Review of Murder a la Carte

MURDER A LA CARTE

NANCY SKOPIN

Review by Roy Murry, Author

It is my second novel by Ms. Skopin. I will go back to read another Nikki Hunter Mystery because of Ms. Skopin's lead character and the way she solves a mystery.

Her stories are fast-paced and character-driven, which keeps the reader glued to the page. In this novel, a killer is murdering pedophiles and is closer to Nikki and her police detective lover than one would think.

Using friends, Nikki follows people she thinks the killer would like to eliminate. This effort leads to some exciting sub-plots, which do not distract from the main one.

In the end, the reader will want more, like me. I am a mystery nut.

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Review of Ruse & Romance

RUSE & ROMANCE

The Beaucroft Girls, Book One

SUZANNE G. ROGERS

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Kitty and Juliet are the Beaucroft girls who live in England during the mid-1800s. I won't tell you who is the prettiest because it is part of the story, but I will say to you Kitty is the oldest, and during the times and in proper society, she should be the first to marry an eligible wealth titled bachelor.

The 'Season' has begun in London, and their wealthy parents are expecting one of the girls to woo a man of the Lordly class. Let the games begin, and they do.

A scandalous event between Kitty and a Lord presents a socially unacceptable result. To save Kitty's status, another Lord, and her parents contrive The Ruse, which leads into a Romance, that is not proper enough for Kitty's parents.

Then there are twists and turns after The Ruse is in place, which makes for enjoyable reading for the romantic in you. The reader of this pleasant novel will keep waiting for the end, but this is book one, and the hook catches - the reader will want more of The Beaucroft Girls.

The prose and the background are in the 1800s English but not overwhelming.  The novel is a quick, enjoyable read.

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Review of DOUBT, A HISTORY

DOUBT

Jennifer Michael Hecht

Review by Roy Murry, Author

'The brain is what got you this far in life, use it to move on,' is a paraphrased quote by a modern-day agnostic. I don't remember which, but to read Ms. Hecht's history of DOUBT, you need to put on your thinking cap. I took notes – eighty plus.

From Socrates to Mark Twain, she outlines the gods, Gods, religions (All), and gives the reader an education of their doubters. Having a little history knowledge, ancient through today will help the reader navigate through the storylines but is not necessary.

Whether you are a believer, an agnostic, or an atheist; you will enjoy the background information. Each historical character she explains in detail - his or her theology or philosophy. 

You may not agree with Ms. Hecht's rendition of her facts, but you will agree that her written prose is compelling. I had to stop and think many times - a good thing.

Ms. Hecht's writing flows through DOUBTS history smoothly - a well-written account of facts and fantasy most have forgotten or had no knowledge.  I will keep the book for reference.

It's a delightful read for an Epicurean Atheist like me. You will understand your life better if you buy this book.

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Review of UNMASKING OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE

Unmasking the Administrative State

JOHN MARINI with edit by KEN MASUGI

Review by Roy Murry, Author

I found this dissertation gripping with Mr. Marini's delving into the philosophy, psychology, and sociology of how the USA Government works. However, I have a college degree and have been trained in Psychological Warfare at the US Army's Special Force's JFK Center with an extensive, eclectic reading background.

That said: This thesis is not for the general reading public. The pleasure reader will not find enjoyment in reading this knowledgeable background explanation of the history of centralized operating governments.

Mr. Marini does not UNMASK names in the last twenty years of the USA ADMINISTRATION, but he does give the reader a lot to think about as to how the government has interfered with ordinary American's lives over that time frame and more.  One must be a reader of social and political history to enjoy this book.

I recommend it for want-to-be scholars and scholars. If you want an easy and fun read, check out other books I have reviewed. 

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meet...Clara Andrews

meet…Clara Andrews

LACEY LONDON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Do Americans mix well with the English? Oliver, a Texan, meets Clara Andrews in a light drama that has an unusual ending.

Clara is a newly promoted Assistant Designer at a company that designs clothing accessories, and Oliver is brought into the company as the head designer of a new product line - Clara's new boss for the duration of his design contract.

A Texan falling in love with a Londoner in the UK is a one in a million shot. However, Clara is not just an English woman; she has the qualities that Oliver would marry.

I don't have to say any more about this romantic novel. You follow the drift.

Ms. London, if that is her real name, brings the reader to the point of emotional climax with a twist that turns to disaster. When the end arrives, the reader will be surprised without explanation.

You'll have to read the next in the series to find out the end. I enjoyed Ms. London's characters and the story-line and may go on to book two sometime in the future.

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Review of CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE

CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE

AL MACY

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Garrett Goodlove (Really?) is a criminal defender turned family lawyer because of a personal tragedy in his life? That changes when he decides to defend a person accused of murder, his twin sister.

Her special needs are part of the underlining story, which brought light to something many of us do not think about - deafness. Because of this affection, some drama adds twists to the novel will please the reader.

The main plot has an intriguing events in it that come to light in the trial section, which Goodlove takes advantage of for the defense; and at one point he is conned by a beautiful lady. The suspense will keep the reader reading to the end, which will be a surprise, even to the victim's accomplice.

One of the best trial novels I have read lately - fast and not drowned in legalize wordage. I will go back to read another of Al's dramas in the future. You should read at least one.

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Review of WHEN THE MUSIC ENDS

When The Music Ends

SIMONE BEAUDELAIRE

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This melodramatic love story has its ups and downs. The writing is excellent, but the drama is too much for a novel. For Romance lovers, you'll cry a lot.

The main characters click - her at eighteen and in High School, while he is four years her elder, but she has loved him forever..., her best friend's brother.  

From here, the story goes through all the emotions that lovers endear including her first sexual experience. However, the ending is not what you would expect of a novel titled When The Music Ends, because it does not, she is still playing her Oboe at the end, and a new series is born.

The twist and turns keep the reader involved and are worth the read.

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