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Andy Carpenter #33
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.
It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?
The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.
But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.
Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.
It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?
The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.
But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.
Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
David Rosenfelt
76 books3,003 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 71 reviews
February 12, 2026
****Another Very Enjoyable Addition To The Andy Carpenter Series!
I won’t get into the plot of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch as you can read about that in the Amazon/Goodreads Book Description. I’ll just say that Rosenfelt delivers yet another charming Andy Carpenter mystery (the 33rd in the series) — witty, fast-paced and dog-loving as usual. The legal twists are satisfying, and the canine subplot adds heart. Longtime fans will enjoy the familiar humor and characters, though newcomers will miss some backstory. In fairness, while it is predictable in parts, it is always reliably entertaining and, in my opinion, it is a solid, cozy legal mystery.
I've said it before and I'm saying it again now -- no matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might possibly have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them.This stems from his ability to provide interesting plots, credible courtroom drama, lots of humor and well-developed major and minor characters. In particular, wise-cracking Andy Carpenter, is a character that stays in your mind even after you finish the book.
I remain a loyal fan of this series and look forward to hanging out with Carpenter and his "crew' in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dogs, Tara in particular, are ones I wish I had.
#Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch #Net Galley
****Another Very Enjoyable Addition To The Andy Carpenter Series!
I won’t get into the plot of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch as you can read about that in the Amazon/Goodreads Book Description. I’ll just say that Rosenfelt delivers yet another charming Andy Carpenter mystery (the 33rd in the series) — witty, fast-paced and dog-loving as usual. The legal twists are satisfying, and the canine subplot adds heart. Longtime fans will enjoy the familiar humor and characters, though newcomers will miss some backstory. In fairness, while it is predictable in parts, it is always reliably entertaining and, in my opinion, it is a solid, cozy legal mystery.
I've said it before and I'm saying it again now -- no matter what limitations David Rosenfelt might possibly have in his life, the ability to tell a consistently good, suspenseful and humorous story isn't one of them.This stems from his ability to provide interesting plots, credible courtroom drama, lots of humor and well-developed major and minor characters. In particular, wise-cracking Andy Carpenter, is a character that stays in your mind even after you finish the book.
I remain a loyal fan of this series and look forward to hanging out with Carpenter and his "crew' in his future legal adventures. Plus, his dogs, Tara in particular, are ones I wish I had.
#Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch #Net Galley
June 9, 2026
Entertaining as ever, what a terrific series! This one revolves around a recovering addict (and dog lover, of course) falsely accused of killing a billionaire who was a friend of his. Andy reluctantly takes the case and, with most of his team (Edna was conspicuously absent, likely due to an AI-generated excuse), works tirelessly to find the real killer. Grover Gardner’s narration is spot on as always.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the #AndyCarpenter audiobook of #DeadMenDontPlayFetch for review purposes. Publication date: 7 July 2026.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the #AndyCarpenter audiobook of #DeadMenDontPlayFetch for review purposes. Publication date: 7 July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this 33rd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, Andy defends a man accused of murdering a billionaire.
*****
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead, Andy spends time with his wife Laurie; plays video games with his 16-year-old son Ricky; visits his dog rescue operation called the Tara Foundation;
and plays with his three pooches - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Hunter. Andy takes Tara and Hunter for long walks every morning and evening, but lazy Sebastian prefers to do his business in the yard, between naps.
In his spare time, Andy also likes watching sports on TV and hanging out with his friends, newspaper editor Vince Sanders and Homicide Captain Pete Stanton, at Charlie's Sports Bar. Since Andy is a millionaire, he always pays the bill - and sometimes gets useful information in return.
Despite his reluctance to work, Andy feels compelled to take a new case when he gets a call from his friend Lou Campanelli, who runs a drug and alcohol rehab program called 'A Day at a Time'. Lou asks Andy to represent a recovering alcoholic called Jason Maddox, who has a tragic story.
Jason saw his son killed by a shark, after which he became a homeless alcoholic. Lou helped Jason get clean, and Jason - a physicist and tech expert - now lives at the rehab center with his dog Hope, and helps out with the clients.
Jason Maddox has been accused of killing a billionaire inventor named Paul Vincent, who was stabbed in an alley behind 'A Day at a Time'. Lou insists Jason is innocent, and Andy - who's a sucker for dogs like Hope - takes the case.
Andy decides the best way to exonerate Jason is the SODDI (Some Other Dude Did It) defense, so Andy assembles his associates. This includes 'The K Team' detective agency, whose investigators are: Andy's wife Laurie Collins - a former police officer;
Corey Douglas - a retired cop; Simon Garfunkel - a K-9 German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department;
and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet.
In addition to The K Team, Andy calls in his accountant Sam Willis - who can hack into any computer anywhere;
his assistant attorney Eddie Dowd - who's especially good with paperwork and motions;
and his secretary Edna - who draws a paycheck but doesn't do any work; this time, Edna claims to be getting a dental implant, which prevents her coming to the office.
Andy and his squad turn up an array of alternative suspects including Vincent's former business partner, who lost money when Paul broke up the partnership; a drug dealer Vincent put in prison; a mob boss; a driver who had a fender bender with Vincent; Vincent's former stepson; people in Vincent's will; and more.
As always in these books, Andy ribs the prosecuting attorney. This time the prosecutor is Dylan Campbell, whom Andy has beat three times. Andy tells Dylan, "This is your chance to become the Buffalo Bills of prosecutors", referring to the fact the Bills are famous for having lost four Super Bowls in a row.
The Andy Carpenter novels are always humorous, with Andy making sarcastic quips and jokes throughout. There are also courtroom scenes, and Andy usually scores points off prosecution witnesses. Still, there's not a 'Perry Mason' moment when someone confesses, so Andy has to sweat it out during jury deliberation. When Andy happily exposes the real killer, we find out about the modus operandi and the twisty motive, which is trademark David Rosenfelt.
I enjoy these books, but the formula is getting a little old. Still, I'd recommend the mystery to Andy Carpenter fans.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Grover Gardner, who does a fine job.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DEAD MEN DON'T PLAY FLETCH is #33 in the Andy Carpenter sequence, and the tenth book from that series that I have read. I completed it over three months ago, and knew immediately upon finishing that I would give it 4.5 stars. I wasn't certain whether to move it up or down, and so decided to wait, as the NetGalley review wasn't due right away . Given that I still remember nearly all of the plot—and many of the jokes—after three months, I've decided to move it up to 5⭐️.
The book begins with Andy moaning about his desire to retire from all work—and failure to do so—now that he is wealthy, and with wife Laurie admonishing him about his laziness. But almost immediately, a new case arises. Paul Vincent, a billionaire, has been murdered and Jason Maddox, a former homeless man who had become a friend of Vincent's, is arrested for his murder. Lou Campanelli, who has been mentoring Jason, persuades Andy to work as his defence lawyer.
We, the readers, are almost immediately made aware of who was behind Vincent's murder, but Andy doesn't have a clue, and in this book the K Team (Laurie, Corey, and Marcus) plays a fairly large part, collecting information about who might have wanted Jason convicted of the killing, and why. I particularly loved the meeting with Junior (a criminal kingpin), because it refers to an event that involved Marcus in an earlier Andy Carpenter novel, one that I have not read but now want to. ("The entire Legion of Super-Heroes on their best day are not as tough as Marcus." according to Andy, but Marcus saved Junior's life, and thus is an okay guy in Junior's playbook.)
Andy argues, he does not need to prove who killed Vincent, only convince the jury that there is reasonable doubt that his client, Jason Maddox, did not commit the crime. So this story has everything—the K Team investigations, courtroom arguments, and Andy's "gut" feelings, along with plenty of Andy's self-deprecating humour. And, of course, loveable dogs.
Plus, it has an unexpected twist at the end. Andy Carpenter novels do not always have a twist (or need them) but this one added a zing to the usual excellent mixture of excitement, mystery, and laughs found in this series.
This novel can easily be read as a standalone. I have read the Andy Carpenter series completely out of order, even though listed in order below.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for books in this series that I have read:
Open and Shut (Andy Carpenter, #1)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Hounded (Andy Carpenter, #12)
Dachshund Through the Snow (Andy Carpenter, #20)
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
The More The Terrier (Andy Carpenter, #30)
Dogged Pursuit (Andy Carpenter, #31)
And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter, #32)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The book begins with Andy moaning about his desire to retire from all work—and failure to do so—now that he is wealthy, and with wife Laurie admonishing him about his laziness. But almost immediately, a new case arises. Paul Vincent, a billionaire, has been murdered and Jason Maddox, a former homeless man who had become a friend of Vincent's, is arrested for his murder. Lou Campanelli, who has been mentoring Jason, persuades Andy to work as his defence lawyer.
We, the readers, are almost immediately made aware of who was behind Vincent's murder, but Andy doesn't have a clue, and in this book the K Team (Laurie, Corey, and Marcus) plays a fairly large part, collecting information about who might have wanted Jason convicted of the killing, and why. I particularly loved the meeting with Junior (a criminal kingpin), because it refers to an event that involved Marcus in an earlier Andy Carpenter novel, one that I have not read but now want to. ("The entire Legion of Super-Heroes on their best day are not as tough as Marcus." according to Andy, but Marcus saved Junior's life, and thus is an okay guy in Junior's playbook.)
Andy argues, he does not need to prove who killed Vincent, only convince the jury that there is reasonable doubt that his client, Jason Maddox, did not commit the crime. So this story has everything—the K Team investigations, courtroom arguments, and Andy's "gut" feelings, along with plenty of Andy's self-deprecating humour. And, of course, loveable dogs.
Plus, it has an unexpected twist at the end. Andy Carpenter novels do not always have a twist (or need them) but this one added a zing to the usual excellent mixture of excitement, mystery, and laughs found in this series.
This novel can easily be read as a standalone. I have read the Andy Carpenter series completely out of order, even though listed in order below.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for books in this series that I have read:
Open and Shut (Andy Carpenter, #1)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Hounded (Andy Carpenter, #12)
Dachshund Through the Snow (Andy Carpenter, #20)
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
The More The Terrier (Andy Carpenter, #30)
Dogged Pursuit (Andy Carpenter, #31)
And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter, #32)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter never lets me down. Always well written with not just great characters and frequently laugh out loud humor, but dogs. Andy has been trying to retire as a lawyer for about as long as I've been reading this series but never quite manages. This time he's roped into a seemingly impossible case with all the evidence seeming to point at his client. Why would any self-respecting lawyer, especially one wanting to retire, take on such a case? There's a dog involved. For long time fans, that will come as no surprise as Andy is all about dogs and started the Tara Foundation. The Tara Foundation is real, btw, and headed by Rosenfelt. If you're new to his work, make sure you find the non-fiction story of his cross-country move with, well, lots of dogs.
In any case, back to this book. I won't detail the plot as the book's blurb does an excellent job doing that. Instead, I'll simply say you will enjoy a mystery with lots of twists and turns, legal wrangling, a well-fleshed out regular cast, and humor. And, did I mention, dogs? You'll enjoy Andy's one-sided chats with Tara during their walks, I'm sure. As for the human characters, Andy's investigative team, headed by Laurie, his ex-cop wife, is top notch and, did I mention, includes a K-9 member? Have fun getting to know them all. His newspaper editor and police chief friends are also fun, albeit I'm sure even Andy has lost track of the tab they're run up on him at their favorite meeting place. You'll even meet a few less savory types, hopefully when Marcus is around to keep Andy from getting himself killed. He does seem to have the knack of annoying some organized crime figures. His lawyer opponent in the courtroom is an old nemesis, so it's fun to see them spar, too, although I'm sure just about any judge would prefer Andy be a bit less snarky and more by the book.
Bottom line, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and is curious about how a lawyer might go about collecting evidence via investigating. His easy relationship with his wife and the team members is a plus and you'll feel like you're among friends as you listen to their plans and shared info. And, of course, there are the dogs. The client's dog, Hope, is a huge part of why Andy finds himself back in the courtroom despite all his best(?) efforts to avoid taking cases, of course. Andy's sarcasm is nicely fine-tuned but so is his legal mind, one lucky enough to have a fantastic team behind him. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me this early peek into Andy's latest courtroom drama and all the humor, snark, and dogs that surround him. Something tells me Laurie won't allow his brain to atrophy too long before the next case even if Tara continues to remain mum on her opinion.
In any case, back to this book. I won't detail the plot as the book's blurb does an excellent job doing that. Instead, I'll simply say you will enjoy a mystery with lots of twists and turns, legal wrangling, a well-fleshed out regular cast, and humor. And, did I mention, dogs? You'll enjoy Andy's one-sided chats with Tara during their walks, I'm sure. As for the human characters, Andy's investigative team, headed by Laurie, his ex-cop wife, is top notch and, did I mention, includes a K-9 member? Have fun getting to know them all. His newspaper editor and police chief friends are also fun, albeit I'm sure even Andy has lost track of the tab they're run up on him at their favorite meeting place. You'll even meet a few less savory types, hopefully when Marcus is around to keep Andy from getting himself killed. He does seem to have the knack of annoying some organized crime figures. His lawyer opponent in the courtroom is an old nemesis, so it's fun to see them spar, too, although I'm sure just about any judge would prefer Andy be a bit less snarky and more by the book.
Bottom line, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and is curious about how a lawyer might go about collecting evidence via investigating. His easy relationship with his wife and the team members is a plus and you'll feel like you're among friends as you listen to their plans and shared info. And, of course, there are the dogs. The client's dog, Hope, is a huge part of why Andy finds himself back in the courtroom despite all his best(?) efforts to avoid taking cases, of course. Andy's sarcasm is nicely fine-tuned but so is his legal mind, one lucky enough to have a fantastic team behind him. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me this early peek into Andy's latest courtroom drama and all the humor, snark, and dogs that surround him. Something tells me Laurie won't allow his brain to atrophy too long before the next case even if Tara continues to remain mum on her opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Andy Carpenter is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't really want any clients. Thanks to the money his father left him and a few lucrative cases over the years, he can afford to spend most of his time running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue he founded with his friend Willie. He's happily married to Laurie, they have a teenage son, Ricky, and share their home with three dogs.
Jason Maddox, a homeless veteran and recovering addict, is accused of killing wealthy businessman, Paul Vincent. The evidence against Jason is overwhelming ... he was found at the scene, his fingerprints are on the weapon and he appears to have a financial motive. Despite this, Jason insists he's innocent and Andy agrees to defend him because he has a dog and as a favour to a friend.
While investigating the case, Andy discovers that things are more complicated than they first appear. With help from his team, he digs into Vincent's background, uncovers secrets and hidden connections, and searches for the real story behind the murder. Andy works to clear his client's name and uncover the truth about who killed Paul Vincent and why so he can be reunited with his dog, Hope, who is being taken care of by Willie.
This is the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. I've read them all and I'm still enjoying them. While there are references to previous books, this one works well as a standalone so new readers can jump right in without feeling lost. The story is told primarily from Andy's first-person perspective and his observations are funny, sarcastic and amusing.
I like Andy. He seems like he'd be a lot of fun to spend time with, and he's generous with both his time and his money. He never charges clients for his services and always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant, even when he's not there. Andy is the first to admit that he's a wimp, which is why he relies on the K-Team ... Laurie, a former police officer turned investigator, handles much of the legwork, Marcus has his own unique way of dealing with bad guys, Cory, another former police officer, rounds out the team along with his former police dog, Simon Garfunkel and Sam, Andy's accountant and computer hacker, who is always eager to get involved in the action whenever he can.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/06...
Jason Maddox, a homeless veteran and recovering addict, is accused of killing wealthy businessman, Paul Vincent. The evidence against Jason is overwhelming ... he was found at the scene, his fingerprints are on the weapon and he appears to have a financial motive. Despite this, Jason insists he's innocent and Andy agrees to defend him because he has a dog and as a favour to a friend.
While investigating the case, Andy discovers that things are more complicated than they first appear. With help from his team, he digs into Vincent's background, uncovers secrets and hidden connections, and searches for the real story behind the murder. Andy works to clear his client's name and uncover the truth about who killed Paul Vincent and why so he can be reunited with his dog, Hope, who is being taken care of by Willie.
This is the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. I've read them all and I'm still enjoying them. While there are references to previous books, this one works well as a standalone so new readers can jump right in without feeling lost. The story is told primarily from Andy's first-person perspective and his observations are funny, sarcastic and amusing.
I like Andy. He seems like he'd be a lot of fun to spend time with, and he's generous with both his time and his money. He never charges clients for his services and always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant, even when he's not there. Andy is the first to admit that he's a wimp, which is why he relies on the K-Team ... Laurie, a former police officer turned investigator, handles much of the legwork, Marcus has his own unique way of dealing with bad guys, Cory, another former police officer, rounds out the team along with his former police dog, Simon Garfunkel and Sam, Andy's accountant and computer hacker, who is always eager to get involved in the action whenever he can.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/06...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch is #33 in David Rosenfelt’s long-running series featuring defense attorney Andy Carpenter. Although it’s the first one I’ve read, I was familiar with many of the characters after reading one of the books in Rosenfelt’s spin-off K Team series. Both series contain a delightful blend of mystery, wry humor, and dogs.
Andy has plenty of money and would like nothing better than to retire from the practice of law. However, when an old friend, Lou, who runs a rehab center, asks for a favor, Andy can’t say no. One of Lou’s clients, homeless veteran Jason Maddox, has been accused of stabbing billionaire inventor Paul Vincent. Although Jason discovered the body, has blood on his clothes, and the victim’s wallet in his jacket, Lou believes Jason is innocent.
Not only does Andy have to put together a defense, he has to make provisions for Jason’s beloved dog while he’s incarcerated. But, as a diehard dog lover and animal rescue philanthropist, Andy has connections to help with that.
Andy’s defense strategy for Jason is not to catch the real killer, but to cast reasonable doubt. So, he sets out to find other suspects who might have committed the crime. The victim had many enemies, including disgruntled former business associates, an ex-wife, and an estranged stepson. Andy also learns about a man Vincent ruined after a minor traffic accident. Coincidentally, the man had been undergoing treatment at Lou’s rehab center, where Vincent’s dead body was found.
Andy also uncovers connections with organized crime, and it’s possible Vincent got caught in one of their power struggles. Andy’s wife, Laurie, a retired Paterson, New Jersey, cop who’s part of the K Team that’s helping with the investigation, keeps her husband grounded and safe. I loved the dynamics in the couple’s relationship.
A good portion of this novel shows Andy doing battle in the courtroom, while his K Team continues the investigation behind the scenes. He’s cocky, crafty, articulate, and insufferable, neutralizing the prosecution witnesses and pushing the boundaries at every turn. As the first-person narrator of the story, he’s very self-aware.
And just when you settle in for a satisfying, if somewhat lackluster ending, there’s a great twist that brings a lot of threads together.
Highly recommended whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan.
Andy has plenty of money and would like nothing better than to retire from the practice of law. However, when an old friend, Lou, who runs a rehab center, asks for a favor, Andy can’t say no. One of Lou’s clients, homeless veteran Jason Maddox, has been accused of stabbing billionaire inventor Paul Vincent. Although Jason discovered the body, has blood on his clothes, and the victim’s wallet in his jacket, Lou believes Jason is innocent.
Not only does Andy have to put together a defense, he has to make provisions for Jason’s beloved dog while he’s incarcerated. But, as a diehard dog lover and animal rescue philanthropist, Andy has connections to help with that.
Andy’s defense strategy for Jason is not to catch the real killer, but to cast reasonable doubt. So, he sets out to find other suspects who might have committed the crime. The victim had many enemies, including disgruntled former business associates, an ex-wife, and an estranged stepson. Andy also learns about a man Vincent ruined after a minor traffic accident. Coincidentally, the man had been undergoing treatment at Lou’s rehab center, where Vincent’s dead body was found.
Andy also uncovers connections with organized crime, and it’s possible Vincent got caught in one of their power struggles. Andy’s wife, Laurie, a retired Paterson, New Jersey, cop who’s part of the K Team that’s helping with the investigation, keeps her husband grounded and safe. I loved the dynamics in the couple’s relationship.
A good portion of this novel shows Andy doing battle in the courtroom, while his K Team continues the investigation behind the scenes. He’s cocky, crafty, articulate, and insufferable, neutralizing the prosecution witnesses and pushing the boundaries at every turn. As the first-person narrator of the story, he’s very self-aware.
And just when you settle in for a satisfying, if somewhat lackluster ending, there’s a great twist that brings a lot of threads together.
Highly recommended whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story follows defense attorney Andy Carpenter as he takes on the case of Jason Maddox, a homeless veteran accused of murdering billionaire philanthropist Paul Vincent. With overwhelming evidence stacked against Jason, Andy and his team must untangle a complicated web of secrets, corruption, and deception—all while trying to reunite Jason with his beloved dog, Hope.
Even though this is book 33 in the series, I have only read some of the previous Andy Carpenter books, not all of them. Thankfully, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. David Rosenfelt does a fantastic job of making the characters and plot accessible for both longtime fans and newer readers alike.
This book had everything I enjoy in a mystery: plenty of legal drama, a compelling investigation, and twists that kept me guessing throughout. The courtroom scenes were especially engaging, but I also loved following Andy and the team as they dug deeper into the mystery and uncovered surprising connections along the way.
Of course, no Andy Carpenter story would feel complete without the dogs. Tara and her “brothers” are always a joy to have around, and this time the accused’s dog, Hope, added even more heart and emotion to the story. Watching Andy try to help Hope while also defending Jason made the case feel even more personal and meaningful.
What stood out most to me was the balance between mystery, humor, and emotional moments. The character development was excellent, and the relationships between the recurring cast continue to make this series so enjoyable to read.
Overall, Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch was an entertaining and heartfelt mystery that I highly recommend, whether you are a longtime Andy Carpenter fan or just jumping into the series. I also highly recommend the other books in the series for readers who enjoy legal mysteries with humor, lovable characters, and plenty of dogs.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this story. I’m already looking forward to many more adventures with Andy and the team.
Even though this is book 33 in the series, I have only read some of the previous Andy Carpenter books, not all of them. Thankfully, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. David Rosenfelt does a fantastic job of making the characters and plot accessible for both longtime fans and newer readers alike.
This book had everything I enjoy in a mystery: plenty of legal drama, a compelling investigation, and twists that kept me guessing throughout. The courtroom scenes were especially engaging, but I also loved following Andy and the team as they dug deeper into the mystery and uncovered surprising connections along the way.
Of course, no Andy Carpenter story would feel complete without the dogs. Tara and her “brothers” are always a joy to have around, and this time the accused’s dog, Hope, added even more heart and emotion to the story. Watching Andy try to help Hope while also defending Jason made the case feel even more personal and meaningful.
What stood out most to me was the balance between mystery, humor, and emotional moments. The character development was excellent, and the relationships between the recurring cast continue to make this series so enjoyable to read.
Overall, Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch was an entertaining and heartfelt mystery that I highly recommend, whether you are a longtime Andy Carpenter fan or just jumping into the series. I also highly recommend the other books in the series for readers who enjoy legal mysteries with humor, lovable characters, and plenty of dogs.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this story. I’m already looking forward to many more adventures with Andy and the team.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Legal drama, lots of humor… and dogs!
The last thing that reluctant New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter wants is a new case. He just wants to enjoy life with his wife and his three dogs, especially his beloved golden retriever Tara, but when a friend who runs a rehab center asks him to defend a homeless veteran accused of murder and also take care of the accused man’s dog, how could he refuse?
This book is a worthy addition to the long-running series. It has the same highly enjoyable elements of an interesting case, great courtroom drama, fun characters, and, oh, yes, dogs! Despite the seriousness of the cases Andy takes on, there is plenty of humor; my kindle is decorated with a lot of “ha ha”s, especially the fun quips and smart-aleck remarks with which narrator Andy ends many of the chapters. His ranting gave me many out-loud chuckles that often disturbed my poor husband’s own reading. It seemed to me that the humor was especially prevalent in this instalment of the series, although the legal drama was certainly not neglected.
I was enjoying the book very much, but as the case began to draw to a close, it seemed to me the denouement was a bit out of left field… and then Andy dropped a new piece of evidence that turned me around completely. I should know I can depend on David Rosenfelt (and Andy).
Andy Carpenter may be reluctant to take on a new case, but I certainly am not reluctant to read about them. This is #33 in the Andy Carpenter series, and I have read and enjoyed them all. I highly recommend, though, that you begin with the first book, Open and Shut, to give you the background on Andy and his beloved Tara. After that you can read them in any order, although the characters do develop and mature over the course of the series. There is not a stinker in the bunch!
By the way, Rosenfelt’s interest in dogs is apparently not confined to his books. He and his wife have rescued four thousand dogs!
I received an advance review copy of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch from NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
The last thing that reluctant New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter wants is a new case. He just wants to enjoy life with his wife and his three dogs, especially his beloved golden retriever Tara, but when a friend who runs a rehab center asks him to defend a homeless veteran accused of murder and also take care of the accused man’s dog, how could he refuse?
This book is a worthy addition to the long-running series. It has the same highly enjoyable elements of an interesting case, great courtroom drama, fun characters, and, oh, yes, dogs! Despite the seriousness of the cases Andy takes on, there is plenty of humor; my kindle is decorated with a lot of “ha ha”s, especially the fun quips and smart-aleck remarks with which narrator Andy ends many of the chapters. His ranting gave me many out-loud chuckles that often disturbed my poor husband’s own reading. It seemed to me that the humor was especially prevalent in this instalment of the series, although the legal drama was certainly not neglected.
I was enjoying the book very much, but as the case began to draw to a close, it seemed to me the denouement was a bit out of left field… and then Andy dropped a new piece of evidence that turned me around completely. I should know I can depend on David Rosenfelt (and Andy).
Andy Carpenter may be reluctant to take on a new case, but I certainly am not reluctant to read about them. This is #33 in the Andy Carpenter series, and I have read and enjoyed them all. I highly recommend, though, that you begin with the first book, Open and Shut, to give you the background on Andy and his beloved Tara. After that you can read them in any order, although the characters do develop and mature over the course of the series. There is not a stinker in the bunch!
By the way, Rosenfelt’s interest in dogs is apparently not confined to his books. He and his wife have rescued four thousand dogs!
I received an advance review copy of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch from NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch, the thirty-third book in the thoroughly enjoyable Andy Carpenter Mystery series by masterfully talented author David Rosenfelt, delivers exactly what fans have come to love: sharp humor…especially from Andy’s wife Laurie…heartfelt moments, lovable dogs, and a cleverly multi-layered mystery. Andy’s latest obsession, naturally he has many, is one named (no last name) individuals, think Cher, Madonna, etc…his quips and grips are woven throughout and unexpectedly pop up, which makes them all the more hilarious.
Andy’s long-running dream of retirement is, once again, put on hold when an old friend asks for a favor Andy simply can’t refuse. What begins as a seemingly impossible murder case…complete with overwhelming evidence, a billionaire victim, and a homeless veteran defendant…quickly becomes a tangled puzzle full of hidden motives and unexpected turns. The emotional core of the story, however, lies in Jason Maddox, a recovering addict, and his lovable dog, Hope, whose bond adds both warmth and urgency to the case.
The mystery is well constructed, with enough twists to keep pages turning, while Andy’s trademark sarcasm and self-deprecating wit keep the tone light even when the stakes are high. The supporting cast and canine companions are as delightful as ever, and the courtroom drama is balanced nicely with compassion and humor. Without giving any part of the story away, know that the ending is quite unexpected …with the quintessential Andy Carpenter “gotcha” moment.
This is a satisfying, feel-good legal mystery that proves why this series remains so reliable and comforting…especially if you believe, as Andy does, that saving a man and his dog is always worth the trouble.
This ARC book was complementary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review
Andy’s long-running dream of retirement is, once again, put on hold when an old friend asks for a favor Andy simply can’t refuse. What begins as a seemingly impossible murder case…complete with overwhelming evidence, a billionaire victim, and a homeless veteran defendant…quickly becomes a tangled puzzle full of hidden motives and unexpected turns. The emotional core of the story, however, lies in Jason Maddox, a recovering addict, and his lovable dog, Hope, whose bond adds both warmth and urgency to the case.
The mystery is well constructed, with enough twists to keep pages turning, while Andy’s trademark sarcasm and self-deprecating wit keep the tone light even when the stakes are high. The supporting cast and canine companions are as delightful as ever, and the courtroom drama is balanced nicely with compassion and humor. Without giving any part of the story away, know that the ending is quite unexpected …with the quintessential Andy Carpenter “gotcha” moment.
This is a satisfying, feel-good legal mystery that proves why this series remains so reliable and comforting…especially if you believe, as Andy does, that saving a man and his dog is always worth the trouble.
This ARC book was complementary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Dead Men Don't Play Fetch", the 33rd book in David Rosenfelt's extremely entertaining and long-lived Andy Carpenter series (but we all know it's just about the dogs). I am working my way through the series, and I've gotten up to number 18 (whew, do I have a long way to go), but I jumped at the chance to read and review this one pre-publication.
You don't need to have read any of the previous books (but why on earth wouldn't you) to get up to speed on Andy's and Tara's (as well as Marcus's and Laurie's and all the other recurring characters) stories. Let's just say that, reluctant defence lawyer that he is, Andy Carpenter can always be counted on when there's a dog involved.
And this time is no different. When Paul Vincent is murdered outside a rehabilitation centre, and Jason Maddox is accused of the murder, .Andy is called in by an old friend to defend the man; and make sure that Jason's dog, Hope, is cared for, for the duration of the case and trial. And, of course, he does. And thus begins another twisted tale of drugs, criminal conspiracies, murders, etc. that Andy has to wade through to get to the truth, No one but the police and prosecution actually believe that Jason committed the crime, and there are a number of other suspects. But Carpenter will wade through it all in order to get to the truth.
And he does, in true Andy Carpenter fashion. And then comes the twist!
Highly recommended, but I might be prejudiced - having read 18 books so far, and working my way though the rest. And of course, I have been a proud dog parent myself, and love all four-legged (and some two-legged) creatures.
You don't need to have read any of the previous books (but why on earth wouldn't you) to get up to speed on Andy's and Tara's (as well as Marcus's and Laurie's and all the other recurring characters) stories. Let's just say that, reluctant defence lawyer that he is, Andy Carpenter can always be counted on when there's a dog involved.
And this time is no different. When Paul Vincent is murdered outside a rehabilitation centre, and Jason Maddox is accused of the murder, .Andy is called in by an old friend to defend the man; and make sure that Jason's dog, Hope, is cared for, for the duration of the case and trial. And, of course, he does. And thus begins another twisted tale of drugs, criminal conspiracies, murders, etc. that Andy has to wade through to get to the truth, No one but the police and prosecution actually believe that Jason committed the crime, and there are a number of other suspects. But Carpenter will wade through it all in order to get to the truth.
And he does, in true Andy Carpenter fashion. And then comes the twist!
Highly recommended, but I might be prejudiced - having read 18 books so far, and working my way though the rest. And of course, I have been a proud dog parent myself, and love all four-legged (and some two-legged) creatures.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This has been a go-to series for me for some time now – the stories are always well-written, entertaining and a bit lighthearted even though the legal situations can get pretty complex and the investigations downright dangerous. And this, the 33rd installment, doesn’t disappoint.
Trying-to-retire defense attorney Andy Carpenter fights to say no when old friend Lou Campanelli, who runs a rehab center in Paterson, New Jersey, calls to ask a favor. That’s because Andy knows it’s likely to drag him back to a courtroom – and he’d much rather keep his eyes on the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue operation, and/or play with the three beloved pooches that share his home in addition to his wife Laurie Collins.
Alas, that’s not to be. Lou is insistent that Jason Maddox, who was at the shelter when he heard a noise outside, went out and found a man who had been murdered, didn’t do the dirty deed. Fairly strong evidence says otherwise, though, and Jason desperately needs a defense attorney. Reluctantly, Andy and his team, which includes Laurie as chief investigator, set out to at the very least convince the jury there’s reasonable doubt and get a not guilty verdict.
While his team does a whiz-bang job of investigating, Andy shines in the courtroom. This time, he’s up against old and extremely competent prosecutor Dylan Campbell, who, as usual, doesn’t make things easy for Andy. The details of both the investigation and the trial, of course, won’t be forthcoming in this review – no way I’ll take away the fun for other readers. I certainly will, however, recommend this book (and the entire series) highly and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to once again enjoy a pre-release copy. Loved it!
Trying-to-retire defense attorney Andy Carpenter fights to say no when old friend Lou Campanelli, who runs a rehab center in Paterson, New Jersey, calls to ask a favor. That’s because Andy knows it’s likely to drag him back to a courtroom – and he’d much rather keep his eyes on the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue operation, and/or play with the three beloved pooches that share his home in addition to his wife Laurie Collins.
Alas, that’s not to be. Lou is insistent that Jason Maddox, who was at the shelter when he heard a noise outside, went out and found a man who had been murdered, didn’t do the dirty deed. Fairly strong evidence says otherwise, though, and Jason desperately needs a defense attorney. Reluctantly, Andy and his team, which includes Laurie as chief investigator, set out to at the very least convince the jury there’s reasonable doubt and get a not guilty verdict.
While his team does a whiz-bang job of investigating, Andy shines in the courtroom. This time, he’s up against old and extremely competent prosecutor Dylan Campbell, who, as usual, doesn’t make things easy for Andy. The details of both the investigation and the trial, of course, won’t be forthcoming in this review – no way I’ll take away the fun for other readers. I certainly will, however, recommend this book (and the entire series) highly and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to once again enjoy a pre-release copy. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Andy Carpenter # 33
A Legal thriller
in this latest installment David Rosenfelt has Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.
Andy Carpenter wanted to retire for a long time but when his friend, Lou Campanelli who runs a rehab center, asked for a favour, Andy cannot refuse. One of his patients, a homeless veteran, is charged with first degree murder, the attorney in him springs into action and Andy will do his best to exonerate Jason, the accused….. The story proceeds with gathering evidences, the trial and the verdict……
My thoughts:
What a puzzle Andy is enmeshed in, a case that is as twisted as one can imagine. Facing the Russo crime family, suspects laundering money, lowlifes supplying drugs, enforcers on the move, all of them, plus, thirsty for revenge. The best of all Andy’s courtroom shenanigans, although he still shines, his actions were more muted than in the past.
This story is smooth sailing and easy to follow even with all the characters that populate the pages. Andy’s team definitely does a whiz-bang job of investigating. The prosecutor doesn’t give him an easy job and Andy give us a hell of a good time. Not all his attention is on the case, he still keeps his eyes on the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue operation and takes time to play with his three pooches.
Andy tells the story in his own words, the first-person narrative is funny, sarcastic and amusing and hilarious at times. I simply love him and since I am a huge fan I am eager to see what Andy and his crew will come up with next.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC which I received via Netgalley.
A Legal thriller
in this latest installment David Rosenfelt has Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.
Andy Carpenter wanted to retire for a long time but when his friend, Lou Campanelli who runs a rehab center, asked for a favour, Andy cannot refuse. One of his patients, a homeless veteran, is charged with first degree murder, the attorney in him springs into action and Andy will do his best to exonerate Jason, the accused….. The story proceeds with gathering evidences, the trial and the verdict……
My thoughts:
What a puzzle Andy is enmeshed in, a case that is as twisted as one can imagine. Facing the Russo crime family, suspects laundering money, lowlifes supplying drugs, enforcers on the move, all of them, plus, thirsty for revenge. The best of all Andy’s courtroom shenanigans, although he still shines, his actions were more muted than in the past.
This story is smooth sailing and easy to follow even with all the characters that populate the pages. Andy’s team definitely does a whiz-bang job of investigating. The prosecutor doesn’t give him an easy job and Andy give us a hell of a good time. Not all his attention is on the case, he still keeps his eyes on the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue operation and takes time to play with his three pooches.
Andy tells the story in his own words, the first-person narrative is funny, sarcastic and amusing and hilarious at times. I simply love him and since I am a huge fan I am eager to see what Andy and his crew will come up with next.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC which I received via Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter legal mysteries are comfort reads for me. The cases Andy accepts are always intriguing and seemingly impossible to win. And I know I can always count on the presence of the elements of the series that mean the most to me. Andy himself is a defense attorney unlike any I've read. He prefers not to work, as he is independently wealthy, but when someone he loves and respects asks him to take a case, he is (reluctantly) all in. In this book, Dead Men Don't Fetch, it's Andy's old friend and former client who runs a rehab center. Lou recommends his patient, who is homeless after his young son died, and he is now a recovering drug addict who is being framed as a murderer.
Andy is also self-deprecating and full of snark, both in his personal life and in his job, which doesn't endear him to judges and prosecutors. He has built a team that is almost as quirky as Andy himself, including his former-police-officer wife, a super-hacker who would prefer to carry a gun and work in the field, an office manager who eschews any kind of work, an impressively large investigator/bodyguard of few words who is called in when Andy has to enter dangerous territory (as he often does), and more.
The courtroom scenes are electric, the hunt for the real villains is suspenseful, and then there are Andy's three dogs, all with their own personalities, who ground him. This is book number 33 in the series, and I've enjoyed them all. tremendously. As long as David Rosenfelt stays invested in this series--and keeps the quality high--I'll be a devoted reader.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Andy is also self-deprecating and full of snark, both in his personal life and in his job, which doesn't endear him to judges and prosecutors. He has built a team that is almost as quirky as Andy himself, including his former-police-officer wife, a super-hacker who would prefer to carry a gun and work in the field, an office manager who eschews any kind of work, an impressively large investigator/bodyguard of few words who is called in when Andy has to enter dangerous territory (as he often does), and more.
The courtroom scenes are electric, the hunt for the real villains is suspenseful, and then there are Andy's three dogs, all with their own personalities, who ground him. This is book number 33 in the series, and I've enjoyed them all. tremendously. As long as David Rosenfelt stays invested in this series--and keeps the quality high--I'll be a devoted reader.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Andy is actively pursuing retirement when he gets a call from old friend Ou Campanelli asking him to defend Jason Maddox who has been accused of murder. Maddox's life fell apart when his son died by shark attack, but he is starting over at Lou's rehab facility.
It looks like a slam dunk for the prosecution. Jason was found standing over Paul Vincent's body with his fingerprint on the knife, Vincent's blood on his hands and clothing, and Paul's wallet in Jason's jacket pocket. Jason claims innocence and Andy has to prove it.
Vincent was an eccentric billionaire. He and Jason were friends, but Vincent also has a pile of enemies. He was known for suing people who he felt wronged him. He was also a philanthropist who left his billions to many charitable causes. Jason would benefit under the will by inheriting money and Vincent's unused patents which looks like a motive for him to have murdered Vincent.
As Andy and his team begin to look into Vincent's life, they discover that the company he bought himself out of is currently in financial need and taking money from drug overlords. That looks suspicious to Andy and so do the deaths of the company lawyer and another client of Lou's rehab facility.
Andy is determined to get Jason off by establishing reasonable doubt which runs him afoul of one of those drug lords. One Andy has tangled with previously.
This was another entertaining mystery. I really like Andy's personality and his relationships with his friends.
It looks like a slam dunk for the prosecution. Jason was found standing over Paul Vincent's body with his fingerprint on the knife, Vincent's blood on his hands and clothing, and Paul's wallet in Jason's jacket pocket. Jason claims innocence and Andy has to prove it.
Vincent was an eccentric billionaire. He and Jason were friends, but Vincent also has a pile of enemies. He was known for suing people who he felt wronged him. He was also a philanthropist who left his billions to many charitable causes. Jason would benefit under the will by inheriting money and Vincent's unused patents which looks like a motive for him to have murdered Vincent.
As Andy and his team begin to look into Vincent's life, they discover that the company he bought himself out of is currently in financial need and taking money from drug overlords. That looks suspicious to Andy and so do the deaths of the company lawyer and another client of Lou's rehab facility.
Andy is determined to get Jason off by establishing reasonable doubt which runs him afoul of one of those drug lords. One Andy has tangled with previously.
This was another entertaining mystery. I really like Andy's personality and his relationships with his friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don’t Men Don’t Play Fetch is the 33rd in the Andy Carpenter series. The beauty of this series is it can pretty much be read in any order (after reading the first) and each book works fine as a stand-alone. The series is great for folks that want a healthy, sarcastic dose of humor along with a well thought out legal procedural.
Let’s be honest, Rosenthal definitely adheres to a formula. The prosecution always seems to have an airtight case. The reader always is made privy to things Andy is not. The issue is always when and how Andy will learn and put things together. But I’m always amazed that Rosenfelt finds different ways to work the ending.
This time around, a man in rehab is accused of stabbing a billionaire to death in the alley behind the rehab center. The two were actually friends.
Andy is a hysterical main character. He’s the consummate smart ass, making enemies wherever he goes. Luckily, he’s surrounded by a great team who can actually smooth things over and protect him as needed.
While some parts of the plot were obvious, there were still interesting twists that caught me off guard.
I both read and listened to this. Grover Gardner is the perfect narrator. Even when I’m reading, I hear his voice.
My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
Let’s be honest, Rosenthal definitely adheres to a formula. The prosecution always seems to have an airtight case. The reader always is made privy to things Andy is not. The issue is always when and how Andy will learn and put things together. But I’m always amazed that Rosenfelt finds different ways to work the ending.
This time around, a man in rehab is accused of stabbing a billionaire to death in the alley behind the rehab center. The two were actually friends.
Andy is a hysterical main character. He’s the consummate smart ass, making enemies wherever he goes. Luckily, he’s surrounded by a great team who can actually smooth things over and protect him as needed.
While some parts of the plot were obvious, there were still interesting twists that caught me off guard.
I both read and listened to this. Grover Gardner is the perfect narrator. Even when I’m reading, I hear his voice.
My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another gem from Mr. Rosenfelt. Andy Carpenter just can't catch a break. All the poor man wants to do is watch sports and eat junk food while enjoying life with his wife and their son. But life is cruel, and he has a reputation for being an amazing lawyer. His retirement and eventual brain atrophy will have to wait as Andy agrees to take on a new case.
Lou, who runs an alcohol rehab program, is someone Andy deeply admires. When Luke calls for Andy to represent one of his workers, Andy can't say no. It turns out Maddox was drinking after his son was brutally killed and eventually ended up in rehab. Sober and trying to rebuild his life, he is accused of stabbing a friend.
New Jersey's finest legal hound is once again working hard to prove Maddox is innocent despite the evidence. I adore the dynamics between Andy and his unstoppable wife, Lori, along with the crew he employs to help out with the cases.
I also need to remind you that there will be plenty of dogs to adore in the story, and no dogs get harmed in the writing of this book. I loved the fast-paced, witty, and sometimes hard reality the author spins to give us another fresh and unique case that Andy sadly has to solve. Highly recommendable and happy reading.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.
Lou, who runs an alcohol rehab program, is someone Andy deeply admires. When Luke calls for Andy to represent one of his workers, Andy can't say no. It turns out Maddox was drinking after his son was brutally killed and eventually ended up in rehab. Sober and trying to rebuild his life, he is accused of stabbing a friend.
New Jersey's finest legal hound is once again working hard to prove Maddox is innocent despite the evidence. I adore the dynamics between Andy and his unstoppable wife, Lori, along with the crew he employs to help out with the cases.
I also need to remind you that there will be plenty of dogs to adore in the story, and no dogs get harmed in the writing of this book. I loved the fast-paced, witty, and sometimes hard reality the author spins to give us another fresh and unique case that Andy sadly has to solve. Highly recommendable and happy reading.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ahh, another Andy Carpenter mystery and another most pleasant afternoon spent reading it. In Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch, Andy is contacted by his old friend Lou Campanelli, who runs a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program where a megabillionaire has just been murdered. Lou is convinced that a young man, Jason Maddox, has been wrongly accused of the crime. Of course, Andy, being only wishfully retired, agrees to meet with him and soon takes the case.
As in every Andy Carpenter book, there are dogs involved in one way or another. Seriously, could you imagine Andy without Tara, who must be in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living golden retriever in history? Andy enlists the help of the K-Team, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind the murder. With plenty of suspects and twists, the trial unfolds, the story resolves, and justice (of one sort or another) is served.
But as with any Andy Carpenter book, it’s not really about the facts of the case. It’s about the wit and storytelling that David Rosenfelt brings to every page, making readers come back time and again, salivating just like the dogs in anticipation of the next book.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
As in every Andy Carpenter book, there are dogs involved in one way or another. Seriously, could you imagine Andy without Tara, who must be in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living golden retriever in history? Andy enlists the help of the K-Team, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind the murder. With plenty of suspects and twists, the trial unfolds, the story resolves, and justice (of one sort or another) is served.
But as with any Andy Carpenter book, it’s not really about the facts of the case. It’s about the wit and storytelling that David Rosenfelt brings to every page, making readers come back time and again, salivating just like the dogs in anticipation of the next book.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Andy Carpenter books by David Rosenfelt are my go-to when I’m in the mood for humor, a good mystery/plot, and great characters and dialogue. These books are the whole package and Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch is a fine example of Mr Rosenfelt’s signature humor and writing style.
Andy thinks he’s a retired attorney but his wife, Laurie, has different ideas. Determined to keep her husband, who is a formidable but unassuming lawyer, from atrophying before her eyes, she always try to keep him working. But this time, Andy doesn’t need encouragement when an old friend who runs a rehab center asks for a favor. He wants Andy to represent a homeless veteran who has been charged with murder. And, the vet owns a dog named Hope that he is truly devoted to. How can Andy say no?
Did I mention how much I like this series? The books are a great choice for a lazy day, when murder and mayhem doesn’t sound appealing, but light humor, great characters, and a good mystery plot does. Mr Rosenfelt, thank you for providing a great series that has given me hours of enjoyment. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
Andy thinks he’s a retired attorney but his wife, Laurie, has different ideas. Determined to keep her husband, who is a formidable but unassuming lawyer, from atrophying before her eyes, she always try to keep him working. But this time, Andy doesn’t need encouragement when an old friend who runs a rehab center asks for a favor. He wants Andy to represent a homeless veteran who has been charged with murder. And, the vet owns a dog named Hope that he is truly devoted to. How can Andy say no?
Did I mention how much I like this series? The books are a great choice for a lazy day, when murder and mayhem doesn’t sound appealing, but light humor, great characters, and a good mystery plot does. Mr Rosenfelt, thank you for providing a great series that has given me hours of enjoyment. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
“Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch” by David Rosenfelt was my very first Andy Carpenter book, and now I totally get why people love this series so much. 😄
Andy’s sarcastic narration had me hooked almost immediately. He has this exhausted, reluctant-to-be-involved attitude that makes everything funnier, even while he’s investigating murder. The humor never felt forced, and I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the book.
I also really liked that the mystery stayed interesting without becoming overly complicated. The pacing moved well, the twists worked, and I genuinely wanted to keep reading to see how everything came together.
And of course, the dog content was a huge bonus. Tara absolutely stole scenes every chance she got. 🐶
Even though this is part of a long-running series, I never felt lost jumping in here first. The characters were easy to connect with, and now I definitely want to go back and read the earlier books.
If you like mysteries with humor, courtroom drama, and lovable recurring characters, this was a really fun read.
Andy’s sarcastic narration had me hooked almost immediately. He has this exhausted, reluctant-to-be-involved attitude that makes everything funnier, even while he’s investigating murder. The humor never felt forced, and I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the book.
I also really liked that the mystery stayed interesting without becoming overly complicated. The pacing moved well, the twists worked, and I genuinely wanted to keep reading to see how everything came together.
And of course, the dog content was a huge bonus. Tara absolutely stole scenes every chance she got. 🐶
Even though this is part of a long-running series, I never felt lost jumping in here first. The characters were easy to connect with, and now I definitely want to go back and read the earlier books.
If you like mysteries with humor, courtroom drama, and lovable recurring characters, this was a really fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite attorney Andy Carpenter’s desire to retire, he takes on a challenging case of a homeless physicist and veteran accused of murdering a wealthy but eccentric inventor and entrepreneur. There is damning evidence, but Andy believes in the accused’s innocence and works with his team to prove it.
I always look forward to each addition to this series. In this, the thirty-third installment, the plot is well-paced and engaging, the characters colorful, the dialogue crisp, and the humor laugh-out-loud. And there are adorable dogs. What truly sets Rosenfelt’s writing apart is his ability to infuse humor throughout his stories, particularly through Andy’s witty and sarcastic remarks. This is an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with comedic elements.
As a side note, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt, he and his wife actually have a real-life Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They’ve rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not adore this author?
Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.
I always look forward to each addition to this series. In this, the thirty-third installment, the plot is well-paced and engaging, the characters colorful, the dialogue crisp, and the humor laugh-out-loud. And there are adorable dogs. What truly sets Rosenfelt’s writing apart is his ability to infuse humor throughout his stories, particularly through Andy’s witty and sarcastic remarks. This is an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with comedic elements.
As a side note, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt, he and his wife actually have a real-life Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They’ve rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not adore this author?
Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was another fun addition to the Andy Carpenter series. As the 33rd book in the series, Rosenfelt certainly has a formula, but it works.
I always enjoy listening to these books narrated by Grover Gardner. At this point if I read the physical book, I would hear his voice in my head anyways. He is just perfect to portray Andy. The timing for all his banter and snarky comments is dead on.
That is always my favorite part of the book. I find the self deprecating humor and witty banter to be just what I need. I find that I always giggle at least a few times while reading these books and it is just refreshing. I also find it fun to try to figure out the real who-done-it every time and see if I'm right.
Overall, these books are just good fun and easy reads. I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I always enjoy listening to these books narrated by Grover Gardner. At this point if I read the physical book, I would hear his voice in my head anyways. He is just perfect to portray Andy. The timing for all his banter and snarky comments is dead on.
That is always my favorite part of the book. I find the self deprecating humor and witty banter to be just what I need. I find that I always giggle at least a few times while reading these books and it is just refreshing. I also find it fun to try to figure out the real who-done-it every time and see if I'm right.
Overall, these books are just good fun and easy reads. I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch will make you happy the business David Rosenfelt has chosen is the 'Andy Carpenter' series of books. Rosenfelt has produced another amazing addition to the series. Andy is fighting offers to take on new clients when another potential case is brought to his attention. He wants to say "No" again but, thankfully for the reader, Laurie Collins lights a fire under him. Our favorite attorney then has the tough task of defending someone accused of killing a billionaire. Sorry, I should say a multi-billionaire. It's a difficult assignment made even more challenging by the fact Andy and his super team can't identify a true culprit to present to the jury. How will Andy overcome that obstacle? That, boys and girls, is best discovered in the pages of Dead Men Don't Play Fetch. So run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore on July 7th and be prepared to laugh repeatedly. You'll be entertained from start to finish. No surprise there.
June 6, 2026
I stayed up late finishing this, and I was so excited because I figured out who did it (which rarely happens to me), but I couldn’t figure out why!
Jason is accused of killing his friend Paul Vincent when Jason pulls the knife out of his back after finding Vincent outside his door. Lou, the owner of A Day at A Time, a rehab center, asks Andy to take the case. Despite Andy’s aversion to working, since there’s a dog involved, he has a good gut feeling about Jason.
Even though Andy professes not to like working, if you were in a tough spot you’d definitely want him as your lawyer, since he digs into who might have actually committed the crime instead of just trying to get his client off the hook. He’s got the best team of investigators behind him, and they’re all my favorites as well.
I love the banter, the snark, the sarcasm. And like Andy, I can’t believe his son Ricky is growing up!
* I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Jason is accused of killing his friend Paul Vincent when Jason pulls the knife out of his back after finding Vincent outside his door. Lou, the owner of A Day at A Time, a rehab center, asks Andy to take the case. Despite Andy’s aversion to working, since there’s a dog involved, he has a good gut feeling about Jason.
Even though Andy professes not to like working, if you were in a tough spot you’d definitely want him as your lawyer, since he digs into who might have actually committed the crime instead of just trying to get his client off the hook. He’s got the best team of investigators behind him, and they’re all my favorites as well.
I love the banter, the snark, the sarcasm. And like Andy, I can’t believe his son Ricky is growing up!
* I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2026
DEAD MEN DON’T PLAY FETCH, by David Rosendelt (Andy Carpenter #33), is a charming legal mystery with a dog-loving subplot. Jason Maddox, a recovering addict, is accused of killing his billionaire friend Paul Vincent. Andy reluctantly takes the case to find the real killer.
Andy is a consummate smart ass, making enemies wherever he goes. Luckily, he’s surrounded by a great team that smooths things over and protects him as needed. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a blend of mystery, humor, and emotional moments, with engaging twists and delightful dog content throughout.
Grover Gardner’s narration is spot on as always; you are the perfect narrator.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for a free audiobook; thank you, David Rosenfelt, for writing such a fun cozy mystery (I will find and read your other books!); and thank you, Grove Gardner, for another great narration!
Andy is a consummate smart ass, making enemies wherever he goes. Luckily, he’s surrounded by a great team that smooths things over and protects him as needed. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a blend of mystery, humor, and emotional moments, with engaging twists and delightful dog content throughout.
Grover Gardner’s narration is spot on as always; you are the perfect narrator.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for a free audiobook; thank you, David Rosenfelt, for writing such a fun cozy mystery (I will find and read your other books!); and thank you, Grove Gardner, for another great narration!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my first Andy Carpenter book and I have to say, I’ll be looking for the other ones for sure.
To me it sort of reminds me of an old show called Matlock(yes this shows my age lol). The story is interesting and the characters are likeable especiallyAndy, a guy just hoping for retirement or is he really. A murder puts Jason behind bars but is he really guilty or is there more going on than what everyone sees? Andy assembles his team, each characters holding their own personalities which only adds to the story. Can they help Jason and figure out what really happens to Paul Vincent or will Jason be doomed to prison life.
The pace of the story is great, making you want to see what happens next. The attitude of Andy and his quips , quirks as well as his love of dogs really makes you root for him.
If you like fun, well paced mystery stories give this a go, you’ll enjoy it.
To me it sort of reminds me of an old show called Matlock(yes this shows my age lol). The story is interesting and the characters are likeable especiallyAndy, a guy just hoping for retirement or is he really. A murder puts Jason behind bars but is he really guilty or is there more going on than what everyone sees? Andy assembles his team, each characters holding their own personalities which only adds to the story. Can they help Jason and figure out what really happens to Paul Vincent or will Jason be doomed to prison life.
The pace of the story is great, making you want to see what happens next. The attitude of Andy and his quips , quirks as well as his love of dogs really makes you root for him.
If you like fun, well paced mystery stories give this a go, you’ll enjoy it.
May 7, 2026
Another great installment in the Andy Carpenter series!
Having read every single book in David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series, I was delighted to have the opportunity to pre-read Dead Men Don't Play Fetch.
This book has all the elements of the best in the series. There is a great deal of air time for Andy and every member of his team (well, maybe not Edna, but she thrives on avoiding being seen). Andy's self-deprecating humor is abundant, even more so than in the series' most recent installments, and the plot is exceptionally fast paced.
I struggle to think of a single thing to critique in this book - if forced to come up with something, I can only think of the restaurant visit where the fries weren't burned to a crisp.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPress for the advance reader copy of #DeadMenDon'tPlayFetch
Having read every single book in David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series, I was delighted to have the opportunity to pre-read Dead Men Don't Play Fetch.
This book has all the elements of the best in the series. There is a great deal of air time for Andy and every member of his team (well, maybe not Edna, but she thrives on avoiding being seen). Andy's self-deprecating humor is abundant, even more so than in the series' most recent installments, and the plot is exceptionally fast paced.
I struggle to think of a single thing to critique in this book - if forced to come up with something, I can only think of the restaurant visit where the fries weren't burned to a crisp.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPress for the advance reader copy of #DeadMenDon'tPlayFetch
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Welcome to #33 (if I’ve counted correctly) in the Andy Carpenter series! Yes, I’ve read them all and do read them in order if you’re new to these books. The crimes are seriously awful, the humor is frequently corny, the whodunit is always twisty, and the dogs are precious.
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy attorney who says he wants to retire but never does. He has his own dog rescue called the Tara Foundation, named after his golden retriever.
This case involves a brilliant man, Jason Maddox, who has faced tragedy and is doing a good job of facing his demons. Jason is accused of murdering his own friend. The situation looks grim.
Is Andy up to the task?
If you enjoy Spencer Abraham’s Chet and Bernie series, the Andy Carpenter and spinoff K Team novels may be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy attorney who says he wants to retire but never does. He has his own dog rescue called the Tara Foundation, named after his golden retriever.
This case involves a brilliant man, Jason Maddox, who has faced tragedy and is doing a good job of facing his demons. Jason is accused of murdering his own friend. The situation looks grim.
Is Andy up to the task?
If you enjoy Spencer Abraham’s Chet and Bernie series, the Andy Carpenter and spinoff K Team novels may be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I gave a "Woo-hoo!" And a fist pump when I received an ARC of this book!
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is Book 33 in the Andy Carpenter cozy mystery series.
Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who keeps trying to retire, but his love of dogs and justice keep pulling him back into the courtroom.
His friend Lou, who runs a rehab center, calls Andy asking for a favor for one of his residents, Jason, a recovering addict. The police found Jason with blood on his hands and clothes by the body of his billionaire friend Paul and arrested him. Jason needs a lawyer and a temporary home for his Labrador Hope. And Andy can't resist helping.
What keeps pulling me into reading this series is the sly humor of Andy's observations about life, his friends, and himself. Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is another winner for me (and I am cat lover!)
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is Book 33 in the Andy Carpenter cozy mystery series.
Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who keeps trying to retire, but his love of dogs and justice keep pulling him back into the courtroom.
His friend Lou, who runs a rehab center, calls Andy asking for a favor for one of his residents, Jason, a recovering addict. The police found Jason with blood on his hands and clothes by the body of his billionaire friend Paul and arrested him. Jason needs a lawyer and a temporary home for his Labrador Hope. And Andy can't resist helping.
What keeps pulling me into reading this series is the sly humor of Andy's observations about life, his friends, and himself. Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is another winner for me (and I am cat lover!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Description
Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is a delightful cozy mystery that perfectly balances humor, suspense, and charm. The story is packed with quirky characters, clever twists, and an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The pacing is brisk, making it easy to get swept up in the investigation, while the witty dialogue adds plenty of laughs along the way. The canine elements add extra personality and heart, making the adventure even more enjoyable.
Grover Gardner provides a smooth and easy listening experience.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. You can get your copy on the expected release date July 7 2026.
Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.
Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is a delightful cozy mystery that perfectly balances humor, suspense, and charm. The story is packed with quirky characters, clever twists, and an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The pacing is brisk, making it easy to get swept up in the investigation, while the witty dialogue adds plenty of laughs along the way. The canine elements add extra personality and heart, making the adventure even more enjoyable.
Grover Gardner provides a smooth and easy listening experience.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. You can get your copy on the expected release date July 7 2026.
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