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Andy Carpenter #16
Collared
Lawyer Andy Carpenter's true passion is the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization he runs with his friend Willie Miller. All kinds of dogs make their way to the foundation, and it isn't that surprising to find a dog abandoned at the shelter one morning, though it was accompanied by a mysterious anonymous note. But they are quite surprised when they scan the dog's embedded chip, and discover that they know this dog. He is the -DNA dog.-
Two and a half years ago, Jill Hickman was a single mother of an adopted baby. Her baby and dog were kidnapped in broad daylight in Eastside Park, and they haven't been seen since. A tip came in that ID'd a former boyfriend of Hickman's, Keith Wachtel, as the kidnapper. A search of his house showed no sign of the child but did uncover more incriminating evidence, and the clincher that generated Wachtel's arrest was some dog hair, notable since Wachtel did not have a dog. DNA tests showed conclusively that the hair belonged to Hickman's dog. Wachtel was convicted of kidnapping, but the dog and baby were never found.
Now, with the reappearance of the dog, the case is brought back to light, and the search for the child renewed. Goaded by his wife's desire to help a friend and fellow mother and Andy's desire to make sure the real kidnapper is in jail, Andy and his team enter the case. But what they start to uncover is far more complicated and dangerous than they ever expected.
Two and a half years ago, Jill Hickman was a single mother of an adopted baby. Her baby and dog were kidnapped in broad daylight in Eastside Park, and they haven't been seen since. A tip came in that ID'd a former boyfriend of Hickman's, Keith Wachtel, as the kidnapper. A search of his house showed no sign of the child but did uncover more incriminating evidence, and the clincher that generated Wachtel's arrest was some dog hair, notable since Wachtel did not have a dog. DNA tests showed conclusively that the hair belonged to Hickman's dog. Wachtel was convicted of kidnapping, but the dog and baby were never found.
Now, with the reappearance of the dog, the case is brought back to light, and the search for the child renewed. Goaded by his wife's desire to help a friend and fellow mother and Andy's desire to make sure the real kidnapper is in jail, Andy and his team enter the case. But what they start to uncover is far more complicated and dangerous than they ever expected.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2017
1033 people are currently reading
1957 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,894 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 622 reviews
June 18, 2017
I have been a fan of David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series since the first book. It's a winning formula - smart aleck lawyer (low on energy but high on smarts), dogs and a good mystery. These are light, fun books. They won't have you on the edge of your seat but they always bring a smile to your face. And for as light as these books are, the mystery is always well thought out.
Rosenfelt has done it again. Collared starts off when a border collie is left at the doors of the Tara Foundation. Turns out this dog was stolen, along with an adopted baby, three years ago. The baby was never returned or recovered. A man, the ex-boyfriend of the adoptive mother, was convicted of being the abductor. Andy agrees to investigate what the return of the dog means for the case. There are lots of twists and turns along the way. You are given glimpses to know some but not all of the story.
Anyone who enjoys Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Nelson DeMille’s John Corey series would do well to check out these books. It's not necessary to read them in order but it will flesh out certain relationships and provide the background that Rosenfelt doesn't reiterate like some authors always feel the need to do.
My thanks to netgalley and Minotaur Books for an advance copy of this book.
Rosenfelt has done it again. Collared starts off when a border collie is left at the doors of the Tara Foundation. Turns out this dog was stolen, along with an adopted baby, three years ago. The baby was never returned or recovered. A man, the ex-boyfriend of the adoptive mother, was convicted of being the abductor. Andy agrees to investigate what the return of the dog means for the case. There are lots of twists and turns along the way. You are given glimpses to know some but not all of the story.
Anyone who enjoys Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Nelson DeMille’s John Corey series would do well to check out these books. It's not necessary to read them in order but it will flesh out certain relationships and provide the background that Rosenfelt doesn't reiterate like some authors always feel the need to do.
My thanks to netgalley and Minotaur Books for an advance copy of this book.
November 10, 2018
Andy Carpenter, defense lawyer, has pretty much decided not to send in his renewal for his lawyer’s license although his wife Laurie teases him unmercifully that she would not be responsible for the consequences. Andy figures he could spend more time with Ricky, their adopted son, but Ricky isn’t so sure about that either. He seems to think his friends are too young to enjoy playing with Andy for long. Andy also thinks it would be good for him to do more of his share in the Tara Foundation. This is the rescue dog facility he and his partner Willie established. Both Willie and his wife Sondra feel that might not be the best way for Andy to spend his time.
Andy comes to the conclusion that no-one in his life is very eager for him to hang up his shingle – and the timing of the events to follow do seem to support keeping his lawyer skills polished. A border collie named Cody is tied to the door of the Tara Foundation. Jill, a friend of Laurie’s from a long time ago asks for help in tracing where he came from because it is the same dog that was abducted when her adopted son was stolen three years ago.
This story has a missing nanny, a fast-rack DNA testing facility, some very nasty killers, a woman who dies, then surfaces again only to be murdered, a drug dealer, and other feature characters who are tossed around in this big bowl of a story like salad ingredients.
With his typical fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment style (including many humourous moments of respite), David Rosenfelt has created yet another exciting thriller of a story that was hard to set aside for everyday life. I was even reading while eating my dinner . . . and breakfast, too!
This is a fun series, partly because it doesn’t take itself too seriously – and partly because it does. These stories are ones that could really happen, and they are told in a way that puts the reader right there – we get to witness every key moment through Andy’s eyes, like our own private set of binoculars focused on his world.
As I have from Book One in this series, I enjoyed this read a lot and recommend it to other readers who enjoy charging-forward thrillers mixed with humour – and dogs!
Andy comes to the conclusion that no-one in his life is very eager for him to hang up his shingle – and the timing of the events to follow do seem to support keeping his lawyer skills polished. A border collie named Cody is tied to the door of the Tara Foundation. Jill, a friend of Laurie’s from a long time ago asks for help in tracing where he came from because it is the same dog that was abducted when her adopted son was stolen three years ago.
This story has a missing nanny, a fast-rack DNA testing facility, some very nasty killers, a woman who dies, then surfaces again only to be murdered, a drug dealer, and other feature characters who are tossed around in this big bowl of a story like salad ingredients.
With his typical fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment style (including many humourous moments of respite), David Rosenfelt has created yet another exciting thriller of a story that was hard to set aside for everyday life. I was even reading while eating my dinner . . . and breakfast, too!
This is a fun series, partly because it doesn’t take itself too seriously – and partly because it does. These stories are ones that could really happen, and they are told in a way that puts the reader right there – we get to witness every key moment through Andy’s eyes, like our own private set of binoculars focused on his world.
As I have from Book One in this series, I enjoyed this read a lot and recommend it to other readers who enjoy charging-forward thrillers mixed with humour – and dogs!
September 30, 2024
I had discovered this amazing mystery in 2018.
It is part of a series, the Andy Carpenter mysteries that will keep you guessing.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter's true passion is the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue organization he runs with his friend.
So, when a dog is left that has its own mystery, the adventure is on to unravel the truth behind the abduction of a child and the conviction of a chemist who has always asserted his innocence.
What will Andy discover?
This is a true page turner with many twists and turns that leads to a surprising conclusion.
At the time I first posted this, a year ago (2023), I felt that this should be the next book to read by any mystery lover. But, I also believed, and still do, that it would be best to go back to the beginning and read Book #1, like me.
Still, it isn't an expectation, but, I think that was my desire at that time. I have grown to read many more of his books - and to declare myself a Super-fan.
It is part of a series, the Andy Carpenter mysteries that will keep you guessing.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter's true passion is the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue organization he runs with his friend.
So, when a dog is left that has its own mystery, the adventure is on to unravel the truth behind the abduction of a child and the conviction of a chemist who has always asserted his innocence.
What will Andy discover?
This is a true page turner with many twists and turns that leads to a surprising conclusion.
At the time I first posted this, a year ago (2023), I felt that this should be the next book to read by any mystery lover. But, I also believed, and still do, that it would be best to go back to the beginning and read Book #1, like me.
Still, it isn't an expectation, but, I think that was my desire at that time. I have grown to read many more of his books - and to declare myself a Super-fan.
August 19, 2017
With Collared, the Andy Carpenter series now consists of 16 books. This author thing must be working out for David Rosenfelt. He's found a formula that works and his books are consistently good. There is a bevy of reliable characters who support Andy the Reluctant Lawyer, Dog Lover, and Wiseacre. There’s always a dog involved somehow. What varies are the cases and the criminal suspects. The investigations move along quickly, and the action in the courtroom is not filled with legalese or overly dramatic. I'm always captivated by these books.
This book starts off with a border collie being left at the front door of Andy’s dog rescue foundation. The dog is microchipped, which is how we learn who this dog’s owner is and her involvement in a crime from three years ago. The story branches out from there. There are some killings, but no gore. And no harm comes to the dog.
Reading a series from the beginning gives the best experience, but these books, especially the later books, could be read as stand alones. There’s not much backstory or history given and new readers probably won't miss it.
In real life, David Rosenfelt does run a dog rescue called the Tara Foundation. Tara was David’s beloved golden retriever. David and his wife live with a herd of about 27 dogs that is ever changing as older or ill dogs pass and new elderly or sick dogs are adopted. Wherever his book readings are scheduled, they are benefits for local animal shelters. This guy is going to heaven with all the dogs.
This book starts off with a border collie being left at the front door of Andy’s dog rescue foundation. The dog is microchipped, which is how we learn who this dog’s owner is and her involvement in a crime from three years ago. The story branches out from there. There are some killings, but no gore. And no harm comes to the dog.
Reading a series from the beginning gives the best experience, but these books, especially the later books, could be read as stand alones. There’s not much backstory or history given and new readers probably won't miss it.
In real life, David Rosenfelt does run a dog rescue called the Tara Foundation. Tara was David’s beloved golden retriever. David and his wife live with a herd of about 27 dogs that is ever changing as older or ill dogs pass and new elderly or sick dogs are adopted. Wherever his book readings are scheduled, they are benefits for local animal shelters. This guy is going to heaven with all the dogs.
July 8, 2017
Good Lord, is this really #16? I can’t believe I’ve been reading the series for so long but I guess that’s a testament to this author’s winning formula. This is one of those series where if you enjoy one, you’ll enjoy them all.
The beginning made me think of that old book “The Cat Came Back”. Substitute a canine & you’ve got Cody, a loveable Border Collie found outside the Tara Foundation dog shelter one morning by Willie Miller. After Willie scans him for a microchip, his next call is to partner Andy Carpenter. Turns out Cody is a bit of a celebrity.
Almost 3 years ago, Jill HIckman’s nanny Teresa was assaulted while on an outing with Cody & Dylan, Jill’s adopted baby son. Teresa identified the attacker as Keith Wachtel, a scientist who worked for Jill’s company & her former lover. The most damning evidence came when dog hair found in Keith’s car & home was DNA matched to Cody. Keith was convicted but Dylan & Cody were never found.
As it happens, Jill is friends with Laurie, Andy’s wife & while she’e overjoyed to see Cody, she’s also hopeful this will lead to Dylan. Reluctantly, Andy agrees to poke around & begins by giving the heads up to Det. Pete Stanton. Pete worked the original case & is sure they got their man but after visiting Keith in prison, Andy’s not so sure.
From here, the plot stretches out in multiple directions as more players are introduced. The underlying conspiracy is complex & there are several sneaky twists that’ll catch you off guard. It’s not long before Andy’s worst fear is realized….yup, he’ll have to dust off a suit & be a lawyer. Oh the horror! The only person more distraught about this turn of events is Edna, Andy’s “office manager”. This will seriously cut into a strict training regime for her next run at the crossword puzzle title.
Rosenfelt’s books are always cleverly constructed but for me, at least half the reading pleasure comes from spending time with characters that have become old friends. Andy is the heart of the eccentric cast & narrates the story with a self deprecating voice. His interactions with other characters & sly internal observations provide much of the humour.
As usual, Laurie is the voice of reason & Marcus continues to scare the bejeezus out of anyone smarter than a house plant. Who am I kidding…plants are afraid of him, too.
The author is a master of pacing & interspersed with the laughs is a cleverly plotted mystery that clips right along. Besides wanting to know how it all shakes out, you’ll keep reading because it’s just so darn entertaining.
Like other authors with long running series such as John Sandford, Janet Evanovich or Lee Child, Rosenfelt has a distinctive style. They all contribute to the same genre but have found their own niches by creating signature characters who inhabit stories that run the gamut from grit to humour. You may have your favourites among their books but picking up the next instalment is a no-brainer. This author is one of my go-to’s when I’m in the mood for familiar faces, witty dialogue & genuine laughs all wrapped around a smart mystery.
The beginning made me think of that old book “The Cat Came Back”. Substitute a canine & you’ve got Cody, a loveable Border Collie found outside the Tara Foundation dog shelter one morning by Willie Miller. After Willie scans him for a microchip, his next call is to partner Andy Carpenter. Turns out Cody is a bit of a celebrity.
Almost 3 years ago, Jill HIckman’s nanny Teresa was assaulted while on an outing with Cody & Dylan, Jill’s adopted baby son. Teresa identified the attacker as Keith Wachtel, a scientist who worked for Jill’s company & her former lover. The most damning evidence came when dog hair found in Keith’s car & home was DNA matched to Cody. Keith was convicted but Dylan & Cody were never found.
As it happens, Jill is friends with Laurie, Andy’s wife & while she’e overjoyed to see Cody, she’s also hopeful this will lead to Dylan. Reluctantly, Andy agrees to poke around & begins by giving the heads up to Det. Pete Stanton. Pete worked the original case & is sure they got their man but after visiting Keith in prison, Andy’s not so sure.
From here, the plot stretches out in multiple directions as more players are introduced. The underlying conspiracy is complex & there are several sneaky twists that’ll catch you off guard. It’s not long before Andy’s worst fear is realized….yup, he’ll have to dust off a suit & be a lawyer. Oh the horror! The only person more distraught about this turn of events is Edna, Andy’s “office manager”. This will seriously cut into a strict training regime for her next run at the crossword puzzle title.
Rosenfelt’s books are always cleverly constructed but for me, at least half the reading pleasure comes from spending time with characters that have become old friends. Andy is the heart of the eccentric cast & narrates the story with a self deprecating voice. His interactions with other characters & sly internal observations provide much of the humour.
As usual, Laurie is the voice of reason & Marcus continues to scare the bejeezus out of anyone smarter than a house plant. Who am I kidding…plants are afraid of him, too.
The author is a master of pacing & interspersed with the laughs is a cleverly plotted mystery that clips right along. Besides wanting to know how it all shakes out, you’ll keep reading because it’s just so darn entertaining.
Like other authors with long running series such as John Sandford, Janet Evanovich or Lee Child, Rosenfelt has a distinctive style. They all contribute to the same genre but have found their own niches by creating signature characters who inhabit stories that run the gamut from grit to humour. You may have your favourites among their books but picking up the next instalment is a no-brainer. This author is one of my go-to’s when I’m in the mood for familiar faces, witty dialogue & genuine laughs all wrapped around a smart mystery.
November 17, 2017
When you read an Andy Carpenter story you know just what you’re getting… humor, sarcasm, mystery, courtroom shenanigans. And of course there is always - in some way, shape, or form - a dog involved. Although the books generally tend to follow a formula, I think that Collared is one of his better stories. There were a couple of revelations that I didn’t see coming, and I think we saw a new side to Andy. One that will push up against the edge of his ethics in order to see the justice done in the end.
I adore David Rosenfelt for his unabashed love of dogs. Just about every month I see him posting on Facebook about a new addition to his canine brood, all of whom are larger breed senior dogs with no other place to go. He and his wife Debbie have created a sanctuary for these sweet and gentle giants, even knowing that their time on earth is limited.
Five weeks ago we lost one of our own gentle giants to cancer, and it has affected nearly every aspect of my life, including my ability to spend quiet time reading like I used to. Life is not normal without Ellie, but it’s a bit of comfort to read something written by a man who clearly shares this bottomless love for his four legged kids, and considers them to be part of his family.
I adore David Rosenfelt for his unabashed love of dogs. Just about every month I see him posting on Facebook about a new addition to his canine brood, all of whom are larger breed senior dogs with no other place to go. He and his wife Debbie have created a sanctuary for these sweet and gentle giants, even knowing that their time on earth is limited.
Five weeks ago we lost one of our own gentle giants to cancer, and it has affected nearly every aspect of my life, including my ability to spend quiet time reading like I used to. Life is not normal without Ellie, but it’s a bit of comfort to read something written by a man who clearly shares this bottomless love for his four legged kids, and considers them to be part of his family.
September 3, 2017
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I would not suggest it as I felt there were things the author assumed you knew. The story was good and kept me guessing. I love dogs so that was a fun addition.
January 8, 2024
Andy Carpenter is one of my favorite characters, and never better than when narrated by the wonderful Grover Gardner. This book was such a fun one!
It starts out with a dog being left at Andy’s dog rescue organization, The Tara Foundation. Turns out the dog was taken several years ago along with a baby that was kidnapped. Andy and friends are certain the man in prison for the kidnapping is not the culprit, and begin to uncover a web of lies. Mayhem and murder ensue, with a good dose of sarcasm and fun.
I can always turn to Andy Carpenter for a laugh.
It starts out with a dog being left at Andy’s dog rescue organization, The Tara Foundation. Turns out the dog was taken several years ago along with a baby that was kidnapped. Andy and friends are certain the man in prison for the kidnapping is not the culprit, and begin to uncover a web of lies. Mayhem and murder ensue, with a good dose of sarcasm and fun.
I can always turn to Andy Carpenter for a laugh.
February 23, 2020
Why does this book have dogs on the cover? I was expecting a dog mystery; I was expecting Lassie-solves-the-murder. No. It's a clever, snappy, snarky mystery. Lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a missing child and gets sucked into defending the child's convicted kidnapper. But things are not as they seem: the good guys are bad and the bad guys are okay. The writing, if you go for sarcasm, irony, and snark, is priceless; the pace is fabulous, and the humor relentless. Also, no dogs were hurt in the making of this story.
January 13, 2018
I picked it up for the cover alone. I found this while shelf surfing at my library. I read the authors blurb, he has 35 dogs, runs a rescue. My kind of human, I had to give the book a try. It was a fun quick mystery with realistic drama.
The main character is lawyer who doesn't need to work for a living, he does it because it's the right thing to do. He is married to a PI, has and adopted child and several dogs. His humor is snarky and intelligent. His relationship with his family and coworkers was believable and relevant to the story. I liked the guy, liked his wife, his wacky coworkers and how they went about getting things done.
This was book #16 in this series. Why not start towards the end right ? I have a lot more books to read in this series, and that is good. I have plans to start from book 1 and slowly work my way through them
The main character is lawyer who doesn't need to work for a living, he does it because it's the right thing to do. He is married to a PI, has and adopted child and several dogs. His humor is snarky and intelligent. His relationship with his family and coworkers was believable and relevant to the story. I liked the guy, liked his wife, his wacky coworkers and how they went about getting things done.
This was book #16 in this series. Why not start towards the end right ? I have a lot more books to read in this series, and that is good. I have plans to start from book 1 and slowly work my way through them
September 21, 2025
I finished David Rosenfelt's #16, Collared, in the Andy Carpenter series this summer while traveling. His books are easy to read without hard-core attention, as they always follow a similar plotline. I think it is terrific when authors find a winning formula that they can sort of replicate in new books to keep the series going. I sometimes struggle with too many twists and characters in Rosenfelt's books, but I do like the core crew and legal thrillers especially with a dose of humor as Rosenfelt does so well, so it works for me.
In this book Andy takes on an incarcerated man's retrial over an old kidnapping case in which the child was never found. It features Andy investigating which is the main way the plot develops, using a mix of in-person interviews, hunches, and technological /online sleuthing via his team of accountant and seniors. We also see Willy & the Tara foundation, and the rest of the usual group that Andy surrounds himself with.
Many other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I'll just say that I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading #17. 4.5-stars.
In this book Andy takes on an incarcerated man's retrial over an old kidnapping case in which the child was never found. It features Andy investigating which is the main way the plot develops, using a mix of in-person interviews, hunches, and technological /online sleuthing via his team of accountant and seniors. We also see Willy & the Tara foundation, and the rest of the usual group that Andy surrounds himself with.
Many other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I'll just say that I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading #17. 4.5-stars.
August 9, 2023
This was a fun mystery to listen to on a recent long drive. It's the sixteenth book of a long series but stands quite well on its own. There are some murders and a child abduction, but there aren't any gruesome or disturbing scenes. It's packaged and presented to look like a dog mystery, but though some dogs are present, the canines are just sort of there and don't have much impact on the plot. The style is a pleasant blend of sarcasm and gentle irony, and the mystery element is quite a puzzler. There were also a few really funny bits, especially when Hike went South. I thought that there were a couple of holes in the plot (there was a shooting that led to another shooting that would have tied up the whole thing a few chapters sooner if it had been realistically pursued), but I enjoyed it a lot for the most part.
November 27, 2018
Should Andy renew his license to practice law?
Did Hike turn into a pod person?
Why were the kid & dog taken?
Why did the dog show back up?
These questions & more make up another fun, typical entry in this series. While I've read them in order, I don't think that's terribly important. Each book fills in the characters & back story well enough - possibly a bit too much - but each one is a fun trip.
Did Hike turn into a pod person?
Why were the kid & dog taken?
Why did the dog show back up?
These questions & more make up another fun, typical entry in this series. While I've read them in order, I don't think that's terribly important. Each book fills in the characters & back story well enough - possibly a bit too much - but each one is a fun trip.
January 14, 2025
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 16st book in the Andy Carpenter series. The start for this book a found to pull me into it, and I love a mystery book that just jumps right into the mystery. I love the characters in this book series. This book has a lot about dogs. I really love the mystery in this book, and I really liked that this book had a twist at the end that I did not see coming.
August 3, 2017
This series is a lighter legal read than a legal thriller, more mystery but not quite a cozy. Regardless of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Andy Carpenter is a reluctant defense lawyer, who was not even sure he wanted to renew his licence at the beginning of the book. His wife and partner in the dog rescue foundation convince him he should. When a border collie is left at the foundation with a cryptic note, the mystery begins. When the dog is checked for a micro-chip, they determine that it is the same dog that was stolen when a young adopted child was kidnapped, three years earlier. The ex-boyfriend of the adoptive mother was tried and sent to prison for the kidnapping and the child was never found. This tweaks Andy's curiosity. His wife Laurie had befriended Jill when the crime was committed as she lived in their neighbourhood. If Cody, the dog, is still alive, what about Dylan. Andy goes to the prison to question Keith and ends up believing in his innocence. Can Andy get a new trial for Keith? Will they find Baby Dylan? Who left Cody at the foundation?
The usual characters are back with a few new additions to flesh out the story. Andy is the heart of the eccentric cast & narrates. His interactions with other characters & sly internal observations provide a lot of humour. Laurie is the steadying influence for Andy and keeps him in line. She makes sure he is safe and honest as well as keeping him protecting using Marcus. Marcus who has skills like a one man army, scares everyone and keeps Marcus safe from harm, because Laurie asks him to. Sam, Hike and the rest of the team are there working in the background to help Andy investigate and prepare his case. Rosenfelt does a great job with pacing in this clever plot with enough humour to keep you smiling. Not only do you want to find out the answer to the mystery, but you want to keep reading to spend more time with the characters. This is a story with plenty of mystery, suspense, wit, skill, and detective work. A definite must read for those that like a legal mystery with a little less violence and darkness to it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The usual characters are back with a few new additions to flesh out the story. Andy is the heart of the eccentric cast & narrates. His interactions with other characters & sly internal observations provide a lot of humour. Laurie is the steadying influence for Andy and keeps him in line. She makes sure he is safe and honest as well as keeping him protecting using Marcus. Marcus who has skills like a one man army, scares everyone and keeps Marcus safe from harm, because Laurie asks him to. Sam, Hike and the rest of the team are there working in the background to help Andy investigate and prepare his case. Rosenfelt does a great job with pacing in this clever plot with enough humour to keep you smiling. Not only do you want to find out the answer to the mystery, but you want to keep reading to spend more time with the characters. This is a story with plenty of mystery, suspense, wit, skill, and detective work. A definite must read for those that like a legal mystery with a little less violence and darkness to it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
September 23, 2022
It's always a pleasure to read one of the Andy Carpenter books, even though after reading 15 of them, it begins to get a little repetitive. But the plots are always interesting, and the humor is still good.
This one was fairly complex, and the ending was unusual and unexpected. And one of my favorite characters, Marcus, didn't really do as much as usual. But I enjoyed the book a lot, and it's a good escape from a lot of the heavier reads.
This one was fairly complex, and the ending was unusual and unexpected. And one of my favorite characters, Marcus, didn't really do as much as usual. But I enjoyed the book a lot, and it's a good escape from a lot of the heavier reads.
October 15, 2017
“Collared” by David Rosenfelt is book sixteen in the Andy Carpenter series. Never fear new readers, you will enjoy this book even if you haven’t read any of the previous books, but once you finish this one, you will absolutely want to go back to read the series from the beginning; it’s just that entertaining.
Andy Carpenter is a lawyer with so much money that instead of practicing law, he runs a dog rescue foundation. (Note: details of that journey are in the previous books.) A woman drops off a dog at the shelter, and when staff runs the chip, they find this dog has a history that includes kidnapping, corporate connections, and a culprit in jail. The plot is treacherous and intricate and yet every detail falls nicely into place at the end. The action moves quickly without being bogged down by distractions, and even the drama and danger is softened with humor.
The story includes multiple murders, organized crime, child abduction, and sabotage, and while that scenario might seem to be a typical one for a mysteries series, the characters make this tale far from typical. They are a funny, easy-going, realistic group of people, and we want them to be our friends; we support them despite their flaws. The little details of their lives matter to us, and we keep turning the pages to find out what they are doing.
I have read the whole Andy Carpenter series and loved every one. I started with one of the books in the middle, and when I finished, I just had to go back and read them all from the first one. Rosenfelt has found an astonishing way to make every book different, compelling and above all fun, even though he basically tells the same story each time. The characters grow and change in every book, but they are still the same dependable, fun group. They want truth, justice, and the American way to prevail even if they have to go to court to right the wrongs, punish the guilty, and free the innocent. Oh, and save dogs. Seriously, you will love this book, but watch out, you might just laugh out loud while reading it.
Andy Carpenter is a lawyer with so much money that instead of practicing law, he runs a dog rescue foundation. (Note: details of that journey are in the previous books.) A woman drops off a dog at the shelter, and when staff runs the chip, they find this dog has a history that includes kidnapping, corporate connections, and a culprit in jail. The plot is treacherous and intricate and yet every detail falls nicely into place at the end. The action moves quickly without being bogged down by distractions, and even the drama and danger is softened with humor.
The story includes multiple murders, organized crime, child abduction, and sabotage, and while that scenario might seem to be a typical one for a mysteries series, the characters make this tale far from typical. They are a funny, easy-going, realistic group of people, and we want them to be our friends; we support them despite their flaws. The little details of their lives matter to us, and we keep turning the pages to find out what they are doing.
I have read the whole Andy Carpenter series and loved every one. I started with one of the books in the middle, and when I finished, I just had to go back and read them all from the first one. Rosenfelt has found an astonishing way to make every book different, compelling and above all fun, even though he basically tells the same story each time. The characters grow and change in every book, but they are still the same dependable, fun group. They want truth, justice, and the American way to prevail even if they have to go to court to right the wrongs, punish the guilty, and free the innocent. Oh, and save dogs. Seriously, you will love this book, but watch out, you might just laugh out loud while reading it.
August 8, 2017
David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series rocks! Rosenfelt manages to make the reading pure adrenaline, edge-of-your-seat suspenseful as well as laugh-out-loud humorous. The protagonist, lawyer Andy Carpenter, is self-effacing with droll humor that is endearing and appealing to readers. Along with that sharp wit he is also a dedicated officer of the court who wins cases for his down-and-out clients through his genius. It is a treat to listen in on his thought processes, gut instincts, and skillful courtroom tactics. The plot in COLLARED is unique and clever. Mystery fans will love the puzzle! It kept me entertained and enthralled until the very end! Great story! If you like dogs, courtroom drama and crime fiction with a smattering of humor, you will LOVE the Andy Carpenter Mystery series! I always eagerly await his next installment! COLLARED is the 16th in the series.
July 23, 2017
The last Andy Carpenter book is one of his best. A border collie is left at the Tara Foundation. A scam reveals that this is the dog that was stolen when a baby was kidnapped a few years ago. A boyfriend of the Mother was convict of the crime but the child and dog were never located. In order to help resolve the case, Andy becomes the attorney of record for the convicted party. Before long Andy feels that the man was not guilty and sets out to find answers. He wants to know if the child dead or where he is now. The answers give no satisfaction and become dangerous. Marcus is called to defend Andy. A new trial is ordered for the convicted man. I highly recommend this book and series.
June 5, 2025
Always an interesting twist at the end!
June 28, 2017
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Jill, the boy's mother and Cody's owner, asks Andy to look into this for her. Almost as soon as he begins, Andy uncovers some evidence that leads him to become Keith's attorney and get him a retrial. Andy is pretty clueless (as is everyone) why someone would kidnap the boy and the dog (and return the dog), not to mention frame Keith for the crime. But while he can't answer that, he can chip away at the evidence that put Keith behind bars -- the only hope the boy has is that by doing so, someone may stumble on an explanation for what happened to him.
Along the way, Andy's associate Hike has to go down to North Carolina to do a little research. While there, something happens to him -- I won't ruin anything for you, but it's a lotta fun for people who have been around since Hike's introduction -- you will enjoy it. Laurie does what Laurie does, ditto for Marcus (who might be his most-Marcus-y here) and Sam. I do worry that Rosenfelt isn't doing much with these characters beyond their regular heroics and chuckle-worthy antics, but we got some good Hike material this time, maybe it'll be someone else's turn to shine next. I don't think the addition of Ricky to things added that much to the series, and that's the last major change since Hike came along.
I really would've appreciated a little more courtroom action, but I'm not sure what else could've happened. It just seems like less time is being given to the courtroom lately -- maybe I'm wrong. I can't imagine that Andy would approve of someone doing the work to determine if I'm right or not -- he sure wouldn't -- so let's just assume I am.
I sound like I'm complaining about the book -- that's not really my intention. I wouldn't expect so much from it if I wasn't such a fan. Collared has a clever mystery, some funny moments, a nice twist or two, and we get to spend time with characters that readers have come to know and like. For a series 16 books in, that's pretty good. Where else are you going to get a friend of the protagonist describe a potential suspect like this?
It's a fun read -- from the moment that Andy assembles the family to help him decide if he'll renew his law license to the party at Charlie's, Rosenfelt keeps you turning the pages with a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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I know I take dog-loving to a somewhat absurd degree, but what he just said pleases me. Someone who doesn’t care about dogs, or this one in particular, would have said, “It’s about the dog being found.” But he said Cody instead of the dog, which to me is a sign of respect and caring.Cody has been assumed to have been one of two victims of a kidnapping -- the other was the baby the dog's owner had recently adopted. It's been two and a half years, with no trace of either. The mother's ex-boyfriend and ex-employee has been convicted for the crime, on some pretty flimsy evidence. Now Cody has been left at the front door of The Tara Foundation. Naturally, once Andy is told about this, he brings in the police and the dog's owner (a friend of Laurie's, as coincidence would have it). The question at the front of everyone's mind is: can the dog somehow lead to answers about her son?
I may need to get out more.
Jill, the boy's mother and Cody's owner, asks Andy to look into this for her. Almost as soon as he begins, Andy uncovers some evidence that leads him to become Keith's attorney and get him a retrial. Andy is pretty clueless (as is everyone) why someone would kidnap the boy and the dog (and return the dog), not to mention frame Keith for the crime. But while he can't answer that, he can chip away at the evidence that put Keith behind bars -- the only hope the boy has is that by doing so, someone may stumble on an explanation for what happened to him.
Along the way, Andy's associate Hike has to go down to North Carolina to do a little research. While there, something happens to him -- I won't ruin anything for you, but it's a lotta fun for people who have been around since Hike's introduction -- you will enjoy it. Laurie does what Laurie does, ditto for Marcus (who might be his most-Marcus-y here) and Sam. I do worry that Rosenfelt isn't doing much with these characters beyond their regular heroics and chuckle-worthy antics, but we got some good Hike material this time, maybe it'll be someone else's turn to shine next. I don't think the addition of Ricky to things added that much to the series, and that's the last major change since Hike came along.
I really would've appreciated a little more courtroom action, but I'm not sure what else could've happened. It just seems like less time is being given to the courtroom lately -- maybe I'm wrong. I can't imagine that Andy would approve of someone doing the work to determine if I'm right or not -- he sure wouldn't -- so let's just assume I am.
I sound like I'm complaining about the book -- that's not really my intention. I wouldn't expect so much from it if I wasn't such a fan. Collared has a clever mystery, some funny moments, a nice twist or two, and we get to spend time with characters that readers have come to know and like. For a series 16 books in, that's pretty good. Where else are you going to get a friend of the protagonist describe a potential suspect like this?
“Because Kaiser is a bad guy— a very bad, very dangerous , very evil guy . He might even be a Cardinals fan.”
It's a fun read -- from the moment that Andy assembles the family to help him decide if he'll renew his law license to the party at Charlie's, Rosenfelt keeps you turning the pages with a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
July 24, 2017
Almost three years ago a baby boy and the mother's dog were abducted. Suddenly the dog turns up at the Tara Foundation and the case reopens as Andy Carpenter defends the man convicted of the abduction in an effort to find the boy. Someone is willing to kill to keep that from happening.
September 29, 2017
Review to follow.
October 13, 2017
I am giving this a solid three stars for the mystery because it kept me going and interested in what was going to happen. I also added points for the whole NJ Hike vs. SC Pod Hike part of the story, which struck me as genuinely funny.
What never strikes me as funny is Andy Carpenter's constant interior monologue, which has the depth and breadth of...the musings of a socially lacking 10 year old boy. Andy muses about how he hates all vegetables. Andy hopes he is going to get lucky with his wife. Andy and his best friends have relationships that are 100% about sports, insults, and Andy paying for everything. Andy is glad he has millions so he doesn't have to do real work.
Andy is tedious. Mr. Rosenfelt plots good stories, but Andy Carpenter comes off as a low-rent Myron Bolitar, and Myron is more interesting.
What never strikes me as funny is Andy Carpenter's constant interior monologue, which has the depth and breadth of...the musings of a socially lacking 10 year old boy. Andy muses about how he hates all vegetables. Andy hopes he is going to get lucky with his wife. Andy and his best friends have relationships that are 100% about sports, insults, and Andy paying for everything. Andy is glad he has millions so he doesn't have to do real work.
Andy is tedious. Mr. Rosenfelt plots good stories, but Andy Carpenter comes off as a low-rent Myron Bolitar, and Myron is more interesting.
July 30, 2017
Whenever I read an Andy Carpenter novel, I have learned to set the bar pretty high in the plot of the story and this one was brilliant. I don't know where David Rosenfelt gets his ideas, but he hardly disappoints and I'll say it again from the summary:
What Andy and his team uncover is something more dangerous and complicated than you'll ever expect and Rosenfelt doesn't make it easy for you to figure it out on your own. Every time a dead body showed up, poor Andy was losing evidence of the one thing he needed to win his case and exonerate Jill's ex-boyfriend and kidnapper, Wachtel. You'll play the guessing game right up until the last chapter and you'll wonder why you didn't think of THAT.
What Andy and his team uncover is something more dangerous and complicated than you'll ever expect and Rosenfelt doesn't make it easy for you to figure it out on your own. Every time a dead body showed up, poor Andy was losing evidence of the one thing he needed to win his case and exonerate Jill's ex-boyfriend and kidnapper, Wachtel. You'll play the guessing game right up until the last chapter and you'll wonder why you didn't think of THAT.
July 5, 2021
I read this series for three things: Compelling mystery, witty banter, and dogs. This book had a decent amount of the first item, though the whodunnit was highly improbable, but not nearly the usual amount of the second, and almost none of the third. I would totally believe it if someone told me Rosenfelt was sick and hired a ghostwriter to crank this novel out in order to meet a publisher’s deadline.
I’ve just started on the next book in the series, and only 50 pages in, I have already laughed or smiled more at Andy’s zippy comebacks than I did through the entirety of this one. And already gotten much more dog-centric storyline as well. So it’s a rare weak entry in an otherwise highly enjoyable and entertaining series for people who like mysteries and dogs.
I’ve just started on the next book in the series, and only 50 pages in, I have already laughed or smiled more at Andy’s zippy comebacks than I did through the entirety of this one. And already gotten much more dog-centric storyline as well. So it’s a rare weak entry in an otherwise highly enjoyable and entertaining series for people who like mysteries and dogs.
Read
October 15, 2018Collared is my first Andy Carpenter read, but it won't be my last. This story reads like a lighthearted take on Robert B. Parker's Spenser for Hire vibe.
Here's the exchanged that hooked me on page 4:
... I turn to Ricky [A.C.'s young son]. "What do you think?"
"If I send it in, can I be a lawyer?" he asks.
"Not without going to law school."
"That's not fair," he says.
I'm not making much progress here.
The main character's self-deprecating humor and his love and respect for his wife Laurie and their circle of family and friends add depth to this mystery with story elements reminiscent of the real-life case of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes.
Here's the exchanged that hooked me on page 4:
... I turn to Ricky [A.C.'s young son]. "What do you think?"
"If I send it in, can I be a lawyer?" he asks.
"Not without going to law school."
"That's not fair," he says.
I'm not making much progress here.
The main character's self-deprecating humor and his love and respect for his wife Laurie and their circle of family and friends add depth to this mystery with story elements reminiscent of the real-life case of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes.
June 5, 2017
Another great mystery novel from David Rosenfelt, starring everyone’s favorite rich lawyer with a sense of humor, Andy Carpenter. A border collie named Cody is found outside the rescue Andy and Willie run; when his microchip is scanned, the information leads back to a sensational abduction case from several years prior. Is the man who was jailed really guilty? Where was Cody the dog since the trial, and who left him at the rescue? Andy pieces together the facts of the case, while someone is trying to kill him. A plot with many twists and turns and great writing make this a must-read.
February 4, 2018
This was my very first David Rosenfelt/Andy Carpenter book. I LOVED IT. I am more a cat person than a dog person, but this was hysterical. The story kept me reading and reading all through a nasty rainy sleety day, and I can hardly wait to see how many Rosenfelts the local library has in stock. I loved all the characters -- well, not Jill so much, but the rest of them. How did I miss the first 15 Andy Carpenters?? Guess there are just too many mysteries out there. Looking forward to more .
April 8, 2020
An ever enjoyable series all around... lovable characters, good mystery, lots of humor and dogs.
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