Review of THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

 

THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

Paul Phipps-Williams

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I usually don't purchase horror novels; not my cup of tea. It's the same with movies. I find them silly. I picked up this novel because I think I got it free.

The only enjoyment I got from this novel was it centering around a pub. In small towns worldwide, the pub is where the people meet to discuss local and national news.

Mark Adams takes a position of honor running a pub in a land of horror by a lady he adores. At first, he is oblivious to the situation, he catches on, and then falls into a drunken dream or reality.

The elements he meets, human and non-human, define his life's introspection. How Adams lives through the adventure will be chilling to some readers, but it was not for me.

I had to be careful not to lose my place in reading this somewhat dull novel. However, I will say at times, the Scratching, a plague in the novel bothered me.

Mr. Phipps-Williams writes well, but as I said, horror is not a genre I like to read or watch in a movie. If you do enjoy horror, I recommend it to you.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/39VBuM0

 

Review of CASTELMEZZANO

 

CASTELMEZZANO,

THE WITCH IS DEAD

An Italian Cozy Mystery

ADRIANA LICIO

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.

This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.

All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.

The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o28B4H

 

Review of ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR

 

CYNTHIA WRIGHT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

When France and Scotland joined by marriage, a regal mandate, in the 1500s, one of the main characters, Christophe, Chevalier de St. Briac, must journey to Scotland to refurbish that King's castle. In his endeavor, he meets Fiona, a cultured lass of a robust and wealthy family.

From that moment on, a whirlwind of events commences based on the Scottish culture's moors clashing with the French. However, Fiona and Christophe's engagements and conversations are above the fray, putting them in harmony with each other.

Each must overcome an evil put upon them by another to be together. This situation leads to an unexpected ending, hooking the reader into the next chapter in the 'Crowns & Kilts' series.

The story is a bit of a captivating experience, bringing history and cultural differences into the forefront. A romance novel with adventure is always an excellent read when written by a person with the style of a Cynthia Wright.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3fKdkVH

Review of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

 

TERRY TYLER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The people living in your circle, family, and friends, do you know them?  Are they what they seem, or are you delusional?

A thirty-five to a fifty-year-old serial killer is roaming Lyndford, England. The police publish his facial sketch in the newspaper. The young women are his target.

Who is he, Tom, Dick, Harry or someone you know? Ms. Tyler gives the reader a few stories that may define the killer.

Each scenario is a dramatic, wrenching event that guides the reader to believe this person is the man. The lead plot character is sure they know the killer and determine to get him.

Only one man did the crimes, or did he? The reader may know at THE END or not.

Drama and thriller put into a good read. You'll have to be a Sherlock to read between the lines and decide whodunit.

This novel is my third read of Terry's endeavors. Well written and enjoyable as always.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/393c5zA

 

Review of HELLO NEIGHBOR

 

HELLO NEIGHBOR

Missing Pieces

Carly Ann West

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Neighbor' is Nicky's story, who moves with his parents into a town with a burnt down amusement park. Across the street lives another twelve-year-old named Aaron, his parents, and his sister.

Two notes that set the tone at the beginning of this somewhat creepy novel are words of wisdom from Nick's parents: "Lu, he's twelve. He is barely human at this age," and "Remember, the family makes you stronger."

On the other side of the street lives the weak and disturbed family of Aaron Peterson. His father is living through a mental hell about what happened at the amusement park.

The two boys’ bond, break into the park using their unique ability to unlock locks, and, in another event, get into legal trouble costing their parents needed monies. Split apart, the boy with the strong family ties survives.

When Nicky tries to reunite with Aaron, Aaron leaves a bloody note for Nicky - I make bad things happen. What has happened? You will need to read book two in the series to find out.

I don't recommend this novel for a ten-year-old even though there are some excellent qualities to the read. A twelve-year-old may understand some of the deep thoughts and words intoned.

Note: I have helped bring up two boys who are doing well in their forties.

 

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

 

Review of ANNO 2020

 

ANNO 2020

JAMES MORCAN

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Mr. Morcan writes detailed stories of people living in 2020, dealing with the world pandemic and economic perils. Each story is emotionally complicated, crisscrossing the world connecting on a human level using present-day technology.

Elijah, one of the main characters, asks near the end of this well-written novel, 'Will this year eventually end up being viewed as some kind of new beginning?  Or else the beginning of The End?'

All characters come to their new beginnings or end with newly founded beliefs. Their journeys involve a wide range of decisions that must overcome political, psychological, and philosophical barriers.

This intense novel keeps the reader's attention to multiply dilemmas developing. The end brings them all together in a surprising connection.

Well done, Mr. Morcan, for the first solo novel. I read FIJI, reviewed August 5, 2018, with your father Lance as co-author. https://bit.ly/35guZRo

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2Ue8mH1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of I'm Your Emotional Support Animal

 

I'm Your Emotional 

Support Animal

 

ADAM CAROLLA

Review by Author Roy Murry

Mr. Carolla has his unique way of punctuating a point many times, using vulgarity. However, when the point is made, the reader should understand it.

"This book will remind you that you should also be amused." --Tucker Carson. That being the absurdity of the way American psychologically goes about living.

Mr. Carolla begins with his philosophy about why support dogs in airports and on airplanes have mushroomed to ridiculous levels. He ends with the #MeToo and the China Virus Panic (My phraseology).

In between those mentioned above, comments on Trump's evolution, academia nuts, and many other items that annoy his sense of what is right or wrong with our society. You may disagree with Mr. Carolla's opinion, but you will laugh at how he phrases the dialogue.

 

Controversial and funny.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2I5BFZV