Ralph & Murray

by Rick Glaze

In the quaint backdrop of a small southern town, circa 1959, an extraordinary tale unfolds through the charming narration of an unlikely storyteller - Ralph, a spirited four-legged companion with a knack for punchy humor.



Amidst a world where most dogs merely wag their tails and feline neighbors purr quietly, Ralph and his witty counterpart, Murray, emerge as remarkable exceptions, gifted with extraordinary abilities.



As they traverse the idyllic landscapes of their hometown, encountering ghosts, hobos, and even the iconic twist dance craze spearheaded by Chubby Checker himself, Ralph and Murray's adventures take on a whimsical, yet deeply resonant quality.



Through their escapades, readers are treated to a delightful journey brimming with empathy, kindness, and compassion, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of standing up for others.



From unraveling the mysteries of why pencils have erasers to discovering who might have alligators for lunch, Ralph and Murray weave a tapestry of nostalgia from a bygone era with heartwarming humor and infectious charm.



Readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a world where the bonds of friendship and the beauty of diversity reign supreme, leaving behind a trail of laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable memories.

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

About the author

Rick Glaze published the kayaking adventure, The Purple River in 2021, Spanish Pieces of Eight, a sailing adventure/mystery, and Jackass a Short Story Collection in 2022. Ralph & Murray in 2024 and dropped Eight Pieces f Eight in 2025. He was a Columnist at San Francisco’s Nob Hill Gazette, attended the Stanford University Creative Writing Program, and is a graduate of Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and MTSU.

He is an award-winning songwriter with two CDs, a Pandora radio station, credits on Country Music Television (CMT), BBC Radio, as well as radio airplay. Rick has rafted the Grand Canyon, the Salmon and Rogue Rivers as well as sailed throughout the Caribbean Sea.

Reviews

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it's a journey told from a dog and cat's POV. Ralph is a dog and Murray is a cat. The year is 1959 and Ralph and Murray are in a small southern town with a family that takes great care of them both.
The writing is well written by the author about two best friends who are solving a few mysteries together over the course of the book. The characters of Ralph and Murray are relatable, even as dogs. They are very human like and I loved that about them. The setting and descriptions of 1950's America are greatly told as well. You can really feel the way that the fictional family cares about Ralph, their family dog as well;)
The story was engaging and a light hearted read about humanlike animals and their antics around their town. This was a great short under 100 pages and can be read pretty quickly. I recommend this one to fans of animal character reads!

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Try to imagine navigating the world through the eyes and ears of a dog or a cat. You can enjoy that experience with Ralph and Murray. From grasping our language to learning how to read, their adventures are a delight to experience. Murray takes the young dog, Ralph, under his wing and guides him with a grudging tolerance that becomes a true friendship.

As people, we tend to give our beloved creatures human characteristics. It’s called anthropomorphism. What makes this such an enchanting, fun story is how the author makes me see the world as Murray, a cat, and Ralph, a dog. I walk in their shoes, or I should say paws. What fun.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Joyffree]

This was a light-hearted and entertaining read

It was through Ralph's eyes and Murray's wisdom that we
explore and question the world

Trust me the world is a whole different place when viewed from a four-legged perspective

A short read with plenty of humor
A bit of a staycation if you will
A chance to see the world anew with a different view

[Rose R. Sales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ralph and Murray is a heartwarming and delightful read. First, I absolutely love their names—Ralph, which suits him perfectly as a thoughtful dog who can be a bit impatient but is ultimately kind and loyal to his best friend, Murray. Meanwhile, Murray, the amusing and witty feline, shines with his abundance of quirky thoughts, making him both interesting and hilariously endearing.

I particularly enjoyed the raw thoughts from a dog's perspective, which added authenticity and charm to the story. The friendship between Ralph and Murray, along with their interactions with other animals, brought vibrant colors and depth to the narrative. I also appreciated Ralph's journey of self-discovery as he encountered various experiences with different people and animals. These moments led him to a heartfelt realization about the importance of valuing the family that cared for him and appreciating everything around him that makes his life meaningful each day.

Rick, the author, has crafted a story that flows effortlessly, making it an enjoyable read. He skillfully weaves life lessons and thought-provoking ideas into the chapters in ways that are both unexpected and meaningful. It’s evident that this book was carefully and thoughtfully written.

[Kathryn Myles Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a great deal. You can practically hear the southern drawl oozing from the pages, and it's easy to immerse yourself in this imaginative and imaginary scene. A dog and a cat are friends, and the dog Ralph stands in for the third person. This is a great vehicle for the author to comment on life, having a dog observing it at arm's length. Through their conversations and antics, Ralph and his feline friend and neighbor Murray shed light on boyhood, family, small-town life, a bygone era, and the existential questions we all ask ourselves. Roll it all up into a ball of fun with a twinge of nostalgia. A fun read.

[Randy O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Glaze’s Ralph and Murray is a delightful romp where cross-species animals can communicate with each other. Their observations of their world and the humans supporting them are witty and insightful. Can a dog and a cat be friends? Ralph and Murray will make you believe it’s so.