Review of HOW TO BE IDLE

HOW TO BE IDLE: A Loafer’s Manifesto

TOM HODGKINSON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Sane is the way one would like to keep one's mind. Hodgkinson's delving into the human rationality of existence, hopefully, will lead the reader to a sounder and balanced life.

How we live, sleep, work, and go about the daily chore of surviving on planet earth can be controlled, according to his art of idling.  Many of the famous people who helped make this world a happier place to live are idlers.

Mr. Hodgkinson's (Idlers) philosophy goes against the businesses models that developed after the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the lightbulb. He gives the reader the pros and cons of idling. His view: The advantages out weight the negatives.

Tom's writing is insightful, funny, and convincing. I got an education and found out I am somewhat an idler.

I read this book twice and recommend it highly. I assure you, the reader will be impressed with the premise and may become an IDLER, as I will be for the rest of my life.

I am 73 years old as of this review, and idled in New Orleans for four full days – loved it.

Purchase: How to be Idle https://amzn.to/3B6Z7MI

 

Review of HAUNTED ON BOURBON STREET

Haunted on Bourbon Street

DEANNA CHASE

Review by Roy Murry, Author

This spooky novel is chuck full of characters who have unusual abilities. At times it was hard to know who trumps who in the final chapters.

However, the story flows excitingly in trying to eliminate a ghost when another spirit latches on to one main character who has no abilities.  Jade, the principle character, comes to her aid with a turn of events that puts the story into a tailspin. 

An event that leads into a ghostly ending, the reader will remember and will want to go on to see the next chapter in Jade's life as an empath, one who feels emotions. She has many witch abilities unknown to her, which develop in Book 2, I believe from the narrative.

As a non-believer in ghosts, I found this story fun to read. A believer will have a different take. Whichever you are, you will enjoy the fast-pace journey into Jade’s strange world on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, USA.

Purchase: 

HAUNTED https://amzn.to/34NufzE

Review of Witchnapped in Westerham

Witchnapped in Westerham

Paranormal Investigation 
        Bureau, Book 1

Dionne Lister

Review by Roy Murry, Author

What if you woke up one day and a woman came to your door and told you, "You are a witch?" Well, this is what happened to Lily on her twenty-fourth birthday in sunny Australia.

To top that off, her brother, who works for PBI, Paranormal Investigation Bureau, is in trouble.  Angelica, the person who knocks on Lily's door, is her mentor and leads her on an adventure to London and beyond.

Coffee is Lily's kryptonite.  At times, it gets her into trouble during her indoctrination into the life of a witch. Her powers develop as PIB conducts an investigation that will affect them and her family.

The twist and turns to the end will lead the reader through a fun-filled story. Which Witch will survive is helped by Lily's newfound abilities that no witch has had for decades?

The characters, the story, and PIB are creative, leaving the reader wanting more leading into the next book. Ms. Lister's writing hooks you into buying Book 2, 3, and more of this kind of a pleasant night’s reading diversion.

Well written Book 1.

Kindle WITCHES https://amzn.to/2Q8KD8B

Review of JUSTICE on TRIAL

JUSTICE on TRIAL

Mollie Hemingway

  Carrie Severino

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Qualified people may not care to become a member of the Supreme Court because of the way confirmation is run. Until reading Ms. Hemingway and Ms. Severino's history of the Kavanaugh nomination and hearings, which reads like a suspense novel, I had no idea of what transpired behind the scenes.

When the hearings were on TV and in the news, I didn't pay attention and had problems of my own to resolve.  So, Mr. Kavanaugh selection for the court was not one of my priorities, and I do not indulge in watching any news programs on cable.

I am sad to say this description of how the public and the Congress securitize a candidate, positively and negatively, is mind-boggling.  I consider myself intelligent, and I am wondering what happened to the people of the USA, especially the ones they continue to put in the Senate.

The twist and turns in this story is unbelievable.  What happens to people that want to serve as an Associate Justice is appalling - all for political reasons.

I agree with the authors, paraphrased: The process should be about qualifications, character, approach to judging and the role of the federal judiciary. Putting candidates through pretentious bullshit that some Senators spout is not the way to conduct oneself.

I commend the ladies for bringing to light their view of what happened to Mr. Kavanaugh. Many items to think about, and I will say again the prose read like a suspense novel.

So, friends, if you care to read a thrilling novel, purchase: JUSTICE ON TRIAL https://amzn.to/373zWLw

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.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39m5IVU

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.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/354DlrR

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.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2QkNdIG