Book ~ "The More The Terrier" (2024) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is relieved to be headed back to Paterson, New Jersey, after a week-long family vacation in the Adirondacks. He's ready to put the holly jolly season way behind him and settle in at home with his three dogs. But when they finally arrive, there is an extra dog eagerly awaiting them, as well as one anxious dog sitter.

When the dog showed up on the doorstep a few days ago, the sitter knew Andy would know what to do. Indeed, Andy recognizes Murphy, who the Carpenters fostered before the dog went home with BJ Bremer and his mother. BJ wanted to learn all he could about caring for Murphy, which made Andy like him immediately.

When Andy goes to take Murphy back to the Bremers, though, instead of the happy reunion he expects, he finds BJ's mother in tears. It turns out Murphy ran off ... after BJ was arrested for murder. Andy had hoped for a quiet Christmas vacation but he likes Murphy’s family and his golden retriever, Tara, likes Murphy so he can't resist getting involved. The case isn’t as simple as Andy thought it would be, though, with BJ suspected of murdering one of his professors. With nothing to go on but Andy's own conviction in BJ's dog-loving character, proving his innocence would be a Christmas miracle.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a teenage son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

When Andy and his family get back from a vacation, there are four dogs waiting for him instead of three. His dog sitter said the fourth dog arrived a couple days ago and she didn't know what else to do so took him in. They recognize the dog as Murphy, a former foster dog, and return the dog to the family who had adopted him. That's when Andy discovers that BJ, the son, had been arrested for murdering one of his professors. When Andy meets the lawyer who has stepped up to defend BJ, he senses something isn't right and takes over the case to ensure BJ gets a fair trial. As Andy and his team start investigating, it doesn't take long until potential witnesses start to disappear.

This is the 30th in the Andy Carpenter series ... I've read them all and I'm still enjoying this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on). I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. The author even includes himself in this book as Laurie is reading a book by David Rosenfelt and Andy doesn't see why he is her favourite author! It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services and he always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant whether he is there or not). Andy admits he is a bit of a wimp so part of his team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator, Marcus and Cory, a former police officer). Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "'Dog Day Afternoon" (2024) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter has run the Tara Foundation - the dog rescue organization named after his beloved golden retriever - for years. It's always been his calling, even as Andy's pulled into representing clients in court. His investigator, Marcus Clark, has been at Andy's side for a long time. Even though they've known each other for years, Marcus keeps his personal life a mystery. 

So it’s a shock when Marcus arrives at the Tara Foundation with two strangers in tow. Turns out Marcus takes disadvantaged young men under his wing, gets them jobs, a place to live and a chance at a different life. And they want a dog. Andy’s specialty. One of the young men, Nick Williams, instantly falls in love with one of the dogs, Daisy. 

When there’s a mass shooting at Nick’s work, leaving six dead, all signs point to Nick. Marcus, who's never asked Andy for anything, asks Andy for help. Despite Nick's troubled background, Andy trusts his friend and takes the case.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a teenage son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

There is a shooting at a local law firm and six people are killed. The two people who manage to escape say they recognized Nick, a co-worker, as the killer and he has suspiciously disappeared. Nick is a friend of Marcus', one of Andy's investigators, and Marcus asks Andy for help. When Nick reappears a couple days later, he says he was kidnapped and held hostage. On Andy's advice, he turns himself in and is arrested. Marcus has helped Andy many times over the years so he can't say no when Marcus asks him to defend Nick (plus Nick wants to adopt a dog from the Tara Foundation and Andy loves dog lovers). As Andy starts to investigate, he has to figure out who and why one of those killed was the target.

This is the 29th in the Andy Carpenter series ... I've read them all and I'm still enjoying this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on). I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services and he always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant whether he is there or not). Andy admits he is a bit of a wimp so part of his team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator, Marcus and Cory, a former police officer). Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "'Twas the Bite Before Christmas" (2023) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foundation’s annual Christmas party. The dog rescue organization has always been his true calling and this is one holiday tradition he can get behind because every dog that’s come through the rescue - and their families - are invited to celebrate.

This year’s party is no exception. But before the stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, homicide detectives ruin the evening. Derek Moore, one of the foundation’s best foster volunteers, is arrested for murder.

Andy discovers Derek - whose real name is Bobby - is in the witness protection program after giving evidence against his former gang. The police believe Bobby murdered a member. But Bobby swears to Andy he didn’t do this. He’s built a new life, a new business, has two new dogs after being a double foster-failure.

There isn’t much Andy likes about this case but he likes Bobby. If he’s innocent, Andy wants to help. Before Andy can settle down for his long winter’s nap, he has a client’s name to clear, a murderer to catch and two new dogs to look after: a golden and a Dalmatian. Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, will have to adjust to not being the only golden at the house while Andy gets to the bottom of this one.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

Andy is doling out eggnog at a Christmas party at the Tara Foundation when his friend, Pete, a police officer, asks him to send out Derek, one of the volunteers. Knowing it's not going to end well, Andy begrudging does and Derek is arrested for murder. It turns out that Derek is really Bobby and he had been placed in witness protection a couple years ago after he testified against fellow gang members. He has now been charged with the murder of one of the higher ups in the gang. Derek swears he didn't do it but the evidence says otherwise. Because he is dog lover, Andy believes in him and agrees to represent him.

This is the 28th in the Andy Carpenter series ... I've read them all and I'm still enjoying this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on). I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services and he always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant whether he is there or not). Andy admits he is a bit of a wimp so part of his team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner). Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Flop Dead Gorgeous" (2023) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols - Andy’s high school girlfriend - the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.

Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see Jenny’s co-star is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.

While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

Jenny is an actress who is town shooting a movie. She and Andy knew each other in high school so they get together with some of Andy's friends at his favourite bar. While there, Ryan, Jenny's co-star and ex-boyfriend arrives and tries to get her to leave. She refuses and Ryan is asked to leave. Later that night, Jenny discovers Ryan's body in her kitchen with a knife in his back. Jenny is arrested and it's up to Andy to defend her and find out what really happened.

This is the 27th in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all) and I have been enjoying this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Good Dog, Bad Cop" (2023) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.

Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried - and failed - to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.

Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong ... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.

Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer and clear Jimmy’s name.

Corey Douglas is a retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner.  They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K Team.  Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy.  Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.  Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack.  Corey, as a retired police office, used to have an issue with how Sam gets his information but he has changed his mind now that he seems how much faster Sam can access it.

There have been some budget cuts in the Paterson Police Department but they still have money to hire consultants.  Preferring to use it rather than lose it, the K Team are hired to investigate cold cases. They choose one that is near and dear to them ... the death of a police officer. Danny Avery had been on a stakeout when he was shot in the head. His widow, Susan, and his cop friend, Jimmy, are found dead the next year ... were they murdered or was it a murder-suicide? Corey and Laurie don't know if the deaths are connected but assume they are so they start from scratch with basically nothing and see where it takes them.

There have been 26 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the fourth in the K Team spin-off series.  Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.

I liked this book.  I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others. I found there were a lot of characters in this book so it was hard to keep them straight at times.

Book ~ "Holy Chow" (2022) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter’s calling has always been running the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization places hundreds of dogs in new homes every year. It’s added up to so many dogs and new owners that Andy can’t even do the math. But there’s one dog - and one owner - Andy will always remember.

About a year ago, Rachel Morehouse came to the foundation looking for a companion. In her sixties and recently widowed, Rachel wanted a senior dog that also needed someone. Andy took a liking to her, Rachel took a liking to Lion, an older Chow Chow, and the rest is history.

That is until Rachel calls Andy begging for a favor: If Rachel dies, will Andy take care of Lion if her stepson cannot? Andy agrees, no questions asked and promptly forgets about it ... until he receives a call from Rachel’s estate to attend her will reading. Which is where he meets Rachel’s stepson, Tony, who is promptly arrested for his stepmother’s murder. And he wants Andy to prove his innocence.

Andy has continued to learn more about the woman he so greatly admired and the businesses she ran, and holy chow, was this woman impressive. The person who killed her deserves to be held accountable, and if Tony is to be believed, they’re still out there. And that possibility is too much for Andy to remain on the sidelines.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

Rachel had adopted a dog named Lion from the Tara Foundation and contacts Andy to ask if anything happens to her, would the foundation take the dog back (if Tony, her stepson, doesn't want him) and rehome.  Of course, Andy agrees.  He's surprised when she passes away a couple weeks later of an apparent heart attack.  Tony is happy to take Lion so all is well for the dog.  But then Tony is arrested for the murder of Rachel and since he is a fellow dog lover, Andy agrees to take on his case. As Andy and his team start digging, they discover her murder may have something to do with the company Rachel's late husband and Tony's late father had started but others don't want to have known.

This is the 25th in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all) and I have been liking this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Santa's Little Yelpers" (2022) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Tis the season in Paterson, New Jersey: Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are surrounded by holiday cheer. It’s even spread to the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization’s newest litter of puppies has been dubbed “Santa’s Little Yelpers”. Eight puppies are a lot to handle, and Andy is relieved when volunteer Chris Myers agrees to foster them.

Myers, a newer volunteer, did time for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. When Myers discovers a key witness against him lied on the stand and there's evidence that never made it to his lawyer, he goes to Andy for advice. After Andy does some digging, he thinks they can have this conviction overturned by Christmas, no problem.

But when the witness is murdered and the evidence Andy uncovers points to Myers, things go from bad to worse. Suddenly it’s all elves on deck to make a list and check it twice so they can prove Myers is innocent.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, three dogs and he is enjoying his life.

Chris, a volunteer with the Tara Foundation, was wrongfully convicted of murder and served his time.  A witness was paid to say he saw Chris kill a stranger behind a bar and that's what put him behind the bars.  The witness has approached Chris to confess that he did lie and he wants to come clean but he'll only speak with Chris.  When the witness changes his mind, Chris is determined to change his mind but the witness is shot dead in front o f him.  Panicked Chris runs from the house and is quickly arrested for murder.  But this time it seems he has a reason ... revenge.  Andy takes the case because they are friends and Chris is a fellow dog lover.  Andy can't prove that Chris didn't do it so he has to come up with alternative scenarios as to who else could have done it.

This is the 26th in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all but somehow missed #25) and I have been liking this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Citizen K-9" (2022) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ The Paterson Police Department has created a cold case division and they want to hire the private investigators known as the K Team to look into the crimes. After all, Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, recently retired from the force. Plus, another K Team member, Laurie Collins, used to be a cop as well.

Their first cold case hits home for the K Team. A decade ago, at Laurie's tenth high school reunion, two of their friends simply ... vanished. At the time Laurie, had just left the force and Corey was in a different department so they had no choice but to watch from the sidelines. With no leads, the case went cold.

As the team starts to delve deeper into the events leading up to that night - reopening old wounds along the way - the pieces start to come together. But someone wants to stop them from uncovering the truth behind the disappearance, by any means necessary.

Corey Douglas is a retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner.  They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K Team.  Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy.  Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.  Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack.  Corey, as a retired police office, used to have an issue with how Sam gets his information but he has changed his mind now that he seems how much faster Sam can access it.

There have been some budget cuts in the Paterson Police Department but they still have money to hire consultants.  Preferring to use it rather than lose it, the K Team are hired to investigate a cold case.  Seven years ago at Laurie and Corey's high school reunion, Chris and Kim walked out the door and were never seen again.  No one could figure out a connection between them.  Did they even know each other and had run off together?  Were they killed and if so, why?  If the police couldn't solve this mystery seven years ago when everything was fresh, can the K Team?

There have been 24 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the third in the K Team spin-off series.  Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.

I liked this book.  I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others.

Book ~ "Best in Show" (2021) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect.

Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow – white Christmas and all that – but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.

When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer.

Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow in "Best in Snow", the next Christmas mystery in the bestselling Andy Carpenter series from David Rosenfelt. 

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, and he is enjoying his life.

One evening when Andy was walking their three dogs in a local park, one starts digging in the snow and Andy discovers a body.  It turns out it is the mayor.  Recently Bobby, a reporter, had written a story about the mayor, which turned out to be false and he was fired from the newspaper.  It appears that Bobby wanted revenge and murdered the mayor.  Things don't look good for Bobby, especially since he was found unconscious nearby in his car and the mayor's blood was found in the trunk.  Vince, Bobby's former boss, is a friend of Andy's and asks him to take the case.  Despite not wanting to ever take on another case, he does.

This is the 24th in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all) and I have been liking this series.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.  There were a lot of characters, though, and I had a hard time sometimes keeping them straight.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he never charges for his services).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Don't Tell a Soul" (2008) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Tim Wallace's wife died in a boating accident several months ago. Tim was the only eye witness and one New Jersey cop is sure he killed her. He didn't but even if the police eventually clear his name, he'll never get over this terrible tragedy. 

On New Year's Eve, his two best friends and business partners finally convince him to go out for the first time since Maggie's death, and at their neighborhood pub just a few minutes before midnight, things in Tim Wallace's life go from bad to worse. "Can you keep a secret? A really big one?" a drunken stranger asks him. Before Tim can say anything or turn away, the man confesses to a months-old murder, even offering as proof the location of the woman's body. "Now it's your problem," he says and walks away. 

When the man turns out to have been telling the truth, Tim's life and work are put under the microscope again by the cops, and this time they're not giving up. But neither is Tim, even when things keep getting worse for him, and eventually he realizes he's the only person who can figure out what's really going on  - even if it kills him.

Tim finally convinced his bride, Maggie, to go on his beloved boat.  While on the water, the boat blows up, killing Maggie.  Novak, the investigating police officer, is convinced Tim had something to do with it.  Tim has been mourning many months later, throwing himself into his work.  His two best friends convince him to go out on New Years Eve to their favourite bar.  Tim's not in the mood and just before he's ready to head for home, a drunk stranger approaches him and unburdens him with a secret ... he murdered a woman a couple months go and buried her in a playground.  Being a good citizen, Tim tells Novak about it but Novak automatically thinks Tim did it.  When more people end up disappearing and/or getting killed, Novak continues to try to prove that Tim is the killer.  Tim realizes he must do whatever he has to to prove his innocence.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series which I enjoy, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style and it is written in third person perspective.  I thought the story was really convoluted, though, and think the "whodunnit" and why could have gone in a more interesting direction.  And I am still confused as to why Tim's boat exploded in the first place.  There were lots of characters, many ended up dead.  The end wraps up rather quickly.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Heart of a Killer" (2012) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Jamie Wagner is a young lawyer who is happy to be flying under the radar at a large firm. It’s not that he isn’t smart. He is. It’s just that hard work, not to mention the whole legal thing, isn’t exactly his passion. Underachiever? A little. Content? Right up until the firm puts him on a case that turns his whole world upside down. 

Sheryl Harrison has served four years of a thirty-year murder sentence for killing her husband, who she claims was abusive. The case is settled - there shouldn’t be anything for Jamie to do - except Sheryl’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Karen, is sick. She has a congenital heart defect and will die without a transplant. Her blood type is rare, making their chances of finding a matching donor remote at best. Sheryl wants to be that donor for her daughter, and Jamie is in way over his head. Suicide, no matter the motive, is illegal. So with Sheryl on suicide watch, Jamie’s only shot at helping her and saving Karen is to reopen the murder case, prove Sheryl’s innocence, and get her freed so that she can pursue her plan on her own.

Jamie is a smart guy but not overly motivated.  He knows he'll never make partner in the law firm he works for and he's okay with that.  He is handed a pro bono case ... Sheryl has been in prison for six years for murdering her husband.  Her teenage daughter, Karen, has a heart defect and needs a transplant and Sheryl is a rare match for her.  So Sheryl wants to be able to be killed so her daughter can have her heart and live.  Assisted suicides are illegal so Sheryl needs legal assistance.  Jamie enlists the help of Sheryl's arresting officer, Novack.  Despite Sheryl admitting at the time that she had murdered her husband, he never believed her and this is his chance at redemption and to prove her innocence.

In the meantime, a hacker is causing chaos across the country by taking control and crashing planes and trains, etc. in return for money.  While Novack would like to focus on Sheryl's situation, he is also pulled in to try to find the hacker as they could be local.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series which I enjoy, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style and it is written in first person perspective in Jamie's voice and third person perspective when the focus is on others.  It's a bit of a depressing story with Sheryl wanting to be killed so she could donate her heart to her dying daughter.  I thought the "whodunnit" was a bit convoluted, though, and I could have done without the hacking/terrorism side story (I didn't find it all that interesting).

Book ~ "Without Warning" (2014) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Years ago, Katie Sanford's husband was convicted of the murder of Jenny Robbins, then died himself in prison. It's a small town and memories are long and Katie and Jenny's husband, Chief of Police Jake Robbins, have had to work at putting the tragedy behind them. But it's all brought up again in the wake of a hurricane which has just wreaked havoc on their quiet Maine town. 

Since its founding, Wilton has had a quaint tradition of creating a time capsule every fifty years and the storm unearthed the most recent capsule. As the editor of the local paper, Katie joins Chief Robbins to supervise its opening. Neither of them is prepared for the macabre set of predictions, dating back to months before Jenny's murder, that they find inside. Someone predicted her death, as well as eleven other tragedies, which are still occurring even long after the death of Katie's husband. 

At last, after all these years, Katie has reason to hope that her husband might not have been guilty of Jenny's murder after all. But as she and Jake race to stop the next predictions from coming true, they find themselves caught in a terrifying mind game with no rules ... and life or death consequences.

Wilton is a small town and every 50 years a time capsule is buried.  A hurricane comes through the town and disrupts the time capsule that was buried there about four years ago and a body is found with it.  Jake is the chief of police and wants to get into the time capsule to see if there is anything funky inside it.  Kate is the editor of the local paper and is on hand when it's opened.  Inside are some predictions ... some have already happened (such as the murders of Kate and Jake's spouses, which happened after their deaths) and some, it's assumed, are still to come and Jake wants to make sure they don't, especially when all eyes turn to him as the killer.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series which I enjoy, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style and it is written in first person perspective in Jake's voice and third person perspective when the focus is on others.  I thought the "whodunnit" was a bit convoluted, though, and found it unbelievable that the "whodunnit" was able to make it all happen.

Book ~ "Animal Instinct" (2021) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, a German shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, are recently retired police officers turned private investigators. Along with fellow former cop, Laurie Collins, and her investigating partner, Marcus, they call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon.

The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined.

Corey Douglas is a retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner.  They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K Team.  Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy.  Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.  

About three years ago when Corey was a police officer, he answered a domestic dispute call ... Lisa, the victim, denied her boyfriend, Gerald, had hurt her.  The case has always haunted Corey.  When Lisa is murdered, Corey feels guilty because he thinks had he done more when he was a police officer, she would be alive today.  Corey thinks Gerald has some involvement in her death and the K Team investigate.  When someone else is murdered, Corey is arrested for their murder and it's up to the K Team to find out what's going on and Andy to defend Corey.  Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack.  Corey, as a retired police office, always had an issue with how Sam gets his information but he soon changes his mind now that his freedom is on the line.

There have been 23 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the second in the K Team spin-off series.  Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.

I liked this book.  I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others.

Book ~ "Airtight" (2013) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Judge Daniel Brennan is only days away from achieving a seat on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals bench when he's brutally stabbed to death in his garage. An army of media and law enforcement descend on the case and thousands of tips pour in from the public. When one tip leads New Jersey policeman Luke Somers to Steven Gallagher, things quickly go wrong but Luke is instantly glorified for solving the case. 

But to one man, Luke is no hero. Chris Gallagher raised his brother, Steven, almost single-handedly and, certain that Steven is innocent, he won't rest until he sets the record straight. Thanks to Luke's newfound fame, he's an easy man to find, and Chris quickly makes it clear that Luke's own brother will die if Luke refuses to help clear Steven's name. So begins Luke's desperate attempt to find another suspect - any other suspect - in Judge Brennan's death. But Luke's investigation might open the door to powerful forces even more dangerous than Chris Gallagher.

Luke is a police officer in New Jersey.  When a judge is murdered, an anonymous tip leads Luke to Steven Gallagher's.  When Luke goes to investigate, Steven pulls a gun on Luke and Luke defends himself and shoots Luke.  Evidence is found in Steven's apartment confirming that he did indeed murder the judge.

When Chris, Steven's military brother finds out that his brother had been suspected of killing the judge, he doesn't believe it.  And he's not too happy to find out that a police officer had killed his brother.  Chris kidnaps Bryan, Luke's brother, and imprisons him in a room that only has enough air for seven days.  He then tells Luke that he has seven days to find the real killer of the judge or his brother will die.

Luke feels bad about shooting Steven but feels justified in doing it and believes Steven was guilty.  In order to free his brother, he has to come up with a couple other possibilities ... and as he does so, he comes to believe that Steven didn't kill the judge after all.  Then it becomes a race of time to find out who did so he brother will live.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series which I enjoy, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style and it is written in first person perspective in Luke's voice and third person perspective when the focus is on others.  I liked this story and there was any number of people who could have been the real killer.

Book ~ "On Borrowed Time" (2011) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Richard Kilmer is head over heels in love with Jennifer Ryan, who takes him home to meet her parents, where she accepts his marriage proposal. 

While visiting, they set out on a nostalgic drive up to Kendrick Falls. On their way there, a freak storm rolls in, Richard loses control of his car, and it rolls. When the storm clears in a matter of seconds, Jen is gone. Richard can't find her and neither can the police who respond to the scene. 

More horrifying is that no one in Richard's life will even confirm Jen's existence, and all traces of her have disappeared. Where could she be? Has Richard lost his mind, or has something far worse happened?

Richard is a freelance journalist.  He meets Jennifer at a rally and they fall in love and move in together.  When they visit her parents, he proposes and she accepts.  One day before they head home they go for a drive and a sudden storm comes up.  They get in an accident and Jennifer ends up missing.  Richard heads back to her parents' house to see if she went there but her mother has no idea who Richard is, Jennifer's father has been dead for 20 years and Jennifer apparently passed away when she was a young child.  When Richard goes home, none of his friends who he and Jennifer had spent time with have any recollection of Jennifer.  Huh?

Richard isn't sure what's going on but is determined to figure it out.  After he writes about his experience, he gets a call from Allie, whose identical twin, Julie, is missing and Richard and Allie somehow assume that Julie is Jennifer.  Together they start investigating to see what happened to Julie and/or Jennifer.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style and it is written in first person perspective in Richard's voice and third person perspective when the focus is on others.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

I really like the Andy Carpenter series and thought this storyline was intriguing.  I found the ending a bit convoluted and confusing, though.

Book ~ "Down to the Wire" (2010) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ A reporter for the Bergen News, Chris Turley could never measure up to his father. Edward Turley, a combination of Bob Woodward and Ernie Pyle, was one of the last great investigative reporters and a difficult man to impress. While stuck covering press conferences and town hall meetings, Chris, his father's legend in mind, has always dreamed of his own Pulitzer, however unlikely it seems.

Then one day while he's waiting to meet a source, a giant explosion takes out half of an office building next door. Shocked into action, Chris saves five people from the burning building. His firsthand account in the next day's paper makes him a hero and a celebrity.

And that's not all. The source's next tip delivers a second headline-grabber of a story for Chris, and suddenly his career is looking a lot more like his dad's. But then it seems this anonymous source has had a plan for Chris all along and his luck for being in the right place at the right time is not a coincidence at all. What seemed like a reporter's dream quickly becomes an inescapable nightmare.

Chris is a reporter working for the Bergen News.  He gets a call from a source named P.T. to meet him in a park as he has some information on a great story for Chris to write.  While Chris is waiting, the building across the street explodes.  Chris rushes in and saves five people and is considered a hero.  He gets a lot of notice when he writes about the experience first-hand in the newspaper.

P.T. touches base again about the information he was going to give to Chris which involves the city's mayor.  Chris is at the heart of this story and again writes about it first-hand.  He's attracting lots of positive attention ... until he just happens to be at the scene of a violent murder.  This is when Chris starts to realize that he perhaps being set up by P.T. who has ramped up his killings with random explosions.  Chris doesn't know why (though he suspects P.T. has is seeking revenge against his deceased father) and enlists the help of a friend who is a police officer.  As the amount of explosions escalate, the FBI are brought in and they start to suspect that perhaps Chris is P.T. to get attention.

I've read many books by this author, mostly his Andy Carpenter series, and this is a stand alone.  I like the writing style as it was a bit funny and sarcastic at times.  It is written in third person perspective with a focus on where the action is.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

I really like the Andy Carpenter series and thought this story was okay.  It was a bit farfetched as to how P.T. was able to execute so many explosions without getting caught and I didn't really buy why he was doing it.  

Book ~ "Dog Eat Dog" (2021) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it's routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn't so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.

Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that's always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen and he's wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, and he is enjoying his life.  He love love loves their dog, Tara, and thinks she's the best dog in the world.  They also have another less lively dog named Sebastian, who he also loves.

Andy and Laurie were walking their dogs when they saw a man abusing a dog.  As they rush over, another man, Matt, gets there first and beats up the man.  Matt is arrested along with the other man and Andy gives Matt his business card in case he needs help.  It turns out Matt is wanted for the murder of two people two years ago in his hometown in Maine and is hauled back there.  Andy begrudgingly defends him.  Despite Matt not knowing the victims, the prosecutor has what seems like an airtight case ... Matt's blood was found under the nails of one the victims and DNA doesn't lie.  One of the victims was possibly involved in dealing drugs and a radical militia group so he could have been a target for many.

This is the 23rd in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all) and I have been enjoying this series as the author is able to keep this series fresh and fun.  Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice.  It was interesting to see Andy away from home as this doesn't happen often.  I liked the story for the most part but found the ending convoluted ... I had to read it a couple times to figure out what was going on.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (he didn't charge Matt for his services or those he had provided).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action.

Book ~ "Silent Bite" (2020) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a breath; he’s back on dry land after a family Caribbean cruise forced on him by his wife, Laurie, to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course, the family’s first stop is to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that has always been Andy’s true passion. 

But when Andy arrives, his partner, Willie Miller, needs his help. Willie’s old cellmate, Tony Birch, has been arrested for murder. Andy doesn’t necessarily believe in Tony but Willie does. And Andy believes in Willie, which is why Andy decides to take the case.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, and he is enjoying his life.  He love love loves their dog, Tara, and thinks she's the best dog in the world.  They also has another less lively dog named Sebastian, who he also loves.

Andy and his family just got home from a cruise, which Andy hated.  He stops in to see Willie who tells him about a friend of his, Tony, who has been arrested for murder.  Willie doesn't think Tony did it and wants Andy to be his lawyer.  Andy wants to be retired lawyer and agrees to meet Tony.  Because Willie is Andy's friend and Tony has a dog, Andy begrudgedly takes the case.

Tony has a past.  He is a former gang member and had spent time in prison for involuntary manslaughter.  When Tony got out, he turned his life around and became a mechanic, eventually buying the garage where he worked.  One of his former gang "colleagues" had testified in court during the manslaughter trial and Tony had sworn in court he would kill him.  He is now being charged with the recent murder of this man plus another colleague.  Plus it didn't help that he has no alibi for the nights of the two murders and the murder weapon was found buried in Tony's backyard.

This is the 22nd in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all).  I enjoyed this book and am enjoying this series.  I find with most series that by the time an author has come this far, the series isn't very good and the author is pounding out the books just to get a paycheque.  That's not the case with this series ... the author is able to keep this series fresh and fun.

Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on other people.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (his two best friends continue to take advantage of his tab at their favourite bar).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cory, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cory's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action and he has a new associate named Eddie who is a former football player.  Edna is his secretary who, like Andy, would rather he not take on any cases and she likes getting paid to do nothing.

Book ~ "Muzzled" (2020) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who would rather not practice law. He'd rather spend his time working with the Tara Foundation, his dog rescue organization, and being with his family and his two dogs, Tara and Sebastian. But when a friend asks him for a favor that involves both dogs and his lawyerly expertise, he can't say no.

Andy's friend, Beth, has found a stray that seems to have belonged to a murder victim - in fact, the man and two of his colleagues died in an explosion a few weeks ago. But when the murdered man contacts Beth, asking for his dog back, Andy knows there must be more to the story. The man claims his life is in danger, and that's why he disappeared. As much as Andy doesn't want to get involved - anything to avoid a new case - he can't help but come to the rescue of a man who'd risk everything, even his life, to reunite with his dog.

Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't want any clients.  Because of the money his father left him and some lucrative cases, he is able to not work and spend his time with his friend, Willie, running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue that he and Willie formed.  He is married to Laurie, they have a young son, Ricky, and he is enjoying his life.  He loves their dog, Tara, and thinks she's the best dog in the world.  They also has another less lively dog named Sebastian.

Andy gets a call from Beth, who runs another dog rescue, who is looking for guidance.  She has a dog named Aggie and Alex, her owner, has called to claim her.  Beth's concern, though, is that the owner supposedly died in a boating explosion three weeks ago along with two friends/colleagues.  Beth wants Andy present at Aggie's and Alex's and he's intrigued so he agrees.  When Alex and Aggie meet, it's obvious they know and love each other.  Alex is then arrested for the murder of his two friends and asks Andy to represent him.  Because of the obvious love that Alex has for Aggie (he risked his safety in coming to claim her), Andy agrees.  As Andy and his team start to investigate, he discovers the mafia and the Russian mafia may be involved and he gets a quick lesson in the pharmaceutical world and IPOs.

This is the 21st in the Andy Carpenter series (I've read them all).  I enjoyed this book and am enjoying this series.  I find with most series that by the time an author has come this far, the series isn't very good and the author is pounding out the books just to get a paycheque.  That's not the case with this series ... the author is able to keep this series fresh and fun.

Even though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).  I like the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Andy's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on other people.

I like Andy ... I think he would be a hoot to be around and he's quite generous with his time and money (his two best friends continue to take advantage of his tab at their favourite bar).  Part of Andy's team is the K-Team (Laurie, a former police officer and now an investigator; Marcus, an investigator with "persuasive" reasoning skills; Cody, a former police officer; and Simon Garfunkel, Cody's former canine partner).  Sam is his accountant who is also a computer hack who wants to be part of the action and Hike is his depressed/depressing associate.  Edna is his secretary who, like Andy, would rather he not take on any cases.

Book ~ "The K Team" (2020) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, Simon Garfunkel, have recently retired from the police force. Not ready to give up the life yet, they come up with a proposal for fellow former cop, Laurie Carpenter, and her investigating partner, Marcus. Laurie and Marcus - who help out Laurie’s lawyer husband Andy on cases - have been chafing to jump back into investigating on their own, so they are in. 

They call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon. Their first job as private investigators comes to them from Judge Henry Henderson, who's known as a very tough but fair judge and they've all come up against him in court at one time or another. Though it's hard to believe, Judge Henderson is being blackmailed and extorted, and he doesn't want to involve the police - he needs the K Team to figure out why.

Corey Douglas is a recently retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner.  They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K-Team.  Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy.  Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.  Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack and Corey, as a retired police office, has an issue with how Sam gets his information.

The K Team's first client is Judge Henry "Hatchet" Henderson, a no-nonsense judge who suspects he's about to be blackmailed into doing something.  Henderson wants The K Team to find out what's going on.  As they investigate, dead bodies start popping up until they finally figure out what's going on.

There have been twenty books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the first in the K Team spin-off series (and I hope it won't be the last).  Laurie and Marcus have major roles in the Andy Carpenter series and Andy is in this one.  We met Corey in the last Andy Carpenter book just as he and Simon had retired.

I enjoyed this book.  After getting to know Andy (in his voice) in his series, it was interesting to see how someone else views him and how he reacts/relates with others.  The story was interesting and it didn't come together until the end.  Though it is a spin-off of another series, you don't need to have read the other series (though you should because they are good).  I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on one of the bad guys.