Deck the Hounds

August 15, 2018
His wife and chief investigator Laurie's hyperextended Christmas season brings Paterson lawyer Andy Carpenter a new dog, a litter of new puppies, and a new murder case.Very shortly after Andy, moved by the Christmas spirit and his insatiable attraction to every pooch he meets (The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, 2016, etc.), gives some money to homeless Iraq War vet Don Carrigan and Zoey, his canine companion, the target of his charity is attacked by a man he and Zoey handily repel. Sgt. Nathan Robbins, who responds to the scene, does nothing but confiscate Zoey, who's bitten the assailant. Andy, seeking to fill this uncharitable vacuum by actually doing something to help, makes matters worse when he gives his friend Vince Sanders Don's information for a human-interest story in Vince's paper. The unexpected result is that Don's arrested for the robbery and murder of wealthy Short Hills businessman Steven McMasters, a man who'd seem to be far outside his orbit if the cops hadn't found a cap with Don's DNA at the murder scene and a ring stolen from McMasters in the locked locker at the soup kitchen Don frequents. Since Essex County prosecutor Raymond Tasker also has an informant who testifies that Don confessed to him, a guilty verdict looks like a foregone conclusion. But fans will know not to count out Andy, ebullient as ever as he struggles to link McMasters's murder to a rash of sniper killings in the area.Middling for this irresistible series, whose hero's old friend asks him at one point: "Are you ever going to stop being a pain in the ass?" Goodness, let's hope not.

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August 27, 2018
In Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt’s enchanting Christmas-themed 18th mystery featuring Paterson, N.J., attorney Andy Carpenter (after Rescued), Andy’s wife, Laurie, urges him to offer their garage apartment to a homeless veteran, Don Carrigan, and his dog. When Carrigan is arrested for murder, Andy takes the case (and the dog), even though he isn’t sure of his client’s innocence. The ensuing investigation uncovers links to a sniper working in the area and to a complex, chilling plot that threatens not only Carrigan’s future but others’ lives, including Andy’s. Along with his trademark courtroom twists, Rosenfelt provides a compassionate look at the plight of veterans suffering from PTSD. Series fans will appreciate the chance to catch up with Andy’s family, dogs, and investigative team, while new readers will find this feel-good tale a good introduction to the series. Plenty of humor, a passion for animal rescue, and a healthy dose of Christmas cheer, courtesy of Laurie, make this the perfect holiday gift for animal lovers. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House.

September 15, 2018

The latest title in this long-running series has all the elements dedicated readers will be expecting, wrapped up in a festive Yuletide setting. Andy Carpenter is drawn to Don, a homeless man, who is huddled up against the cold air with a golden retriever-mix dog named Zoey. Later that evening, Don and Zoey are assaulted, and Zoey bites the attacker in defense. Andy's wife and son encourage the reluctant lawyer but committed dog rescuer to step in and help; little do any of them know Don's been accused of a serious crime and Andy's work is cut out for him. VERDICT The untangling of so many twisted tales (or tails?) keeps this story moving at a fast pace; sweet moments of puppy love will have readers smiling.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2018
Those new to Rosenfelt and his lawyer hero shouldn't be fooled by the title of this mystery; the book doesn't center on dogs or Christmas, and, despite the punning title, it's not a cozy, either. What readers will find in this eighteenth Andy Carpenter novel is a feel-good tale in which Carpenter is reeled into not only letting a homeless man, Don Carrigan, stay in his home, but also defending the man when he is accused of murder. All Don, a veteran with PTSD, wants is to get out of his cell and be reunited with his dog, leaving Carpenter (who loves dogs, too) to take care of the details, which only get more intricate and surprising as the case unfolds. Fans who are familiar with Carpenter know that his wisecracks mask a determination to find justice; there is plenty of smart-alecky talk here, as expected, but the tale is also rife with exciting showdowns, plot twists, and, yes, a little holiday warmth, after all. Fans of legal thrillers that freely move in and out of the courtroom should definitely get acquainted with Andy Carpenter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)