Great novel, highly recommend for those who enjoy the genre. Will be recommending for immediate purchase. ~ Autumn Turner (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ...... For me, this book hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. N. Lombardi Jnr writes so realistically and uses such powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. Reading 'Justice Gone' was much like being on a scary and unpredictable roller coaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that the story had settled down and that you could catch your breath and gather your thoughts, then off the action would go again. In short, 'Justice Gone' is a fantastic book and as I mention above, it has to be one of my favourite reads of 2019. I cannot wait for the second book in the series featuring Dr. Tessa Thorpe. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. ~ Amanda Oughton (Reviewer), NetGalley

I enjoyed this book. Dr. Tessa Thorpe is the protagonist. Her work as a counselor involves helping a lot of military veterans and one of her clients is mercilessly beaten to death by a group of six cops. The victim not only had a mental illness, but he also had lost one of his feet in one of the Iraqi conflicts. There is a very interesting cast of characters - Tessa's coworkers, especially Casey who is a Vietnam veteran, the members of the local police force who interact with some of Tessa's clients, etc. The first half of the book is the author setting up the story and it is interesting, but he really hits his stride at the midpoint where a suspected is arrested and a trial set for a suspect in the murders of 3 cops involved in the beating death of the homeless vet. The second half of this book is gripping! But only in the last few pages do we get another twist - love endings like this! I recommend this book if you like suspense that is laced strongly with humane characters and enjoy surprise endings. ~ Margaret Gust , NetGalley

Wow what a read. Hard to put down . Interesting and thought provoking story. Diverse and complicated characters. Thriller. Intense. Entertaining and good. ~ Rhonda Gothier , NetGalley

I received a copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Being a veteran myself, though I entered the Army after readers Vietnam was over, I found the subject more interesting than perhaps many readers. The story begins with the brutal beating to death of a homeless veteran by overly eager law enforcement. The vet had been routinely going to a clinic for treatment of war related issues related to PTSD, with a doctor, Tessa Thorpe, who becomes very involved in the death and its aftermath. Another vet at the clinic, Donald Darfield, who served with the dead vet in Viet Nam and who is also going to the clinic for PTSD issues, disappears. The clinic personnel and Dr. Thorpe search everywhere for Donald, but never find him. Meanwhile, the death has become a cause celebre, much to the dismay of the local town officials, who unsuccessfully take steps to try to quash national interest in the vet’s death. Next, the three officers involved in the vet’s death are gunned down, and a new search begins for Donald, as they have fingered him as the murderer. Once captured, there is a trial for Donald, which takes up about a third of the book, as a feisty, sharp-shooter lawyer veteran works to put the pieces together and determine whether his client Donald or someone else is guilty. There was a lot in this book. First, there was the brutal killing. Then the search for Donald by the clinic, the vengeance killing of the three cops, the search for and apprehension of Donald, and finally, his trial. It was obvious the author definitely knew and understood how the law/lawyers/judges/courts work. I found that interesting as well as informative. I enjoyed watching Dr. Thorpe, the other staff in the clinic and the vets, work their way through this event. In addition to understanding the law and legal/judicial system, the author understood a lot of what vets who served in combat go through after returning home (or else did a lot of research), since the book provided a great picture of what vets more than often go through once they return to their regular lives. It also pointed out some of the big problems they go through during the adjustment, which really is never-ending. All in all, I think this is a book well-worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good, compelling read. It definitely is that. ~ Kathy Talky, NetGalley

This book takes a long, lingering look at the justice system in this country. In recent years, we've all seen the headlines .. the war between cops and the public .... sometimes a racial divide. Shouldn't cops be held to a higher standard? Isn't there a better way to treat the homeless, those with mental illnesses? It's a complex issue of right and wrong and the author takes us from end to the other. ~ Linda Strong, NetGalley

Hot button issues abound as race, homelessness, police brutality, shooting of police are mixed in with counseling and lawyers to give a well-balanced novel in which some readers will find black and white, but others will see so many gray areas. Excellent story with believable characters, actions, and reactions. ~ Doug Yonce, NetGalley

A brilliant book. Well written, terrific, clear characters that support and lead the plot. I just loved it. This book encapsulates all that is wrong about the justice system; the part the media has to play and the manipulation of facts by those in positions of power. More importantly it highlights the plight of the veterans; the lack of care and consideration for their welfare: the ‘just move them along out of sight’ mentality. Boy does it make me mad. Boy does it make me despair. ~ Margaret Duke-Wyer , NetGalley

The author has done a terrific job in building up the tension in this storyline. I was quickly drawn into the story. The story is told mostly in the third person but sometimes tells us the events and point of view from Tessa's perspective and some others. The characters, even though they are a mixed bag, are all credible. The author seems knowledgeable about the plight of veterans. There are parts of the story that felt a little OTT but that did not put me off. There is also some bad language that some readers won't like. The courtroom drama, well, I did not expect the outcome. There are plenty of twists in this edge of your seat read. ~ Louise Wilson, NetGalley

A powerful, dramatic and emotional page turner that shines a spotlight on issues like police brutality and homelessness, Justice Gone by N Lombardi Jr. gripped me from beginning to end. In a small town in New Jersey a homeless war veteran is beaten to death by police. Traumatised, his friend and fellow vet goes off the grid, causing counsellor Tessa Thompson to worry. This fear intensifies when three of the officers involved in the initial incident are shot, in a way that suggests a sniper , This sets off a manhunt for our missing veteran, and following his dramatic surrender, an equally if not more dramatic trial. This book really does have it all, a topical social message, fantastic characters, great plot and pacing and more action and drama than should be permitted in one book. From heartbreaking emotional moments to intensely powerful courtroom scenes, reading the book felt like being on a roller coaster, there was never a dull moment, never a wasted page. While the characters are all interesting, my favorite by far was flamboyant show boating lawyer Nathaniel Bodine, who has the skills and knowledge to back up his courtroom theatrics. I believe that this is the first in a planned series involving Tessa Thompson, and I look forward to reading more , but I do hope that she teams up with Bodine again. ~ Annette Jordan, NetGalley

I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a mystery/thriller/police procedural novel which does not obey by the rules and is keen to engage readers in controversy and debates that go beyond a standard genre novel. (The author explains he was inspired to write this book by an incident not dissimilar to the death of the veteran at the hands of the cops at the beginning of the novel). The novel goes into more detail than most readers keen on those genres will be used to, and also follows the events from the very beginning to the very end. This is not a novel only interested in thrilling readers by highlighting the action scenes and ignoring the rest. Readers who always feel there are aspects of a story missing or underdeveloped will love this book, and also those who like complex characters (plenty of grey areas here) and a story that lives beyond the page. I also see book clubs enjoying a great discussion after reading this book, as there is much to debate and ponder. An accomplished novel and the first of a series that we should keep a close eye on. For full review visit: http://www.authortranslatorolga.com/2019/01/29/tuesdaybookblog-justice-gone-by-n-lombardi-jr-mystery-police-procedural-and-an-in-depth-look-at-the-us-judicial-system-a-great-read/ ~ Olga Nunez Miret

I found this book to be heart breaking. In this day and age homelessness is a big issue, one I feel very strongly about. I loved the writing and all the dialogue. I hope the author writes more in this series. ~ Sue Frances, NetGalley

A very Interesting thriller. I'm usually a black or white, right or wrong type of person. This book made me realize that sometimes something can be morally wrong but still be legal. The tension was perfect, the characters believable, and the dialog well done. I enjoyed this book even though it is not the type of book I usually review. k. This is a very intriguing thriller. If you like physiological thrillers, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is well done and the tension keeps you turning the pages. I suggest you pick up a copy and find out for yourself. ~ Terry Houchin, NetGalley

Justice Gone is a gripping, seemingly snatched from the headline’s narrative canvassing the harrowing quandary of veterans as well as those climbing through life, plagued with a mental illness. Touching on the very pulse of society’s political vein, Lombardi has penned a suspenseful tale delving into the murder of three men in blue. ~ Erica Watkins, NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book which whilst not true is based on true events . it has a concise, pacy narrative which takes us through response to police brutality. The author builds the narrative with real expertise and there are few slow spots. The characterisation is good, My only question is about the balance of people who are Forces veterans. I loved the court room scenes which i felt were really true to life. The reveal at the end took me completely by surprise I had someone else pinned from about half way. I would definitely read more from this author ~ Marie Riley, NetGalley

I believe this is loosely based on a true story of a veteran being killed by US police. The story is interesting although at times a little unbelievable, particularly the relationship with Tessa and the chief of police. The story is enjoyable and has good pace although the court scenes, particularly the jury deliberations almost seem like another book tagged on at the end.. I would like to read further Tessa Thorpe or Bodine books to see how their characters develop. Unusually I did not work out the culprit for the murder of the three police officers until near the end so enjoyed the twist in the story.. I would recommend this book as an introduction to N Lombardi Jr novels. ~ Sharon Wallace, NetGalley

This new novel by N. Lombardi Jr. is based on actual events in 2011 when military veteran and diagnosed schizophrenic Kelly Thomas was brutally beaten to death on a city sidewalk by six members of the Fullerton California Police Department. The author takes some liberties to add more events and alter the outcome, but neither of the endings, real or imagined, have a happy ending. I also want to note that this isn’t a “down with cops” book. It expresses that some policemen are bad; the vast majority are true and good people. The characters are interesting and realistic. To me, the most important function of this book is to continue to remember Kelly Thomas, who was created, vilified and murdered by the very society he chose to serve. ~ Catherine Thomas, NetGalley

Tessie and Cassie are two counselors who deal regularly with vets. Jay and Donald need help. Jay is the first to visit the cl8nic and has a close relationship with Tessa. Jay recommends his close friend and fellow combatant Donald. Both have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) from their time as snipers in the war. One day Jay is beaten to death by 6 policemen. A man hunt ensues. Donald becomes their main target. He is captured and a trial ensues. The trial is very detailed and shows how defence and prosecuting lawyers perform. Is he guilty? You will have to read this well written book to find out. I found it quite fascinating, but it is possibly not an easy read for everyone. ~ Margaret Wilkins, NetGalley

I was absolutely drawn into the emotionally supportive and intelligent Dr. Thorpe and loved the introduction and crafty legal manipulations of Nathanial Bodine and his daughter assistant and the sympathetic plight of Darfield. As this is to be the first in a series of psychological thrillers, I say grab this while you can as you will want to be glued into the next book of the series. These characters are strong and wily. The author knows how to craft his characters and it will become necessary for you to see where he is taking this. ~ Virginia Williams, NetGalley

A fantastic story that is so heart felt and about the injustices in life and how our war veterans shouldn't be treated as badly as they can be. But there is one epic twist in there that blows the mind! ~ Jess Richardson, NetGalley

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel surrounding a homeless vet's murder by the police when they believe he's being insubordinate. His previous therapist, Tessa gets involved as she realizes he was confused and suffers from PTSD. But when three policemen are gunned down by a sniper, his army buddy, Donald is implicated and flees, only later to be taken into custody. And so begins a very tense and realistic trial, the outcome of which no one expects. I look forward to more of this author, featuring Tessa as she represents a strong female force who is both compassionate and fierce ~ Anne Foster, NetGalley

Wow - what a great book! I had very low expectations when I started this book by an author I had never come across before but it engaged me from the start and I found it original and moving. The heroine is Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a veteran's counsellor, who specialises in dealing with war veterans suffering with PTSD and how she copes with the situation when one of her clients is suspected of the revenge killing of three cops who beat another veteran to death. The action is breathless but the characters are well drawn and credible and the author has a deep knowledge of and sympathy with the plight of veterans. As if it was not already good enough, the second half of the book introduce us to the irascible blind lawyer Nathaniel Bodine who is a wonderful invention and mesmerising to see in action. This is apparently the first of a new series and the author has set the bar extremely high. ~ Greville Waterman, NetGalley

This was a engaging story. I like how it dives into PSTD and how much Veterans adure. ~ Aleana Harris, NetGalley

Praise for THE PLAIN OF JARS: 'The writing is picturesque, cinematic, vivid, and sharp...a splendid achievement. A well-researched, finely crafted novel.' ~ Richard Crasta, author