Lady Justice and the Vet

Lady Justice #15

by Robert Thornhill, Peg Thornhill (Illustrator)

Ben Singleton, a Marine veteran, had returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and was having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Fate, coincidence, or something else thrust him right into the heart of some of Walt and Ox’s most difficult cases. Our heroes find themselves knee-deep in trouble as they go undercover in a nursing home to smoke out practitioners of Medicaid fraud, meanwhile, Islamic terrorists with ties to the Taliban are plotting to attack one of Kansas City’s most cherished institutions. Join Walt and his band of senior sidekicks on another emotional roller coaster ride that will have you shedding tears of laughter one minute and sorrow the next.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Humor

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2013

About the author

Award-winning author, Robert Thornhill, began writing at the age of sixty-six and in eleven short years has penned forty-five novels in the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, the seven volume Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children, a cookbook and a mini-autobiography.
Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice and Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders, Lady Justice and the Vet and Lady Justice and the Pharaoh’s Curse won the Pinnacle Award for the best new mystery novels of Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, Spring of 2013, Summer of 2013, Spring of 2014 and Fall of 2014 from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs.
Twenty-four volumes in the series reached #1 on Amazon in the past twenty-four months.
Many of Walt’s adventures in the Lady Justice series are anecdotal and based on Robert’s real life.
Although Robert holds a master’s in psychology, he has never taken a course in writing and has never learned to type. All 52 of his published books were typed with one finger and a thumb!
His wit and insight come from his varied occupations, including thirty-three years as a real estate broker. He lives with his wife, Peg, in Independence, Missouri.
Visit him on the Web at: http://BooksByBob.com

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received on kindle as a gift from the Author Robert Thornhill, thank you.

Just in time for Veterans Day and also November 10th, the Marine Birthday. Semper Fi to all our wonderful Marines, and thank you to all those that served and who are still serving.

Being a Blue Star Family, I had to delve into this book right away. Not many folks write about the military family and the struggles they go threw. The long deployments, the returns, the funerals, and the PTSD. So kudos to the author for touching on these. The military family may be a Blue Star, Silver Star and Gold Star Family, and many of them are all three. I appreciate the mention in this book about the every day struggles a military family has to face.

However, back to the fun part of this book, and Lady Justice books will always give the reader a few laughs as they read along about the antics of Walt and his partner Ox. This time they go undercover in a Nursing home, they take down a terrorist plot, with the help of a Veteran who is suffering from PTSD, but is "Always Faithful" to the Corps, Semper Fi Marine, they save the day.

Walt and Ox take the reader to the seedy side of Kansas City. (Yes it is there, try taking the wrong turn, and ending up in the "Red Light District" of Kansas in the dawn hours of the morning. The dresses of the ladies of the night, and the outfits and hats of the pimps are something one will never forget). But Walt is welcome at the strip joints...he helps out everyone. What a guy!

Another good read from Bob Thornhill, nothing got done in my house until I finished it. Thank you.

[Christina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what is it about the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series that draws the reader back to the next adventure? Is it the fact that the protagonist, a senior citizen, retired real estate agent-turned cop, satisfies the Walter Mitty-like dreams we all share? Is it the cast of stereotypical supporting characters: Maggie, his real estate wife; Ox, his over-weight Kansas City police partner; John, the aging Lothario father he barely knew now living above him in his apartment building with Bernice, his 89 year old girlfriend; Willy, the former pimp who has underworld connections that sometimes appear to save Walt, and who now helps manage his properties; or perhaps, Mary Murphy, the feisty 70 something manager of his hotel/flophouse, who keeps peace with a baseball bat (and in this episode, a pickle fork)? Perhaps it is the timely story lines about issues which are disquieting: assassins; euthanasia; medical malfeasance; drugs; government over-reach; terrorism both at home and abroad; as well as the everyday crime which occurs daily in every town in America. Maybe it's all of them tied into a fast-paced thriller laced with humor that gives us a reason to cheer justice winning over the bad guys.
In LADY JUSTICE AND THE VET, the stage is set just after the bombing of the shopping mall in Kenya. Remember the reference to a participant that might have been from KC? Author Robert Thornhill picks up this thread and runs with it. He ties in four al-Shabab linked terrorists, one a disgruntled former American GI, and a couple of local wounded warriors and weaves a thrilling narrative around them. In between, we are treated to a home invader wielding an AK-47, nursing home fraud where Walt almost becomes compacted in a trash truck, a biker gang terrorizing picnickers at a park, and a romance brewing between Mary and one of the senior millionaires from the last book, LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOTTERY. As usual, there is laugh-aloud humor in some scenes, but watch out for the end. While I can't say I didn't see it coming, it still might be good to have a hanky handy to blot your misty eyes.
Perhaps the strongest message in this book was Thornhill's incorporating into the fabric of the narrative, the social tragedy of the problems faced by our veterans as they return home from war, wounded in body for some, and in their souls for many. At the end, we are left with as many questions as we started with. Thornhill once again gives us some smiles and lots of action, coupled with another thought provoking look at our society today.

[John Podlaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Lady Justice and the Vet; my first book by this author, Robert Thornhill. The first few chapters tell the story of an Afghanistan War Vet and the changes he experiences upon his return home. Nightmares, tremors and changes in his personality are the result of PTSD, a debilitating mental disorder that follows many vets home after the war. Some warriors are able to keep it at bay and go on with life, others aren't as fortunate and suffer greatly, often turning to alcohol and drugs for solace. Ben's wife is very supportive and helps him through his nightly episodes, eventually, getting him into some of the treatment programs at the VA. There is no cure for PTSD, but the programs help vets to cope and interact with other vets, who share their stories within the group sessions. Ben was entitled to join an accounting firm in a high rise office complex. Instead, he found that he didn't want to be boxed up and feels more comfortable working outdoors with a landscaping company. "Triggers" like thunder, gunfire and even seeing certain ethnic people can cause momentary blackouts - taking veterans back to the war. Fortunately for our hero, Walt, Ben's actions saves him and his partner's lives on a couple of occasions.

Another vet from Afghanistan makes an error in judgment during the war which results him receiving a dishonorable discharge from the service. In his case, revenge drives him to become the leader of a terrorist cell within Kansas. His wish is to kill as many politicians and U.S. civilians as possible as pay back for what they did to him.

I found myself laughing out loud when Walt and his gang is on the loose...what a bad-ass group of seniors! Walt and Ox's undercover stint within a nursing home to identify Medicare fraud was hilarious. I especially like the older fellow who tutors him on the ways within...coaching him on how to not take pills, eat the food or drink the juice to avoid turning into a zoned out, unresponsive patient who doesn't bother anyone. The "underground" supply chain and scrounger within the nursing facility gets the patients pizza, soda and all the good stuff that is "medicine free".

There are tense moments within the story, but the gang of seniors get it done, even if their methods are wacky at times. A lot of fun, easy to read and recommended to all!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Justice and the Vet (Lady Justice, #15) Robert Thornhill

Walt Williams is back and he is on several assignments. He must go under cover and help disband a medicare scheme. Also a terrorist group comes to Kansas City , Walt and Ox are on the job. While taking on these cases he meets a Veteran back from Afghanistan who has PTSD and is fighting off his war demons.

A fantastic story with some heartfelt photos, Mr. Thornhill really captures the spirit and traumas of deployed veterans. Left a lasting impression (on me) which has me feeling more respect, pride and thankfulness towards our military men and women. I highly recommend to all. I love the Lady Justice series and feel, mystery/comedy lovers will enjoy all of Robert Thornhill Books.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a free download and I really enjoyed it. I have long been a fan of the Lady Justice series and Robert Thornhill did not disappoint with this one. I was touched by the photographs that were included in the book and it really struck a nerve with me. This book has the usual humor, friendship and action and it also shed the light on current events and our war Vets and all the struggles they face once they return home. Having worked in the medical field for a very long time I have met patients with PTSD and saw first hand how crippling it can be. I can't wait to see what trouble Walt and gang will get into next.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Lady Justice series. Robert Thornhill has a true gift for telling a story. This series has it all: mystery, suspense, friendship, tears, loyalty, current events, and lots of laughs.
I was reminded yet again how much I like Mary. A good story as usual!

[Grampy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.

“Lady Justice and the Vet” by Robert Thornhill is a poignant, faithfully accurate story, which could have been taken from today’s headlines. Mr. Thornhill, with each new episode of the “Lady Justice” series, continues to surpass himself.

Within the pages of “Lady Justice and the Vet”, Robert Thornhill has presented a better, more realistic dissertation on the plight of ALL combat veterans, to whom we as a nation owe our all, than any I have seen anywhere else. Thornhill brilliantly has used a fictional comedic mystery story to force us to remove the blinders and take a peek at reality. “Lady Justice and the Vet” should be required reading for every politician.

“Lady Justice and the Vet” takes aim at the atrocious mistreatment of our veterans who require far more and far better access to both physical and psychological restoration. It focuses on the high unemployment rate, the nightmares, the disabilities, and the lack of respect. Mr. Thornhill has an uncanny talent for bringing our attention to a serious problem while also entertaining and amusing us.

Robert Thornhill’s house will one day be a National Monument! Okay, maybe that’s a little over the top, but he is a very good storyteller, and a very good writer. I anticipate with great relish each new release in his “Lady Justice” series. His writing is superlative, and his ability to inform and amuse, sometimes in the same sentence, makes him a consummate storyteller. However, don‘t take my word for it; buy one of his “Lady Justice” stories – it doesn’t really matter which one – and see for yourself.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Thornhill has another hit. His books always make you stop and think about life but they are still filled with humor. This time he makes you think about all the veterans who have served our country and what it is like for them when they return to the USA. It is so sad what they have to go thru. They truly are heroes. Walt that guy has more lives than a cat. He has so many close calls and always manages to scrape by. I love Mary and her new love interest. Never a dull moment with Walt and the gang. Thanks Mr. Thornhill for reminding me of what our vets go thru to keep our country safe.

[David Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great "Lady Justice" book. I am going to try to read all of them (about 10 or 11 to go) This one was a little darker than the others I nave read but was still funny and relevant to our modern problems.

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Robert Thornhill. I love how he gives a bit of current events and historical information in his very entertaining stories of the two old cops, Walt and Ox. There is action, adventure and plenty of humor as you learn a little about current social problems and events.

[Barb Leister shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book is an enjoyable and easy read. This is my first time reading this author and I feel I will read all of the other books in the series.

[Emilija · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Okay, so this book starts by talking about how great the American military is and giving justifications as to why America has started so many wars around the world, and it lost me there. I zoned out of the justifications, and the book never pulled me back in.

I also had an issue with narration, because there were frequent thirty second gaps where it was like another narrator had taken over, or the quality had dropped and it was so distracting. It was an issue in the previous book in the series, but it was much worse in this book

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thornhill writes about a subject that is near to my heart, the issue of Post Traumatic Stress. One thing which the writer does not make clear is that there is a difference between PTS and PTSD; not all cases, indeed most, are not a permanent disorder, even though cases may appear hopeless for years.
Still this book goes a long way in detailing some of the symptoms that a person may exhibit including the triggers that initiate the symptoms. Such symptoms are extremely troubling for not only the one experiencing the stress, but especially to his or her loved ones having to watch the person in pain. These experiences often leave the patient very much changed in any number of ways. Thornhill gives multiple very realistic examples of someone going through these symptoms and for this alone I salute him. Doing more to understand the realities facing veterans of war and conflict goes a long way towards making the populace realize the long term destruction we inflict upon our soldiers in war.
This story is a kind of detective novel in which there are more than a few oddball characters, no doubt some of which appear in his other novels. I have to admit that I guessed that the hero was going to be able to save the day at the end, but I also admit that the twists applied to the plot were far from ordinary. the writing was steady without being elegant. One tends to like most of the characters and identify with a kind of life which the protagonist lives. It was an easy read and, (especially because it was a free download,) I can heartily recommend this for anyone interested in either a good detective novel with quirky, funny action scenes as well as a very sympathetic but accurate of someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters themselves, especially some of the secondary characters who were so alive I could see them in my head. The use of an aging protagonist is unusual and done quite well. I understand the desire to pay tribute to all the veterans who've come home scarred, both mentally and physically, but the treatment of the subject seemed a bit too heavy handed and beating the reader over the head, although I understand that's sometimes necessary to make people pay attention to things outside their own experience. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I'll probably try some of the others as well before I make a final decision on how much I enjoy his writing. But overall, I liked the plot and pacing of this one, as well as the general universe of the story.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Semper fi

I really enjoy the Lady Justice series. This installment was a little different than the others - but I was expecting that. There was still a little humor and some hijinks, of course - but this story had a purpose. The author wanted to shed light on our veterans and some of the things they go through upon returning home. I think a decent job was done in that regard. The story was a little scattered at times, but the good stuff was there. I'll look forward to reading more of these books!

[Sharon Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've liked this series. As an older reader, I enjoy the 'senior citizen' characters, all of whom are well developed and interesting.

This particular book resonated with me as I worked a number of years at a VA hospital on the psych ward, with (primarily) Viet Nam veterans dealing with PTSD and the related drug and alcohol issues. The author presents the trauma veterans can face with accuracy and a definite feel of reality.

[Kristina Trawick · Rating 2 out of 5]

What gives with references?

So far I have enjoyed this series, but the way this book is put together is just aggravating as heck. The double asterisks and references in the middle of the page are highly annoying. It's like commercials on TV; there to advertise his other books? If the next I read has same issue, I won't bother getting any more of this series.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is mixed with enough humor to make the hard facts within more palatable to most readers. This semi-sweet coating helps to bring out some just a few of the hardships our troops face when returning home from a war zone. The author also confronts Social Security fraud and home land terrorism. The story is well done to juggle all of these themes.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventy-year-old Walt and his eccentric pals come across as a team of Supermen, all in good fun. I appreciated that this story entertained while it shared the tragedy of so many our vets suffering PTSD, homelessness, and other ills after they make the sacrifices to serve for our freedom. The ending is a real tear-jerker, though.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Thornhill and his writing which may be a bit edgy for some readers. Always find myself chuckling as I go. Give series a try if you enjoy off beat reading. Received free e-book from author which does not influence my review.

[Linda Look · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walt and his group of senior citizen pals go undercover in a nursing home to expose Medicaid fraud. They also become embroiled in a plot by Taliban terrorists to target Kansas City. Good fast read with some humor. I rate this a 3.8.

[Margie Furco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family

Thank you for including our military men and women in this wonderful book. Many of my family has and are now serving to protect. Your book let us know a little of what hell they come home with. Thank you

[Lance Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Service with silver hair.

Love the characters. Interesting that the author features older characters still productive and serving society.
Would like the book to have been longer, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny dialogue, original tale & likeable cast. Like the series. Christian-based mystery. Clean but gory subject (author is prone to current controversies). TTS-enabled eBook. Recommended.

[Betty Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Lady Justice series,and the social issues facing returning Vets.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep

This is a serious topic and enjoyable read. Not my usual genre ... but I am a fan of Thornhill and Lady Justice. Keep 'em coming!

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the Lady Justice books is a slice of life story that hones in on a specific thing in American life. In LADY JUSTICE AND THE VET, we get a glimpse into military veterans dealing with the personal aftermath of war. The men and women who serve in war zones come back with scars both visible and not, physical and mental. We also see that PTSD can affect anyone. Traumatic experiences outside the war zone exist and are every bit as scarring as a bullet.

I've also found throughout this series a smattering of timely conspiracy theories. Thornton deals with these in a pragmatic manner that doesn't tend to make anyone's blood boil. When I hear conspiracy theories on TV, I yell at the offending screen; when I read them in the Lady Justice books, I see another way to deal with them.

Alongside the plight of the US military veteran, the timing of the book is very specific. It takes place as the government goes into shutdown, in 2013. I remember it because I had major surgery, on September 30, 2013, they day the government was shut down. Some things are just unforgettable.

As always, Walt, Ox, and the over-the-hill gang thwart evil doers in their own keystone kops way. Walt is always singled out by the really bad guys, his relatives and friends are put in danger, yet it all works out in a way that seems better than any outcome you see on cop shows on TV. The Lady Justice books are a kinder, gentler thrilling page-turner.

As always, I recommend that you start with the first book in the series, LADY JUSTICE TAKES A C.R.A.P and make your way through in order. There is a basic set of characters that seems to expand as the overall story of Walt Williams is told. The growing character base adds flavor and dimension to a backstory that shows real human beings dealing with the things that life throws their way.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Walt Williams story from the very talented writer Robert Thornhill. I really enjoyed this book. Walt and Ox had to solve a number of cases in this book keeping it very interesting and entertaining. I love the characters and think this the secret as to why the writer can write so many books about one person, the support team such as Mary Murphy the bat wielding granny that isn't afraid to take on a bike gang to Jerry the joke who is always ready with a great one liner to Ox the gentle gaint of a partner that gets all the messy jobs to Louie the lip the pimp that always knows someone who can help. These are just a few of the colourful cast of characters that join together to make up a Walt Williams book and he keeps adding new members.
In this book Walt is plagued with nightmares from his last case of jumping of a building while being shot at. This force's him to attend a group therapy meeting where he meets Ben a war Veteran suffering his own post traumatic stress. It is a good job he does as Ben proves to be a handy man to know when someone is trying to kill you. Terrorists are once again targeting Kansas city but can a seventy year old cop put a spanner In the works and foil a mass shooting spree? They also have to find the time to go undercover in a retirement home, Walt as a resident and Ox as a janitor, to flush out Medicare fraud. Or is the captain trying to tell Walt something?
George Kuch did an excellent job but the actual recording wasn't up to it best, every now and again the volume would get louder for a couple of words before returning back to normal. It didn't effect the telling of the story just did it every now and again.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When this is over, I'm getting a new partner."
This is the 15th stand alone book in Robert Thornhill's superb tales about Walt, a retired estate agent and property developer, turned cop in his senior years. Each book is a joy as Walt relates his experiences both inside and out of the police force, full of colourful characters, great crime stories, ideas to ponder, and lots, I do mean lots, of comedic action and laughter.
And, as always, George Kuch is the superb narrator, Walt, as he recounts his stories to us breathing life into every action.

In this book, Walt and his police partner, Ox, first meet Ben, a war veteran plagued with nightmare flashbacks, when he saves the pair from a home invasion shooter who had them holed up. Through him they become aware of the plight of many returnees as well as going undercover (again) to flush out fraudsters, celebrate Walt's 70th birthday, and are threatened by terrorists. And this is funny? Oh yes it is.
If you haven't get experienced this marvellous series, start now. No need to tell readers who have already met the Lady Justice of Thornhill's books - this one is highly recommended.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite senior citizen cop is back with hair raising adventures and some very timely socioeconomic issues. One is zeroing in on a form of Medicare fraud in residential setting that nearly obliterates Walt in a garbage truck. Walt is also burdened with PTSD from an incident in a previous book and that leads in to the unending horrors trapped in the minds of former military who were deployed at one time and a small peek into the psychotherapy implemented by the VA. As we follow along while Walt is targeted by a terror cell, we are also reminded of the problems caused by the government shutdown in 2013. There is angst, sadness, happy times, and laughter in this and others in the series.
I received a free audio copy at my request in exchange for an honest review.
George Kuch is terrific as narrator!