Review of HIGH NOON

HIGH NOON

A Brookhaven Cozy

Mystery Book 1

S.E. BIGLOW

Review by Author Roy Murry

In this paranormal mystery, a woman, Darcy, a chameleon, and a ghost acquire magical powers. Many other witchy characters live in the American town; Darcy, an Englishman, moves there to develop her skills.

A newcomer arrives and becomes friends with Darcy and her apothecary boss, Sage. Unfortunately, the new arrival is found dead in the trunk of the car Darcy is driving.

With the help of her colorful witch friends, Darcy goes sleuthing against the Shariff's wishes. The twists and turns, combined with her new-found witchcraft, bring this mystery to a near-deadly ending.

The writing is crisp, and the well-developed characters will pull the reader into book 2 of this series.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4d26J5c

Review of SCHOLARSHIP GIRL

SCHOLARSHIP GIRL

Shadow Academy

KAT COTTON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Cherry has unusual powers to develop as a paranormal. She can hide in a room full of people and has unused strengths.

She and a scholarship group of vampire-killing characters (Witches, faes, werewolves, and others) are protecting an elite academy. Their amusing behaviors make for enjoyable reading, which includes a love-hate relationship between Cherry and Ren.

Overall, this first in a series of young adult novels includes everything needed to keep the reader wanting more. KAT's writing does an excellent job of bringing it together with some errors.

This story ends with a big bang, and a young adult will read more; the older adult will not. It was fun as it lasted.

 

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

Review of COSMOS

COSMOS

Carl Sagan

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

If you are intrigued by the universe beyond Earth and its human perspective, this book offers a unique exploration. If not, it may not be the right fit for you.

Mr. Sagan weaves a compelling narrative of the cosmos' birth and the potential consequences of its disruption. His storytelling is not just readable but also captivating.

I took Astronomy in college, and this book awakened memories for me. For someone who has yet to study it, this chronology of life since the Big Bang might overwhelm the reader.

However, this is a book for the Inquisitive Mind.

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

 

Death Under Wratful Skies

DEATH UNDER WRATHFUL SKIES

The Victoria Sedgewick Mysteries

Book 2

BLYTHE BAKER

Review by Author Roy Murry

In the 1820s, Ms. Victoria attempts to be a private inquirer (Detective) after solving the murder of her husband (Book 1). Her advertisement in the local Hyde Park, London paper is attached to an article that piques her attention—a third man is killed in the same manner as the previous two.

Ms. Victoria starts her business (Investigating) by combining efforts with Mr. Keats, a well-known detective hired by the police to find the killer. Included in the conversations are her butler, housekeeper, cook, and the nanny of infant Daniel.

The characters and the story are well-developed, making this mystery series worth reading. I have only read this novel.

With intelligent deduction, Ms. Victoria and Mr. Keats come to the same conclusion about who the killer is: she does it unconventionally, and he uses Ms. Victoria's informational letter delivered the same day she goes into action.

The ending is surprising and dangerous because, after all, Ms. Victoria is a novice.

Good, Quick, and Fun Read. I read in two sittings.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4dQQpVH

FOR NOW and FOREVER

FOR NOW and FOREVER

Inn at Sunset Harbor, Book 1

SOPHIA LOVE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Because of personal problems, Emily leaves the big city to return to Sunset Harbor, a small, quiet, close-knit town. Waiting for her is a huge house her father left that needs extreme repairs.

The land has a guest house in which Daniel, a young man of Emily's age, lives. He is the caretaker by choice.

Emily's father is nowhere in sight. After going down memory lane, she decides to investigate the house and make many repairs over six months.

After three months of confusion, feelings for Daniel, and conflicts with the town's leaders over her living in the rundown house, she must decide her fate.

The writing is professional but the story is a little too cutesy and predictable. Romance lovers will enjoy this.

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

 

Road to Eden is Overgrown

THE ROAD TO EDEN IS OVERGROWN

DAN WHEATCROFT

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This novel is a police procedural drama based in Liverpool, U.K., and its surrounding area. Dicks, the protagonist and a government agent, goes around killing undesirables. A clean-up team protects Dicks.

It is unknown what agency he works for because the local police are searching for the killer of a mobster and others. After one killing that saved a woman's life, DCI Thurstan Baddeley (Detective Chief Inspector) has Dickerson in his crosshairs because of evidence.

With this and word-of-mouth knowledge, the DCI is ready to arrest Dicks, so he thinks. This time, the failure of the clean-up team opens the door for arrest. But does it?

OVERGROWN is a well-written suspense thriller that will be a bit confusing for American English readers. However, the plot moves along and keeps the reader's attention.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4cnTzz5

DEAD before DINNER

DEAD before DINNER

A Maddie Swallows Mystery

KAT BELLEMORE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In small towns, people gossip, and everyone knows everyone. Maddie Swallows, a psychologist, drags her children, Flash and Lilly, and her fellow therapist, Trish, back to her hometown, where they will open shop.

We all know that in small towns, there are no murders. However, not in this town - two people are killed within days of each other. Both are members of the Town Council.

Old friendships get Maddie involved after a troubled woman dies at her friend Debbie's dinner party. She goes about snooping because the sheriff has made her a prime suspect,

Her sleuthing is haphazard. Using her skills as a psychologist, she ultimately hits her target.

This novel was fun and interesting. The characters in the prologue will lead you into the second in this mystery series.

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