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Andy Carpenter #2
First Degree
A defense attorney and his beloved Golden Retriever work solve a murder and clear a his girlfriend's name in this entertaining cozy mystery.
No one can separate defense attorney Andy Carpenter from his golden retriever, Tara, who stands loyally beside him through every investigation, no matter how dangerous or puzzling-and he is about to be confronted with one of his most difficult cases yet.
When a cop's body is found burned and decapitated, the last thing Andy expects is for a stranger to waltz into his office and confess to the crime. For the wisecracking millionaire attorney suffering from "lawyer's block," the case looks like a no-brainer, that is until the cops pick up another suspect: Andy's lead P.I., Laurie Collins, who happens to be the love of his life. Soon Laurie's case is looking bleak and Andy is becoming increasingly desperate. All he had wanted was a case to sink his teeth into. Now he gets one that's a kick in the head . . . and the heart.
No one can separate defense attorney Andy Carpenter from his golden retriever, Tara, who stands loyally beside him through every investigation, no matter how dangerous or puzzling-and he is about to be confronted with one of his most difficult cases yet.
When a cop's body is found burned and decapitated, the last thing Andy expects is for a stranger to waltz into his office and confess to the crime. For the wisecracking millionaire attorney suffering from "lawyer's block," the case looks like a no-brainer, that is until the cops pick up another suspect: Andy's lead P.I., Laurie Collins, who happens to be the love of his life. Soon Laurie's case is looking bleak and Andy is becoming increasingly desperate. All he had wanted was a case to sink his teeth into. Now he gets one that's a kick in the head . . . and the heart.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
About the author
David Rosenfelt
68 books2,681 followersI am a novelist with 27 dogs.
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 878 reviews
August 19, 2017
This is the second book in the legal thriller series by David Rosenfelt, and it’s a good one! Andy Carpenter and his investigator Laurie Collins, who is also the love of his life, have a challenge ahead – they need to find out why his client is accused of a grisly murder when Andy knows he didn’t do it. Then, things become worse when Laurie is indicted for the same murder.
Edna, Andy’s secretary, is galvanized. Normally her work involves doing a lot of crossword puzzles – but this is Laurie. Kevin, the wizard lawyer who gave it all up to run a laundromat, drops everything to help out – because this is Laurie. They hire another investigator, intimidating Marcus, who knows both Kevin and Laurie, and he keeps digging for information – for Laurie.
Willie, the young fellow that Andy rescued from death row in the first book, is also back, and of course, Andy’s Golden Retriever, Tara, is doing what dogs do best: giving lots of love. Andy still has his 22 million and Edna’s Uncle Fred is taking care of that while the case muddles along, frustrating and empty of facts or anything concrete they can use to exonerate Laurie. Time is not moving slow, they are propelled rapidly toward the court date, people are being killed, and the FBI is involved so information on the background of the murder victim is difficult to extract.
This book is fast-paced, liberally sprinkled with Andy’s wit and funny sarcasm, and enough tension and suspense to hold up a bridge. I enjoyed this read and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller that is entertaining and eye-popping on its race toward the jury’s verdict.
Edna, Andy’s secretary, is galvanized. Normally her work involves doing a lot of crossword puzzles – but this is Laurie. Kevin, the wizard lawyer who gave it all up to run a laundromat, drops everything to help out – because this is Laurie. They hire another investigator, intimidating Marcus, who knows both Kevin and Laurie, and he keeps digging for information – for Laurie.
Willie, the young fellow that Andy rescued from death row in the first book, is also back, and of course, Andy’s Golden Retriever, Tara, is doing what dogs do best: giving lots of love. Andy still has his 22 million and Edna’s Uncle Fred is taking care of that while the case muddles along, frustrating and empty of facts or anything concrete they can use to exonerate Laurie. Time is not moving slow, they are propelled rapidly toward the court date, people are being killed, and the FBI is involved so information on the background of the murder victim is difficult to extract.
This book is fast-paced, liberally sprinkled with Andy’s wit and funny sarcasm, and enough tension and suspense to hold up a bridge. I enjoyed this read and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller that is entertaining and eye-popping on its race toward the jury’s verdict.
July 19, 2021
This is my second audiobook by David Rosenfelt and I really enjoyed it. Having jumped into the series with "Dog Eat Dog" (#23), I thought I should start with the audiobook that I could find as close to the beginning as possible, this was it!!!
Andy is a mostly retired attorney since inheriting a fortune from his father. The inheritance is still relatively new and he's still deciding what he will do with his new found millions.
He is currently involved in a loving relationship with Laurie, a former police officer turned PI. Never far from his side is Tara, his golden retriever, the other love of his life!!
The case in this novel is extremely personal, as Laurie is being accused of murder!! A former police officer has been found dead, decapitated and burned beyond recognition. While Andy and all of Laurie's friends know that she could never commit such a heinous crime, there is DNA evidence to prove it!!
The team will have to do some serious investigative work to convince the jury that Laurie is innocent!
This book was a fun twist of a mystery with all of Andy's wit and wisdom along with some serious courtroom drama.
I'm loving this series because it is light enough that I don't have to write down a list of characters, yet still interesting and intricate enough to be challenging. The perfect combination of an easy listen with wonderful characters.
Besides Laurie and Andy, there is Marcus, a new hire, a hulking, powerhouse of a man, who doesn't take no for an answer, he will help dig up any information from people who aren't "eager" to accommodate. I also loved Edna, Andy's crossword obsessed secretary, who helps set up an office in Andy's home while Laurie is under house arrest.
This is a rather short novel and I don't want to give anything away that might ruin this for another reader or listener.
I did want to mention how great the narrator is for these books. Here's a quick quote about him:
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit."—AudioFile Magazine
Give this series a listen and I think you'll find it addicting!!
I just had to include this link to the author and the REAL Tara Foundation that he talks about in his books. If you have a minute give it a listen :)
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/4183...
Andy is a mostly retired attorney since inheriting a fortune from his father. The inheritance is still relatively new and he's still deciding what he will do with his new found millions.
He is currently involved in a loving relationship with Laurie, a former police officer turned PI. Never far from his side is Tara, his golden retriever, the other love of his life!!
The case in this novel is extremely personal, as Laurie is being accused of murder!! A former police officer has been found dead, decapitated and burned beyond recognition. While Andy and all of Laurie's friends know that she could never commit such a heinous crime, there is DNA evidence to prove it!!
The team will have to do some serious investigative work to convince the jury that Laurie is innocent!
This book was a fun twist of a mystery with all of Andy's wit and wisdom along with some serious courtroom drama.
I'm loving this series because it is light enough that I don't have to write down a list of characters, yet still interesting and intricate enough to be challenging. The perfect combination of an easy listen with wonderful characters.
Besides Laurie and Andy, there is Marcus, a new hire, a hulking, powerhouse of a man, who doesn't take no for an answer, he will help dig up any information from people who aren't "eager" to accommodate. I also loved Edna, Andy's crossword obsessed secretary, who helps set up an office in Andy's home while Laurie is under house arrest.
This is a rather short novel and I don't want to give anything away that might ruin this for another reader or listener.
I did want to mention how great the narrator is for these books. Here's a quick quote about him:
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit."—AudioFile Magazine
Give this series a listen and I think you'll find it addicting!!
I just had to include this link to the author and the REAL Tara Foundation that he talks about in his books. If you have a minute give it a listen :)
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/4183...
September 27, 2021
In this 2nd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the criminal defense lawyer has his girlfriend as a client. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Ever since defense attorney Andy Carpenter inherited 22 million dollars from his father, he's been very picky about the cases he takes.
So when Geoffrey Stynes waltzes into Carpenter's Paterson, New Jersey office and says he's about to be arrested for killing a cop named Alex Dorsey, Carpenter refuses to represent him.....even though Andy knows Dorsey was a corrupt officer.
Carpenter's girlfriend Laurie Collins, a former cop, worked under Dorsey and knew he was bent. When she reported the slimeball to police higher-ups, however, Dorsey was barely rebuked and Laurie was pushed out of the police force. She now works as Andy's private investigator.
In the end case, Stynes isn't charged with Dorsey's death. Instead, a drug dealer named Oscar Garcia is arrested for the murder, and Andy - knowing Garcia is innocent - feels obliged to defend him.
Garcia has an alibi, though, and the authorities proceed to arrest Andy's gal Laurie for Dorsey's murder.....and they have a LOT of evidence.
Andy becomes Laurie's attorney, and - when he starts looking into the case - discovers that the rigmarole with Stynes and Garcia was someone's elaborate scheme to frame his sweetheart. Andy and his colleagues go into high gear to prepare Laurie's case. Even Edna - Andy's work-averse secretary - toils day and night to help clear Laurie's name....much to Andy's amazement. 😊
Laurie gets a speedy trial, and the courtroom scenes are very entertaining, with Andy constantly wisecracking and outwitting the prosecution. It's like a comedy version of Law and Order.
Andy also takes time to hang out with his golden retriever Tara, an endearing pooch who loves walks, treats, and attention.
Thus Andy is thrilled when another one of his clients, Willie Miller - who's about to get a settlement for wrongful imprisonment - adopts a rescue dog. In the end, Willie's affection for canines leads to good news for the dog population of Paterson, New Jersey.
Of course Laurie's situation is eventually resolved, and some surprises crop up along the way.
I enjoyed this entertaining light mystery and recommend it to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
October 26, 2024
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the second book in the Andy Carpenter book series. We follow a lawyer named Andy in this book series. I have to say I love Andy's character, and I really love his dried humor. This book was much better then the first book. This book hits home for Andy, and during this whole book there is stress, suspense, and action. I really loved the ending. I love the dogs in this book as well.
April 8, 2017
Andy Carpenter's law office has a visit from a prospective client who admits through many details that he killed a police officer that is missing. Andy passes on the case and can't report on what was said because of client confidentiality. He then offers his services to the man accused.
More Sue Grafton than John Grisham, this courtroom shines. A high level of fantastically sarcastic one-liners make this series worth reading!
More Sue Grafton than John Grisham, this courtroom shines. A high level of fantastically sarcastic one-liners make this series worth reading!
July 24, 2024
My second book in the “Andy Carpenter” series and did not disappoint me. David Rosenfelt has an incredible sense of humour and draws you into the story right from the first page.
October 22, 2014
Another good mystery & tense court room drama as Andy protects the innocent. Gardner did a great job of reading it again, too. For the most part, the mystery & evidence was pretty well done, although there was some predictability & I felt like kicking him for missing the obvious a couple of times. One thing in particular bothered me - the gas can.
Fun characters & they like dogs, which is a plus. I'll disagree with Andy. His Golden Retriever, Tara, might be a great dog, but the BEST dog is my English Pointer, Lily. Ah well, we can let that slide.
;-)
I'm going to listen to another soon. They're short & fun.
Fun characters & they like dogs, which is a plus. I'll disagree with Andy. His Golden Retriever, Tara, might be a great dog, but the BEST dog is my English Pointer, Lily. Ah well, we can let that slide.
;-)
I'm going to listen to another soon. They're short & fun.
August 23, 2022
I am really loving this series while they are mysteries they are light enough that you can listen or read them and not have to think to much. I am listening to these novels and I absolutely love the narrator Grover Gardner.
In this the second novel Andy is defending the love of his life Laurie against a murder charge. Kevin is back and we meet a wonderful new character in Marcus who I hope makes an appearance in later novels. We also get to see what happens to Willie after the events in Open and Shut.
I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
In this the second novel Andy is defending the love of his life Laurie against a murder charge. Kevin is back and we meet a wonderful new character in Marcus who I hope makes an appearance in later novels. We also get to see what happens to Willie after the events in Open and Shut.
I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
June 18, 2024
**** 6/18/24 **** Finished this audiobook in 24 hrs! Yes, they are short (7 hrs, but only about 4.5 at 1.5X speed), but the audiobook version added a lot to my day - I walked 10K steps yesterday, washed a big SUV, did many other chores, and the time flew by listening to the #2 version in which Andy's girlfriend is framed for a murder that ultimately has ties beyond what they could have realized in the beginning. I love the cast of characters development, and Andy's funny/serious reflections on day to day circumstances. This is not a 'cozy mystery' series, but semi-authentic legal mystery, but with a positive tone. The audiobook narrator, Grover Gardner, is excellent and really adds value to this series. I will definitely seek out the rest of the books in this series as audiobooks from the library. 5-stars.
**** 6/17/24 **** Based on a recommendation from a GoodReads friend, I checked out the audiobook version of Andy Carpenter #2, and just as she said, the narration is great! I popped on my over-the-ears headphones, replanted some succulents, did some cleaning and other chores, and am already a third of the way through on 1.5X speed. So happy to be able to easily get this through my Los Angeles Public Library via the Libby app. Review coming soon!
**** 6/17/24 **** Based on a recommendation from a GoodReads friend, I checked out the audiobook version of Andy Carpenter #2, and just as she said, the narration is great! I popped on my over-the-ears headphones, replanted some succulents, did some cleaning and other chores, and am already a third of the way through on 1.5X speed. So happy to be able to easily get this through my Los Angeles Public Library via the Libby app. Review coming soon!
March 28, 2020
Another fun read in the series I recently started. A good mixture of humor, good plot, with a fairly happy ending, just like real life (I wish).
Andy Carpenter is a likable wise guy that most people like, except maybe the DA. I love the humor - it's fairly constant, but not distracting like some. If all lawyers were like him, we'd be missing out on a lot of lawyer jokes.
This does refer back to the last (first) book in the series, but I don't think it's necessary to read it before this one, just makes it more enjoyable if you know the background.
Andy Carpenter is a likable wise guy that most people like, except maybe the DA. I love the humor - it's fairly constant, but not distracting like some. If all lawyers were like him, we'd be missing out on a lot of lawyer jokes.
This does refer back to the last (first) book in the series, but I don't think it's necessary to read it before this one, just makes it more enjoyable if you know the background.
January 2, 2022
I so much enjoy this series. Andy Carpenter is a humorous and warm-hearted man; a real softie at heart. I'm reading the books out of order and find that they each stand up well as a stand-alone, although the relationships between the characters do grow and expand with each book. Therefore, going back to the earlier books is nice to be able to flesh out the friendships of these people.
That's true for this book. I enjoyed learning more about Andy's budding relationship with Laurie and the start of the Tara Foundation.
On top of the characters, I liked the intrigue and mystery of this murder story. It was a difficult one to solve and I appreciated the journey with Andy and his cohorts.
A recommended series for a light, humorous and fun bunch of characters.
That's true for this book. I enjoyed learning more about Andy's budding relationship with Laurie and the start of the Tara Foundation.
On top of the characters, I liked the intrigue and mystery of this murder story. It was a difficult one to solve and I appreciated the journey with Andy and his cohorts.
A recommended series for a light, humorous and fun bunch of characters.
July 25, 2017
As Jane Austen said: "If a book is well written, I always find it too short."
The Andy Carpenter Mysteries are addictive.
David Rosenfelt combines twists and turns in the plot
with humorous quirks of secretary Edna and legal assistant Kevin!
Tara, Carpenter's golden retriever,
always sits with Andy while he awaits the jury's verdict.
Love this series!
The Andy Carpenter Mysteries are addictive.
David Rosenfelt combines twists and turns in the plot
with humorous quirks of secretary Edna and legal assistant Kevin!
Tara, Carpenter's golden retriever,
always sits with Andy while he awaits the jury's verdict.
Love this series!
June 29, 2024
4 Stars for First Degree: Andy Carpenter, Book 2 (audiobook) by David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
Andy Carpenter’s future is at stake, as he is defending the woman that he loves in a murder trial.
Andy Carpenter’s future is at stake, as he is defending the woman that he loves in a murder trial.
September 3, 2024
I'm so glad to be reading this series. It has everything you want in a legal thriller, plus they're v low on the violence/sex scale, and they have LOTS of dry humor. A laugh on most, or at least many, pages. And the audiobook narration by Grover Gardner is also a big plus.
The main character loves his dog, and the author loves dogs too. Andy's dog Tara is a major minor character, and I always enjoy the scenes where she plays a (albeit small) role.
If you want a quick read that will suck you in from the start, plus more than a few laughs along the way, you can't go wrong with this series.
The main character loves his dog, and the author loves dogs too. Andy's dog Tara is a major minor character, and I always enjoy the scenes where she plays a (albeit small) role.
If you want a quick read that will suck you in from the start, plus more than a few laughs along the way, you can't go wrong with this series.
November 22, 2022
A man comes into Andy's office and cheerfully confesses to a murder while under the client protection clause. Andy doesn't take the case, as there doesn't even appear to be a murder yet. Then the victim is found, and a low level drug dealer is framed. Andy decides to defend this scuzz out of guilt. Then his paramour, Laura is arrested for the crime...
Way too busy. I don't really see criminals going to this much effort.
Way too busy. I don't really see criminals going to this much effort.
January 26, 2016
First Degree by David Rosenfelt.
Andy Carpenter, Paterson, New Jersey, attorney is just beginning to accept his notoriety from winning his last case when the decapitated remains of a member of the Paterson Police Dept is discovered. The body is burnt beyond recognition so DNA is required for an accurate identification. The victim is Alex Dorsey.
Geoffrey Stynes pays Andy a visit at his office. Stynes requests Andy as his attorney and they sign the standard retainer agreement which establishes client-attorney privileges. During the next few minutes Stynes proceeds to confess to the Alex Dorsey murder and tells Andy where to find the murder weapon.
The next move Andy makes is one that will take Andy and his significant other, Laurie Collins, on the ride of their lives with Laurie being charged with the murder of Alex Dorsey.
David Rosenfelt continues to do more than just bring the reader into another court case. He brings us through the stress as we encounter one frame up after another. The camaraderie between Andy and Kevin continues and adds to the suspense. Excellent addition to the andy Carpenter series.
Andy Carpenter, Paterson, New Jersey, attorney is just beginning to accept his notoriety from winning his last case when the decapitated remains of a member of the Paterson Police Dept is discovered. The body is burnt beyond recognition so DNA is required for an accurate identification. The victim is Alex Dorsey.
Geoffrey Stynes pays Andy a visit at his office. Stynes requests Andy as his attorney and they sign the standard retainer agreement which establishes client-attorney privileges. During the next few minutes Stynes proceeds to confess to the Alex Dorsey murder and tells Andy where to find the murder weapon.
The next move Andy makes is one that will take Andy and his significant other, Laurie Collins, on the ride of their lives with Laurie being charged with the murder of Alex Dorsey.
David Rosenfelt continues to do more than just bring the reader into another court case. He brings us through the stress as we encounter one frame up after another. The camaraderie between Andy and Kevin continues and adds to the suspense. Excellent addition to the andy Carpenter series.
July 22, 2016
This is the 2nd in the Andy Carpenter series and I absolutely love it. With the 22 million left to Andy by his father Andy can choose which cases he wants to take. He is witty as hell and one of his 'loves' is his dog, Tara- and his other love is P.I. Laurie Collins. And now Andy must save Laurie, when she's framed for the murder of a cop.
To really appreciate this book- I really think you should start with the first in this series "open and shut" which was another great read.
These are quick reads, light and fast and truly enjoyable. Every once in a while, I enjoy a read like this , and I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. I'll now go back to my real psycho , serial killers that give me nightmares and after a few of those- I turn to this kind of book - enjoyable and yes, a few laughs here and there along the way!
Gotta love Andy Carpenter , his dog Tara, his girlfriend Laurie- and his funny secretary Edna!
To really appreciate this book- I really think you should start with the first in this series "open and shut" which was another great read.
These are quick reads, light and fast and truly enjoyable. Every once in a while, I enjoy a read like this , and I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. I'll now go back to my real psycho , serial killers that give me nightmares and after a few of those- I turn to this kind of book - enjoyable and yes, a few laughs here and there along the way!
Gotta love Andy Carpenter , his dog Tara, his girlfriend Laurie- and his funny secretary Edna!
September 10, 2021
The second entry in the Andy Carpenter series is very good. Laurie, his lovely sweetheart, is accused of murder and Andy must swing various friends and co-workers into action to save her. Rosenfelt sprinkles plenty of wit into the story and keeps the interest up. While Tara is always present the dog is never the focal point of the story and does not have superdog powers. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2017
I love legal thriller and Andy Carpenter is also a very funny guy. Love it!
June 6, 2021
3.75 stars 🌟
This is the second book in a series of audiobooks by the author who has been credited in real life to rescuing hundreds of golden retrievers. In other words, a real dog lover who includes snippets about his dog 🐶 Tara in his books.
I would describe these two books as falling into the category of humorous crime novels. The first two books include scenes in a court of law featuring defense attorney Andy Carpenter as he moves mountains it seems to defend the accused client. The author’s take on legal defense strategies are amusing and the characters that surround Andy both personally and professionally are amusing.
In this particular book, a police officer 👮 has been murdered and Andy becomes involved in defense of the accused. Oh but wait, the story takes a 180 degree turn and the accused changes to Lori Collins, a former cop and now private investigator who also happens to be Andy’s love interest.
Initially, it seems that all evidence points to Lori as the killer and Andy has to scramble to find the key to unlocking this case, all the while realizing that if a jury convicts Lori, she will be spending the remainder of her life behind bars. Some a the more amusing parts for me is Andy’s secretary Edna who makes an about face during the case and really helps the defense team.
That’s it! On to the next book 📚
This is the second book in a series of audiobooks by the author who has been credited in real life to rescuing hundreds of golden retrievers. In other words, a real dog lover who includes snippets about his dog 🐶 Tara in his books.
I would describe these two books as falling into the category of humorous crime novels. The first two books include scenes in a court of law featuring defense attorney Andy Carpenter as he moves mountains it seems to defend the accused client. The author’s take on legal defense strategies are amusing and the characters that surround Andy both personally and professionally are amusing.
In this particular book, a police officer 👮 has been murdered and Andy becomes involved in defense of the accused. Oh but wait, the story takes a 180 degree turn and the accused changes to Lori Collins, a former cop and now private investigator who also happens to be Andy’s love interest.
Initially, it seems that all evidence points to Lori as the killer and Andy has to scramble to find the key to unlocking this case, all the while realizing that if a jury convicts Lori, she will be spending the remainder of her life behind bars. Some a the more amusing parts for me is Andy’s secretary Edna who makes an about face during the case and really helps the defense team.
That’s it! On to the next book 📚
November 6, 2013
David Rosenfelt has again written a book that combines Paterson, New Jersey, a golden retriever, and a murder mystery and again that is a fine combination. The first book in the series, featuring defense attorney Andy Carpenter was Open and Shut. If you have not read that book, don't read any further in this review as it will reveal some things from that first story.
Ok, in the first book Andy successfully defended a man on death row in a new trial and he is now representing him in a civil suit against the people who actually did the murder he was sent to jail for. Andy has inherited 20 million dollars from his father, money he had no idea he father even had. But as First Degree opens the civil suit is the entirety of his practice. He doesn't want to defend anyone who is guilty and so he turns away most of the people who want to hire him. He does have an office and a secretary who has nothing to do, which is just as well, because she is addicted to NY Times crossword puzzles and wouldn't have time to type or answer phones.
He also has a girl friend, Laurie Collins, a private investigator, formerly a Paterson cop, and his life is settling down nicely. He spends most of his time with his dog, Tara, a golden retriever he rescued from the pound. Then his and Laurie's world is turned upside down when Alex Dempsey, a former Paterson cop, a dirty cop who was responsible for Laurie's resigning her job, is found dead. Well, most of him is found. His torso is headless.
The next morning a man shows up in Dave's office and asks him to represent him. Edna puts aside her puzzle long enough to fill in the standard retainer form and the man signs. Now he can tell Andy anything but Andy cannot tell anyone else what the man has said. What the guy says is that he killed the cop and he provides convincing evidence.
Andy refuses to defend him and when the police arrest a small-time drug dealer for the crime he goes to the public defender's office and volunteer's to represent the man. He knows the guy is not guilty and feels a responsibility to help him. But it isn't long before the case evolves and it becomes clear that man didn't kill Dempsey. And the police turn their attention to Laurie. It becomes increasingly clear that she is being framed. But by whom, and who actually did the murder?
Andy again call on his sometime assistant, a lawyer who for complicated reasons has no formal practice but runs a laundromat and hands out free legal advice while his clients' clothes are tumbling. Along with a computer-savvy accountant and some pals inside the police department Andy and Lauri begin putting together a defense. Everything he will present in court is true, but will the jury believe him?
A clever and complicated plot with a golden dog weaving in and out and a lot of hilariously sardonic quips. A fine combination.
Ok, in the first book Andy successfully defended a man on death row in a new trial and he is now representing him in a civil suit against the people who actually did the murder he was sent to jail for. Andy has inherited 20 million dollars from his father, money he had no idea he father even had. But as First Degree opens the civil suit is the entirety of his practice. He doesn't want to defend anyone who is guilty and so he turns away most of the people who want to hire him. He does have an office and a secretary who has nothing to do, which is just as well, because she is addicted to NY Times crossword puzzles and wouldn't have time to type or answer phones.
He also has a girl friend, Laurie Collins, a private investigator, formerly a Paterson cop, and his life is settling down nicely. He spends most of his time with his dog, Tara, a golden retriever he rescued from the pound. Then his and Laurie's world is turned upside down when Alex Dempsey, a former Paterson cop, a dirty cop who was responsible for Laurie's resigning her job, is found dead. Well, most of him is found. His torso is headless.
The next morning a man shows up in Dave's office and asks him to represent him. Edna puts aside her puzzle long enough to fill in the standard retainer form and the man signs. Now he can tell Andy anything but Andy cannot tell anyone else what the man has said. What the guy says is that he killed the cop and he provides convincing evidence.
Andy refuses to defend him and when the police arrest a small-time drug dealer for the crime he goes to the public defender's office and volunteer's to represent the man. He knows the guy is not guilty and feels a responsibility to help him. But it isn't long before the case evolves and it becomes clear that man didn't kill Dempsey. And the police turn their attention to Laurie. It becomes increasingly clear that she is being framed. But by whom, and who actually did the murder?
Andy again call on his sometime assistant, a lawyer who for complicated reasons has no formal practice but runs a laundromat and hands out free legal advice while his clients' clothes are tumbling. Along with a computer-savvy accountant and some pals inside the police department Andy and Lauri begin putting together a defense. Everything he will present in court is true, but will the jury believe him?
A clever and complicated plot with a golden dog weaving in and out and a lot of hilariously sardonic quips. A fine combination.
August 21, 2022
Another entertaining mystery from Andy Carpenter and friends. I think it's hilarious that Marcus talks in this series 🤣 it's cool seeing the long term cast come together though, and the Tara Foundation is introduced in the best possible way. Think this is why a series should be read in order, even if they work as standalones!
The first two Carpenter books both involved a massive conspiracy and framing though, I hope future books break off this formula a bit into other types of court cases!
The first two Carpenter books both involved a massive conspiracy and framing though, I hope future books break off this formula a bit into other types of court cases!
June 15, 2022
Such a fun series! I love how witty it is. I found myself laughing out loud several times.
June 17, 2021
Humor and sarcasm make for a great attorney - Andy Carpenter saves the day again in Book #2. This is all coming together for me now, I know the part Cindy played in solving the mystery, how the Tara Foundation was founded, was introduced to Marcus and fell in love with Edna! Now I can continue reading the series in the order it was written.
Is it legal for the attorney (Andy) to sleep with his client (Laurie). I wondered. The law says if the relationship existed before the case it’s alright. Lover as client ok, client as lover no no!
Mystery of the Gas Can - it was at the scene of the fire, so the police must have taken it for evidence - they tested its contents. So, how did it get into Laurie’s garage? This was never explained!
I enjoyed this one and take it all with a few grains of salt!
Is it legal for the attorney (Andy) to sleep with his client (Laurie). I wondered. The law says if the relationship existed before the case it’s alright. Lover as client ok, client as lover no no!
Mystery of the Gas Can - it was at the scene of the fire, so the police must have taken it for evidence - they tested its contents. So, how did it get into Laurie’s garage? This was never explained!
I enjoyed this one and take it all with a few grains of salt!
January 3, 2020
A great read for the second book, in the Andy Carpenter series. Such an intense mystery this story had. If I hadn't read a story, that took place well after this story. I would have been more on the edge of my seat, with Laurie being on trial, for a crime she was accused of doing. The mystery was very well done and had me trying to figure out, how Andy was going to get Laurie off from this horrible murder. This is the book, were we get to see, the beginnings of the Tara Foundation, which is a area I'm looking forward to reading about, in the upcoming stories from this wonder author.
January 31, 2021
It took me along time to find this book at an affordable price, for some reason. I believe it was just re-released. So, I have read several of his other books while waiting to read #2. I liked it and was glad that I was finally able to read it. Andy's girlfriend Laurie is accused of beheading and burning the body of a cop she used to work with. Was it a frame-up? Everyone that knows her is sure it is, and we meet some of the characters, such as Marcus, who make an appearance all through the series.
December 14, 2016
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much that I wanted to listen to the second one. Again I warmed to protagonist, Andy Carpenter and the way he uses wit and humor in the courtroom. It not often that a mystery makes me laugh, but I did laugh out loud several times. And the plot has elements of suspense that makes me not want to stop listening.
September 30, 2018
Loved it just as much as book 1 in the series! Can’t wait to continue in the Andy Carpenter world ❤️
November 23, 2011
Once upon a time I read a mystery that I solved halfway through the book simply because of a minor aside that caused me to think of the cover of the book. The cover of the book gave that mystery away-- I never finished it.. but looked to the back and found I was 100% correct. I was extremely annoyed.
The cover of this book was really cool-- and had the opposite effect of the above anecdote. The cover of the book had absolutely NOTHING to do with the mystery inside. While that is not exceptionally problematic, it did seem odd that this really cool book cover had nothing to do with the story.
Meanwhile, I'll bet you want to know more about what was in the book. It is an odd book with an odd mystery. Attorney Andy Carpenter interviews a prospective client who confesses to the gruesome murder of a corrupt cop. Carpenter declines to take the case but soon has another client accused of the same crime-- he knows his new client is innocent. To share any more would unravel what really could have been a great mystery for potential readers. I say could have been because though there are some unique moments, some startling revelations, and some clever detective work, but the investigators have very few moments of brilliance or breakthrough detective work. Instead, we are treated to one of those stories with a mysterious group killing and creating fear. We never see the real depth of the conspiracy-- just that it is criminal activity and involves corrupt law enforcement.
While that's fairly negative.. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the wit, the sarcasm of the protagonist. There are times when he has a comically twisted thought that he doesn't put to words, but the reader is treated to his through process. Then, I really got tickled when he squared off with the prosecutor over the winner of the unjust prosecution lottery, etc.
So what we have here is a mystery that barely rises over mediocrity filled with some marvelous humor and some interesting characters. I enjoyed the book,but it wasn't great.
The cover of this book was really cool-- and had the opposite effect of the above anecdote. The cover of the book had absolutely NOTHING to do with the mystery inside. While that is not exceptionally problematic, it did seem odd that this really cool book cover had nothing to do with the story.
Meanwhile, I'll bet you want to know more about what was in the book. It is an odd book with an odd mystery. Attorney Andy Carpenter interviews a prospective client who confesses to the gruesome murder of a corrupt cop. Carpenter declines to take the case but soon has another client accused of the same crime-- he knows his new client is innocent. To share any more would unravel what really could have been a great mystery for potential readers. I say could have been because though there are some unique moments, some startling revelations, and some clever detective work, but the investigators have very few moments of brilliance or breakthrough detective work. Instead, we are treated to one of those stories with a mysterious group killing and creating fear. We never see the real depth of the conspiracy-- just that it is criminal activity and involves corrupt law enforcement.
While that's fairly negative.. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the wit, the sarcasm of the protagonist. There are times when he has a comically twisted thought that he doesn't put to words, but the reader is treated to his through process. Then, I really got tickled when he squared off with the prosecutor over the winner of the unjust prosecution lottery, etc.
So what we have here is a mystery that barely rises over mediocrity filled with some marvelous humor and some interesting characters. I enjoyed the book,but it wasn't great.
October 5, 2016
Review of the audiobook.
I liked this book, but it seemed a little short for what was involved. Then again, sometimes the courtroom dramas like to really drag out the suspense until they give waaaaay too much information and bore the reader to death. I definitely prefer this method. I was never bored.
I like the characters. I think Andy is pretty awesome - the defense lawyer with a heart of gold.
I liked this book, but it seemed a little short for what was involved. Then again, sometimes the courtroom dramas like to really drag out the suspense until they give waaaaay too much information and bore the reader to death. I definitely prefer this method. I was never bored.
I like the characters. I think Andy is pretty awesome - the defense lawyer with a heart of gold.
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