Tag: Andy Carpenter

REVIEW: The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy comes home from a winter trip to an extra dog added to his usual three. But it’s a dog his family fostered at one point, so Andy is able to get Murphy home to his family. Andy doesn’t expect that family to need his services as a defense attorney, but they do.

Murphy’s owner has been arrested for killing a vising professor at his university. They had a public confrontation, and now the prof is dead and BJ is in jail. Andy doesn’t believe BJ is a killer, so he takes the case. The investigation brings Andy’s team into contact with drug dealers and mobsters, but Andy struggles to put the pieces together. And if he can’t figure it out, what happens to BJ?

Review

Another wintery winner from David Rosenfelt! The case here is super twisty, and I was wondering until the very end if Andy was going to be able to figure it all out. I was thrilled to puzzle together most of the solution as I read. When the case is as intricate as this one, the satisfaction of the story is enhanced by figuring some things out on my own.

Andy is delightfully sassy, and his usual team gets to bring a lot to the case – a sting operation, several hacking triumphs, and a grim battle. I loved that the K-Team had a bit more page time in this book.

This is the 30th book in the Andy Carpenter series, and Rosenfelt keeps hitting all the beats. You can read my other reviews from the series here. Series fans should absolutely pick up this satisfying winter addition to the series. Readers familiar with Andy can really read the series out of order without much trouble. Newcomers could start here – my first Andy Carpenter was a Christmas book, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥), number 15 in the series – but I do worry that Andy can come across too abrasive if you haven’t followed him from the beginning. Book 31, Dogged Pursuit, will release in the summer of 2025. (Language, references to sexual assault and drug use.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Marcus Clark has saved Andy’s life multiple times while working as his investigator. So when Marcus asks for a favor, of course Andy says yes. Even if it means doing something Andy would love to never do again – be a lawyer.

Six people were recently killed at a local law office, and Nick Williams is the prime suspect. He’s a young man Marcus has mentored. And Marcus doesn’t believe Nick is guilty.

Nick’s story is hard to believe. But when the team starts digging into it, they find some unexpected developments that make Marcus’s faith in Nick seem well placed. But Andy still has to get a jury to believe Nick – and this case won’t give up its secrets quickly or easily.

Review

This was another fascinating case for Andy and his team. I was able to puzzle some of it out on my own, but there were still some surprises when it was all laid out.

Andy is as sassy as always – one of the primary reasons I love these books. But he really had to dig deep for the solution here. It’s a very satisfying mystery. Series fans will get to see all of the usual folks in action, including the awesome tech team Andy uses. And the dog connection gets a happy ending.

Newcomers could probably start here without too much trouble. I started this series with something like the 9th book in the series, and I had no trouble jumping right in. Sometimes, though, I think Andy might “play” better on the page for folks who have been with him for awhile. For that reason, I think readers should maybe read the first few books in order – after that, you can jump in anywhere without issue. You can see my list of favorite books in the series as part of a review here. This is book  29 in the Andy Carpenter series, and book 30, The More the Terrier, will release in October. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

At the Tara Foundation Christmas party, one of their clients, Derek Moore, is arrested for murder. Derek adopted two dogs from the Tara Foundation – something that gets Andy Carpenter’s legal expertise on Derek’s side. Andy’s also curious because the police call Derek by a completely different name when they arrest him.

Derek was in witness protection because he gave testimony about two gang members for a murder they committed. But now,  one of the gang leaders has been killed – and the evidence is piling up against Derek.

Andy believes Derek is innocent, but proving it could be beyond even his considerable skill and experience.

Review

Another great Christmas-time mystery starring Andy Carpenter. My first ever Andy Carpenter mystery was a Christmas one, and they remain some of my favorites in the whole series.

This was such a satisfying read. I really got concerned that Andy was not going to pull this off – it was a tricky case! All the pieces came together so nicely, though. And in the end I even puzzled out a couple of the reveals on my own. Always a triumphant reading experience! Andy is his usual sassy self here, which I always enjoy. And he gets key help on this case from a surprising source which was a twist I really enjoyed.

I think new readers could start with this story and not have any trouble following the mystery. I don’t know how Andy plays if you don’t already love his sarcasm – but I love it so these are a perfect fit for me. If you enjoy mysteries that are more on the legal side than a cozy (court room drama, police and private investigators, etc.), you should give this series a try. Series fans should of course pick this up to stay current. Book 29, Dog Day Afternoon, will release in the summer of 2024.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Jenny Nichols is a famous actress. She’s also someone Andy Carpenter dated for a little while in high school – something he likes to drop into casual conversation. The two have stayed in touch and she’s been in town and met Andy, Laurie, and their friends for dinner. A dinner that Jenny’s ex ruins with his barbaric behavior.

So when that same ex is later found in Jenny’s house, murdered, and the police think she’s the killer, she calls Andy. But Andy and his team might be in over their heads on this one.

Review

Another great mystery in the Andy Carpenter series! This one kept me on the edge of my seat almost to the last page. The mystery was twisty and super satisfying in the end.

I loved spending time with Andy and his team in this book. There were several laugh-out-loud moments in this one. Andy’s snark was top notch.

While I always like to enjoy a series in order, I started reading this one mid-series. And I think new readers could absolutely start here. Other than references to Andy and his family and investigative team – who have a long history in the series – the case itself stands on its own.

Series fans should definitely pick this one up – and keep an eye out for ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas which will release in October. You can read more about the Andy Carpenter series here as well as the author’s spin-off K-Team series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Santa’s Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]
(No kids or teen book to review today, so here’s a Christmas-y review to fill in!)

Summary

When he was in jail, Chris started a program where inmates could work with service dogs in training. When he gets out, he continues the work and starts helping at the Tara Foundation. He tells Andy that he was wrongfully convicted based on a lie. But the guy has recently come forward saying he would testify in secret to make things right before he goes into hiding.

Before Andy can set up the testimony, Chris says the guy has changed his mind. He’s furious. Before long, the lying witness is dead. And Chris is arrested for his murder. While Andy wasn’t attached to Chris’ original case, he’s determined to prove Chris’ innocence – of both crimes – and find whoever is truly responsible.

Review

Another fun Andy Carpenter case! I enjoyed how this one played out – I was starting to get worried about Chris’ chances for freedom. This is a tough case! But Andy and his team pushed through to a satisfying resolution.

If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter mystery before, I feel like the stories hold together well so newcomers can drop in anywhere. My first Andy Carpenter book was a Christmas one, so I have a soft spot for them. What you might miss by starting here – and mainly it’s backstory for Andy and his team – shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the mystery.

I keep coming back to this series for Andy and his team – I love them! Andy’s sass fits my mood every time. And the mysteries always leave me satisfied. Some of my favorites have been Bury the Lead (book 3), Play Dead (book 6), The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (book 15 – my introduction to the series), and Holy Chow (book 25). Book 27, Flop Dead Gorgeous, will release in the summer of 2023. And a new K-Team book, Good Dog Bad Cop, releases in March. Be sure to check them out. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Carpenter knew Rachel Morehouse because she adopted a chow chow named Lion from his foundation/rescue. In fact, she had called him to talk about arrangements for Lion in case something ever happened to her. She was hoping her step-son would agree to take the dog, but Andy was her back up.

When Rachel died, it took a few days for the authorities to discover it was murder. By then, Andy had met her step-son, Tony, and he felt a connection to the case. When Tony is arrested, Andy agrees to represent him.

The prosecution’s case is solid, but circumstantial. And when Andy starts looking for other threads to pull, he’s drawn into a dizzying case. The question is if the things he discovers will be enough to convince a jury of Tony’s innocence.

Review

I have been an Andy Carpenter fan for years, but this new story hits a new high for me. I loved this! It drew me in right from the start. And it was a wild ride.  There were no slow spots – the pacing was perfect. I flew through this story, captivated by all of the twists and turns.

The wrap up was a little abrupt, but it felt like it was just a natural progression after the pace of the whole story. I was thrilled with the whole thing.

Series fans should not miss this new book. Readers who have enjoyed Rosenfelt’s K-Team series will see the team help in this story, too, so they should pick this up as well. I think newcomers could start here – I read my first Andy Carpenter by picking up something mid-series and had no issues following it. This would be an excellent starting place for this great series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

REVIEW: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book now releases next week on October 19.]

Summary

It was bad enough that Andy’s dog, Tara, found a dead body in the snow. Finding out it’s the body of Paterson mayor, Alex Oliva, puts the whole town on edge, including Andy’s friend, Vince Sanders.

Vince is the editor of the local paper. And one of his reporters, Bobby Nash, lost his job over an article he wrote about the mayor. The police are looking for Bobby. And Vince wants Andy to defend him.

Things look bad for Bobby, especially when there’s a second murder tied to his article. Andy and his team will have their hands full trying to prove Bobby’s innocence – and trying to keep him alive.

Review

Another fun Andy Carpenter mystery to keep you guessing until the end. There are some fun twists to the case that kept it from feeling like it’s following a pattern. (This is the 24th book in the series – freshness is important.) I read this immediately after Dog Eat Dog, and I enjoyed how Rosenfelt changed things up with his cast, too. While the K-Team was involved with both books, this one relies more on electronic evidence, bringing in a different part of Andy’s team. This was a fun addition to the story.

Series fans will want to pick this up just to stay on top of what Andy and his team are up to. Newcomers can probably jump in here without a lot of issues. You’ll have missed how the team came together and a lot of the history and maybe a few inside jokes. But that just makes it more fun to go back and pick up the stories you’ve missed.

This is a must-read series for me. I always enjoy Andy’s humor – sarcastic and snarky – and court room antics. And the mysteries are usually intricate enough to keep me guessing until the end. Mystery fans should check this out. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

While out walking their dogs, Andy and Laurie see a man yelling at and kicking his pug. As they move toward the scene, another man comes up and punches the abuser until he is down. When the police arrive, the hero and the abuser get arrested.

The dog’s hero is Matt Jantzen. And Matt is wanted for a double murder in Maine. Andy wants to help the guy, but he can’t find a Maine lawyer willing to take on the case. So Andy, Laurie, and the rest of their investigative team head to the land of lobster rolls for the trial.

Review

This is a great mystery in this fantastic series. I love the humor and snark in this series. The mystery in this one keeps you guessing all the way to the end. I loved the change of setting for this. It introduced a few new characters in addition to Andy’s usual team, including a new dog, which is always fun.

Mystery lovers, dog lovers, and readers who enjoy courtroom dramas should not miss this series. The court case starts a little later than usual in this book which made for another nice change of pace. I enjoyed the ways Rosenfelt changed things up for this novel.

I find this to be a series you can start in the middle without much issue. My first Andy Carpenter book was The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥), which is the 15th book in the series. (This is #23.) I loved the book, but I was intrigued by the team and had to go back to the beginning to see how it all came together. I think newcomers could easily start with this book and then go back and pick up some of the earlier titles as well as checking out the spin-off series, The K-Team. Some of my Andy Carpenter favorites are The Twelve Dogs of Christmas as well as  Bury the Lead (♥♥♥♥♥), and Play Dead (♥♥♥♥♥). The second K-Team book, Animal Instinct, is also terrific. Check them out! Book 24 in the Andy Carpenter series, Best in Snow, will be out this October, and I’ll be reviewing it then.  (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might-re-read

REVIEW: Animal Instinct by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Animal Instinct by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Corey Douglas was a cop, one somewhat random case always bothered him. He didn’t usually work domestic violence cases, but he answered this call about a neighbor hearing an escalating fight. The alleged victim refused to press charges, saying she fell. Her boyfriend was far too smug to be innocent. But Corey was powerless to do much more than file the report.

Now, Corey and his former K-9 partner, Simon, are PIs along with a couple other investigators, including Andy Carpenter’s wife, Laurie Collins. When the alleged domestic violence victim is murdered in what looks like a drive by, Corey is convinced the boyfriend struck again. The K-Team agrees to help Corey look into the case.

What seemed simple at first becomes more convoluted than any member of the K-Team could have predicted. And Corey has the most to lose if they can’t puzzle out the truth.

Review

This was excellent! Come for the fantastically plotted mystery, stay for the terrific cast of characters and the sassy tone of the writing. Rosenfelt is in fine form with the second K-Team book. All of my favorite characters are part of the case including Andy Carpenter, the defense attorney from Rosenfelt’s long-running series.

The mystery in this one is exceptionally twisty. I had no clue what was going on, but I was happy to just be along for the ride. The resolution was supremely satisfying!

I don’t know that readers have to read the K-Team books in order or to have read the Andy Carpenter books first. The case here stands solidly on its own. But I think readers will enjoy the characters enough to want to go back and fill in the gaps if they start reading here. David Rosenfelt fans should be sure to pick this one up!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BONUS REVIEW: Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

BONUS REVIEW: Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Carpenter’s status as a retired defense attorney is in jeopardy again when his business partner, Willie Miller, asks Andy to take on a new client. Tony Birch was Willie’s cellmate once, and Tony has been arrested again. The prosecution’s story is that Tony was angry at the guy who testified against him and put him in jail. But when more bodies start piling up, it seems that Tony might have been set up.

As Andy and his team dig further into the case, the frame up becomes more clear, but the reasons are elusive. If the defense can’t catch a break, Tony could go to jail for something he didn’t do.

Review

This is book 22 in the fun Andy Carpenter series. As always, this has a terrific dog as well as Andy and his top notch team.

I am happy to say I puzzled out what was really going on before Andy did, although he did fill in a couple gaps for me in the end to round the case out. This one was tricky, and for awhile I wondered if Andy was going to pull it together in time.

While this takes place around Christmas, the holiday is not a major factor in the story. And other than a new cast member, there weren’t any big non-case-related surprises here for the series.

Series fans will enjoy spending some snark-filled hours with Andy, watching him wrestle through another case. This hits all the usual beats for the series. Newcomers should be able to enjoy this on its own without issue. But if you love the team here like I do, you’ll want to go back and pick up some of the earlier books. Some of my favorites are: Bury the Lead (♥♥♥♥♥), Play Dead (♥♥♥♥♥), and The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥).

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.