The First Wish of Mr. Murray McBride

The Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride #0

by Joe Siple

The prequel to the Murray McBride series—by the author of the beloved USA Today international bestselling novel The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride.

The day before Murray McBride moves Jenny, his beloved wife of eighty years, into a memory care center, she convinces him to search for a case her grandfather buried long ago, said to contain “a treasure worth more than gold.” With the help of some new friends, Murray and Jenny retrace their steps from years before. Over the course of the day, Murray tenderly retells their love story—how they met, the challenges they faced and overcame, and their initial attempt at the quest.

But the closer they get to the treasure, the more clearly Murray remembers why they abandoned the search the first time. With the exhilarating discovery at hand, Murray must decide whether to unearth the treasure, even if it means bringing up painful events from the past.

This heartwarming novel is perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove and Lisa Wingate’s The Prayer Box.

Genres: Fiction, Family

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in the Murray McBride series. This book is a prequel and takes us back to Murray's childhood and meeting the love of his life, his wife Jenny. At times sad, reading how Alzheimers is taking Jenny away from him, there are heartwarming moments and touches of humor. Reading Murray & Jenny's story, where they started as childhood friends, built a life together and shared 80 years of marriage, theirs was a story of true love and commitment. This book was the perfect ending to a great series.

[Peggy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story told in first person

I have read other books by Joe Siple, and knew I loved his writing. This is about love, death, polio, Alzheimers disease, a life quest, homelessness, painful memories and lovely memories. A quote from it here: "We each control the amount of love in our lives. Because at any time, no matter what's going on, we can choose to give it." Murray and Jenny McBride have been married for 80+ years, and Jenny is suffering from Alzheimer's. Their life is recounted to new friends who need to hear it. A life-time quest is fulfilled, and love is shared.

[Brett Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her final act had been to give her love”

Joe done did it again

[Lynette H Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three of these books!

[Layne Overstreet · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is more like a 3.5 than a 4, unfortunately. I wanted to absolutely love it like the previous two books.

the final installment of the Mr. Murray McBride series was still a heartwrenching story that made me shred a single tear but I will admit the storyline wasn’t my absolute favorite.
this book alternates chapters from the POV of Mr. McBride as a young teenager meeting the love of his life and Mr. McBride in the final years of his life with his aging wife. It gives the reader context of the foundations and moral values of the McBrides’ life: love.

throughout the book you see into the aspects of living through homelessness, polio, alzheimer’s, and more yet love always comes out on top.

(as a side note — i tend to never like the third book in a series. is this normal? i need someone to do a study on this for me thx)

fav quote: “The great thing about true friends is that you don’t have to pretend, Murray realized. You can be nothing more than who you are, and friends will like you anyway.”

honorable mention: “I’ve known you my whole life,” I say. “Sure, there might have been a few years of breathing before we met, but it wasn’t life. Not for me, anyhow. The day I met you is the day I started living. And the day I lose you will be the day that living stops for me, no matter who goes first.”

[Allison Mclean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murray is going to move his wife of 80 years into memory assisted living. But before that he wants to give her a day of memories. Going back and reliving the quest from their childhood he hopes to give her a day to remember. Along the way they meet Helen and her teenage daughter, Brooke. But the quest will bring both good and sad memories.

[Megan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof emotions yuck

[Janis Gerney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good. Cried. Laughed.

[Annabel D · Rating 2 out of 5]

so beyond random. an elderly couple goes on a treasure hunt. not much else to it. would not recommend

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a sweet, dual-timeline book about aging, love, memories, and friendship. A lovely read that pulls at your heartstrings.

[NATIVE TEXAN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suspension of Disbelief

I wonder how an author with such good storylines can ruin a good book with inane, ridiculous interactions that he thinks the reader can take seriously. It's lucky for me that I read The Five Wishes of Murray McBride before the next two in the series, else I would have never read the first and best. With the exception of a better understanding of Alzheimer's, this book is a huge disappointment!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at: http://www.jessicasreadingroom.com
This review will appear on my site on May 5, 2025.
~~~~
Joe Siple, you got me again with this prequel learning Murray and his wife Jenny’s love story. I didn’t cry this time, but came close to it, especially as I got towards the end!

The First Wish takes place in both 1910 and 1996. In 1910, Murray and Jenny meet while in school; in 1996, it is the day before Jenny is being moved into a memory care center due to her decline with Alzheimer’s. Also in 1996, Jenny is 99-years-old and Murray is 98- years old. They have also been married for just over 80 years. What a life they both have lived!

Both 1910 and 1996 are filled with a variety of emotions. I was fully invested in both storylines as I just adored Murray in The Five Wishes and loved reading about Murray and Jenny’s meeting and eventual love story that covers 80 years. The reader also feels emotions with the dealings of Alzheimers/Dementia of both Murray as the caregiver and Jenny as the one suffering from the disease. Siple handles this well.

Both timelines deal with a journey to find a treasure that is ‘worth more than gold’. I was intrigued in multiple ways: First, will the treasure even be located? Two, what could be worth more than gold?!?! Chapter 11 through the end really got to me emotionally. What was mentioned was dealing with life throwing you curveballs: 2024 was a year that threw a huge curveball for me, but I am doing much better now in 2025.

Many thanks to Joe Siple for bringing these characters to life in this series. This is one reader who really appreciated reading these books. And it is thanks to a book club that I am in for introducing me to The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride. I would not have heard of this book without that book club.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read the second book in this series (The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride) first, seeing it for free on my Kindle & not realizing it was a series. I fell in love with The Five Wishes & when I found the set at a bookstore, I couldn't wait to dive in.

I gave this book 3 stars because it did not affect me as emotionally as Five Wishes did, & the ending ended up being very predictable & felt like it was lacking (even though I recognize that it seemed realistic.)

This dual-timeline story follows Murray in 1996 & flashes back to Murray in 1910. In 1996 he is getting ready to put his wife of 80 years, Jenny, into a Memory Care Center. But as one last "Hurrah" for his wife, he takes her on a quest to find "a treasure worth more than gold", that Jenny & her sister Esther's grandfather hid in the 1860s. while in 1910, he first meets Jenny & her sister, Esther & they attempt to find the treasure for the first time.

I see a parallel in Murray & Jenny's love in my own Grandparents. A strong, timeless love that seems as easy as breathing. This story did not hit the same way that Five Wishes did (I cried reading that one), but it was still heart wrenching in a way that hits close. Dealing with things like Alzheimer's, disabilities, homelessness, & loss. But it was also heartwarming, seeing the way Murray cares not just for his wife, but for everyone around him, even if he would rather be a grump about it.

[Julia C · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3

The story started off engaging and promising, but it quickly lost its way. What began as an intriguing premise turned repetitive and filled with unrealistic situations.

Esther, for example, she supposedly has a highly contagious disease, yet she’s constantly interacting with others who somehow never seem to catch it , completely illogical. The timeline also made little sense, with characters who are supposedly a hundred years old doing things that would be impossible for their age.

The entire plot seems to revolve around chaos, one problem after another, with little direction. The book also drifts away from what I thought was its central focus, Alzheimer’s, and instead becomes a bizarre treasure hunt involving a “key” and a “quest.” Speaking of which, if I had a dollar for every time the author used the word quest, I’d be rich by now.

And then there’s Murray. We get it, he can’t take care of his wife and he loves her deeply, but did that really need to be repeated in every chapter/page?

Lastly, Jenny’s Alzheimer’s progression was inconsistent at best. One moment she can’t remember a thing, and the next she seems to have full recall, it just doesn’t add up.

Overall, the book had potential, but it got lost in repetition, implausibility, and overused words.

[Donna Frasor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel and the last of the Murray McBride books. This dual timeline story follows 98 yr. old Murray in 1996 when he is dealing with his wife and her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and reverts back to 1910 when he first meets the love of his life. As he has finely decided he can no longer care for her at home, he decides to take Jenny on her last day home on a quest to find a key and a buried treasure from their childhood. What transpires is an interesting day with some new found friends as Jenny has both good moments and bad. The author deals with the terrible disease of Alzheimer’s with sensitivity and sound advice of “Agree, Apologize, Align, and Attract” which Murray practices throughout the day. A very predictable and cliche story with some hard to believe events, but a feel good story about love. “Because love - true and absolute love - is a thing that is given.”

[Elizabeth Gradel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The First Wish...as my second book in the Murray McBride series, as did my husband. Every one of these books is fabulous. This one doesn't deal with Murray as a 100-year old. Rather, it takes the reader back to Murray when he was a kid meeting the love of his life, Jenny, who became his bride of 80 years. As with the other books by Joe Siple, there is a youngster with whom the reader falls in love. In this one, it's Jenny's sister, Esther, who is in Murray's same grade in school.

I really found how Murray handled Jenny's dementia so interesting and, actually, very helpful.

My husband insisted I buy all the books in this series and I did and want to share them because I found all of them to be excellent. He also read The Town with No Roads and liked that one very much.

[Sandra Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a prequel to the original 2 books, I thoroughly enjoyed The First Wish of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple. Murray is 98 and is about to put his 99 year old wife Jenny of 80 years into a memory care facility. Murray wants to make his wife's last day outside the facility one that brings joy to her life. Murray met his wife when they were both in junior high back in 1910. Life was simplier then because there were less distractions. Murray knows his wife has good days and then there are the times she asks him who he is. Murray's doctor has given him ways to help make his wife more engaged - Murray works hard on those techniques. This book handles memory loss/alzheimer's with great care. It was a beautifully crafted story.

[Bettie-Jeanne Rivard-Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Story.

As a Nearly 68 year-old married to an 81 year-old, there were so many aspects to this story that I would have felt so much differently were I in my 20s. I could feel the words entwining themselves into my being, Containing some of my fears And much of my love.

I have had experiences with dementia among dear friends and my own sister. It took me quite a while before I understood That I should stop trying to prove myself right with them and meet them in their own space.

To call this work of reality simply a 'book' almost seems like an insult. It feels much more like a story of truth and love. I suspected all along what was worth more than gold and I am glad that I have that worthiness in my life already.

It's a great read and an even better story.

[Meriwether Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 32 of the year (hit my reading goal woot): 3 again. Reading the reviews makes me feel evil for not liking this book (*I have not read the full series, just this). Old people love to talk about how great and simple life was back then and how kids now a days yada yada yada-- but guess who set the world we live in now up?? Old people!! Like hello-- you made your bed, now your lying in it. Anywhooooooo, sweet story but I think its important to note that people play more than one role in their life- this whole book I found the husband weirdly possessive. Like yes she loves you and is your wife but I would encourage you to get some hobbies instead of thinking the sun rises and sets bc of your wife? Sorry, maybe I'm being cynical.

[Susan Roden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I did read this book in one day.
But it is NOT A Man Called Ove, which was how this was suggested to me.
I was interested in this because I experienced my own mother's decline into dementia - nothing I would suggest to anyone, but such is life.
Mrs. Jenny McBride was a wonderful character, who I liked immediately.
Mr. Murray McBride seemed the sort of person who goes through life doing what he knows he is supposed to do. Boring. But he and his wife adored each other.

The side story of the new friend of the McBrides who drives around with them for the day, was interesting, if not a bit cliched.
My four stars is generous.
The book is fine, but nothing so memorable or earth-shatering.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the newest book in Joe Siple's books about Murray McBride. It is a prequel to the others. The book alternates between the present where Jennie, Murray's wife of 80 years, has Alzheimers and Jennie and Murray's childhood when they first meet when they are in school.
The first chapter of the book was very difficult to read because it gave such a vivid description of what it is like to have a loved one with the disease.
The day before Jennie goes to live in memory care, she decides that they should go on a quest for for the treasure Jennie's grandfather buried years ago that is worth more than gold. Jennie and Murray head out on their quest with the help of some new friends. Jenny and Murray get to relive some of their most beloved memories during this day.
The book does a great job discussing love, friendship, and growing old.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 98-year-old man and his beloved, 99-year-old wife want to go on one last quest the day before moving into a memory care center. Jenny has advanced Alzheimer’s disease and her husband Murray refuses to leave her side.The book flashes back and forth from 1910 to 1996, as we see a story from their childhood play out at the same time as they visit all the same places in current time. Add in a struggling teen who has given up on love, and you have a perfect book. I loved every minute of this one and highly recommend!

[Beckie Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute series

I thoroughly enjoyed the three book series, very delightful reading.
Sad topic of dementia with Jenny. Murray, still sharp as a tack, loves Jenny to pieces and it hardens his heart to see his Jenny suffer with the disease. He’s heartbroken when she couldn’t remember who he was. A stranger at times in her mind.
Their quest to find the treasure that they waited over 80 Yrs to find. With newfound friends, strangers that fell upon bad luck, assist in the quest.
Bottom line LOVED IS WORTH MORE THAN GOLD.

[Katie Marecek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t think this book was well-written. It sounded like a high school creative writing student trying to be cutesy with the writing. It was also predictable. The big surprise was that she had been there years ago and wrote a note for him, to accompany the others…I was annoyed she went without him and never told him. I was also annoyed the librarian and her mom were getting evicted and…surprise, the Murrays have property they can give them. Too “convenient”. Three starts for being sophomoric and predictable.

[Gigibell · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ 5 stars: Very cliché, very predictable, but I was completely absorbed in it. I adored every second of this novel.

There's an overflow of books about romance today, but it's truly lust masquerading as love. This was such a breath of fresh air in comparison— pure, innocent, true, real love. This is the kind of love that God was talking about; this is the love that He wants us to so readily give to one another. Seeing that play out amongst all the characters within the book made for a wonderful story.

[Gale S. Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginnings and Endings

Reading this third book in a series by Joe Siple felt that I had come full circle. Each book in the series had such rich characters and they became very real to me. After reading the first two books I was happy when they went back to 1910 in between focusing on 1996. Glad we got to meet Jenny as a teen ager and was really liking Esther’s spunky personality despite her dealing with her medical obstacles. Would definitely give all three books the highest rating possible

[Dianne Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Siple pulls gently at the heartstrings showing compassion and love every step of the way.

Many people today think that a love story must be filled with titillating sex or wild, raw emotion. But Joe Siple writes with tenderness about real love, the kind that most people think about but so seldom find because they are looking inward instead of outward. Murray and Jenny's love story glows like a single star in a dark sky even in the face of Illness and unavoidable loss. This is the kind of love that every human really searches for— even men, maybe especially men.

[Elaine Harrold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books of Murray McBride. This one tugged at my heart - it is so sensitive, sad and points to a clear message about having someone with altzheimer's in your life. The pamphlet Murray read about how best to treat someone with the disease is exactly the same helpful hints we were given when my mother-in-law was suffering with this horrible disease. Everything is dealt with kindly and with love. I love these books but I think this one is my favorite.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw a prequel was published to one of my favorite books ever! This was a very sweet story with a great life lesson but it did not live up to the first book or even second. I am still glad I read it and helped me to fully understand the love between the two characters which lives on in the other two books. The writing just seemed a bit amateur and the editors missed a lot of errors.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each of Murray McBride's stories.
This novel is as heartwarming, sad at times, funny at times and full of love as the others.
It definitely puts the finishing touches to Murray and Jenny's journey throughout their eighty years together.
The writing is exquisite! I needed tissues at times as the emotions are so very real.
Do yourself a favor and open this entire series. You will love it!