Book ~ "Dogged Pursuit" (2025) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump but he's excited to make a change.

Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara's been sharing space with a dog named Sunny. Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny too but since there's a pending criminal case involving the owner, he'll need to get written permission for temporary possession.

Andy discovers that Sunny's owner, Ryan Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Ryan and his clear dedication to his dog and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.

This was an interesting twist in the Andy Carpenter series ... it's the 31st book in the series but it happens 10 to 15 years before the first one. I've read them all and I'm still enjoying this series so it was fun to meet Andy and other characters that I've gotten to know so well.  Even though it is part of a series, it works really well as a stand alone since it takes you back to before the series started. It will be interesting to see if #32 picks up after this one or jumps back to present day after #30.

Andy is 30 and married to Nicole. They haven't been married long but there is trouble in the marriage. Her father has offered him a cushy job in his firm. Andy has spent a couple years working as a prosecutor and recently struck out on his own and has no interest in working for his father-in-law. 

Nicole has moved out yet again and Andy decides to fulfill a dream and adopt a dog. He goes to the shelter and as soon as he sees Tara, he knows she's the one. She's been sharing space with Sonny and seems to be attached to him so Andy wants him too. Andy is told that Ryan, Sonny's owner, has been arrested for murdering his boss and friend and is in jail. Sonny is there until Ryan's situation is determined. Andy meets Ryan to get permission to take Sonny for the time being and takes on Ryan's case.

I like the writing style of this series as it is funny, sarcastic and amusing. It's written in first person perspective in Andy's voice. In this book, we meet Laurie. She has just retired from the police force and is now looking to go out on her own as an investigator and Andy hires her. There are some sparks but nothing happens because Andy is still married to Nicole. We also meet Sam, Andy's accountant, who is a computer hack. There are mentions of Marcus but we don't get to meet him or find out anything about him. As a head's up, there is a bit of swearing.