Review: Doctor Lovebeads by Gary Reilly

I was given a print copy of this book in exchange for my honest review by the literary publicity firm, JKS Communications.

Murph is minding his own business, with his Twinkie and his coffee when he starts minding other’s business–landing him in the middle of what can only be described as part psychadelic vision quest and part undercover caper.

The guy who went into the military plays hippie very well, from his tousled long hair to his far-out manner of speaking.

The fifth book in Gary Reilly’s Asphalt Warrior (“Murph”) series had me going from the beginning with Reilly’s signature snappy and honest style. Some of my favorite quotes are found in this book, which made for laugh-out-loud moments:

“I don’t think there is anything that annoys me as much as having to “be” somewhere. It seems like every bad thing that ever happened to me happened when I was somewhere.”

“Late Friday morning I was driving toward Boulder. I was seated in “Doctor Lovebeads Cosmic Wonderbus and Mobile Mercantile.” That entire phrase was painted in psychedelic colors on both sides of the van. But I left out the possessive apostrophe on “Lovebus[‘]” in order to show my contempt for bourgeois conformity.”

I especially enjoyed how believeable Reilly makes Murph’s actions in this book–Murph knows what he is doing is not what he is supposed to do as a cab driver, but at the same time, he knows as a person that he is doing right. And that wins over. Sure, he didn’t have to do it, but it speaks highly of the quality of his character that Murph is willing to stick his neck out.

The quality of the series keeps me coming back. I cannot wait for the next installment.

As I stated, JKS Communications provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. While I am happy that I was able to get a copy of this, I am saddened by the fact that Gary Reilly is no longer with us.

To learn more about this talented writer (and to snag copies of the books for yourself), check out www.theasphaltwarrior.com.