| Book #10 Reader Reviews
Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders
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 IndieReader Review February 5, 2013
Ed Weems announces at the deteriorating book club meeting that he wants to read a novel about someone who commits the perfect crime.
Oscar Roach wants to take it a step further and be the person to commit the first crime, and he wants his two book club cohorts to be part of the perfect crime.
This begins the story of Oscar Roach, a hospital-orderly and book-club-member- turned-murderer. As Roach gets a taste of the excitement for the hunt, the rush of adrenalin at the kill and the silent thrill of his fame, Roach does not want to limit himself to only being a murderer but aspires to become a serial killer.
Masterfully woven into the examination of Roach's spiral into a serial killer, is the story narrated by Walt Williams, a Kansas City Police Officer. Williams' story slowly intermingles with Roach's until the stories collide and Williams and his partner Ox, are trying to discover the identity of the serial killer, nicknamed The Librarian, before he/she strikes again.
While the plot is not complex, the characters are well developed, rounded and sympathetic. The examination of Roach's mind conveys the intensified joy he gets after each kill and the insidious fear that creeps out into the community as the killings way heavily in their hearts.
The writing style is simple, the descriptions refrain from being too detailed and graphic. The succinct narrative and the lightness of this murder mystery add to Roach's nonchalance about his murders. The combination of these elements creates a real dichotomy in emotions and beneath this seeming transparency and simplicity, the sense of something sinister creeps up and slowly envelops the reader, making for a suspenseful read.
A well-executed murder mystery that has the elements of a dark comedy - light reading with dark, eerie overtones.
Reviewed by Maya Fleischmann for IndieReader
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Robert Thornhill is a witty writer who has crafted a very good series for readers. I hope you read this comedy mystery novel. In this fun and fast read, Walt and Ox are on the trail of a serial killer. Walt Williams is a seasoned detective who often finds himself in odd circumstances. As for the serial killer he leaves copies of murder mysteries at each crime scene. Can this delusional, violent killer commit the perfect crime? Will justice be served? Can Walt use his expertise to solve this one? Will it be safe to walk the streets? Having helped solve a murder in what some have said could have been a perfect crime, I know how hard it is to track down and capture a killer. Psychologists and sociologists have written reams exploring why people commit atrocities - but maybe the answer is as simple as the admonition given by a Great Teacher two thousand years ago, "Love one another even as I have loved you." However, it seems, once again the scales of Lady Justice are tilted toward evil, and there will be those who will help right the scales. That's why Walter Williams is a cop. I hope you read this comedic murder mystery novel. It is a fun and fast read.
Jeannie Walker Award Winning Author - TRUE CRIME "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
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lady justice & the book club murders a 5 star most excellent read!
This book is a hoot to read! It is also refreshingly delightful to have an “elderly” hero!
What a wonderful idea for seniors everywhere to participate in a program like this. I am sure my mom would much rather "go out" in a blaze of glory than waiting for the nursing home...:)
This quirky, filled with jokes, puns & love is a cure all for a bad day, I laughed all the way through it and even after I turned the last page!
Meet Walt and his cop partner Ox, Walt is part of C.R.A.P….(you will have to read the book to find out what that stands for!) and together whether on purpose or by accident these two crime busting cop friends manage to foil a serial killer who they have named “The Librarian” as he leaves a mystery novel as his calling card…
sadly this is the only book so far that I have read in the Lady Justice series but, it will most definitely not be the last!
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Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders was a book I really had a hard time putting down. Love the mix of mystery with the humor. There are scenes that had me laughing so hard I had tears. The mix of serious and humor are perfect. Walt, via Robert Thornhill, is such an adorable character along with his side kick, Ox. Walt is a senior and his partner, Ox, is a younger man who work well together along with the senior tenets of Walt's to solve this mystery. I like that it shows we seniors still have our worth and can contribute to society. I highly recommend this book to every mystery lover and to anyone else who is thinking of reading something different for a change of pace.
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 Clever, Interesting and a Quick Read October 30, 2012 Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders by Robert Thornhill
Clever plotting and fast paced action combine with likeable characters to keep you reading straight through. The psychotic serial killer leads the heroes on a merry chase, escalating the body count and brutality as it goes. Amazing how the criminals always think they're so smart, but get tripped up by their ego and the smallest details. You know it's only a matter of time, but when and how is worth the wait.
Lots of quirky little references to books and TV shows create a little mystery within a mystery [note the dynamic police duo drive car 54]. You might want to read it a second time just to find these gems.
Walt and Ox are the perfect unlikely buddies, but smart enough to choose good women, which makes the story more fun. Jerry, the resident jokester, adds a little comic relief that reminds you of your favorite crazy uncle who's always telling inappropriate jokes. There's a real family and community feel woven into the story, and that's always a bonus for me. Being a vegetarian, the initial scenes of the turkey slaughterhouse did nothing for me and didn't add anything to the story, in my opinion, but I'm skewed on that.
This is my first book by Thornhill, and I'm looking forward to reading more, lots more.
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Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders (Robert Thornhill)
Robert Thornhill has hit it again! This time Walt Williams and Partner Ox are on a mission to stop a killer who commits the perfect crime. Fast Paced Thriller which leaves you thinking; exactly what does it take to pull off the perfect crime and not get caught? Fantastic page turner written with a bit of humor and thought provoking plot.
I look forward to the next Lady Justice book by Robert Thornhill!
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Bob Thornhill’s 10th book in his mystery comedy series, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, finds Walt Williams and his Kansas City Police Department partner, Ox, called upon to help solve a string of violent murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer. Labeled by the Kansas City STAR, as "The Librarian", since copies of murder mysteries are left at each crime scene, the killer thinks he is pulling off the perfect murders, but like in real life, that's very difficult to do. Thornhi...moreBob Thornhill’s 10th book in his mystery comedy series, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, finds Walt Williams and his Kansas City Police Department partner, Ox, called upon to help solve a string of violent murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer. Labeled by the Kansas City STAR, as "The Librarian", since copies of murder mysteries are left at each crime scene, the killer thinks he is pulling off the perfect murders, but like in real life, that's very difficult to do. Thornhill's quirky humor makes these more than just another mystery; it is a fun and fast read and deserves the term "cozy" as once again justice is served by the capture of the bad guy and it's safe to travel the streets of Kansas City.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Entirely funny and completely engrossing..., August 22, 2012
This review is from: Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders (Volume 10) (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoyed Lady Justice & the Book Club Murders by Robert & Peg Thornhill. Having never read a mystery/comedy novel, I began the task with a shaky commitment. This book more than impressed me. Within the first 10 pages, I was intrigued. I was able to both believe in the absurdity of the plot and connect with the endearing qualities of the characters. The Thornhills cleverly keeps the reader engaged with the wickedness of the mystery scheme as he carefully entwines it with his odd sense of humor. I found myself laughing at the most inappropriate scenes and getting angry with the many poor choices made by some of the personalities. Their Walt Williams character seems to always knit himself into unusual situations, but uses his bizarre logic and seasoned detective skills to solve the thorny mystery. I thought it was very ingenious to write a novel about a Murder/Mystery Book Club that was the leap pad for a dastardly string of murders. Anyone who can make the viciousness of murder into `laugh out loud' moments is a true artist. I plan to look for more of the Walt Williams mystery/comedy novels. I would highly recommend the series for anyone looking for a departure from the everyday mystery.
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In this, the 10th book of his Lady Justice series, Robert Thornhill crafts another comedy/mystery. It will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of the mystery and laughing your head off at old and new humor at the antics of his “crew” and co-workers. This time Walt enters the world of literature as he and Ox pursue a serial killer, labeled by the media as “The Librarian”. Will Walt and Company solve another one with aplomb and finesse – or by accident? We get a close look into the killer’s mind as Walt and the Kansas City police try to put together the few clues left by the suspect, Oscar Roach.
““No way for the old man to identify me and even if he sees the car, it will turn out to be stolen. Any DNA evidence will be at the bottom of the muddy Missouri River and we’ll get away clean --- the perfect crime!”
Oscar smiled as he watched their faces.
They were hooked!”
Robert Thornhill began his writing career at the age of sixty-six, after a successful career in real estate. He and his wife Peg, who does the covers to his books, have expanded their horizons by going into the literature business. Four of his novels in the Lady Justice series have won the Pinnacle Achievement Award from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs as best of mystery novels. He has also written seven volumes in the Rainbow Road series (chapter books for children), a cookbook and a mini-biography. He holds a master’s degree in psychology and spent thirty years as a real estate broker. He and his wife, Peg, live in Independence, Missouri.
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I entered the free giveaway which ends on my birthday. Hoping to win a copy to send to my good friend Linda in Florida. Mr. Thornhill has done it again. An amazing fast paced read with lots of twists and turns. This book was the best one yet. Oscar believes he can pull off the perfect crime from all of the mystery/crime books he has read. He thinks he can out smart the police. So in comes Walt and Ox know Oscar is committing the murders they just can't prove it and so the adventure begins. I love how Ox proposes to Judy. Never a dull moment with Walt and his crew. Looking forward to next Lady Justice book when they go on a cruise for Ox and Judy's honeymoon. I know it will be full of excitement. Thanks again Mr. Thornhill for such an awesome book!
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This This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Reader's Favorite.
“Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders” by Robert Thornhill is the tenth installment in his comedy/mystery series of “Lady Justice” tales. In an unusual merger, Robert Thornhill combines the genres of comedy and mystery, and he does it well. It doesn’t seem very realistic to expect a successful and entertaining story to result when one mixes comedy with a topic as serious as serial murder. Robert Thornhill’s successful series has blown that mistaken assumption right out of the ballpark. Not only does he insert a healthy dose of very good humor into this story, but he also manages to keep the serial killer parts of the story appropriately serious. There is nothing funny about serial killers, and Thornhill respects that fact. At the same time, humorous happenstance is a very real part of life, and Thornhill uses that to his very talented advantage.
Robert Thornhill has found his niche. His series of “Lady Justice” stories are almost surprisingly entertaining. The main characters, who appear in most of his episodes, are very realistically developed, and it is not at all hard to believe they are based on real people the author personally knows and frequently deals with.
There are a few minor innuendoes, as would be expected from characters such as he has developed, but overall there is nothing in these books that would prohibit young readers, from sixth grade or younger, from reading this series. I very heartily recommend the “Lady Justice” series and “The Book Club Murders” in particular, for all readers who have a normal, healthy sense of humor, and appreciate a good tale.
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The insight into the mind of a serial killer always fascinates me. How a person can harm or kill another one with not a flicker of conscience is totally foreign to the way I think. It's like a dark alternate universe they live in. This book gave insight but kept things light where it was appropriate. I love how his favorite characters are worked into the stories. They never disappoint. I love books that keep my attention throughout and there is satisfaction in knowing that Lady Justice can, indeed, still win. There are enough real life stories with not such good endings. I've read all his books in print to date and am glad I have.
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Wow! I thought that this book was terrific. I enjoy not being able to figure out how a book will end. This story had me on the edge of my seat almost from the beginning.
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Book Review
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders” by Robert Thornhill is number ten (10) in his comedy/mystery series of “Lady Justice” tales. In an unusual merger, Robert Thornhill combines the genres of comedy and mystery, and he does it well. It doesn’t seem very realistic to expect a successful and entertaining story to result when one mixes comedy with a topic as serious as serial murder. Robert Thornhill’s successful series has knocked that mistaken assumption right out of the ballpark. Not only does he insert a healthy dose of very good humor into this story, but he also manages to keep the serial killer parts of the story appropriately serious. There is nothing funny about serial killers, and Thornhill respects that fact. At the same time, humorous happenstance is a very real part of life, and Thornhill uses that to his very talented advantage.
Robert Thornhill has found his niche. His series of “Lady Justice” stories are almost surprisingly entertaining. The main characters, who appear in most of his episodes, are very realistically developed, and it is not at all hard to believe they are based on real people the author personally knows and frequently deals with. There are a few minor innuendos, as would be expected from characters such as he has developed, but overall there is nothing in these books that would prohibit young readers, from sixth grade or younger, from reading this series. I very heartily recommend the “Lady Justice” series and “The Book Club Murders” in particular, for all readers who have a normal, healthy sense of humor, and appreciate a good tale.
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FIY I know the author and his wife personally June 23, 2013
Upfront, have to make that disclosure. Now, that doesn't keep me from being objective. Love all of Bob's books. They're quick reads, funny and sometimes thought provoking. What I like best is that you don't have to start with book one and work your way thru the series. Even though he's got the same cast of characters (and I do mean Characters with a capital C), you get an immediate sense of who they are and how they fit... Read MoreUpfront, have to make that disclosure. Now, that doesn't keep me from being objective. Love all of Bob's books. They're quick reads, funny and sometimes thought provoking. What I like best is that you don't have to start with book one and work your way thru the series. Even though he's got the same cast of characters (and I do mean Characters with a capital C), you get an immediate sense of who they are and how they fit together in each book.
If you liked Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, I encourage you to pick up some of Bob's other Lady Justice Books for a relaxing afternoon's read.
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