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Physics, Lust and Greed #3
Killing Time
At every crossroads he has encountered in life, Sean Brody has made the safe choice. In the year 2046, at the age of ninety-three, Sean is given one final opportunity to deal with his greatest regret. Sean is the only man Marshall Grissom and Marta Hamilton can find who might be able to save Sheila Schuler, their friend and fellow traveler lost in the distant reaches of time. If Sean accepts the task of traveling to his childhood in a parallel universe--with no guarantee that any aspect of the past can be changed--Sean must also accept his death in the only world he knows.
- GenresScience Fiction
351 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Mike Murphey
11 books49 followersMike Murphey is a native of eastern New Mexico and spent almost thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.
Following his retirement from the newspaper business, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Their company produced the A’s and Mariners adult baseball Fantasy Camps. They also have a partnership with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida.
At the age of 60, Mike stopped procrastinating and revived his life-long ambition to write a novel. His debut novel, a coming-of-age story called Section Roads—a coming of Age story set in the small town where he grew up—has been recognized by Indie Reader Discovery Awards, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards, The IAN Book of the Year Awards, the Somerset Contemporary Fiction Awards, and the Independent Publishers Book Awards. His novel, The Conman … A Baseball Odyssey, has been recognized by the International Book Awards, the eLit Awards and the Manhattan Book Awards. He has also published his humorous science fiction Physics, Lust and Greed series, which includes Taking Time … a Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed, Wasting Time and Killing Time. “We Never Knew Just What It Was… The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio” is his first work of non-fiction. Mike loves fiction, cats, baseball and sailing. He splits his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.
Following his retirement from the newspaper business, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Their company produced the A’s and Mariners adult baseball Fantasy Camps. They also have a partnership with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida.
At the age of 60, Mike stopped procrastinating and revived his life-long ambition to write a novel. His debut novel, a coming-of-age story called Section Roads—a coming of Age story set in the small town where he grew up—has been recognized by Indie Reader Discovery Awards, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards, The IAN Book of the Year Awards, the Somerset Contemporary Fiction Awards, and the Independent Publishers Book Awards. His novel, The Conman … A Baseball Odyssey, has been recognized by the International Book Awards, the eLit Awards and the Manhattan Book Awards. He has also published his humorous science fiction Physics, Lust and Greed series, which includes Taking Time … a Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed, Wasting Time and Killing Time. “We Never Knew Just What It Was… The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio” is his first work of non-fiction. Mike loves fiction, cats, baseball and sailing. He splits his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 28, 2021
I received an ecopy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
At every crossroads he's encountered in life, Sean Brody has made the save choice. In the year 2046, at the age of ninety-three, Sean is given one final opportunity to deal with his greatest regret. Sean is the only person Marshall Grissom and Mata Hamilton can find who might be able to save Sheila Schuler, their friend and fellow traveler lost in the distant reaches of time. If he accepts the task of traveling to his childhood in a parallel universe--with no guarantee that any aspect of the past can be changed, Sean must also accept his death in the only world he knows.
I'm so glad I decided to stick with the Physics, Lust and Greed series by Mike Murphey as it has become available via Reedsy Discovery. The first book in the series, Taking Time, was a solid time travel sci-fi novel and its successor, Wasting Time, was a good follow up. Of those two, I definitely preferred the second book. The elements I enjoyed became stronger and what I didn't care for as much were minimized in comparison. As for this newest third volume of the series, it is easily my favorite of all three. It has certainly earned all four of the five stars it has been awarded. For me the series has really just begun to hit its stride and stand out from the pack. This time around Murphey's world pulled me in, held my attention, and let me speed right along from beginning to end.
You may think that three books into a series is a little too long to stay with a series that hasn't quite hooked you as much as you would prefer when keeping up with a series. Normally, that would be the case with me, but there have been enough overall positives that kept me coming back for more. Luckily, those positives pay off here in a big way. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I can't resist a good time travel story. It's complex and just chaotic enough so you can't look away. The author really did a great job with his cast of characters. As much as I enjoy everything about time travel, his cast really hold the novel together. Sean himself was my favorite to follow this time around. Everyone is quite well-drawn and it seems like the more often I see them, the more attached I become to them.
Overall, Killing Time (Physics, Lust and Greed #3) by Mike Murphey is the high point of the series thus far. The time travel elements, the characters, and the world-building have all come together really well here for the first time during my reading experience. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what this author will do next in the future. Thanks again for this opportunity, Reedsy Discovery.
My review is also on my blog and Reedsy Discovery.
At every crossroads he's encountered in life, Sean Brody has made the save choice. In the year 2046, at the age of ninety-three, Sean is given one final opportunity to deal with his greatest regret. Sean is the only person Marshall Grissom and Mata Hamilton can find who might be able to save Sheila Schuler, their friend and fellow traveler lost in the distant reaches of time. If he accepts the task of traveling to his childhood in a parallel universe--with no guarantee that any aspect of the past can be changed, Sean must also accept his death in the only world he knows.
I'm so glad I decided to stick with the Physics, Lust and Greed series by Mike Murphey as it has become available via Reedsy Discovery. The first book in the series, Taking Time, was a solid time travel sci-fi novel and its successor, Wasting Time, was a good follow up. Of those two, I definitely preferred the second book. The elements I enjoyed became stronger and what I didn't care for as much were minimized in comparison. As for this newest third volume of the series, it is easily my favorite of all three. It has certainly earned all four of the five stars it has been awarded. For me the series has really just begun to hit its stride and stand out from the pack. This time around Murphey's world pulled me in, held my attention, and let me speed right along from beginning to end.
You may think that three books into a series is a little too long to stay with a series that hasn't quite hooked you as much as you would prefer when keeping up with a series. Normally, that would be the case with me, but there have been enough overall positives that kept me coming back for more. Luckily, those positives pay off here in a big way. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I can't resist a good time travel story. It's complex and just chaotic enough so you can't look away. The author really did a great job with his cast of characters. As much as I enjoy everything about time travel, his cast really hold the novel together. Sean himself was my favorite to follow this time around. Everyone is quite well-drawn and it seems like the more often I see them, the more attached I become to them.
Overall, Killing Time (Physics, Lust and Greed #3) by Mike Murphey is the high point of the series thus far. The time travel elements, the characters, and the world-building have all come together really well here for the first time during my reading experience. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what this author will do next in the future. Thanks again for this opportunity, Reedsy Discovery.
My review is also on my blog and Reedsy Discovery.
March 27, 2021
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
26th March 2021
TITLE: Killing Time: Physics, Lust and Greed Series, Book 3
AUTHOR: Mike Murphey
Star Rating: 4
‘A strongly plotted, time-travel adventure populated with strong, charismatic characters.’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
Would you accept the task of traveling back to your childhood in a parallel universe to try to put right your biggest regret? That's what this story is all about, and, I must say, it's a gripping read. The author knows his subject (theoretically anyway) and wants the readers, like the characters, to be immersed in it. It's also a character-led story; that, and the little twists in the plot, kept me turning the page.
The author has strong writing skills. Although the subject matter (time travel) is complex, he works hard to keep the readers with him and, for the most part, he's successful. There is a thriller element to this time-travel story and readers of this genre want lots to be happening lots of the time, and this is what this book offers. Even the characters, particularly Sean, are well-developed. The secondary characters too. So much so, I was very much rooting for the protagonist all the way through to the end.
So, would I recommend this novel? Totally! Who to? Well, if you happen to remember (and enjoyed) Quantum Leap, a TV program in which Sam Beckett jumped from time to time trying to right the wrongs of the past, this book is very much for you. Also, if you like sci-fi, particularly time travel, and you like it populated with strong, interesting characters facing tough dilemmas, you won't regret giving this book a try. I happen to be a big Star Trek fan, so this novel was right up my alley!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
26th March 2021
TITLE: Killing Time: Physics, Lust and Greed Series, Book 3
AUTHOR: Mike Murphey
Star Rating: 4
‘A strongly plotted, time-travel adventure populated with strong, charismatic characters.’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
Would you accept the task of traveling back to your childhood in a parallel universe to try to put right your biggest regret? That's what this story is all about, and, I must say, it's a gripping read. The author knows his subject (theoretically anyway) and wants the readers, like the characters, to be immersed in it. It's also a character-led story; that, and the little twists in the plot, kept me turning the page.
The author has strong writing skills. Although the subject matter (time travel) is complex, he works hard to keep the readers with him and, for the most part, he's successful. There is a thriller element to this time-travel story and readers of this genre want lots to be happening lots of the time, and this is what this book offers. Even the characters, particularly Sean, are well-developed. The secondary characters too. So much so, I was very much rooting for the protagonist all the way through to the end.
So, would I recommend this novel? Totally! Who to? Well, if you happen to remember (and enjoyed) Quantum Leap, a TV program in which Sam Beckett jumped from time to time trying to right the wrongs of the past, this book is very much for you. Also, if you like sci-fi, particularly time travel, and you like it populated with strong, interesting characters facing tough dilemmas, you won't regret giving this book a try. I happen to be a big Star Trek fan, so this novel was right up my alley!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
April 8, 2021
Murphey plunges readers into a layered world of time travel and parallel universes in this engrossing third installment in the Physic, Lust and Greed series.
The year is 2046. Ninety-three-year-old Sean Brody is content in life except he has a single regret: he has always played it safe in his long life and has never taken a risk. For Marshall Grisson and Marta Hamilton, Sean is the man who can go to the past and bring Sheila Schuler, their friend and fellow traveler, back. But there is no guarantee that Sean will be able to change any aspect of the past. Moreover, he could lose his life in the process. When Marshall approaches Sean with the proposal, the latter is not too keen. But Marta is one determined woman, and she has her ways to get the job done.
Murphey elaborates his time travel world with precision and skill, colorfully detailing the nuances of time travel experiences and the unexpected hindrances Marta and others repeatedly come across on their quest to bring Sheila back from the past. Sean’s journey to his childhood contains plenty of twists, turns, and genuinely exhilarating moments.
Murphey writes with an assured hand, crafting an intimate portrait of his large cast of diverse characters amid the roller-coaster time travel chaos. Marta and others in the team remain a close-knit unit, and readers will relate to their all-too-self-seeking motivations. Sean is an absolute darling, and so is the fierce Marta. Her determination and tough-as-nails personality make it easy for the reader to root for her. Marshall is his usual adorable self. Groose, Elvin, Gretchen, Naomi, and Gillis are equally convincing. Lucre and others at the Hemisphere are disdained by Marta’s team as a corrupt bunch of snooty high-rankers and rightly so.
The novel spins out into several story lines, switching between the perspectives of different characters and timelines. Meanwhile, the ongoing tussle between Lucre and Marta’s team creates a tense dynamic as the latter enhance their efforts to retrieve Sheila from the past.
Murphey’s convincing view of Sean’s all-too-human desire of revisiting past and correcting his earlier mistakes is relatable, and the corporate and political intrigues will keep readers hooked right up until the heartfelt ending. Along the way, Murphey examines love, friendship, loss, trauma, and regrets.
Expertly blending elements of physics and soap opera, Murphey’s time travel tale is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
The year is 2046. Ninety-three-year-old Sean Brody is content in life except he has a single regret: he has always played it safe in his long life and has never taken a risk. For Marshall Grisson and Marta Hamilton, Sean is the man who can go to the past and bring Sheila Schuler, their friend and fellow traveler, back. But there is no guarantee that Sean will be able to change any aspect of the past. Moreover, he could lose his life in the process. When Marshall approaches Sean with the proposal, the latter is not too keen. But Marta is one determined woman, and she has her ways to get the job done.
Murphey elaborates his time travel world with precision and skill, colorfully detailing the nuances of time travel experiences and the unexpected hindrances Marta and others repeatedly come across on their quest to bring Sheila back from the past. Sean’s journey to his childhood contains plenty of twists, turns, and genuinely exhilarating moments.
Murphey writes with an assured hand, crafting an intimate portrait of his large cast of diverse characters amid the roller-coaster time travel chaos. Marta and others in the team remain a close-knit unit, and readers will relate to their all-too-self-seeking motivations. Sean is an absolute darling, and so is the fierce Marta. Her determination and tough-as-nails personality make it easy for the reader to root for her. Marshall is his usual adorable self. Groose, Elvin, Gretchen, Naomi, and Gillis are equally convincing. Lucre and others at the Hemisphere are disdained by Marta’s team as a corrupt bunch of snooty high-rankers and rightly so.
The novel spins out into several story lines, switching between the perspectives of different characters and timelines. Meanwhile, the ongoing tussle between Lucre and Marta’s team creates a tense dynamic as the latter enhance their efforts to retrieve Sheila from the past.
Murphey’s convincing view of Sean’s all-too-human desire of revisiting past and correcting his earlier mistakes is relatable, and the corporate and political intrigues will keep readers hooked right up until the heartfelt ending. Along the way, Murphey examines love, friendship, loss, trauma, and regrets.
Expertly blending elements of physics and soap opera, Murphey’s time travel tale is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
June 15, 2021
I read my fair share of sci-fi but I love the way Mike Murphey takes sci-fi and time travel and really makes it his own.
Witty, action-packed, beautiful in its descriptiveness, and compelling.
Above all else, for me, this series is incredibly funny and weird (in the best way) and stays with you a long time.
Witty, action-packed, beautiful in its descriptiveness, and compelling.
Above all else, for me, this series is incredibly funny and weird (in the best way) and stays with you a long time.
December 19, 2025
Killing Time by Mike Murphey is the high point of the Physics, Lust and Greed series thus far. At every crossroads in his life, Sean Brody has made the safe choice. In 2046, at the age of ninety-three, Sean is given one final opportunity to deal with his greatest regret. He is the only person Marshall Grissom and Marta Hamilton can find who might save their friend and fellow traveller Sheila Schuler, lost in the distant reaches of time. If Sean accepts the task of traveling to his childhood in a parallel universe, with no guarantee that any aspect of the past can be changed, he must also accept his death in the only world he knows.
Having followed the series through Reedsy Discovery, I found Killing Time the most compelling of all three books. While Taking Time introduced a solid time travel sci-fi story and Wasting Time built on it, this third volume brings all the elements together. Murphey’s world pulled me in, held my attention, and kept me racing from beginning to end. The time travel, complexity, and chaos are just enough to be thrilling without becoming confusing.
The cast of characters is excellent, particularly Sean, who is my favourite to follow in this volume. The more time I spent with them, the more attached I became. Each character is well-drawn, relatable, and crucial to the story’s momentum. The world-building, plot, and character development all come together here in a way that makes this book stand out as the strongest in the series.
Overall, Killing Time is a must-read for fans of time travel, science fiction, and character-driven storytelling. Mike Murphey has crafted a story that is immersive, emotionally engaging, and intelligent, setting a high bar for the rest of the series. I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Having followed the series through Reedsy Discovery, I found Killing Time the most compelling of all three books. While Taking Time introduced a solid time travel sci-fi story and Wasting Time built on it, this third volume brings all the elements together. Murphey’s world pulled me in, held my attention, and kept me racing from beginning to end. The time travel, complexity, and chaos are just enough to be thrilling without becoming confusing.
The cast of characters is excellent, particularly Sean, who is my favourite to follow in this volume. The more time I spent with them, the more attached I became. Each character is well-drawn, relatable, and crucial to the story’s momentum. The world-building, plot, and character development all come together here in a way that makes this book stand out as the strongest in the series.
Overall, Killing Time is a must-read for fans of time travel, science fiction, and character-driven storytelling. Mike Murphey has crafted a story that is immersive, emotionally engaging, and intelligent, setting a high bar for the rest of the series. I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
June 1, 2021
**This book was gifted to me by a friend. I had no previous knowledge on the franchise.**
In the year 2046, Sean Brody, tasked with traveling back to his childhood in a parallel universe - with no guarantee that his actions will change anything - and must accept his death in return in his homeworld. If you like science fiction, pick up this series. I didn’t find it hard to follow the story without having to read the first two, though. I think the author does a marvelous job of setting up the story, and the characters. It’s hard to write about these scientific methods and make them believable, but the author does an excellent job in that department. This was a remarkable read. Although I’ve read a few science fiction stories, this book was fresh. Did I tell you it has well-developed characters? Because it does and this is a very interesting story. I highly recommend it.
In the year 2046, Sean Brody, tasked with traveling back to his childhood in a parallel universe - with no guarantee that his actions will change anything - and must accept his death in return in his homeworld. If you like science fiction, pick up this series. I didn’t find it hard to follow the story without having to read the first two, though. I think the author does a marvelous job of setting up the story, and the characters. It’s hard to write about these scientific methods and make them believable, but the author does an excellent job in that department. This was a remarkable read. Although I’ve read a few science fiction stories, this book was fresh. Did I tell you it has well-developed characters? Because it does and this is a very interesting story. I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2021
It's rare to find a book or series in which the characters can relate so much to everyday life, and appeal to me more and more as the series goes on. It's even more rare to find those characters in which you can think of them like friends while you read. That's what I have gotten from this series.
I have enjoyed reading about these characters and how each installment picks right back up with these great characters.
This is just an overall well-balanced and fun novel. It builds upon the previous books, ups the action and thrills, and keeps us wanting more. It's full of dark and light moments and adventure for readers.
I have enjoyed reading about these characters and how each installment picks right back up with these great characters.
This is just an overall well-balanced and fun novel. It builds upon the previous books, ups the action and thrills, and keeps us wanting more. It's full of dark and light moments and adventure for readers.
June 23, 2021
Don’t miss Book 1 & 2 in the series first. Taking Time and Wasting Time are both available now and should be read before Killing Time.
Murphey has taken us on a wild ride with these characters and it does not stop with Killing Time. There is so much that is wonderful about this book. I loved the writing of course, the setting and time jumps, the attention to detail, the action and above all else the humor. These books are just full of so much and you will not be disappointed!
Murphey has taken us on a wild ride with these characters and it does not stop with Killing Time. There is so much that is wonderful about this book. I loved the writing of course, the setting and time jumps, the attention to detail, the action and above all else the humor. These books are just full of so much and you will not be disappointed!
July 2, 2021
For me, with this book and the entire series, the writing style was polished and had a very natural flow. Sci-Fi is not always my go-to genre but I do enjoy them every once in a while. This series has really managed to captivate me. This brings the time-travel and action themes together and definitely kept me engaged throughout!
This is a great read, don’t miss it, you will definitely love it!
This is a great read, don’t miss it, you will definitely love it!
November 2, 2023
interesting and different
This is an excellent time travel novel. Although it’s part of a series, and you should read them all, it stands alone just fine. Journey with Marshall and Marta as they deal with bureaucrats letting the bad guys highjack their super secret time travel group for nefarious purposes. A fun story that keeps you guessing, I enjoyed how multiple lives were changed, mostly for the better. A great escape.
This is an excellent time travel novel. Although it’s part of a series, and you should read them all, it stands alone just fine. Journey with Marshall and Marta as they deal with bureaucrats letting the bad guys highjack their super secret time travel group for nefarious purposes. A fun story that keeps you guessing, I enjoyed how multiple lives were changed, mostly for the better. A great escape.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews