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

 

 

THE FLYING TIGERS

The Untold Story of the American Pilots

Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan

 

SAM KLEINER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The winners of wars write the history of them. Some stories of heroes are not because government leaders hide them to keep a political secret.

In this case, the Flying Tigers, a USA civilian group, contracted to a private corporation, were fighting for China against Japan. Their air battles didn't start until after Pearl Harbor destruction by the Japanese.

They became heroes because of their courageous outnumbered air battles against a formidable foe. Tigers were not military disciplined but were deliberate and meticulous trained to do the job by Claire Chennault.

Sam Kleiner's detailed history does not name all, who were the original contracted Tigers, but the brief bios of some give the reader a sense of war's human turmoil. Claire Chennault's story is the book's backbone; however, it is different from the movie with John Wayne.

Mr. Kleiner's writing brings out some of the conflicts between Chennault and his pilots, i.e., Pappy Boyington, later a Medal of Honor recipient. When the Tigers were forced to disband, all did not go well for his heroes, of which little is written.

This well-written history book is in novel form, which made reading it enjoyable. If you like history in action, this book is for you.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bGt9eh

 

Review of HER BUSH

 

HER BUSH

 

PENELOPE BLOOM

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

What can I say about HER BUSH? Funny and sexual are the first words that come to mind.

The novel is funny because of the plot. It is a young woman who accidentally performs topiary, sculpting a bush into a complete penis by mistake. Funny innuendos abound.

She does the work on the property of a wealthy publisher. They meet, and the courting games begin.

There are twists and turns in promoting HER BUSH as art and in their relationship. That commingling and art endeavor leads to a sexual and enjoyable ending.

This novel is the second that I have read of Ms. Blooms, of which there are many. The other was HIS BANANA.

Both novels are quick and fun reads. I will go back for more soon.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/2Qzruxd

 

Review of AMERICAN WITCHES

AMERICAN WITCHES

A Broomstick Tour through Four Centuries

 SUSAN FAIR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This book is a humorous, lite historical evaluation of how one decided who or what a WITCH is or was. Ms. Fair tells us how the human race is gullible in a pleasant way.

She expands this theme in recounting stories from the Salem trials to Second Salem trials of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. In her explanations, the WITCH thing came from Europe during their dark ages, exacerbated by religious zealots, and provoked by some nut cases.

At times, I felt a little bored because I am not into WITCHES.  However, the overall stories she reported on were fun to read. Ms. Fair's prose made for an enjoyable quick read.

If you are interested in WITCHES, I know you will be earmarking each story for reference. I took a few notes for my review, as you should too.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/2YvurmH

Review of The Widow's Son

 

THE WIDOW'S SON

 

DANIEL KEMP

 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

When you get a promotion, you would expect problems; hopefully, that can be solved with the help from your cohorts. In Patrick West's case, his predecessor, Geoffrey, is not upfront with the real situations at hand which he must confront in his new position.

From the first banter between these two spymasters, Geoffrey’s lies lead Patrick into a maze of international intrigue that elitists have festered. Many characters are involved in a diabolical conspiracy.

Sorting it out is Patrick's job as head of a British Joint Intelligence Committee. What he uncovers after finding out the truth, culminates into a near disaster.

This novel is the third in a trilogy, beginning with 'What Happened in Vienna Jack?' then, 'Once I Was a Soldier,' that I have read because of Mr. Kemp's grasp of English (UK) language. The tit for tat of the main character's lucid conversations kept me turning the pages to see what came next.

I love a conspiracy novel of fiction, particularly one that leads to an unpredictable ending. It would be best if you started by reading book one. However, this novel stands on its own.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3439mnu

 

 

Louisiana Hotshot

LOUISIANA HOTSHOT

A Talbar Wallis Mystery

JULIE SMITH

Review by Author Roy Murry

New Orleans is the background city for a heartbreaking and thrilling story with an explosive ending. Baroness, aka Talbar, aka Sandra, decides to become a private eye, a position she is overqualified to do.

She has cognitive skills and computer geek like abilities. Black, proud, and recherche', Talbar enters the man dominated profession as an associate of Eddie Valentino P.I. Agency.

A Black mother's complaint to a friend becomes a case. She and Eddie are paid to investigate.

The backdrop of the investigation is these characters themself. They both have family secrets that unfold and intertwine with the main plot.

The unraveling of the case and their secrets are done in detail. Each conquers their hurdles with emotional results. Talbar's shots a gun for the first time, remembering the past, and Eddie admits his faults were, regaining a son.

I found the narrative too long (353 pages), and feel a shorter version could have done the job for me. However, I did enjoy Talbar's and Eddie's banter throughout the novel.

The characters were well developed and increased my wanting for the next chapter in their career as Private Investigators. GOOD READ.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/33nRrHI