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Like A Good Neighbor - Dwayne Murray, Sr.
Like A Good Neighbor
Dwayne Murray, Sr.
ISBN: 9780976985525
Madbo Enterprises
Reviewed By Daria Miles
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Life is typically hard in the Bronx, and, at 666 Cypress Avenue, it’s even harder…
Home to numerous couples and individuals whose lives are in varying levels of disrepair, the shoddy, run-down apartment building is a microcosm of the greater society surrounding it. Try as they might, its occupants just can’t seem to escape the downward spirals of their tortured existence, but they struggle on in the hopes that the lights of happiness and fulfillment will eventually shine their way…
So, when the sultry, sensual Raven Thorn moves into Apartment 7B one fine Spring day, it appears as though she’s the collective answer to all their longstanding prayers. Tender, compassionate, and perpetually kind, Raven soon becomes just the spiritual and emotional balm for which her neighbors have long yearned to heal their silent pain. What they don’t realize, though, is that her motives are far from beneficent, and that each of them is just a powerless pawn in a sinister game from which she derives the utmost pleasure…
One resident in particular, though, a recovering crackhead named Crystal, somehow sees through Raven’s mesmerizing façade, and she resolves to expose the truth of the twisted temptress’ real intentions in order to save her unsuspecting neighbors – the only question is, though, will she succeed before more innocent blood is shed in Raven’s ongoing deadly scheme…?
Another riveting instant classic by an unheralded literary master, Like A Good Neighbor is an unparalleled, standout masterpiece. Genius storyteller that he is, Dwayne Murray delivers a compelling tale of drama and intrigue, rich with deftly-crafted layers of mystery and suspense. The well thought-out plotline of the story is presented in flawless fashion, and the fully-fleshed characters are depicted in amazingly accurate, true-life situations – so real, in fact, that the reader will be caught off guard by just how well he or she can relate to their various actions and reactions, no matter how outlandish they may seem.
The most outstanding facet of Murray’s tale, though, comes in his depiction of Crystal’s personal battles. In struggling to overcome what has become a crippling addiction to crack, Crystal displays incredible tenacity in fighting the inner demons that incessantly plague her – the same tenacity that she ultimately employs in battling the very real “demon,” Raven Thorn. Murray’s detailed, heart-rending descriptions of Crystal’s struggles through the withdrawal process, as well as his striking portrayal of her march to spiritual victory, will have readers shedding tears of both sorrow and joy for the courageous young woman who emerges as the most unlikely of heroes…
For those who aren’t already fans of Dwayne Murray, Sr.: with Like A Good Neighbor, he gives the most compelling argument by far as to why you can no longer afford to ignore his true literary genius. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Dwayne Murray, Sr. (Like A Good Neighbor)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Dwayne. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Dwayne Murray: Thank you so much for having me here at Apex.
AR: We certainly hope not, but is the story inspired by your experiences with a particularly sinister neighbor from your past?
DM: (Laughing) No, Raven is someone that was created straight from my imagination. Please help the tenants inside a building if a Raven Thorn really exists.
AR: Even though she "pushes" her neighbors to commit some very atrocious acts, Raven doesn't actually force anyone to do anything. Was it your intent to show just how skilled she - and other temptresses like her - are at the art of manipulation?
DM: Absolutely. I never wanted Raven Thorn to be a gun or knife toting mad woman. I wanted a sly, conniving, slick, persistent, determined – and, most importantly, intelligent woman moving inside of 666 Cypress Avenue.
AR: Despite the purely evil nature of her actions, Raven is not an actual spiritual demon, but rather a flesh-and-blood human being who has been tremendously hurt. Please share more with our readers about what leads her to become such a willing agent of evil.
DM: Raven Thorn felt terribly betrayed by God. She was a loyal follower of His, along with her small but tight-knit family awhile ago, but because of a huge tragedy she felt abandoned and mislead. Because of this, Raven made a huge decision to follow the “Dark One,” which helped in her transformation to her wickedness.
AR: Your depiction of the struggle that Crystal goes through during withdrawal is - to say the least - powerful. How were you able to portray that particular scene so vividly and realistically?
DM: In 1973, at the age of nine, I witnessed a cousin go through this inside our apartment for about thirty-six hours, and it has stuck with me up until this very moment. When I wrote the scene that you refer to, it was very simple to depict because of what had been etched in my memory of my cousin.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, your writing style is truly genius. What authors have had the greatest influence on the development of your craft?
DM: Stephen King, Donald Goines, Ice Berg Slim, Alice Walker, James Patterson, and Walter Mosley, just to name a few.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other books, The Mouse That Roared and Whatever It Takes.
DM: “The Mouse That Roared,” for me, is the ultimate underdog novel. It depicts what a woman will put herself through for the sake of “Street Justice.” Sandra Lyte was my “Rocky” because to witness the transformation of a young, naïve woman from Virginia to become a strong, determined woman having to overcome the ultimate tragedy was nothing short of remarkable. I threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at Sandra, and she still rose to her feet to fight for the memories of what she loved the most.
“Whatever It Takes,” out of the three books, was the most fun simply because of the action and the awesome thrill of feeling like I was writing for the big screen. The book was deep, though, because it showed what two children could become if betrayed. It was incredible for me to chronicle the lives of Butch and Zig Steel while showing what can manifest from child to man if it isn’t paid attention to. I also love Detectives Jesse James and Brenda Simple for so many reasons, but for more than any was the way they put their lives on the line to protect Penny Baker, the nine-year-old girl that the Steel brothers desired who basically had a twenty-five million dollar bounty on her little head.
AR: Also, please share more with us about your publishing company, Madbo Enterprises.
DM: Madbo Enterprises is my small but efficient publishing company that I created in 2006. Madbo represents stories that are fresh, exciting, thrilling, and well thought-out that aim to entertain its readers. As I continue to create new projects under Madbo Enterprises, I hope that when readers see that red, black, and green emblem, they will automatically be excited to pick up that book, knowing that they’re in store for a reading treat.
AR: All of your books tell incredible stories with powerful, life-like characters and plotlines. Have you ever considered having your works adapted for the big screen?
DM: That would be the ultimate high, but I would want it to be right. I put my heart and soul into my work, paying close attention to details and authenticity, so I would want someone to do the same. A very high percentage of novels that go to the big screen are not adapted well, and I believe one of the reasons for that is because production companies don’t spend enough time with the creator to hear his passion for what he put into creating the story. I mean, I believe casting directors do a great job, but who knows the characters better than the one who created them? I just want to also state that “Like A Good Neighbor,” because of the many characters and length of the story, I would love to see it within a two-night miniseries, just to make sure the story and characters portrayed with justice.
AR: What's next for you?
DM: Currently, I’m working on my fourth project and plan not to rest, as my fifth novel will follow right after. I really hope to have the fourth novel ready by Thanksgiving, and if at all possible the fifth in early 2010. Both titles will fit under my style, which I hope my circle of readers will appreciate. I also plan on visiting more bookstores and book clubs personally throughout the country, as so many people have yet to experience my work.
AR: How can people learn more about you and your writing efforts?
DM: Just reach out to me because I love to socialize with readers from anywhere. You can contact me via e mails at dee64man@aol.com, www.madboenterprises.com, www.myspace.com/madbo726, and at www.facebook.com. I would love to hear from anyone who enjoys reading.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DM: Thank you, Thank you - and did I say Thank you? We are currently in the heart of a recession, and for people to dig inside their pockets to support my work I can never give enough thanks. Please know that every time I sit down to create at my laptop, it’s the readers that enter my mind first, and I hope they continue to give me the privilege to entertain them.
AR: Thanks again, Dwayne, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
DM: No, Apex Reviews, thank you for giving me the honor of appearing on your prestigious reading site that helps the small authors like me. It was my pleasure.
Dwayne Murray, Sr.
ISBN: 9780976985525
Madbo Enterprises
Reviewed By Daria Miles
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Life is typically hard in the Bronx, and, at 666 Cypress Avenue, it’s even harder…
Home to numerous couples and individuals whose lives are in varying levels of disrepair, the shoddy, run-down apartment building is a microcosm of the greater society surrounding it. Try as they might, its occupants just can’t seem to escape the downward spirals of their tortured existence, but they struggle on in the hopes that the lights of happiness and fulfillment will eventually shine their way…
So, when the sultry, sensual Raven Thorn moves into Apartment 7B one fine Spring day, it appears as though she’s the collective answer to all their longstanding prayers. Tender, compassionate, and perpetually kind, Raven soon becomes just the spiritual and emotional balm for which her neighbors have long yearned to heal their silent pain. What they don’t realize, though, is that her motives are far from beneficent, and that each of them is just a powerless pawn in a sinister game from which she derives the utmost pleasure…
One resident in particular, though, a recovering crackhead named Crystal, somehow sees through Raven’s mesmerizing façade, and she resolves to expose the truth of the twisted temptress’ real intentions in order to save her unsuspecting neighbors – the only question is, though, will she succeed before more innocent blood is shed in Raven’s ongoing deadly scheme…?
Another riveting instant classic by an unheralded literary master, Like A Good Neighbor is an unparalleled, standout masterpiece. Genius storyteller that he is, Dwayne Murray delivers a compelling tale of drama and intrigue, rich with deftly-crafted layers of mystery and suspense. The well thought-out plotline of the story is presented in flawless fashion, and the fully-fleshed characters are depicted in amazingly accurate, true-life situations – so real, in fact, that the reader will be caught off guard by just how well he or she can relate to their various actions and reactions, no matter how outlandish they may seem.
The most outstanding facet of Murray’s tale, though, comes in his depiction of Crystal’s personal battles. In struggling to overcome what has become a crippling addiction to crack, Crystal displays incredible tenacity in fighting the inner demons that incessantly plague her – the same tenacity that she ultimately employs in battling the very real “demon,” Raven Thorn. Murray’s detailed, heart-rending descriptions of Crystal’s struggles through the withdrawal process, as well as his striking portrayal of her march to spiritual victory, will have readers shedding tears of both sorrow and joy for the courageous young woman who emerges as the most unlikely of heroes…
For those who aren’t already fans of Dwayne Murray, Sr.: with Like A Good Neighbor, he gives the most compelling argument by far as to why you can no longer afford to ignore his true literary genius. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Dwayne Murray, Sr. (Like A Good Neighbor)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Dwayne. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Dwayne Murray: Thank you so much for having me here at Apex.
AR: We certainly hope not, but is the story inspired by your experiences with a particularly sinister neighbor from your past?
DM: (Laughing) No, Raven is someone that was created straight from my imagination. Please help the tenants inside a building if a Raven Thorn really exists.
AR: Even though she "pushes" her neighbors to commit some very atrocious acts, Raven doesn't actually force anyone to do anything. Was it your intent to show just how skilled she - and other temptresses like her - are at the art of manipulation?
DM: Absolutely. I never wanted Raven Thorn to be a gun or knife toting mad woman. I wanted a sly, conniving, slick, persistent, determined – and, most importantly, intelligent woman moving inside of 666 Cypress Avenue.
AR: Despite the purely evil nature of her actions, Raven is not an actual spiritual demon, but rather a flesh-and-blood human being who has been tremendously hurt. Please share more with our readers about what leads her to become such a willing agent of evil.
DM: Raven Thorn felt terribly betrayed by God. She was a loyal follower of His, along with her small but tight-knit family awhile ago, but because of a huge tragedy she felt abandoned and mislead. Because of this, Raven made a huge decision to follow the “Dark One,” which helped in her transformation to her wickedness.
AR: Your depiction of the struggle that Crystal goes through during withdrawal is - to say the least - powerful. How were you able to portray that particular scene so vividly and realistically?
DM: In 1973, at the age of nine, I witnessed a cousin go through this inside our apartment for about thirty-six hours, and it has stuck with me up until this very moment. When I wrote the scene that you refer to, it was very simple to depict because of what had been etched in my memory of my cousin.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, your writing style is truly genius. What authors have had the greatest influence on the development of your craft?
DM: Stephen King, Donald Goines, Ice Berg Slim, Alice Walker, James Patterson, and Walter Mosley, just to name a few.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other books, The Mouse That Roared and Whatever It Takes.
DM: “The Mouse That Roared,” for me, is the ultimate underdog novel. It depicts what a woman will put herself through for the sake of “Street Justice.” Sandra Lyte was my “Rocky” because to witness the transformation of a young, naïve woman from Virginia to become a strong, determined woman having to overcome the ultimate tragedy was nothing short of remarkable. I threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at Sandra, and she still rose to her feet to fight for the memories of what she loved the most.
“Whatever It Takes,” out of the three books, was the most fun simply because of the action and the awesome thrill of feeling like I was writing for the big screen. The book was deep, though, because it showed what two children could become if betrayed. It was incredible for me to chronicle the lives of Butch and Zig Steel while showing what can manifest from child to man if it isn’t paid attention to. I also love Detectives Jesse James and Brenda Simple for so many reasons, but for more than any was the way they put their lives on the line to protect Penny Baker, the nine-year-old girl that the Steel brothers desired who basically had a twenty-five million dollar bounty on her little head.
AR: Also, please share more with us about your publishing company, Madbo Enterprises.
DM: Madbo Enterprises is my small but efficient publishing company that I created in 2006. Madbo represents stories that are fresh, exciting, thrilling, and well thought-out that aim to entertain its readers. As I continue to create new projects under Madbo Enterprises, I hope that when readers see that red, black, and green emblem, they will automatically be excited to pick up that book, knowing that they’re in store for a reading treat.
AR: All of your books tell incredible stories with powerful, life-like characters and plotlines. Have you ever considered having your works adapted for the big screen?
DM: That would be the ultimate high, but I would want it to be right. I put my heart and soul into my work, paying close attention to details and authenticity, so I would want someone to do the same. A very high percentage of novels that go to the big screen are not adapted well, and I believe one of the reasons for that is because production companies don’t spend enough time with the creator to hear his passion for what he put into creating the story. I mean, I believe casting directors do a great job, but who knows the characters better than the one who created them? I just want to also state that “Like A Good Neighbor,” because of the many characters and length of the story, I would love to see it within a two-night miniseries, just to make sure the story and characters portrayed with justice.
AR: What's next for you?
DM: Currently, I’m working on my fourth project and plan not to rest, as my fifth novel will follow right after. I really hope to have the fourth novel ready by Thanksgiving, and if at all possible the fifth in early 2010. Both titles will fit under my style, which I hope my circle of readers will appreciate. I also plan on visiting more bookstores and book clubs personally throughout the country, as so many people have yet to experience my work.
AR: How can people learn more about you and your writing efforts?
DM: Just reach out to me because I love to socialize with readers from anywhere. You can contact me via e mails at dee64man@aol.com, www.madboenterprises.com, www.myspace.com/madbo726, and at www.facebook.com. I would love to hear from anyone who enjoys reading.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DM: Thank you, Thank you - and did I say Thank you? We are currently in the heart of a recession, and for people to dig inside their pockets to support my work I can never give enough thanks. Please know that every time I sit down to create at my laptop, it’s the readers that enter my mind first, and I hope they continue to give me the privilege to entertain them.
AR: Thanks again, Dwayne, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
DM: No, Apex Reviews, thank you for giving me the honor of appearing on your prestigious reading site that helps the small authors like me. It was my pleasure.