Sudden Death

Andy Carpenter #4

by David Rosenfelt

First at the crime scene, Andy Carpenter wishes he had never seen the folded torso with the large red stain on its back. The victim is Tony Preston, wide receiver for the New York Jets, and the suspect is Kenny Schilling, the New York Giants' star running back who is clamoring for Andy's services. The upcoming high-profile murder case will be the bench-warming Andy's chance to get back into the legal game. It will also prove a handy distraction from the awful possibility that Laurie Collins - the private investigator and living creature Andy adores most next to Tara, his cherished golden retriever - might leave Paterson and Andy's life forever.

Digging into the case, Andy stumbles onto some of the seamier undercurrents rushing beneath the large-guy camaraderie, big-buck cushiness, and bone-mashing fun that is pro football. And he discovers that Preston's death is similar to a series of other mysterious murders - all seemingly unrelated yet connected by a horrible secret from many years ago. Despite the crushing evidence, Andy begins to believe in his client's innocence. But when danger finds someone close to him, the unperturbed defender knows he's attracted the attention of a powerful enemy - one who will do anything to take Andy permanently off the field.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Humor, Dogs, Legal Thriller

306 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2005

About the author

I 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...

Reviews

[Jaline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series from the very beginning, and it just keeps getting better! This time, Andy Carpenter is involved in one of his favourite worlds of all time: sports! Unfortunately, it involves defending a top-signed football player on a murder charge, exacerbated by some foolish moves that have nothing to do with football footwork.

Andy is also not at his best during this case because his long-time love has been approached by her hometown with a very attractive proposition. They agree not to discuss it during the trial, but the thought of possibly losing her eats away at him anyway.

Add to that the fact that another member of his team is killed in what looks like a case of mistaken identity (that is, a foiled attempt on Andy’s life), and his inner tension keeps mounting.

The suspense builds throughout this novel and one of the things I love most is that the humour pops out like a cork in perfect timing to allow the reader to decompress a bit. Even just a little bit helps because there are things that happen that you don’t see coming, and if I did see one coming, it didn’t happen – or, long after I expected it to.

I am very much looking forward to my next adventure with Andy, his Golden Retriever Tara, and the rest of his team. If I didn’t have so many other books to read, too, I would be devouring these one after the other as fast as I can until I caught up to the writer!

[Barbara]

In this 4th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the Paterson, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer represents a professional football player.

*****

Since Andy Carpenter inherited twenty-two million dollars from his father, he doesn't NEED to work. But Andy hasn't had a case in three months, and is itching to get back in the courtroom.



A possible case comes up when Paterson, New Jersey Homicide Captain Pete Stanton summons Andy to the home of Kenny Schilling - a star running back for the New York Giants.



Kenny is holding off the police with a gun, INSISTING on speaking to Andy. Kenny says he found the bloody corpse of Tony Preston - a wide receiver for the New York Jets - in his bedroom closet, but Kenny contends he didn't kill the man, and has no idea how the body got into his house.



Kenny says he panicked when the cops showed up, and he needs a good lawyer. Andy is skeptical at first, but comes to believe Kenny was framed, and agrees to defend the running back.



Andy's team includes his investigator and girlfriend - former cop Laurie Collins;



law associate Kevin Randall;



Marcus Clark - the toughest guy on the planet, who watches Andy's back and squeezes information out of bad guys when needed;



Sam Willis - an accountant and computer hacker extraordinaire.



Andy's secretary Edna - a crossword puzzle aficionado, who goofs off more than she works;



and Adam Strickland - a Hollywood screenwriter who's helping with this case for a screenplay he's writing.



Laurie discovers that the victim, Tony Preston, was using AND dealing drugs, and Andy decides to work up a SODDI (some other dude did it) defense - the idea being that a drug kingpin called Cesar Quintana had Tony killed. The drug lord doesn't appreciate the attention Andy's stirring up, and sends goons to Andy's house, so it's a good thing Marcus is on the job.



Things get even more complicated when Andy's team learns that young football players across the country have been dying unexpectedly, from sudden heart attacks and road accidents. Can this be related to the murder of Tony Preston?



Andy is well-known for throwing everything plus the kitchen sink into his defense maneuvers, and prosecutor Dylan Campbell - who's no slouch himself - resists and objects with all his might.



Among the highlights of the Andy Carpenter series are Andy's quips, jokes, and sarcastic comments.



For example, when prosecutor Dylan Campbell drags his feet providing discovery, Andy tells the judge: "There is the matter of discovery your honor. We've discovered that the prosecutor does not seem to believe in it. They have not turned over a single document to us." Campbell explains the weekend got in the way of turning over the material, and Andy jibes, "Since I had no evidence to examine your honor, I spent some time over the weekend looking at the rules of discovery, and it quite clearly states that the prosecution must turn over documents as they receive them, even if God forbid, it interferes with their weekend. I might add that they were able to find the time during that same weekend to provide information to the media. Perhaps if I had a press pass I would have a better chance of getting the information the discovery statute requires." Of course, Andy prevails, infuriating Campbell in the process.


Another fun anecdote revolves around Detective Pete Stanton, who's a close friend of Andy's. Pete offers to pass on some information about the case over dinner, and Andy observes: "Since I've inherited my fortune, Pete's goal is to make me poor again. He does this by selecting the most overpriced restaurants he can find and then stuffing himself to the point where he has to be lifted out of his chair with a crane while I pick up the tab.....it would be cheaper to bribe the jury."



As always in this series, there are plenty of courtroom scenes, with Andy demonstrating his knack for cross-examining witnesses and throwing the prosecutor off his game. 😊



In the midst of all this, Andy is dealing with a personal issue. His girlfriend Laurie is thinking of moving back to her hometown in Wisconsin, where she has a good chance of becoming police chief. This puts Andy on the horns of a dilemma. Does he go to Wisconsin with Laurie? Does he convince Laurie to stay in New Jersey? Only time will tell.



The tale has plenty of twists and surprises, and armchair detectives will be challenged to identify the killer. For me, the book has too much chitchat about Andy and Laurie's love life, but this is an entertaining addition to the series, recommended to fans of Andy Carpenter and humorous mysteries.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Sudden Death: Andy Carpenter, Book 4 (audiobook) by David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.

Nothing is quite what it seems for the dog loving lawyer when a New York Giants player is in desperate need of legal advice. Andy peels back the layers of deception and things just get more complicated for him. His client was framed for murder and it’s obvious who framed him, or did somebody else have a better motive?

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of my enjoyment of listening to this and David Rosenfelt’s books is provided by the excellent narrator, Grover Gardner. I also like the snide humor of protagonist, Andy Carpenter. And there is an entire cast of interesting characters that surround Andy. Also, I like courtroom scenes; so always enjoy this type of series. Sorry to say things don’t end so well for Andy (my second recent book where this happens), but won’t say more to be a spoiler.

[Marty Fried · Rating 5 out of 5]

I STEP OFF THE PLANE, and for the first time in my life, I’m in Los Angeles. I’m not sure why I’ve never been here before. I certainly haven’t had any preconceived notions about the place, other than the fact that the people here are insincere, draft-dodging, drug-taking, money-grubbing, breast-implanting, out-of-touch, pâté-eating, pompous, Lakers-loving, let’s-do-lunching, elitist scumbags.

But here I am, open-minded as always.

This was the opening lines of the book, typical of the style of writing for the series. The banter is entertaining, as always, and the mystery is fun and complex (fun if you don't mind good guys dying).

It was not a simple mystery to solve, and even when it seemed to be mostly solved, there was a sharp twist near the end, and it went off in a wild tangent. I'll be reading the next one in the series very soon, I'm sure.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending to this one sure was a surprise! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, with football playing a large role in it. But the characters were as fun as always and the plot was more of a shock than usual. While I am looking forward to the next two books, the formula of the frame-up defense is wearing a little bit thin... I guess these books aren't really meant to be read back-to-back like this. But, I do like these characters quite a bit, I just hope that the plots start continue to be as shocking and fresh as this one!

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. There are a few too many mob ties for my taste, but I still find it fun. The writing is witty and engaging. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with the audio so I rounded down. A mystery with a lot of snark but not a lot of surprises.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fabulous in audio as Grover Gardner is the perfect voice for Andy Carpenter, and the twist at the end was well spun. Recommend these be read or listened to in order as the character's personal life is well developed over the series.

[Maureen DeLuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ok story. I gave it 4 stars for the main character is fantastic and of course, his dog Tara is just priceless. A good series that I'm sure gets better and better with time. I'll put in a request for book number 5 in the near future!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sudden Death" by David Rosenfelt.

This Andy Carpenter mystery had it all. My favorite so far in this series.
The running back for the New York giants, Kenny Schilling, needs Andy's services for his defense and he needs him NOW. Andy has to defend Kenny who is being accused of a high profile murder.

At the same time Laurie, Andy's long time significant other, has dropped a bomb shell in Andy's lap. She is planning on a future...a future that is without Andy. Can Andy find the words to bring Laurie to her senses?

While all this is going on in Andy's life he recognizes his most beloved Tara is showing signs of aging. Signs that are too much for Andy to accept.

The ending came out of nowhere. I totally thought the story was over and then the bottom drops out of the case with a bang.

I listened to this book on CD with Grover Gardner as Andy's voice. A perfect fit.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 4th book in the Andy Carpenter series. I have to say I really love the Andy character and all the dogs in this book series. I also love the legal stuff. I just found the mystery in this book not pulling me into fully, but I was there for all the crazy drama happening in Andy's life and the dogs.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series is a re-readable standard of mine. Exciting plot with guy-next-door main character who is brighter than some and more honest than the average lawyer. Clean, interesting, well narrated and highly recommended.

[terpkristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started and finished this in less than 6 hours. I can't claim I did it all in one sitting - I moved locations a few times and made some dinner in there, too. But it moved quickly, and now I'm fully caught up on Andy Carpenter books...at least until the Christmas one comes out.

A football player dies and another is accused of his murder. I honestly didn't expect the killer to be who it was, nor did I see some of the other twists along the way (I probably should have, as I'm certainly used to the formula, but...). Only one real complaint here--not enough dogs! I guess (and I'd have to re-read/re-listen to more to remember for sure) that earlier in the series, they weren't always about the dog. In recent editions, it's always a dog that gets Andy to take the case.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review @ Smoke & Mirrors: http://books-n-music.blogspot.com/201.... This is my favorite of the four Andy Carpenter installments I've read. Rosenfelt got a bit more personal with Andy and we see him endure some pain/disappointment in his personal life. I'm relatively certain I laughed more with this book, too, even though there were more deaths than in previous books and more heartache. Another great relaxing read for me!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andy Carpenter is content to stay out of the legal business, now that he is rich.

Then he gets talked into defending an NFL star accused of murdering another NFL star. It doesn't start out very well, as the accused barricades himself in his house.

From there, we get a lot of twists and turns.

Very diverting.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 4th in the series, and Andy finds himself defending a football player accused of killing another player and stuffing him in a closet. There are several suspects in this case, including one that can't walk, or can he? When they think the case is solved, along comes the twist and everything changes. On a side note, Andy's "love of his life" has been offered a job in her home town in Wisconsin, and she decides to take the job, leaving him in so much pain that he can hardly breath.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth of David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. Not my favorite so far, but still readable. I figured out the murderer about a third of the way through, so I would say, not his most inventive.
I also got tired of the constant references to Andy and Laurie’s sex life, as if it was the only part of their relationship worth mentioning.

[Erin L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to really like Andy and the characters that come along with him. It's often hard to review series because spoilers. And the books tend to be very similar. So I'm just going to say I'm enjoying this series. :)

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh ... this is very exciting character development. But because I didn't read them in order, I already knew what happened. Still very good!

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good series and this was a good book until the ending which I hated. Took away one star for the disappointing finish. In this one Andy must defend a football player from a murder charge. I hope he corrects the ending in future books.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving this series.
A football player is accused of killing another football player. All the evidence points to him. Andy is on the case and is working to prove his innocence.
Andy's team comes together again. Kevin, Sam, Willie, Laurie, Vince, Marcus and Pete. And a new guy Adam.
As they are working to clear Kenny Schillings, Andy is dealing with a personal issue. Laurie has a job offer in her hometown. Hundreds of miles away. She is considering it. This adds to the dynamics of Andy's life.
This is a really good series. John Grisham meets Robert B Parker. Two of my favorites that are blended together.
Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the first three books in this series, this one, the fourth, is a good, solid, twisty mystery that's also funny, thanks to the irrepressibly witty narrator, lawyer Andy Carpenter. And though these aren't really dog mysteries, they are all enhanced by the presence of lovely golden retrievers. This is probably the best in the series so far (I've been reading them in order). Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a suspenseful, thrilling, well-written murder mystery with just the right amount of humor to keep the mood from getting too dark.

[SusanTalksBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Andy Carpenter #4, in which he defends an NFL star in a murder trial. Lots of girlfriend-Laurie action in this book. I kind of figured out the reveal on this one, but loved it none-the-less. 5-stars.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another outstanding book that I found very satisfying. I find that if things bother me at the end, I know the author did a good job portraying the feelings of the characters. Getting me invested is a great relationship to have with the author, characters and the story. I found myself very moved with elements of this story. I will surely read more in the series. A true GUILTY pleasure....what more could one want in a crime drama that is court room centric.

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another entertaining story with Andy Carpenter. I enjoy his sarcasm and snarkiness, his outlook and his uncertainties. I like the entertainment value in each book in this series and, of course, Tara, although she has a lesser presence in this book.

This was another interesting story of twists and turns.

I'm looking forward to continuing this series.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUDDEN DEATH (Legal Thriller-New Jersey-Cont) – G+
Rosenfelt, David – 4th in series
Mysterious Press, 2005- Hardcover
Defense Attorney Andy Carpenter is called to the home of NY Giant’s Kenny Schilling who is in an armed standoff with the police. Andy conveniences Kenny to surrender and agrees to defend him when they find the body of New York Jets Tony Preston in the closet and Kenny insists he’s innocent. Andy definitely has his hands full with a high-profile murder trial, gangsters, a possible serial killer and a girl friend who may be leaving him.
*** I very much enjoy Rosenfelt’s style, which is reminiscent of Robert Parker and Harlan Coben in the style of humor. Real strengths, to me, are the secondary characters surrounding Andy and courtroom scenes which are interesting and yet don’t overwhelm the story. I like that Andy isn’t as overwhelming macho as some characters, but he’s almost too insecure for me. But, I found the story interesting; I liked the twists along the way and didn’t see the killer until the end. To me, the weakness is that in each book, he kills off a significant secondary character. Once or twice, I can deal with, but done each time, it become predictable and loses its impact. But that’s not enough to keep me from having enjoyed the book, continuing to read the series and recommending it to others.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 2013 - will reread!

Didn’t remember this at all from 8 years ago, so it was fun to go back to the beginning with Andy and David. This is one of the early books and hadn’t fallen into the formula trap yet. No conspiracy or cataclysmic, world shattering event to be stopped.

It’s interesting to see the authors writing evolve - I’ve read them all except Book #5 that I somehow missed. I have that coming from ThriftBooks since the library doesn’t have it! Then I can find out how Laurie survives in Wisconsin.

Somewhere along the way dogs become a major part of the stories and characters come and go. Glad Sam finally stopped song-talking, I just hated that, it made no sense. This is the first time I became aware that Willy is black, don’t know how I missed that after 22 books. Also, only the second time I remember Marcus being referred to as being black.

Just a picky note - Kenny lived in New Jersey but had license plates that said GIANTS25, NJ only allows 7 spaces - NY allows 8? I thought he lived in Saddle Ridge?

And yes, Daniel appears on page 116 in a reference to Vince’s son. Dead Center #5 is my final book in the series until the newest one Best in Snow is released. Hope I find a Dan amid all my favorite bunch!

[Ithlilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of this series so far. The sports jokes and references throughout always made me feel like the main character was a bit of a goof, and this book is heavy on the football. I didn't really care about the mystery, the accused, or the story, and I also wasn't heavily invested in the relationships between our cast of characters. At this point it's the same routine, the same guy going to the same bar with his same friends watching the same sports with his same dog and all his same millions. It's starting to wear a little thin, but I'm going to keep trying, there is still hope.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Carpenter, a defense lawyer is called the scene of cop stand off. The shooter is the star running back of the New York Giants, Kenny Schillings there he finds Kenny and the body of the Jet's wide receiver. This book is hard to put down as the action is fast moving and intriguing. Laurie is thinking of moving back to the town where she grew. I recommend this book highly.