Book #1 Reader Reviews
Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P.
I really really enjoyed this book! Not only did I laugh out loud quite often but I also softly chuckled my way through the book.
This is the first of its kind that I have read. That being a "comedy mystery."
The author is so witty and a great storyteller!
The main character is Walt, a retired real estate agent who begins a second career at age 65 as a police office in the C.R.A.P. program. (City Retiree Action Patrol). Walt is so funny! I love all his observations!
There is a lot of action in this book as Walt and his friends help to solve crime after crime. This is a quick read and I couldn't put it down.
I love all the characters and look forward to reading the rest of this series.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Funniest mystery series ever!, May 9, 2011
I've read Robert Thornhill's first mystery, "Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P.: City Retiree Action Patrol," and I highly recommend it! I've been reading mystery books ever since I got hooked on Nancy Drew at the age of seven (I'm in my 60's now!), and this book marks the first time a mystery story has made me laugh out loud. I laughed until tears were running, and my sides ached! I laughed so hard that my husband came to see if I was OK. He was intrigued by the book's title, and by my reaction to the story, so when I was finished with the book, he read it ... his first mystery since the required Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allen Poe stories in school, and he enjoyed it so much that he passed it along to his best friend. Thus, I had to buy myself another copy, because I want to keep the entire series so I can re-read these books when I need a laugh or a lift. The author's main characters (Walt, Maggie, Willie, Mary, Ox, and the rest) are so personable that it would be great fun to hang out with them. His plots are very interesting, yet easy to follow. (I dislike plots that tie my nerves in knots and make my head ache as I try to follow them.) Robert Thornhill has seniors, our lives and our foibles nailed down tight! He holds up a mirror, and makes us laugh at ourselves. Also, the craziest things happen to Walt and his over-the-hill gang that you can't help but laugh. I enjoy recognizing places and events around the Kansas City metro area, and learning about ones I'm not familiar with. This location isn't vital to the stories, but it sure adds interest for those of us who live here in the heartland. I just read the first chapter of "Lady Justice and the Lost Tapes," and I can see that it is going to live up to the first book. I've already bought "Lady Justice Gets Leid," and the "Mel's Diner Cookbook." Keep writing, Mr. Thornhill - I'm a speedy reader, and I don't want to run out of Lady Justice stories!
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This was such a fun read! Mostly humor with some mystery and lots of crime solving. The cast of characters is terrific. The one liners were pretty funny and of course I ended up reading much of the book aloud to my husband since my laughing was making him curious. On to the next installment of the Lady Justice series!
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I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a review.
All too infrequently does a story come along that is just absolute fun! Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P: City Retiree Action Patrol, the first in the Lady Justice series by Robert Thurnhill is just that. (Fun, in case you missed it.)
Walt Williams is a fiesty 66-year-old real estate retiree who has decided that being retired isn't all it's cracked up to be. What does he decide to do about it? He decides he wants to become a cop! At first this premise seemed completely implausible, but Thornhill is crafty and makes this unlikely scenario a reality.
Of course serving lady justice at 66 is going to have its complications, but Walt and his merry band of senior citizens don't let age stand in their way when it comes to solving crime. What do we get? We get to travel along with Walt as he relates his adventures and even better as he relates his misadventures.
There's all levels of humor for all different readers, so take your pick. Roll your eyes (good-naturedly) when Walt says things that remind you that a man is a man regardless if he's young, middle-aged, or elderly. Chuckle as Walt gets...creative in his dealings with other cops and with the criminals. Laugh-out-loud moments will occur, so it's advised to read Lady Justice where you won't be considered rude (or crazy) for doing so.
The best part is that this is just the beginning. You can continue to hear from Walt in the next 2 books in the series (Lady Justice and the Lost Tapes and Lady Justice gets Lei'd)
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Fabulously Fun Series!!
I began this series by reading the last book. This is the first. I now know how Walt became a cop and member of C.R.A.P. The world is a safer place with he and Vince and Mary, Maggie and the Professor keeping track of the bad guys!
This is a good book for the beach, pool or lounging around the house. Fun, fast and can be read in any order.
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What a hoot! This book is funny, entertaining, and enjoyable. Walt Williams had been a realtor for many years, retired but became slovenly, so he decided that he needed a second career. He joins the Civilian Police Patrol and becomes involved in under cover work, walking the beat, police chases, even having shots fired at him! His behemoth partner comes to love him when he actually saves his life! After so many successful cases, the force decides to create a City Retiree Action Patrol, in which he is the candidate screener and orienteer.
Walt may be 65 and slim built but makes up for his deficiencies with his brain and life skills. He has amassed a broad array of friends such as long time business acquaintance Willie, college mentor "The Professor", landlady of his hotel Mary, tenant with early signs of dementia Bernice, young police partner Ox, and his fellow CRAP member Vince. Add in his realtor girlfriend Maggie, and you read many good, often funny, conversations and circumstances!
This book is a quick and easy read. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and it made me laugh out loud. While it is not a book with background and descriptive filler, the kind I prefer, it is well written and a straight-forward story that stands perfectly on its own, without the fluff. I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could and I would recommend it to anybody looking for something fun and fast. Nice short chapters, so that one can put it down frequently, if needed. I will definitely follow this series.
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This book was such a cute light read. I didn't have to try to remember who all the characters were or how difficult the plot was. I just had to read it and enjoy it. I could put it down and come back and easily remember where I was. Some novels I have to backtrack to remember characters and plot. This one I just laughed til I cried and loved the crazy people. And I look forward to the next installment to see what trouble they would get into the next time.
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I won't attempt a synopsis, but will just say that I loved the book and hope the rest of the series is this good. Good humor, a little racy, but not uncomfortably so. Just down-to-earth funny. The crimes of course are serious matters, but our hero does have a light-hearted way of looking at things. I'd say that this is primarily a guy book, but as a senior-aged woman I enjoyed looking in.
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This is the first book of the Lady Justice series. The book was a really great read. The story is a Mystery/Comedy and I laughed at many parts aloud.
I highly recommend the series to everyone that likes a fast good read. I have purchased the whole series and Robert was kind enough to autograph each book for me.
I am looking forward to starting the second book of the series tomorrow.
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This is the first Lady Justice book I read, And I have to say I was delighted. Good story with lots of humor along the way.
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This was utterly hilarious and I can't remember the last time I cried so much from laughing. Robert Thornhill sure as hell knows how to tell a good s good story with all of the comical tendencies of life always like t o not mention. At least I know what to expect in the golden years....thanks for the laughs!!!
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This has to be one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. It's just bawdy enough to catch one off guard every once in a while yet it would qualify as a cozy mystery. I was in tears laughing. I will never look at a chicken egg the same way again. Read the book to understand what I'm talking about.
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I won this book from First Reads! (BTW, I never win anything) You can't help but laugh at the crazy situations 65 year old Walt gets himself into in this book. This was a very easy and fun read, I cannot wait to continue this series.
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This is a fun, quick read. It is humorous but has some important meaning in there too. Now I am going to pass it along to my mother, I think she will enjoy it. Also Robert thank you for the signed copy.
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This is great entertainment I have to say. I just got done with college finals and this is exactly what I needed.There are some damn funny sayings in this book that my dad uses. Keep it up Robert!
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Imagine for a moment that Barnaby Jones or Ben Matlock become rookie cops, then drop them into an episode of NYPD Blue. Add some Middle School humor coming from the mouths of senior citizens, for example- "I'll have a banana split," he ordered. "Crushed nuts?" she asked. "Naw, just arthritis," he replied. Add a stream of consciousness narrative between crimes relating the joys, pains and sometimes humiliations of aging and you have an idea of this book.
This isn't a hard-boiled police procedural with a couple of red herring thrown in. The cases are about as difficult as what Frank and Joe Hardy had to solve. But it is fun, and that, I think, is the whole point of Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thanks, Robert!
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While I am beginning your third book, my husband is starting on your first. He is downstairs but his laughter sounds like it is coming from the same room! The problem? He is repeating sentences that he finds hysterical and I have already read them. He's driving me crazy!!
One thing we do agree on, we love your books! Keep them coming!
An excellent book. It is hilarious with numerous "one-liners" that made me laugh aloud and brought tears to my eye in laughter. A series of mini-stories within the book. I actually forced myself to stop reading to save a few more pages for the next day.
Jan 09, 2012
What a hoot! This book is funny, entertaining, and enjoyable. Walt Williams had been a realtor for many years, retired but became slovenly, so he decided that he needed a second career. He joins the Civilian Police Patrol and becomes involved in under cover work, walking the beat, police chases, even having shots fired at him! His behemoth partner comes to love him when he actually saves his life! After so many successful cases, the force decides to create a City Retiree Action Patrol, in which he is the candidate screener and orienteer.
Walt may be 65 and slim built but makes up for his deficiencies with his brain and life skills. He has amassed a broad array of friends such as long time business acquaintance Willie, college mentor "The Professor", landlady of his hotel Mary, tenant with early signs of dementia Bernice, young police partner Ox, and his fellow CRAP member Vince. Add in his realtor girlfriend Maggie, and you read many good, often funny, conversations and circumstances!
This book is a quick and easy read. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and it made me laugh out loud. While it is not a book with background and descriptive filler, the kind I prefer, it is well written and a straight-forward story that stands perfectly on its own, without the fluff. I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could and I would recommend it to anybody looking for something fun and fast. Nice short chapters, so that one can put it down frequently, if needed. I will definitely follow this series.
Dec 01, 2011
Walt Williams is a 65 year old retired realtor, who now works for the police as part of the C. R.A.P DEPT . W alt and his partner Ox have solved many a crime from the Realtor rapist, to bring down the Russian mob. In this action packed Hilarious story W alt and his cronies get into some serious danger but always manage to get themselfs out and solve the crime. If you like a good laugh along with your action i highly recommend the lady justice books. I have never laughed so much. Robert Thorn Hill brings you action adventure and crime along with laughter in his books.
Tongue in cheek fun with a moral to the story woven in! What fun I had reading this first installment of this series. Lady Justice isn't blind, and I love that the theme makes it clear that we can't discard a generation of funny and brilliant people, nor blind ourselves to their value because they (we) are aging. I love the spunk of the characters and the witty phrasing throughout!
Dec 18, 2011
What a great book to start the series! First of all, the title will definitely grab your attention. If you like mysteries, and you like comedy, you will love this book! (Think, Stephanie Plum meets Grumpy Old Men.) It's the story of Walt, a retired realtor, who witnesses a mugging and decides he needs to help out Lady Justice, and do something meaningful with his life. So he becomes a cop. In this book, you will go along with Walt on his exciting, sometimes dangerous, and always hilarious ride to saving the day. Who says retirement has to be boring? If I didn't have anything else to do, I would have read this whole book in one sitting. There is never a dull moment, you will find yourself laughing out loud at times, and gripping your seat in suspense at others. I highly recommend this book!
They say laughter is a cure-all for what ails you. Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P. is a sure panacea for people who want and need to laugh.
Jim & Vickie, Great Smoky Mountains, N.C.
I purchased your book at the Warrensburg Community Center Craft Fair. Your book made me laugh out loud and imagine my parents and their friends in crazy adventures. I look forward to your next book. I would like to be placed on a notification list for your next release.
Carole Crist, Missouri
I finished reading Lady Justice last night. Funny! What an imagination. I love the way you've made your senior characters funny and lovable without making them ridiculous.
Put me on the list to be informed when your next book comes out. I'll be waiting impatiently.
Alma Quick ,Independence, Mo.
"Absolutely LOVED your book .... couldn't put it down and laughed all the way through it! All of us can identify with or know someone just like your characters. Can't wait to read the next installment of Walt's adventures!" Mary Carmean, Administrator, RE/MAX Heartland, Independence, Mo.
"The positive thing about this damned recession is that it has inspired a bored Realtor, Bob Thornhill, to create Walt and his band of merry seniors. With any luck, he won't come out of retirement until we have a dozen more books published!"
Barry Lee Brown, Broker/Realtor, RE/MAX Premiere Properties, Maui. Hawaii
"This book is laugh-out-loud funny, on par with today's most popular writers! It's great to see that old age and wisdom triumph over youth and exuberance again. Walt and his senior friends prove that there are still new adventures and opportunities for senior citizens. We can't wait for the next set of adventures! Go get 'em Walt!"
Lee & Marilyn Dobbins
Santa Maria, CA
"Bob's book proves that dreams don't die with age and that seniors (or, as I like to call those of us of a certain age - people with lots of experience) can stay active and involved with life. The characters in his book push against the invisible boundaries set for people in their later years." Tricia Pile
The book was such a fun read,I could hardly put it down.I can't wait till the next installment. Hopefully there will be many more. Larry & Sheryl Lynn
"Just a note to let the author of this book know that it is one of the best and most refreshing books I've ever read. All ages will enjoy it, this book just proves everyone likes to feel needed and appreciated."
B B- 81 years young
Britt Batchelor, D.C., F.A.S.A., Independence, MO. writes: "Loved the humor! Great escape from reality! Walt's character reminded me of my son's grandpa! Walt reinforces our belief that we should never stop dreaming."
Virginia Mulhearn, Raytown, MO. writes: "Laugh-till-you-cry hilarious! I really liked how the author developed the senior characters and made them heroes."
Rubi & Chip Schaub, Maui, Hawaii write: "Quirky. Laugh-out-loud, couldn't put it down."
Bob and Kay Gordon, Osceola, MO. write: "This is an entertaining book full of wit and humor. Bring on book #2!"
This is a very enjoyable book. It's an easy read, but unlike some easy reads, it's full of great humor, adventure, and wonderful characters. Even the title - Lady Justice Takes A C.R.A.P. is hilarious! This is the story of Walt, a senior citizen who decided he wanted to be a cop. It may seem like a crazy idea, but it doesn't take long to see that Walt has a real knack for law enforcement! With the help of his partner, he gets into all kinds of predicaments and has amazing adventures.
It's a good read all around. It makes you laugh, points out certain situations from a different light and makes you really think about them, and also shows that seniors are not just a bunch of old fogies sent out to pasture. They can and do make a difference in many ways, and are a lot tougher than anyone would expect. The characters are extremely real, and it is easy to relate to them. Anyone would be able to understand exactly where Walt is coming from when he wants to know "where is the justice in that?" Mary was an instant favorite and Walt himself is easy to fall in love with! Belinda Thomas
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Lady Justice Takes A C.R.A.P. is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining book. This book introduces us to Walt, who needed something to occupy his time and felt that law enforcement was where he belonged. We learn that Walt made the right decision, with his knack for cracking cases and interesting group of friends to help him sort out the clues he has wracked up quite a few arrests. This book shows that everyone no matter how old they may be, still has something left to offer and they should be listened to not ignore.
Robert Thornhill has written a very interesting and action packed novel. You just never know what Walt and his partner Ox are going to stumble across next. I thought the characters were very well developed and likable. This is a great book for anyone who loves to read crime novels and mysteries, full of well likable and humorous characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something that has it all, humor, action and crime. M. Castillo
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/138879976
Lady Justice Takes A C.R.A.P City Retiree Action Patrol(lady Justice #1) -Robert Thornhill
Walt Williams is a retired Realtor, current landlord, and newly hired police officer. At age sixty-five Walt decides he want to help fight crime. He is partnered with Ox, a burly man with his own ideas on how to bring about justice. Walt enters his new job with confidence as he helps finding the Realtor rapist, a killer who's victims happen to be female Realtors. He helps bring in numerous criminals and gets a few bumps and bruises along the way. Armed with his tazer and wit, he shows that he is one senior citizen that takes his job seriously.
A light and funny read, with humor and adventure, fun unique and likable characters. Robert Thornhill introduces us to Walt and his friends in a hilarious and exciting read. Willie, Walt's friend and former con who knows all the tricks. Feisty and firm Mary, at 75 this is one apartment manager you won't mess with. Maggie, Walt's sweetheart, also Realtor keeps Walt young at heart. And Professor Leopold Skinner, at 85 he is wise and full of words or wisdom.
I look forward to the next in the series, Lady Justice and the lost Tapes. I highly recommend to all.
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Walter Williams is a 66-year-old retiree. One day he wakes up and realizes that he wants to be a cop and help Lady Justice. The police have a program going on that allows citizens to complete a program and work with the police force. The majority of the book follows Walt's journey through the program, solving capers, and eventually becoming a full-fledged policeman. While it is tagged as a mystery/comedy, it is definitely more comedy than mystery. It was fun getting to know Walt and his senior f...moreWalter Williams is a 66-year-old retiree. One day he wakes up and realizes that he wants to be a cop and help Lady Justice. The police have a program going on that allows citizens to complete a program and work with the police force. The majority of the book follows Walt's journey through the program, solving capers, and eventually becoming a full-fledged policeman. While it is tagged as a mystery/comedy, it is definitely more comedy than mystery. It was fun getting to know Walt and his senior friends. I think if Walt didn't have a job with the police, he would be a stand up comic.
My only disappointment in the book was that the capers were way too short, and not much mystery involved. I would have liked to see less capers, and more time spent on each one. For instance, when Walt goes under cover at the senior center, it would have been fun to get to know more of the people there and have Walt do some investigating. The end of the book did pick up on the mystery side with a longer caper. (I am happy to report that I am reading the second novel now, and there is more mystery with longer capers.)
This was a fun introduction to the series, and I look forward to reading more about Walt, his senior scrappers, and their adventures.
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Robert Thornhill is an excellent writer of mystery/comedy. This is shown in his first novel Lady Justice Takes a C.R.A.P., City Retiree Action Patrol. Just the title of the senior police action group gives me a chuckle.
Walt Williams has retired from his occupation as a realtor, but soon finds out that he is bored and at 66, not too old to continue in some sort of job. He soon finds his niche at the police department as a volunteer with the CPP, Civil Police Patrol.
"I vividly recall the day I sauntered into his office, took a seat, and blurted out, "Shorty I want to be a cop!""
So begins a new, exciting and so often funny new career for this former real estate agent.
He is given all of the same tests and training that the regular officers are subject to and passes. He is assigned to ride with a regular officer named Ox. They soon show that they are a force to be reckoned with as they solve several crimes. The intervention of "Lady Justice" in the form of happenstance is the way they put away the perps — along with Walt's senior friends, Willie, a former con man, Maggie, Walt's sweetheart, Professor Leopold Skinner, who has a sage saying for every situation and Mary, his seventy-five year old apartment manager.
Of course, there are the usual people who are against his being a police officer who give him a lot of grief, which he handles in a humorous manner.
One example of how he handled the naysayers was during his initial interview when asked what he would do in a certain situation; he pulled out a taser and shot the questioner with enough volts to knock him off his chair. Although it did not endear him to the officer, it got his point across.
You must read this book for the absurdity in the way the crimes are solved. Although there are some sexual references they are not gratuitous (although the author might say different), they are an integral part of the storyline.
Robert Thornhill writes a lot about what he knows in that he was a realtor for thirty years. Many of the characters in his book are based on people in his real life. He has a healthy sense of humor about all segments of life. He lives in Independence, Missouri with his wife, Peg.
Katherine Boyer
E-mail address:
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 Justice June 17, 2013 Lady Justice Takes A C.R.A.P. is the first in the Lady Justice series by Robert Thornhill. I found myself chuckling through the book at the characters colorfully portrayed by the author. I have heard Robert Thornhill has been described as the male Janet Evanovich. I can see that in his writing. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series.
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