Dead Men Don't Play Fetch: An Andy Carpenter Mystery

Andy Carpenter #33

by David Rosenfelt

Bestselling 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.

Genres: Mystery

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

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

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]


****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

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Joanne Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Howard Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having devoured and enjoyed all of David Rosenfelt’s novels, I always look forward to a new one. This book is worth waiting for and is one of his best. Of course, dogs play a significant role in the story, which is laced with the expected level of humor and sarcasm. Andy Carpenter is, once again, forced into taking on the defense of a client (who is a dog lover) he believes to be innocent. There are several surprises in store for the reader and the trial scenes are first rate. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel for anyone interested in this genre and assert that there will be a very surprising and unexpected conclusion. I thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always excited to read another book by David Rosenfelt, featuring my favorite fictional attorney (Andy Carpenter), and his canine sidekicks. Andy is trying to tie up all of his loose ends and retire but somehow, something always comes up. This time a friend calls him about a young man - a homeless veteran - who has been arrested and charged for murder. Andy took the case partly because the young man has a dog, and being Andy, he also took the dog home with him. Otherwise, the dog would have had to go to the shelter. I never guessed the identify of the killer, and the ending was a complete surprise.

I received an e-arc from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this author through a NetGalley ARC and quickly became hooked on his books. One of my favorite things is how familiar characters show up again and again. It feels like checking in with old friends while still getting a fresh story.

The humor had me snort-laughing more than once, and the twists and turns kept me guessing all the way through. I genuinely did not see the ending coming, which is always a win in my book.

If you enjoy mysteries with recurring characters, sharp humor, and plenty of surprises, this one is well worth the read.

Thank you to netGalley for this ARC in for my honest opinion

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for advanced copy of Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch.

True to form, a fast paced easy read continuing the Andy Carpenter Mystery series. While I noticed some typos and some awkward sentencing, which I am sure would be corrected in final copy editing, the story itself is good and the characters enjoyable. The story remains refreshed yet familiar. You know what you’re getting and there’s nothing with looking for a little bit of certainties in your reading material. As usual, a nice read.

[Pattyh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch.
The Andy Carpenter series is back with another great “who done it”.
Andy takes cases even though he sees himself retired as a criminal defense attorney. Begrudgingly he takes on the case of a young man accused of murder. The stakes are high but Andy takes the case to prove him innocent.
The usual cast of characters are present including Tara who is Andy’s golden retriever.
This is a very good story and this series does not disappoint fans. 5 stars. Loved it.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mere fact that I have read and loved 33 of the books in his Andy Carpenter series should tell you all that you need to know. Andy is a sarcastic lawyer who wants desperately to retire, but cases keep getting in his way. In this case, a homeless veteran and his dog have been accused of killing a very wealthy man. Funny thing, they were best friends. The whole gang is back again, working to prove his innocence...okay, maybe Edna really slacked on this one but otherwise...Thanks St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for an early chance to read this book.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in this series with lawyer Andy Carpenter. Andy takes a case defending an ex-drug addict of murder. The deceased was a very wealthy individual who had formed a friendship with the man accused of the murder. With his own style and wit, Andy works to prove the man's innocence. Along the way in typical Jersey style, he rubs elbows with the mob, irritates the prosecutor, and deals with his son growing up. The cast of supporting characters add to the theme and reality of the story. Lots of tongue in cheek humor but we still wonder if the good guy will win.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy finds himself with a new case. A billionaire has been murdered, and his friend Jason is charged. Jason's dog Hope is being cared for by Willie and Sondra while he's in jail, and Andy and the team are working to ensure that Jason will be able to return to Hope. Mobsters, drug dealers, and a variety of other miscreants appear to be related to the case as the trial draws to an exciting conclusion, and Andy ties up one final loose end. Another winner for dog and mystery lovers. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cozy Legal Mystery, and this is the 33rd book in An Andy Carpenter Mystery series. I have the first thirty two books in this series before picking up this book, but I do not think you need to read the other books in this series to read and enjoy this book. I love the dry humor in this book and throughout this series. I love all the dogs in this book and throughout this series. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.