Review of JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

JEOPARDY IN JANUARY

A Calendar Mystery

 

CAMILLA CHAFER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Sara is a librarian, and she loves her work, primarily where she works, the Calendar City Library. The building is one of the oldest buildings in Calendar, which she is actively protesting its destruction.

The story is upbeat, except for the murder of her recent employed assistant on the second floor of the library. The local detective is, as Sara, befuddled.

In a battle to keep the building open to the public, Sara is continually confronting the man who wants to raze it. His company wants to replace it with condos.

 On another level, she investigates the crime that put the library into the center of a treasure hunt. Also, another good-looking man has come into her life for pleasure.

The levels clash into a climax that the reader is looking for in a good mystery. The reader will cheer for Sara's conclusion, which she did not expect, nor does the reader.

It's a good start of a series where the few characters are defined. The city of Calendar's charm is played-out as a colorful background.

Ms. Chafer's story is somewhat predictable, with a few twists and turns. The writing and flow of words were agreeable and funny at times.

Well done, purchase: https://amzn.to/3fwEC0O

 

Author's Review: UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

UNITED STATES OF SOCIALISM

 

DINESH D'SOUZA

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Is Socialism metastasizing in the United States of America? According to Mr. D'Souza, it has spread like wildfire into the Federal Government, universities, media, and the organizations intimidating cities and States.

This cancer is destroying the fabric of American history and culture that the country was built. And few are standing up and calling out the interlopers bringing sanity back into the fray.

The battle for the minds of the public is twisted into believing that Socialism is just. Mr. D'Souza defines it and destroys its philosophy economically and culturally.

He leads the reader through history as to the pros and cons of Capitalism vs. Socialism, naming the heroes and culprits past and present. He adds his legal encounter with the Deep State, run by a socialist-leaning girth of the government as an analogy.

If it can happen to him and the other people, he highlights the left disagrees with, and their strong-arm tactics will destroy the public and the country. If "We the People" do not fight back and take control, the USA will be the next Venezuela.

Strong words, but Mr. D'Souza outlines his case using clear cut examples. The writing is intelligent, a crisp narrative that points directly to his corrupt target: The Socialist.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38Aw5as

  

Review of THE JADE EMPEROR

THE JADE EMPEROR

 SUZANNE JENKINS

 Review by Author Roy Murry

 Young men go off to war, and when they come back, that experience changes them. Steve left Kelly and a child behind with her parents.

Vietnam's life turned Steve into an introvert. Kelly, a strong-minded person, knew what she wanted - a large family.

In reaching her goal, she took control while Steve became disconnected over the thirty-plus-year marriage. The reason did not become apparent until one day when a man showed up at the front door claiming to be Steve's son.

From that point on, Kelly's family started to deteriorate; chaos took over. Steve was in love, not with her, but Lee, the man's mother, and some of their six children seemed to be dysfunctional.

 Kelly's twin complained things might have been different had Steve sought help when he returned from Vietnam. Or if Kelly was a weaker person or listened to the people who loved her about Steve. 

Conflicts turned into fights and one attempt of murder. Coming together after that event, Kelly's family healed somewhat.

 Ms. Jenkins' tangled web of relationship novel is a drama that keeps the reader engaged. Her well-written prose helps turn the page to find out the next layer of conflict.

A delightful and captivating read.  Purchase: https://amzn.to/2YLPty2

Review of GOOD WITCH HUNTING

GOOD WITCH HUNTING

A Mackenzie Coven Mystery Novella

SONIA PARIN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

A mystery, yes, but more like a comedy skit. Lexie is a witch, who seems to be in training. She has a black cat, Luna, who is a witch with limited powers.

The two of them talk to each other. Luna only allows some people to hear her words of logic. She is also Lexie's muse.

Someone is killing good witches. The reader does not see the murders verbally but hears about them secondhand. Lexie is on the list according to current investigations by an independent organization.

The shenanigans going on will have the reader laughing on every page. Lexie is an investigator who uses unusual methods.

Lexie, in one moment, has no idea what is going on, and in the next, a poof of smoke, the crimes are solved.  She used witchcraft she hadn't used before.

Ms. Parin's writing is fun to read: crisp, clear, silly, and hilarious. I will go back and read another of her novellas. You should read one also.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3dhK3yR

Review of FULL CIRCLE

FULL CIRCLE

Willow Bend Romances

MONA INGRAM

Reviewed by 

Author Roy Murry

'It was an overcast the day Bella found out she was pregnant.' is the first sentence of this tearjerker. The circle is Bella's journey after said event.

The highs and lows on Bella's trip through life keeps the reader pulled into the story. A strong-willed woman appears to arrive with one link to the circle, not complete - her love of a mate.

She has compassion and good energy all around her: her daughter, and friends. Success creeps into her life, but something is missing since the day referred to in that first sentence.

When the events happen, the missing links complete Bella's life. The reader will need a box of tissues at that moment.

Ms. Ingram’s writing is crisp and commits the reader to find out what comes next. The read is quick and flows smoothly.

Bella's life is the basis for the beginning of a series. For Romance Lovers, it is one series to buy.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2UF5mnk

Review of ONE MORE THING

ONE MORE THING

Stories and Other Stories

B.J. NOVAK

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

You have an Inquisitive Mind if you are reading this. I thank you, and B.J. Novak will thank you for buying his book; after all, he is a New York Times Best Selling Author.

Anyways that is why I bought his book of short stories. Some so quick they are two or three lines which make you think or maybe not and get bored.

 If bored, you don't have an Inquisitive mind. Wake up your brain and buy the book.

 I could give you a list of the stories and delve into what I think, but I would be wasting your time. Watch my video to learn more: https://youtu.be/xCuY8UUR5_o

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3hbm8Es

 

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR

A WEDDING TO DIE FOR:

A Fun Detective Cozy

(The Alvarez Family Murder

Mystery Series, Book 2)

 

HEATHER HAVEN

If you love mysteries as I do, this story hits all the items we enjoy in a good murder/detective story. WEDDING has a super sleuth, a family member locked up for killing a victim, and an impressive supporting cast.

 Mira's betroth Carlos's hands are on the murder weapon, and their wedding planner, family member, Private Detective Liana Alvarez investigates. With the family's company of characters, the case turns into a Mexican adventure leading to a bigger problem.

 Liana, and mother, who is President of Discretionary Inquiries, fly across the border, and the mystery unravels on the property of Carlos' family. The game begins, and Liana returns to the USA to find the solution leading to a close encounter deadly ending.

 Ms. Haven's writing is crisp, funny, and is an adventure the reader will enjoy in one or two sittings, preferably with a glass of wine or, in my case, two double Dewars on the rocks. I love a quick read, and you should, too, if you like a good mystery.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3eyELA1