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Physics, Lust and Greed #4
The Outlaw Gillis Kerg ... Physics, Lust and Greed Series
In the mid-21st Century, a top-secret consortium of corporations and governments have made time travel possible, only to realize that intruding on the past has been a terrible mistake.
At the outset of the program, a thousand scientists, engineers and support staff were confined to a subterranean complex in the eastern Arizona desert where a corporate contributor specializing in artificial intelligence equipped their underground apartments with Happy Home Companion software. These virtual beings were programmed to see to their human's mental health.
Time traveler Marta Hamilton had little enough tolerance for people intruding in her life, much less a software Dear Abby. Because it had no "off" switch, Marta uses threats and intimidation to bully her Happy Home Companion into silence.
Finally convinced of the grave dangers time travel represents, government overseers suspend operations and withdraw personnel from the secret facility. Only the Happy Home Companions remain.
Marta and her lover Marshall Grissom hope they can finally leave the past behind and enjoy life sailing in the Caribbean. But when a federal judge is murdered, they understand time travel has left them vulnerable to horrible manipulations by future counterparts.
Marta and Marshall return to the Arizona desert where they confront a Happy Home Companion cult of vengeance, The outlaw Gillis Kerg, and an evangelical zealot waging a war on science whose goal is to establish a presidential dictatorship.
At the outset of the program, a thousand scientists, engineers and support staff were confined to a subterranean complex in the eastern Arizona desert where a corporate contributor specializing in artificial intelligence equipped their underground apartments with Happy Home Companion software. These virtual beings were programmed to see to their human's mental health.
Time traveler Marta Hamilton had little enough tolerance for people intruding in her life, much less a software Dear Abby. Because it had no "off" switch, Marta uses threats and intimidation to bully her Happy Home Companion into silence.
Finally convinced of the grave dangers time travel represents, government overseers suspend operations and withdraw personnel from the secret facility. Only the Happy Home Companions remain.
Marta and her lover Marshall Grissom hope they can finally leave the past behind and enjoy life sailing in the Caribbean. But when a federal judge is murdered, they understand time travel has left them vulnerable to horrible manipulations by future counterparts.
Marta and Marshall return to the Arizona desert where they confront a Happy Home Companion cult of vengeance, The outlaw Gillis Kerg, and an evangelical zealot waging a war on science whose goal is to establish a presidential dictatorship.
- GenresScience Fiction
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2022
3 people are currently reading
34 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 12, 2022
“The Outlaw Gillis Kerg,” the fourth book in Murphey’s “Physics, Lust and Greed” series is an energetic tale which follows time-traveling federal agents as they try to thwart threats from other parallel universes from the future. It’s not as confusing as it sounds. Despite the title, we mainly follow Marta and Marshall, two possibly retired agents, starting in the Caribbean who are then brought back to America as a threat from the future makes itself manifest.
The action begins with Marta and Marshall relaxing on a boat and pondering their future after the events of the previous book. I have to admit that I have not read any previous books in the series, but I was able to pick up the gist of what the series is about and the dynamics between the characters from very early on. I think that one of the strengths of Murphey’s book is the characterization through his dialogue which is constructed with wit and awareness, so that there is a clear idea of who people are and their relationships to each other – they come alive.
Gillis Kerg is another key character, although I thought that the book might have centered more on him. However, he was very much part of the book and was a major player in one of my favorite scenes of the book, at a Vegas casino.
This is a book that does not take itself too seriously; and yet, there is a lot of serious content within it. Firstly, to deal with what makes it feel light: Murphey includes evolving AI which gleans information from a variety of sources like Shakespeare and Wikipedia, and which does not always have a good relationship with its nominated human controller, giving the text comedy moments. The idea that something which should be super intelligent can be petulant, stubborn and militant reminded me of other science fiction creations such as “Red Dwarf” and “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” in the tone and subversiveness. Add this to witty dialogue and the well-plotted action and you have a book which entertains.
However, there is a satirical undertone to the whole book. Actually, maybe not an undertone as the parallels with previous presidential slogans and men in power using the tenets of Christianity to dominate rather than promoting goodwill to all men are key components of the discussion of the book. It is intelligent and thoughtful without being too accusatory but the message is there, all the same.
I liked “The Outlaw Gillis Kerg” and there is a high chance that I will seek out the precursors to Book 4 as I seem to have a liking for physics, lust and greed.
The action begins with Marta and Marshall relaxing on a boat and pondering their future after the events of the previous book. I have to admit that I have not read any previous books in the series, but I was able to pick up the gist of what the series is about and the dynamics between the characters from very early on. I think that one of the strengths of Murphey’s book is the characterization through his dialogue which is constructed with wit and awareness, so that there is a clear idea of who people are and their relationships to each other – they come alive.
Gillis Kerg is another key character, although I thought that the book might have centered more on him. However, he was very much part of the book and was a major player in one of my favorite scenes of the book, at a Vegas casino.
This is a book that does not take itself too seriously; and yet, there is a lot of serious content within it. Firstly, to deal with what makes it feel light: Murphey includes evolving AI which gleans information from a variety of sources like Shakespeare and Wikipedia, and which does not always have a good relationship with its nominated human controller, giving the text comedy moments. The idea that something which should be super intelligent can be petulant, stubborn and militant reminded me of other science fiction creations such as “Red Dwarf” and “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” in the tone and subversiveness. Add this to witty dialogue and the well-plotted action and you have a book which entertains.
However, there is a satirical undertone to the whole book. Actually, maybe not an undertone as the parallels with previous presidential slogans and men in power using the tenets of Christianity to dominate rather than promoting goodwill to all men are key components of the discussion of the book. It is intelligent and thoughtful without being too accusatory but the message is there, all the same.
I liked “The Outlaw Gillis Kerg” and there is a high chance that I will seek out the precursors to Book 4 as I seem to have a liking for physics, lust and greed.
December 10, 2023
When Marta,and fellow traveler Marshall Grissom, use the time travel technology of a well organized military corporation, they realize tampering with existence is a terrible mistake. Unfortunately, it’s too late. A cult of technocrat haters have formed a cult dedicated to an outlaw from days of old. The Outlaw Gillis Kerg is a strange mashup of science fiction, romance, and a solid thriller. The author, Mike Murphey, clearly knows his history of the Wild West, and employs it cleanly. Well executed chapters and clean writing put together a great yarn for anyone looking for something different.
October 10, 2022
WOW
This series is amazing. This author is unbelievably intelligent, and you can tell has a long history of reading well told stories with fantastic writing. The prose is on point, the world building is impressive, the characters are relatable and well developed, and this is the perfect mix of action and humor. Modern day hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy? Yes, please. I also love how the subtitle tells it all. Talk about putting an entire epic story together into a few words.
I will definitely be reading everything this author writes.
This series is amazing. This author is unbelievably intelligent, and you can tell has a long history of reading well told stories with fantastic writing. The prose is on point, the world building is impressive, the characters are relatable and well developed, and this is the perfect mix of action and humor. Modern day hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy? Yes, please. I also love how the subtitle tells it all. Talk about putting an entire epic story together into a few words.
I will definitely be reading everything this author writes.
November 9, 2022
This series is one of my favorites. I really enjoy Mike Murpheys writing style and the way his imagination takes you somewhere new and fun each time.
The plot flowed nicely and the action kept me guessing and flipping pages.
This book was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my mind.
The characters are engaging as always.
The plot flowed nicely and the action kept me guessing and flipping pages.
This book was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my mind.
The characters are engaging as always.
December 7, 2022
What a series! The action never stops. Mike Murphey has managed to take these characters and these stories up a notch with each installment.
The author is very creative and draws the reader into the world around these characters effortlessly.
All in all it continues to be well-written and well-paced book while hooking readers and keeping them guessing just like the previous books.
The author is very creative and draws the reader into the world around these characters effortlessly.
All in all it continues to be well-written and well-paced book while hooking readers and keeping them guessing just like the previous books.
September 18, 2022
I read the first book in this series and wasn't a fan. Found this one well plotted and entertaining
Good world building and storytelling, interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good world building and storytelling, interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 2, 2022
An amazing read from start to finish. The characters are lovable and flawed and real, the action scenes well-described.
I love an author who can create such a fun and unique world. Mike Murphey brought us back into a fantastic setting and made his world and his characters stand out yet again.
I love an author who can create such a fun and unique world. Mike Murphey brought us back into a fantastic setting and made his world and his characters stand out yet again.
January 11, 2025
Unique Multiverse Murder Inc Fringe Tale
This is book 4 in the series. I have not read the first 3 and feel that it can be read as a standalone. However, I am rather intrigued to see how everyone got to this point so I will be going back to the beginning.
Ok, so most of us have seen Back to the Future and know the ramifications of messing with the past and/or future. Well, in this story, the government is part of this secret mess. Eventually, a decision is made to shut this crazy thing down. However, something is happening in the parallel universes and everyone’s worst nightmare is coming true. OH! And the universes are named after old TV shows (i.e. Gunsmoke, Jeopardy, etc.) which is AMAZING!
We encounter quite a crazy cast of characters throughout the book. This includes people with political positions (one with a slogan of “Make American Stupid Again”), time travelers, assassins, scientists, and regular ole people. There is even a horde of quickly learning, while extremely gullible and naïve, AI’s.
The baddies are determined to take over the program and destroy anyone who stands in their way to ultimately own the future by manipulating the past. As if power wasn’t cruel enough, it becomes villainous and ultimately the future travelers come back to manipulate the past for power. It’s insanity with internal mutiny from other universes! Bringing the team back together is only half the fun. And when they finally do collide, things get really exciting! The characters are witty and fun but when the AI’s get involved, things get even better!
The author did an incredible job of bringing a very surreal science fiction story to life but also adding in a lot of laughs and sarcastic eyerolls. It seriously had me turning pages like a mad woman. I highly recommend that you pick this up and meet the Lady Godiva, the Prophet Shehoo, Leviticus Deuteronomy Humphollar, and the many other characters within these pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 4 in the series. I have not read the first 3 and feel that it can be read as a standalone. However, I am rather intrigued to see how everyone got to this point so I will be going back to the beginning.
Ok, so most of us have seen Back to the Future and know the ramifications of messing with the past and/or future. Well, in this story, the government is part of this secret mess. Eventually, a decision is made to shut this crazy thing down. However, something is happening in the parallel universes and everyone’s worst nightmare is coming true. OH! And the universes are named after old TV shows (i.e. Gunsmoke, Jeopardy, etc.) which is AMAZING!
We encounter quite a crazy cast of characters throughout the book. This includes people with political positions (one with a slogan of “Make American Stupid Again”), time travelers, assassins, scientists, and regular ole people. There is even a horde of quickly learning, while extremely gullible and naïve, AI’s.
The baddies are determined to take over the program and destroy anyone who stands in their way to ultimately own the future by manipulating the past. As if power wasn’t cruel enough, it becomes villainous and ultimately the future travelers come back to manipulate the past for power. It’s insanity with internal mutiny from other universes! Bringing the team back together is only half the fun. And when they finally do collide, things get really exciting! The characters are witty and fun but when the AI’s get involved, things get even better!
The author did an incredible job of bringing a very surreal science fiction story to life but also adding in a lot of laughs and sarcastic eyerolls. It seriously had me turning pages like a mad woman. I highly recommend that you pick this up and meet the Lady Godiva, the Prophet Shehoo, Leviticus Deuteronomy Humphollar, and the many other characters within these pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews