land of horror by a lady he adores. At first, he is oblivious to the situation, he catches on, and then falls into a drunken dream or reality.

The elements he meets, human and non-human, define his life's introspection. How Adams lives through the adventure will be chilling to some readers, but it was not for me.

I had to be careful not to lose my place in reading this somewhat dull novel. However, I will say at times, the Scratching, a plague in the novel bothered me.

Mr. Phipps-Williams writes well, but as I said, horror is not a genre I like to read or watch in a movie. If you do enjoy horror, I recommend it to you.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/39VBuM0

 

Review of CASTELMEZZANO

 

CASTELMEZZANO,

THE WITCH IS DEAD

An Italian Cozy Mystery

ADRIANA LICIO

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.

This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.

All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.

The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o28B4H

 

Review of ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

CYNTHIA WRIGHT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

When France and Scotland joined by marriage, a regal mandate, in the 1500s, one of the main characters, Christophe, Chevalier de St. Briac, must journey to Scotland to refurbish that King's castle. In his endeavor, he meets Fiona, a cultured lass of a robust and wealthy family.

From that moment on, a whirlwind of events commences based on the Scottish culture's moors clashing with the French. However, Fiona and Christophe's engagements and conversations are above the fray, putting them in harmony with each other.

Each must overcome an evil put upon them by another to be together. This situation leads to an unexpected ending, hooking the reader into the next chapter in the 'Crowns & Kilts' series.

The story is a bit of a captivating experience, bringing history and cultural differences into the forefront. A romance novel with adventure is always an excellent read when written by a person with the style of a Cynthia Wright.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3fKdkVH

Review of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

TERRY TYLER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The people living in your circle, family, and friends, do you know them?  Are they what they seem, or are you delusional?

A thirty-five to a fifty-year-old serial killer is roaming Lyndford, England. The police publish his facial sketch in the newspaper. The young women are his target.

Who is he, Tom, Dick, Harry or someone you know? Ms. Tyler gives the reader a few stories that may define the killer.

Each scenario is a dramatic, wrenching event that guides the reader to believe this person is the man. The lead plot character is sure they know the killer and determine to get him.

Only one man did the crimes, or did he? The reader may know at THE END or not.

Drama and thriller put into a good read. You'll have to be a Sherlock to read between the lines and decide whodunit.

This novel is my third read of Terry's endeavors. Well written and enjoyable as always.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/393c5zA

 

Review of HELLO NEIGHBOR

 

HELLO NEIGHBOR

Missing Pieces

Carly Ann West

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Neighbor' is Nicky's story, who moves with his parents into a town with a burnt down amusement park. Across the street lives another twelve-year-old named Aaron, his parents, and his sister.

Two notes that set the tone at the beginning of this somewhat creepy novel are words of wisdom from Nick's parents: "Lu, he's twelve. He is barely human at this age," and "Remember, the family makes you stronger."

On the other side of the street lives the weak and disturbed family of Aaron Peterson. His father is living through a mental hell about what happened at the amusement park.

The two boys’ bond, break into the park using their unique ability to unlock locks, and, in another event, get into legal trouble costing their parents needed monies. Split apart, the boy with the strong family ties survives.

When Nicky tries to reunite with Aaron, Aaron leaves a bloody note for Nicky - I make bad things happen. What has happened? You will need to read book two in the series to find out.

I don't recommend this novel for a ten-year-old even though there are some excellent qualities to the read. A twelve-year-old may understand some of the deep thoughts and words intoned.

Note: I have helped bring up two boys who are doing well in their forties.

 

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

 

Review of ANNO 2020

 

ANNO 2020

JAMES MORCAN

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.

Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning?  Or else the beginning of The End?'

All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.

This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.

Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author. https://bit.ly/35guZRo

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2Ue8mH1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of I'm Your Emotional Support Animal

 

I'm Your Emotional 

Support Animal

 

ADAM CAROLLA

Review by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Carolla has his unique way of punctuating a point many times, using vulgarity. However, when the point is made, the reader should understand it.

"This book will remind you that you should also be amused." --Tucker Carson. That being the absurdity of the way American psychologically goes about living.

Mr. Carolla begins with his philosophy about why support dogs in airports and on airplanes have mushroomed to ridiculous levels. He ends with the #MeToo and the China Virus Panic (My phraseology).

In between those mentioned above, comments on Trump's evolution, academia nuts, and many other items that annoy his sense of what is right or wrong with our society. You may disagree with Mr. Carolla's opinion, but you will laugh at how he phrases the dialogue.

 

Controversial and funny.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2I5BFZV

Review of LOSERTHINK

LOSERTHINK

SCOTT ADAMS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

My Green Beret Specialist psychological warfare background helps me grasp Mr. Adams' explanations of what he calls LOSERTHINK. Starting with a person's mind prison in many debatable items, he leads the reader through different definitions of loser thoughts. 

He uses his ego tools (Adams' words), right-thinking of unique underinformed ideas he discusses, i.e., climate change, political philosophies, and many others. One takeaway by the reader will be 'Boy, am I stupid.'

But you are not. According to Scott Adams, he makes the mistakes that he delves into outlining his different definitions of situational loser think. Behavior science is not Adams' forte, but his comic relief and sometimes profound techniques to get out of a person's mind prison is worth the read.

As he notes, we don't know what we don't know. This book is as good as others I have read in the self-help genre—just a little egocentric. 

If you think your thinking is lopsided, this read is for you. If not, pass on this overpriced book.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2HjGI7X

 

Review of APOCALYPSE NEVER

 

APOCALYPSE NEVER

Why Environmental Alarmism

Hurt Us All

 

MICHEAL SHELLENBERGER

 

Book Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The world is coming to an end; the east coast of the USA will be underwater in twenty years; nuclear energy will kill us, are things I heard when I went to college in the 1970s. Alarmists have not changed, and I am happily retired on the east coast of USA's Florida in my 70s.

Mr. Shellenberger, an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations, worked for both sides of the environmental debate.  In APOCALYPSE NEVER, he outlines the reasons why people who are the most apocalyptic about environmental problems tend to oppose the best and most obvious solutions to solving them.

Nuclear energy vs. Other sources, eating meat vs. vegetarian endeavors, and forest management vs. Not doing it are some of the arguments he outlines - many alarmists have propagandized the wrong solutions. Mr. Shellenberger details eminent environmental scientists' path to why the earth is just fine, and the human race will not die away by the billions.

The book is a read for the person with a curious mind. Using extensive notes and photographs, he leads the reader through a world of conflict where they can decide for themself what side of the environmental debate to be.

Murry's "Reader are leaders," this is a must-read for your inquisitive mind. 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3d5Gnlj

 

Review of ASSIGNMENT IN AMESTERDAM

 

ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM

CARRIE BEDFORD

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

ASSIGNMENT is my first Bedford novel. I should not have started with book five of this paranormal book series.

For me, the plot was a little implausible. Let's put that aside.

Kate Benedict, the main character, reads auras of people, indicating danger in Amsterdam's architecture assignment. Then, an adventuristic mystery begins that is confusing.

She is part of a group that goes to a huge house to prepare it for sale. The house has secrets attached to an influential group leading to murder and abduction.

The twists and turns and running around seem waisful but become clear in a somewhat nail-biting ending. Kate's abilities help save the day.

Bedford's writing is long-winded and overly descriptive. I would have enjoyed a shorter, more mysterious version, which I find in other cozy mystery series.

However, the novel is a good read for the price. 

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/34itvV9

 

Review of LEGACY OF LIES

 

LEGACY OF LIES

A Legal Thriller

 

ROBERT BAILEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

How long can a lie stay a lie? In Mr. Bailey's novel, it is evident in the epilogue. Therefore, start at the beginning, and you will be as surprised as I was at the end of the story.

LEGACY is a story of many lies that come to light after a Tennessee Attorney General's arrest for killing her husband, a well-known lawyer.  Bo, Bocephus Haynes, comes out of self-imposed retirement, helping a cohort because of his legal dilemma.

As she is called in Tennessee, the General wants the best defense lawyer. That is Bo. He sees that the government has a solid case looking for an alternative that leads him into a web of lies, including the person he is defending.

Bocephus' case comes to a dead-end when the trial begins. He doubts the General's innocents but finds loopholes in what he has been told by all the people he has interviewed: The defendant, other lawyers, a commissioner, and a wealthy rapist.

Do many lawyers lie? In this novel, they do—a well-written thriller with a killer Epilogue.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/32HDJPa

 

 

 

Review of A KINGDOM'S COST

 

A KINGDOM'S COST

Book 1 of Historical Trilogy of Scotland

 

J. R. TOMLIN

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

War in the 1300s was all blood and guts. King Edward of England made sure of that when he raged war in Scotland.

Young Sir James, Lord of Douglas, tells how he grew up in the battles and trials of youth fighting alongside Scotland's king. His education is confirmed in book one with the murders of his enemies and a loved one.

The author writes details about the times' crudeness, down to the quartering of William Wallace, a Scottish hero. If you cannot handle this type of content, beware.

The historic story seemed to be as authentic as one can write a book of fiction. I liked the character's banter even though I had to go back to the glossary to find out the meaning of words said.

Reading this novel will give you an understanding of their fight for freedom. It is a difficult road taken against an outnumbered enemy, the Scottish Black Douglas battled.

J.R. Tomlin's writing flows well throughout. She put much time and effort into this novel, which made the historical journey worthwhile.

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

 

The SWEET Taste of MURDER

An Angel Lake Mystery

 

CEECEE JAMES

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

Elise, after a marriage breakup, moves home to Angel Lake. She reunites with her childhood friend Lavina.

Well conversing, they find out that a well-known man in the community has had a deadly accident with a train. Suspicion becomes rapid that it was not an accident but a murder.

Brad, a detective and an acquaintance of both women, comes on the scene, leading to Lavina being one of the murder suspects. He and Elise have a developing rapport as she goes about renewing herself with the community members.

In her walkabouts or runabouts, she collects some knowledge of the murdered man, trying to help eliminate her friend Lavina from Brad's and the Police Captain's list of suspects. She finds a few who could have done the deed, but a flower becomes the key to the crime.

Fast pace read that at times is cute and romantically tied. Even a cat and dog get into the act. Taste of Murder is a pleasant afternoon read for the beach, near the pool, or in your favorite chair.

Murder is a crisp, enjoyable read with no blood and guts.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bHiu2Y