Review of Going Home

GOING HOME

WIN & MEREDITH BLEVINS

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Going Home is a story of love lost to a tragedy, Lewis Evans wife Sally dies. Lewis is a prominent author who stops writing after the event and goes into a mental meltdown.

He receives aid from an unlikely spirit, another famous author, who turns Lewis' world upside down and around. Lewis' conversations with the spirit of his wife and this author relate to evaluating love, life, and death.

The in-depth analysis, colloquies of Lewis, the stories of the phantom author, and Sally's edging-on familiar words are the backbone of this engaging discourse of why we are here on earth. Will Lewis' pain of living without Sally on earth or the pain of death take over his being?

The story as I have mentioned above seems deep in content. It is, and the prose is at times mind wrenching and at others somewhat comical. Life and death are celebrated in many ways in this Blevins' novel.

If you are looking for a lovely story about a love lost and the informal interchange of thoughts, you will enjoy this presentation of life.

Purchase at  http://amzn.to/2oJy9Y7

Review of ONE WAY

ONE WAY

A Sam Archer Thriller #5

TOM BARBER

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Mr. Barber's series keeps me coming back for more because his novels of Sam Archer's adventures are always fast-paced. This thriller is no exception and stands alone as a complete story.  I read this one in two sittings.

Sam jumps into a situation where there is only one way out, and a group of professional operatives wants the few people with him dead. The large building they are hiding in is invaded from below and above by well-equipped persons chasing them.

There is no way out, and the army of police in the street below is being been kept at bay. Sam and a team of US Marshals protect their witness whom they believe the criminals want dead. 

The team gets cut down to Sam and a lady Marshal who fight through critical events the average trained person could not endure. They work together perfectly avoiding some disasters. 

Well prepared, the criminals center on their prey to an explosive ending that only a few will survive. The way out is the roof. Who makes it out is a gripping event to read, but start at the beginning and you'll be thrilled to the end.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2F0RVYC

Review of A TOUCH OF MORNING CALM

A TOUCH OF MORNING CALM

WAYNE ZURL

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Sam Jenkins, police chief in Prospect Tennessee, is a character that I cannot get enough of because he is what my uncle Lou would call spiffy. He has all the charm that the ladies love and that dirty criminal mind that is used to get the real criminal behind bars.

The novel starts with the killing of a young Korean masseuse after a new massage parlor is opened in town by an ex-hooker acquaintance who Sam cleared in an investigation of a previous murder and a lovely Korean woman. Trouble always comes in multiple for Sam.

There is a shakedown of the parlor and Sam investigates using all of his small-town police force, family, and friends. His and his wife's knowledge of Korea, his friend's abilities, and Sam's uncanny New York detective work sheds light at the end of the tunnel.

The way Sam Jenkins' mind detects baffles all his cohorts, including those in big city Knoxville, but he gets the job done. He is a softy at heart, but don't even think his wife knows how his mind works.

Mr. Zurl’s whodunit novels will always be on my bookshelf. This mystery kept me thinking to the end.

If you like a good book, try one of Wayne's: http://amzn.to/2EiT22f

Review of The Brodsky Affair

THE BRODSKY AFFAIR

KEN FRY

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

Jack Manton finds two pieces of Russian art while investigating the internet and goes to Australia to retrieve them. Unfortunately, he and his lover Tamsin end up in an international crime scheme to acquire all of that artist's paintings from that point on.

While looking for other paintings, Jack and Tamsin travel from London to other European countries, putting a puzzle of history and intrigue together. But, unbeknown to them, an elusive criminal follows their every step, which turns into a thrilling give and take that interests Interpol.

People end up dead; paintings are missing, and a hunt for wealth is pursued. The game will end in events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Not all ends rosy in this Thriller, but I liked that. The couple and the criminals learn lessons they will never forget. However, life goes on.

Mr. Fry's characters are engaging, exciting, and colorful. In addition, the background work of each country traveled by the characters is well-developed and easy to follow.

Ken Fry's novel is worth a few Russian rubles.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3qU6BA9

 

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