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Andy Carpenter #21
Muzzled
The ever-charming David Rosenfelt is back with Muzzled, where reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter and his beloved golden retriever, Tara, are back on the case as a favor to a friend.
Reluctant New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter doesn’t call many people friend. So when one comes to him for help, he’s more than willing to listen, and do what he can. Beth reunites lost dogs with their owners. Over the years, she’s helped Andy reunite countless dogs from the Tara Foundation—the dog-rescue foundation that’s Andy’s true passion—with their owners.
A particular case is weighing on Beth. Months of searching for a stray’s owner led to a gruesome discovery: the owner had been murdered. Andy is happy to help, of course the Tara Foundation will find the stray a new home. But that’s not why Beth is there . . . the “murdered” owner contacted Beth, and he wants his dog back.
RUNNING TIME ➼ 8hrs. and 30mins.
©2020 David Rosenfelt (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Reluctant New Jersey lawyer Andy Carpenter doesn’t call many people friend. So when one comes to him for help, he’s more than willing to listen, and do what he can. Beth reunites lost dogs with their owners. Over the years, she’s helped Andy reunite countless dogs from the Tara Foundation—the dog-rescue foundation that’s Andy’s true passion—with their owners.
A particular case is weighing on Beth. Months of searching for a stray’s owner led to a gruesome discovery: the owner had been murdered. Andy is happy to help, of course the Tara Foundation will find the stray a new home. But that’s not why Beth is there . . . the “murdered” owner contacted Beth, and he wants his dog back.
RUNNING TIME ➼ 8hrs. and 30mins.
©2020 David Rosenfelt (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2020
1112 people are currently reading
3140 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,918 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 579 reviews
April 9, 2020
I don’t know about you but lately I find myself using slightly different criteria to select my next book. I don’t want to read about politics or viruses. I want something that will make me smile, maybe even laugh out loud. So when the latest Andy Carpenter came along, it was perfect timing.
By now fans are familiar with Andy’s doomed attempts to retire. Luckily for us, he fails once again. It all begins with a call from his friend Beth. She puts a lot of time & effort into reuniting stray dogs with their rightful owners & is currently looking after a gorgeous lab she calls Lucy. The good news is she got a call from the owner who is desperate to get Lucy back. Which would be great….except the owner’s face has been all over the news after being killed with 2 others in a suspicious boat explosion. Understandably, Beth is a tad nervous about meeting this guy. Andy has the perfect solution. Have the owner come pick up Lucy at his dog shelter where he & Willie can keep an eye on things.
Ah, the best laid plans. Before the meet is over, police have shown up & Andy has somehow gained a new client. The only silver lining is he managed to piss off cop/buddy Pete Stanton in the process. So not a total loss then.
Pharmaceutical secrets, a mystery girlfriend, mistaken identity, dodgy characters & possible mob involvement…these are some of the stumbling blocks just waiting for Andy. Good thing he not only has Laurie at his side but her colleagues from the K Team as well. He’ll need them. Most of the story takes place outside the courtroom & includes short chapters that introduce odd characters. The trick is to figure out if & where they fit in. And as always, a herd of great dogs are along for the ride.
As much as I enjoyed this, overall I found it missing a tiny somethin’-somethin’ . There was just a little less spark to the dialogue & I wondered if it had to do with the cast. Unlike other instalments, the only member of Andy’s legal crew we hear from regularly is Sam. Instead there is more focus on the K Team as they assist with the case. I guess I just missed all that inspirational positivity we usually get from Edna & Hike 😉
However….and this is big, people….one scene alone is worth the price of admission. Are you sitting down? Ok. Marcus says a word. And I understood it. That’s right, an actual intelligible word from the English language in his outside voice. Not going to tell you what it was, just that it was used correctly & spoke volumes. If you need to take a moment here, I understand.
Whether you pick up this or one of the others in the series, you know you’ll get a story full of humour, dogs & good guys that is the perfect antidote to the isolation blues. And hopefully by the time book #22 arrives, the world will be a happier place. Now go wash your hands.
3.5 stars
By now fans are familiar with Andy’s doomed attempts to retire. Luckily for us, he fails once again. It all begins with a call from his friend Beth. She puts a lot of time & effort into reuniting stray dogs with their rightful owners & is currently looking after a gorgeous lab she calls Lucy. The good news is she got a call from the owner who is desperate to get Lucy back. Which would be great….except the owner’s face has been all over the news after being killed with 2 others in a suspicious boat explosion. Understandably, Beth is a tad nervous about meeting this guy. Andy has the perfect solution. Have the owner come pick up Lucy at his dog shelter where he & Willie can keep an eye on things.
Ah, the best laid plans. Before the meet is over, police have shown up & Andy has somehow gained a new client. The only silver lining is he managed to piss off cop/buddy Pete Stanton in the process. So not a total loss then.
Pharmaceutical secrets, a mystery girlfriend, mistaken identity, dodgy characters & possible mob involvement…these are some of the stumbling blocks just waiting for Andy. Good thing he not only has Laurie at his side but her colleagues from the K Team as well. He’ll need them. Most of the story takes place outside the courtroom & includes short chapters that introduce odd characters. The trick is to figure out if & where they fit in. And as always, a herd of great dogs are along for the ride.
As much as I enjoyed this, overall I found it missing a tiny somethin’-somethin’ . There was just a little less spark to the dialogue & I wondered if it had to do with the cast. Unlike other instalments, the only member of Andy’s legal crew we hear from regularly is Sam. Instead there is more focus on the K Team as they assist with the case. I guess I just missed all that inspirational positivity we usually get from Edna & Hike 😉
However….and this is big, people….one scene alone is worth the price of admission. Are you sitting down? Ok. Marcus says a word. And I understood it. That’s right, an actual intelligible word from the English language in his outside voice. Not going to tell you what it was, just that it was used correctly & spoke volumes. If you need to take a moment here, I understand.
Whether you pick up this or one of the others in the series, you know you’ll get a story full of humour, dogs & good guys that is the perfect antidote to the isolation blues. And hopefully by the time book #22 arrives, the world will be a happier place. Now go wash your hands.
3.5 stars
September 20, 2020
3.5*
Once again I was fortunate enough to witness the crazy antics of Andy Carpenter as he plows through life rescuing dogs, all the while trying desperately to avoid practicing law. Despite his best efforts he once again finds himself thrown into a case that he cannot walk away from.
A man presumed to have been killed in a fiery explosion waltzes into Andy’s friends dog rescue, intent on claiming his dog. Impossible! This man died a horrible death! Was he responsible for the explosion? The police certainly think so and immediately arrest him for murder one.
And just like clock-work, Andy once again finds himself dragged into the middle of yet another hot, legal mess, having to step up and defend the man. In the back of his mind Andy thinks what the heck, the guy’s a true dog lover… how could he be guilty?
This book had a great premise and got off to an explosive start (sorry for the pun). But midway it lost steam, introducing too many characters, leading to the plot becoming watered-down and overly complex. So much so I wasn’t sure who any of the players were. Or more importantly, what their particular agendas were.
I’m addicted to the series though, and already have the next in series on my shelf. Looking forward to seeing what antics Andy finds himself in next!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Once again I was fortunate enough to witness the crazy antics of Andy Carpenter as he plows through life rescuing dogs, all the while trying desperately to avoid practicing law. Despite his best efforts he once again finds himself thrown into a case that he cannot walk away from.
A man presumed to have been killed in a fiery explosion waltzes into Andy’s friends dog rescue, intent on claiming his dog. Impossible! This man died a horrible death! Was he responsible for the explosion? The police certainly think so and immediately arrest him for murder one.
And just like clock-work, Andy once again finds himself dragged into the middle of yet another hot, legal mess, having to step up and defend the man. In the back of his mind Andy thinks what the heck, the guy’s a true dog lover… how could he be guilty?
This book had a great premise and got off to an explosive start (sorry for the pun). But midway it lost steam, introducing too many characters, leading to the plot becoming watered-down and overly complex. So much so I wasn’t sure who any of the players were. Or more importantly, what their particular agendas were.
I’m addicted to the series though, and already have the next in series on my shelf. Looking forward to seeing what antics Andy finds himself in next!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
September 20, 2020
Andy Carpenter is Back at It!
In this go round, Andy gets a frantic call from his friend Beth who helps out with his foundation reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Beth is beside herself when she receives a call from someone claiming to be the owner of a lab named Lucy. The problem? Beth thinks the owner is a killer! No joke! A boat explosion has been all over the news in the last few days during which two men died and a third (Alex Vogel) has gone missing.
When a meet and greet is scheduled it’s confirmed that the man in question is in fact Alex Vogel who the police want to take into custody, even though he swears he’s innocent. Good thing Andy is there to act as his lawyer, even if it’s the last thing Andy wants.
Now it’s up to Andy and The K-Team to figure out the truth. From murder to corruption and coercion this is one thriller that truly kept me on my toes. I had a few guesses but admittedly there were several characters flitting in and out of this wild mystery suspense and that made it hard for me to guess right.
Of course, my favorite part of this book was Andy Carpenter himself. I just love his sarcastic sense of humor and laughed quite a lot at both his antics and his one-liners.
Keep ‘em coming David Rosenfelt!
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 9.20.20.
In this go round, Andy gets a frantic call from his friend Beth who helps out with his foundation reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Beth is beside herself when she receives a call from someone claiming to be the owner of a lab named Lucy. The problem? Beth thinks the owner is a killer! No joke! A boat explosion has been all over the news in the last few days during which two men died and a third (Alex Vogel) has gone missing.
When a meet and greet is scheduled it’s confirmed that the man in question is in fact Alex Vogel who the police want to take into custody, even though he swears he’s innocent. Good thing Andy is there to act as his lawyer, even if it’s the last thing Andy wants.
Now it’s up to Andy and The K-Team to figure out the truth. From murder to corruption and coercion this is one thriller that truly kept me on my toes. I had a few guesses but admittedly there were several characters flitting in and out of this wild mystery suspense and that made it hard for me to guess right.
Of course, my favorite part of this book was Andy Carpenter himself. I just love his sarcastic sense of humor and laughed quite a lot at both his antics and his one-liners.
Keep ‘em coming David Rosenfelt!
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 9.20.20.
March 30, 2020
I always look forward to a new book in the Andy Carpenter series. These books are written with great humour and contain serious, complex criminal cases and interesting court trials. It is hard to believe that Muzzled is the 21st book in the series and that the plots are always different and compelling. I see a 22nd book is due for publication in October. They are narrated by Andy Carpenter. I always enjoy his witty, sardonic sense of humour, and his sarcastic thoughts and retorts.
Andy is a semiretired defence attorney who prefers to spend his time with his family, his two pet dogs and consulting and visiting the dog rescue site he established. Being independently wealthy, he only accepts legal cases when a dog is somehow involved. In this book, it is believed that three men working for a pharmaceutical company were shot on a boat which was subsequently blown up. Now, one of the men believed dead has shown up at Andy’s dog rescue site to claim his beloved dog. He escaped from the boat and has been in hiding fearing he would be killed. Only his attachment to his dog made him come out of hiding and risk his life. He is arrested and accused of the murder of his two colleagues. Andy agrees to defend him.
It is hard to resist the dogs pictured on every book cover. Be aware that these are not relaxing, cozy mysteries, but are excellent, intricately plotted crime thrillers with added courtroom drama. The centre around difficult and dangerous investigations by Andy, his wife (a policewoman), and friends possessing various skills. The books I have read featured mob violence, drug trafficking, far-reaching conspiracies, smuggling, gang-related killings and terrorism. Also, there were crimes involving technology and an international criminal on Interpol's most-wanted list. All the criminal investigations have complicated well constructed and believable plots.
This crime thriller is timely, revolving the manufacture of a new serum that can resist any new, future virus. The local mob is somehow involved in at least half a dozen related murders and the Russian Mafia may be playing a role. Any connection may be impossible to prove. There is also pharmaceutical fraud, hitmen, money laundering, and stock manipulation. I confess I always have difficulty understanding and following cases following large money trails which causes my brain to zone out. There is no fault in the construction of the plot, just my lack of comprehension I regret this resulted in my lower score for this book compared with others in the series.
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually runs a dog rescue foundation and has over two dozen pet dogs. His foundation is responsible for rescuing 4000 animals.
I look forward to the next book in the Andy Carpenter series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this compelling book in return for an honest review. 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
Andy is a semiretired defence attorney who prefers to spend his time with his family, his two pet dogs and consulting and visiting the dog rescue site he established. Being independently wealthy, he only accepts legal cases when a dog is somehow involved. In this book, it is believed that three men working for a pharmaceutical company were shot on a boat which was subsequently blown up. Now, one of the men believed dead has shown up at Andy’s dog rescue site to claim his beloved dog. He escaped from the boat and has been in hiding fearing he would be killed. Only his attachment to his dog made him come out of hiding and risk his life. He is arrested and accused of the murder of his two colleagues. Andy agrees to defend him.
It is hard to resist the dogs pictured on every book cover. Be aware that these are not relaxing, cozy mysteries, but are excellent, intricately plotted crime thrillers with added courtroom drama. The centre around difficult and dangerous investigations by Andy, his wife (a policewoman), and friends possessing various skills. The books I have read featured mob violence, drug trafficking, far-reaching conspiracies, smuggling, gang-related killings and terrorism. Also, there were crimes involving technology and an international criminal on Interpol's most-wanted list. All the criminal investigations have complicated well constructed and believable plots.
This crime thriller is timely, revolving the manufacture of a new serum that can resist any new, future virus. The local mob is somehow involved in at least half a dozen related murders and the Russian Mafia may be playing a role. Any connection may be impossible to prove. There is also pharmaceutical fraud, hitmen, money laundering, and stock manipulation. I confess I always have difficulty understanding and following cases following large money trails which causes my brain to zone out. There is no fault in the construction of the plot, just my lack of comprehension I regret this resulted in my lower score for this book compared with others in the series.
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually runs a dog rescue foundation and has over two dozen pet dogs. His foundation is responsible for rescuing 4000 animals.
I look forward to the next book in the Andy Carpenter series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this compelling book in return for an honest review. 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
May 10, 2021
I love David Rosenfelt’s sense of humor! Andy Carpenter is a total smart a**, but he’s a lovable one. He’s sarcastic, self deprecating and frequently obnoxious. Andy is a defense lawyer. He wants to be a retired defense lawyer. But once again, he’s compelled to take a case. As always, he takes the case because his client is a dog lover.
Rosenfelt gives enough background on the characters that this is one series you can jump in at any point. This book is #21, but it’s just as fresh as the earlier ones. In fact, there was a twist here I would never have seen coming.
This series translates very well as audiobooks. Grover Gardner is Andy! My husband and I listened to this on a long car ride and it was perfect. Great for readers who want a strong mystery but no darkness or tortured souls. Lots of laughs.
Rosenfelt gives enough background on the characters that this is one series you can jump in at any point. This book is #21, but it’s just as fresh as the earlier ones. In fact, there was a twist here I would never have seen coming.
This series translates very well as audiobooks. Grover Gardner is Andy! My husband and I listened to this on a long car ride and it was perfect. Great for readers who want a strong mystery but no darkness or tortured souls. Lots of laughs.
July 15, 2020
This was everything I expected of an Andy Carpenter book, so why aren’t I as happy with it as usual? I think it was too predictable. I think the characters have become stagnant. I think it might be time for David Rosenfelt to shake up this series somehow.
Maybe I just read this at the wrong time. Maybe I’m just in a foul mood.
Maybe I just read this at the wrong time. Maybe I’m just in a foul mood.
December 1, 2025
Andy Carpenter keeps trying to retire and enjoy helping at his foundation for rescue dogs. Once again he’s pulled in to defend someone arrested for murder… because the man coming back for his dog is what gets him arrested. Andy has a soft spot for dog lovers.
The man was aboard his boat when someone boards and his two friends are shot and killed. He is down below and able to hide, but hears them mention a bomb. He’s able to escape… now it’s up to Andy to find out who wanted him dead.
Always a fun read, and the narration by Grover Gardner is excellent.
The man was aboard his boat when someone boards and his two friends are shot and killed. He is down below and able to hide, but hears them mention a bomb. He’s able to escape… now it’s up to Andy to find out who wanted him dead.
Always a fun read, and the narration by Grover Gardner is excellent.
July 29, 2020
This light read series always involves someone or somedog that needs the ever so witty defense attorney, Andy Carpenter. He eventually ends up defending the wrongly accused despite his wishes to retire and do basically...nothing. It cracks me up every time Edna is mentioned. Edna is Andy's office manager. All she does is do crossword puzzle and cashes her paycheck (jealous!). She hates to work as much as her boss. LOL, aren't they a team? This book can be read as a stand alone. You will get a good recap of Andy and his crew.
In Muzzled, Andy found a new client through his dog rescue, the Tara Foundation. A dog owner wanted to claim his dog back only that the owner was suppose to be dead in a boat explosion. Another fun read.
In Muzzled, Andy found a new client through his dog rescue, the Tara Foundation. A dog owner wanted to claim his dog back only that the owner was suppose to be dead in a boat explosion. Another fun read.
April 24, 2020
Andy Carpenter is asked to defend Alex, a man who looks to be guilty of a double murder, but since Alex is devoted to his dog, Aggie, Andy agrees to take his case. Did Alex blow up a boat and kill two of his colleagues? How did the explosive residue get in his house? And why didn’t he report to the authorities after the explosion? Of course, it’s not all about the case. Andy’s description of a walk with his wife Laurie and Sebastian, a sluggish basset hound, will resonate with anyone who has ever walked a slow dog. Andy says: “I like taking walks with Laurie, but only when Sebastian is with us. Left to her own devices, Laurie is a fast walker. She treats it as exercise, and keeping up with her makes me feel like I’m on the Bataan Death March. Sebastian is my antidote to that; he lumbers along at such a slow pace that even I have no trouble keeping up. When it comes to going from point A to point B, I’ve seen sofa beds move faster than Sebastian.” With all that’s going on in the world, I’m trying to read books that aren’t depressing. When I find one that’s got great characters, an engaging plot, humor, and dogs, that’s like winning the reading lottery, and Muzzled fits the bill perfectly. Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 27, 2023
4 Stars for Muzzled: Andy Carpenter, Book 21 (audiobook) by David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
The reluctant lawyer, Andy Carpenter has a new client. The lawyer would rather stay retired but this murder suspect loves his dog so much that he came out of hiding to get the dog back. It’s going to be hard to prove his client’s innocence and ultimately he’s going to have to do the police’s job and figure out who the murder is and why.
The reluctant lawyer, Andy Carpenter has a new client. The lawyer would rather stay retired but this murder suspect loves his dog so much that he came out of hiding to get the dog back. It’s going to be hard to prove his client’s innocence and ultimately he’s going to have to do the police’s job and figure out who the murder is and why.
October 26, 2024
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 21st book in the Andy Carpenter series. I have to say I really love the characters in this book series. The mystery in this book is good, and there is a ton a suspense in this book. I felt the ending was really good.
January 22, 2024
As usual, I fully enjoyed reading another Andy Carpenter book. It's a guilty pleasure of mine, mainly because it's always a bit formulistic, and I feel so unsophisticated, but I like the humor and the stories are usually interesting though not very realistic. Just what I need to forget about our screwed-up political situation here in the states.
This was a bit unusual in that Andy didn't win his case, and also spent a lot of time doing police work even after the trial was over. He and Pete even cooperated some, which is a bit unusual even though they are apparently good friends (well, as long as Andy pays the bar bills).
Maybe I somehow missed something, but it seemed to me that there were some murders that happened that were simply not mentioned later, and I'm really not sure at all what they had to do with the story. Perhaps I didn't fully understand what was going on. Always possible.
This was a bit unusual in that Andy didn't win his case, and also spent a lot of time doing police work even after the trial was over. He and Pete even cooperated some, which is a bit unusual even though they are apparently good friends (well, as long as Andy pays the bar bills).
Maybe I somehow missed something, but it seemed to me that there were some murders that happened that were simply not mentioned later, and I'm really not sure at all what they had to do with the story. Perhaps I didn't fully understand what was going on. Always possible.
May 16, 2020
This one was probably closer to a 4.5 rating for me but I definitely enjoyed it enough to round it up to five stars. Number 21 in the series was the first one I've read and David Rosenfelt did such a great job of bringing in all the historical significance of the lives of the characters that I found my footing in the series quickly and easily. From general skimming of the descriptions of some of the series books I had expected that the dogs would have had more role to play in this story. So, just so I'm clear, the dogs play a large part in the lives of characters in the book, but this isn't a series about working dogs.
Andy Carpenter is trying very hard to retire from his legal practice but finds himself defending a man accused of double murder. The team Andy has surrounding himself with is substantial; some are employees of Carpenter's law firm, some are colleagues from his dog rescue organization as well as his wife, an ex-police officer, and her associates. The activities involve investigating the crime as well as courtroom scenes when Carpenter presents evidence for the defense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and find I am thankful there are so many previous books I can read. I would have liked for Carpenter to have been a little bit less inclined to think so poorly of himself but I know that isn't going to happen because his persona is too fully established now.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an e-galley of this novel.
Andy Carpenter is trying very hard to retire from his legal practice but finds himself defending a man accused of double murder. The team Andy has surrounding himself with is substantial; some are employees of Carpenter's law firm, some are colleagues from his dog rescue organization as well as his wife, an ex-police officer, and her associates. The activities involve investigating the crime as well as courtroom scenes when Carpenter presents evidence for the defense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and find I am thankful there are so many previous books I can read. I would have liked for Carpenter to have been a little bit less inclined to think so poorly of himself but I know that isn't going to happen because his persona is too fully established now.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an e-galley of this novel.
May 28, 2023
When I received the ARC of Muzzled by David Rosenfelt, as well as the books that came afterward, I went back to the very beginning with book #1, Open and Shut, and loved it so much that I binge read every single book that was available to me as of January, 2023, and so in two weeks' time I read 30 of these delightful books, and they include four books in the spinoff series, The K Team.
One thing made abundantly clear in these greatly enjoyable books are two things about Andy Carpenter - he loves dogs and he desperately wants to retire as a defense attorney. During the course of his life and career, Andy landed a settlement that has left him with millions, so he does not need to work. However, in this book of the series, when his friend Beth pleads with him to take on a case, one that involves two dogs, Andy finds that he cannot say no. In fact, if ever a dog is involved, then so is Andy.
With a wealthy man is accused of murder and even of faking his own death, Andy steps in. Those familiar with this series will of course see Andy's dogs, Tara and Sebastian, his wife Laurie and other recurring characters. This book has a homey feel - literally like you are at home among friends, no matter what crime is being investigated by Andy, Laurie and other members of his tightknit team.
Since I came into this so late, all but the newest book coming out this October were available as audiobooks, so I took that route, and was delighted that Grover Gardner has narrated each and every book so far, including the latest one I have listened to that comes out in July, Flop Dead Gorgeous.
One thing I love about the series, Andy and even the narrator, is the way the humor comes through. Andy is witty and sarcastic, although he treats his clients - and of course, his dogs and any other dogs that always seem to become a part of things - with the utmost respect.
Now, I have to talk about Tara, one of the loves of Andy's life. He is more than tethered to her and I love that. I also love the ever so lazy Sebastian, another dog of Andy's. Food and sleep is all Sebastian needs, so even going for walks is just a bit too stressful for him.
With the backstory woven in to each successive book in the series, it is not necessary to read them all or even in order, but if you are a series fanatic like me then go for it. Let me tell you, you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
One thing made abundantly clear in these greatly enjoyable books are two things about Andy Carpenter - he loves dogs and he desperately wants to retire as a defense attorney. During the course of his life and career, Andy landed a settlement that has left him with millions, so he does not need to work. However, in this book of the series, when his friend Beth pleads with him to take on a case, one that involves two dogs, Andy finds that he cannot say no. In fact, if ever a dog is involved, then so is Andy.
With a wealthy man is accused of murder and even of faking his own death, Andy steps in. Those familiar with this series will of course see Andy's dogs, Tara and Sebastian, his wife Laurie and other recurring characters. This book has a homey feel - literally like you are at home among friends, no matter what crime is being investigated by Andy, Laurie and other members of his tightknit team.
Since I came into this so late, all but the newest book coming out this October were available as audiobooks, so I took that route, and was delighted that Grover Gardner has narrated each and every book so far, including the latest one I have listened to that comes out in July, Flop Dead Gorgeous.
One thing I love about the series, Andy and even the narrator, is the way the humor comes through. Andy is witty and sarcastic, although he treats his clients - and of course, his dogs and any other dogs that always seem to become a part of things - with the utmost respect.
Now, I have to talk about Tara, one of the loves of Andy's life. He is more than tethered to her and I love that. I also love the ever so lazy Sebastian, another dog of Andy's. Food and sleep is all Sebastian needs, so even going for walks is just a bit too stressful for him.
With the backstory woven in to each successive book in the series, it is not necessary to read them all or even in order, but if you are a series fanatic like me then go for it. Let me tell you, you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 10, 2020
“Muzzled” is the newest book in David Rosenfelt’s continuing series featuring Andy Carpenter and his assorted friends and dogs. Regular readers will find everything they love about Andy, the gang, (and the dogs) while new readers will easily jump into this offbeat yet compelling story. The book opens with a spectacular and well publicized boat explosion that kills everyone on board. That is until Alex Vogel, one of the boat’s purported occupants, shows up to collect his missing dog. This means he either murdered the other two men or faked his own death, or both.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired, self-described obnoxious defense attorney who frequently infuriates dangerous people and actually likes what he does, plus, he is good at it. He reluctantly jumps to Vogel’s assistance, because after all, Vogel came out of hiding for his dog. The story progresses as a first-person narrative by Andy, with alternate chapters told in a third person perspective so readers know what Andy does not. The regular players on Andy’s team are there along with newcomers “The K-Team.” They search for answers to questions they did not know about, and they find answers they wish they had not discovered. Andy helps out because in a pinch, he can successfully use his preferred weapon, sarcasm, on any enemy, even organized crime in northern New Jersey. “Muzzled” follows a predictable yet entertaining plot structure, and the trial starts without Andy having a clue about the real culprit, leading to the familiar but shocking and horrible twist right in the middle of the trial.
Rosenfelt’s books are entertaining, reliable, and above all enjoyable. Even though the characters and structure are familiar, the stories are never predictable, well except that the dogs always win. I received a review copy of “Muzzled” from David Rosenfelt and Minotaur Books. Andy Carpenter is compelling, interesting, and above all funny. There is mystery without duplication, suspense without confusion, and resolution without vagueness. I have read and loved every book.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired, self-described obnoxious defense attorney who frequently infuriates dangerous people and actually likes what he does, plus, he is good at it. He reluctantly jumps to Vogel’s assistance, because after all, Vogel came out of hiding for his dog. The story progresses as a first-person narrative by Andy, with alternate chapters told in a third person perspective so readers know what Andy does not. The regular players on Andy’s team are there along with newcomers “The K-Team.” They search for answers to questions they did not know about, and they find answers they wish they had not discovered. Andy helps out because in a pinch, he can successfully use his preferred weapon, sarcasm, on any enemy, even organized crime in northern New Jersey. “Muzzled” follows a predictable yet entertaining plot structure, and the trial starts without Andy having a clue about the real culprit, leading to the familiar but shocking and horrible twist right in the middle of the trial.
Rosenfelt’s books are entertaining, reliable, and above all enjoyable. Even though the characters and structure are familiar, the stories are never predictable, well except that the dogs always win. I received a review copy of “Muzzled” from David Rosenfelt and Minotaur Books. Andy Carpenter is compelling, interesting, and above all funny. There is mystery without duplication, suspense without confusion, and resolution without vagueness. I have read and loved every book.
May 14, 2021
Another entertaining book by David Rosenfelt, filled with humor, sarcasm, and dogs! This is a difficult book to review without spoiling it for people who haven't yet read it, so I'll leave it at that.
April 23, 2020
Andy Carpenter is unabashedly in love with dogs. Rosenfelt's entire Andy Carpenter series is devoted to Andy's experiences with dogs--taking care of them, rescuing them, or just having a life at their side. In Muzzled (Minotaur Books 2020), Book 21 in the series, Andy once again finds a good reason to be forced out of his self imposed retirement from criminal law to help a dog. A man who was supposed to be dead shows up at Andy's home for rescued dogs--the Tara Foundation--in search of his dog. He has been hiding from the thugs who tried to kill him while succeeding in killing two of his business partners, but reveals himself out of worry about his dog. When he shows up at the Tara Foundation to claim his best friend, the dog goes nuts over his lost owner. How could Andy not defend a man who is so deeply loved by his dog?
When the police arrest him for allegedly killing his business partners, the clock starts ticking. Andy must figure out who the real killers are before they murder this man and leave his dog without its best friend.
I’ve read almost every book in this series. All are told with a sense of humor that makes even serious events a bit lighter.
“Dad, can we go bungee jumping?” Ricky asked. I’ve got to be careful with my answer. He’s asking a serious question, albeit one that horrifies me. I can’t overreact, hurt his feelings, embarrass him, or appear dismissive. I need to imagine how my response will sound when he repeats it to a therapist later in life. “Are you nuts?” is what I finally come out with. It’s possible that I didn’t fulfill my previously stated criteria for a good answer."
"She always has a look of pure joy on her face when she finishes. I guess she and I have that in common. If I was crazy enough to exhaust myself by pedaling furiously to nowhere, I would also be happy when it was over."
"The only word allowed to precede the reason for calling is hello."
Most are well-paced with likable supporting characters and clever plot twists. Some aren't up to this high bar but this one is at the top. Rosenfelt devotes lots of each book to dog events (walking them, feeding, playing with them). Dogs add color and depth to his books but not in the way, say, Margaret Mizushima does in her series, Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, about a working dog who solves crimes (see the next review, Hanging Falls). That's not good or bad, just what it is.
In the end, I couldn't put the book down, finished it in record time, always wanting to turn the page and see what happens next with the wonderful dogs.
When the police arrest him for allegedly killing his business partners, the clock starts ticking. Andy must figure out who the real killers are before they murder this man and leave his dog without its best friend.
I’ve read almost every book in this series. All are told with a sense of humor that makes even serious events a bit lighter.
“Dad, can we go bungee jumping?” Ricky asked. I’ve got to be careful with my answer. He’s asking a serious question, albeit one that horrifies me. I can’t overreact, hurt his feelings, embarrass him, or appear dismissive. I need to imagine how my response will sound when he repeats it to a therapist later in life. “Are you nuts?” is what I finally come out with. It’s possible that I didn’t fulfill my previously stated criteria for a good answer."
"She always has a look of pure joy on her face when she finishes. I guess she and I have that in common. If I was crazy enough to exhaust myself by pedaling furiously to nowhere, I would also be happy when it was over."
"The only word allowed to precede the reason for calling is hello."
Most are well-paced with likable supporting characters and clever plot twists. Some aren't up to this high bar but this one is at the top. Rosenfelt devotes lots of each book to dog events (walking them, feeding, playing with them). Dogs add color and depth to his books but not in the way, say, Margaret Mizushima does in her series, Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, about a working dog who solves crimes (see the next review, Hanging Falls). That's not good or bad, just what it is.
In the end, I couldn't put the book down, finished it in record time, always wanting to turn the page and see what happens next with the wonderful dogs.
November 23, 2020
3.5 stars. The Andy Carpenter series is up to 21 books, but I have only read or listened to a handful along the way. I have always enjoyed the story and had no problem following it. Andy is a lawyer, who says he is retired, but always gets pulled into working a case in each book. Andy's friend Beth, who works with the Tara Foundation, has found a stray dog who appears to belong to a recent murder victim. When someone contacts her to say she has his dog, she calls Andy for assistance. When they identify the man as one the police were looking for, he calls them and is arrested for murder and blowing up his boat to cover the crime. He asks Andy for help, and he can't resist helping this dog lover.
This story leads the reader on a merry chase. Who was the intended target? There are pharmaceutical secrets, a mystery girlfriend, mistaken identity, dodgy characters & possible mob involvement that all get in Andy's way. With Laurie, his wife, and the K team to help, he is able to sift through everything to figure out what was going on. Most of this story takes place outside the courtroom and introduces a lot of characters. There were times that I was a bit confused, but everything finally fit together at the end. With a few more murders along the way, Andy is able to work with his friend and detective Pete to bring the culprits to justice. This is a cross between a legal thriller, mystery and organized crime story. The narration was done by Grover Gardner. He is perfect for these books. He gives them that hard boiled detective sound and I enjoy the expression (or lack of) that he uses in his performance. This was not my favourite in this series, but it was enjoyable.
This story leads the reader on a merry chase. Who was the intended target? There are pharmaceutical secrets, a mystery girlfriend, mistaken identity, dodgy characters & possible mob involvement that all get in Andy's way. With Laurie, his wife, and the K team to help, he is able to sift through everything to figure out what was going on. Most of this story takes place outside the courtroom and introduces a lot of characters. There were times that I was a bit confused, but everything finally fit together at the end. With a few more murders along the way, Andy is able to work with his friend and detective Pete to bring the culprits to justice. This is a cross between a legal thriller, mystery and organized crime story. The narration was done by Grover Gardner. He is perfect for these books. He gives them that hard boiled detective sound and I enjoy the expression (or lack of) that he uses in his performance. This was not my favourite in this series, but it was enjoyable.
July 3, 2020
Intricate, fresh, and outrageously funny!
Muzzled is an absorbing, humorous mystery that transports you to Patterson, N.J. where Alex Vogel, one of three men supposedly killed in a boat explosion is arrested for murder when he reappears to claim his dog from the Tara Foundation causing the happily retired, defense attorney Andy Carpenter to once again come out of retirement to defend someone in need.
The prose is witty and crisp. The characters are multilayered, unique, and amusing. And the plot is a funny yet thrilling tale full of twists, turns, mayhem, corruption, coercion, red herrings, deduction, violence, greed, danger, and murder.
Overall, Muzzled is a clever, quirky, suspenseful mystery that kept me absorbed, entertained and laughing out loud from the very first page. It’s hard to believe that this is the first novel I’ve read by Rosenfelt, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Muzzled is an absorbing, humorous mystery that transports you to Patterson, N.J. where Alex Vogel, one of three men supposedly killed in a boat explosion is arrested for murder when he reappears to claim his dog from the Tara Foundation causing the happily retired, defense attorney Andy Carpenter to once again come out of retirement to defend someone in need.
The prose is witty and crisp. The characters are multilayered, unique, and amusing. And the plot is a funny yet thrilling tale full of twists, turns, mayhem, corruption, coercion, red herrings, deduction, violence, greed, danger, and murder.
Overall, Muzzled is a clever, quirky, suspenseful mystery that kept me absorbed, entertained and laughing out loud from the very first page. It’s hard to believe that this is the first novel I’ve read by Rosenfelt, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2023
I love this series. I raced through this book and now feel like I want Rosenfelt to hurry and write another in this series.
A very enjoyable reread!
A very enjoyable reread!
June 27, 2020
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Wow. Andy Carpenter #21. That's pretty mind-boggling, I've got to say. The way that Andy's been ramping up the retirement talk over the last couple of books, I can't help but wonder how many more are in store—but I have to expect we'll get a few more. Rosenfelt's army of dogs takes a lot of food. The more the merrier, I say—especially if there are more like this one in the wings.
Andy's contacted by a friend also in the dog rescue biz—she's come into possession of a stray and has been contacted by the owner to retrieve the dog. Which sounds pretty straightforward and good up until the point where she tells Andy the owner's name. He's the victim of a triple murder a few weeks ago when his boat was destroyed by a bomb of some sort. Yeah, you read me right—the victim. Except he clearly escaped and after being on the run for his life a bit, has decided he can't run off without the dog. So he risks life and limb to be reunited with his pet. At this point, the reader (and everyone who knows Andy) realizes that if this man needs legal help, Andy will be his attorney. Andy needs some convincing, however.
And Alex Vogel is going to need Andy's help—if he wasn't one of those killed, the police would like to know, why wasn't he? The explanation that makes the most sense to them is that Alex Vogel made and detonated the bomb, killing his friends. The motive is a little shaky, but that's beside the point.
Alex gives Andy one possible reason that he'd be targeted, and while he doesn't buy it, he has nothing else to go on, so while Andy tries to come up with an idea of his own, he spends a lot of time exploring that. In a long-running series like this is, it's the little differences that really stick out and keep things fresh. It took Andy a painfully long time to come up with an alternative theory of the case. And while I found it frustrating that he was so slow, I appreciated that Rosenfelt let things go that way. I also admit that it's not fair for me to judge, as the reader has access to some third-person narration portions of the novel that Andy doesn't.
Whether looking for flaws in the Prosecution's case, running down Alex's theory, or trying to find an alternative, Andy and his regular band (which includes The K Team now) are as fun as always. The narration is clever, the humor is witty, the case complex, the herrings are red, the dogs are adorable—all the elements of a solid Andy Carpenter novel are there.
As I was mulling over this book this week, I'd mentally drafted a paragraph thinking about this one in the context of the series as a whole. At some point, it seemed pretty familiar, so I looked up what I said about Dachshund Through the Snow , the twentieth novel in the series. I'd said pretty much the same thing about that book as I wanted to say about this one. It doesn't say much for my originality, but it says something about Rosenfelt.
I've read them all—some twice—and while I've never read a bad Andy Carpenter book, there were a few that were simply "fine" (that's not a complaint, I'll take a fine book over a lot of others), but there's been a resurgence in the last five or so, particularly in the last two. In both of them Rosenfelt has done something I couldn't/didn't see coming, breaking his tried-and-true formula. Rosenfelt has no reason to do that at this point, he could keep churning out these books and his fans (including me), would keep gobbling them up. But he's taking risks, he's doing relatively daring things (while remaining true to the world he's created).
I really liked this book on its own merits, I loved it in the context of the rest. Does that mean a new reader has to read the other twenty before this one? No—any of these novels are a good jumping on point, you'll end up wanting to read some/all of the earlier ones though. A smart legal thriller—great stuff out of the courtroom, and amusing antics in it (I'll never tire of reading Andy cross-examining a witness). Muzzled is one of the best in this great series.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this. As always, my opinions remain my own.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Wow. Andy Carpenter #21. That's pretty mind-boggling, I've got to say. The way that Andy's been ramping up the retirement talk over the last couple of books, I can't help but wonder how many more are in store—but I have to expect we'll get a few more. Rosenfelt's army of dogs takes a lot of food. The more the merrier, I say—especially if there are more like this one in the wings.
Andy's contacted by a friend also in the dog rescue biz—she's come into possession of a stray and has been contacted by the owner to retrieve the dog. Which sounds pretty straightforward and good up until the point where she tells Andy the owner's name. He's the victim of a triple murder a few weeks ago when his boat was destroyed by a bomb of some sort. Yeah, you read me right—the victim. Except he clearly escaped and after being on the run for his life a bit, has decided he can't run off without the dog. So he risks life and limb to be reunited with his pet. At this point, the reader (and everyone who knows Andy) realizes that if this man needs legal help, Andy will be his attorney. Andy needs some convincing, however.
And Alex Vogel is going to need Andy's help—if he wasn't one of those killed, the police would like to know, why wasn't he? The explanation that makes the most sense to them is that Alex Vogel made and detonated the bomb, killing his friends. The motive is a little shaky, but that's beside the point.
Alex gives Andy one possible reason that he'd be targeted, and while he doesn't buy it, he has nothing else to go on, so while Andy tries to come up with an idea of his own, he spends a lot of time exploring that. In a long-running series like this is, it's the little differences that really stick out and keep things fresh. It took Andy a painfully long time to come up with an alternative theory of the case. And while I found it frustrating that he was so slow, I appreciated that Rosenfelt let things go that way. I also admit that it's not fair for me to judge, as the reader has access to some third-person narration portions of the novel that Andy doesn't.
Whether looking for flaws in the Prosecution's case, running down Alex's theory, or trying to find an alternative, Andy and his regular band (which includes The K Team now) are as fun as always. The narration is clever, the humor is witty, the case complex, the herrings are red, the dogs are adorable—all the elements of a solid Andy Carpenter novel are there.
As I was mulling over this book this week, I'd mentally drafted a paragraph thinking about this one in the context of the series as a whole. At some point, it seemed pretty familiar, so I looked up what I said about Dachshund Through the Snow , the twentieth novel in the series. I'd said pretty much the same thing about that book as I wanted to say about this one. It doesn't say much for my originality, but it says something about Rosenfelt.
I've read them all—some twice—and while I've never read a bad Andy Carpenter book, there were a few that were simply "fine" (that's not a complaint, I'll take a fine book over a lot of others), but there's been a resurgence in the last five or so, particularly in the last two. In both of them Rosenfelt has done something I couldn't/didn't see coming, breaking his tried-and-true formula. Rosenfelt has no reason to do that at this point, he could keep churning out these books and his fans (including me), would keep gobbling them up. But he's taking risks, he's doing relatively daring things (while remaining true to the world he's created).
I really liked this book on its own merits, I loved it in the context of the rest. Does that mean a new reader has to read the other twenty before this one? No—any of these novels are a good jumping on point, you'll end up wanting to read some/all of the earlier ones though. A smart legal thriller—great stuff out of the courtroom, and amusing antics in it (I'll never tire of reading Andy cross-examining a witness). Muzzled is one of the best in this great series.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this. As always, my opinions remain my own.
June 26, 2025
Listened to . . . A good, solid mystery, my 3rd to read but #22 in the series. Andy Carpenter is a very good defense lawyer who wants to retire and simply concentrate on running his foundation for homeless dogs and enjoy his family — but always there’s another case that draws him in. Occasionally humorous, good repertory of supporting characters and a likable main character, not too long — a pleasant break from more complicated fiction.
February 25, 2024
More of Andy and the gang is never a bad thing. I didn't love the global implications. I tend to enjoy a smaller more intimate setting that for me magnifies a deeper credibility. Nonetheless, the content was up to standard and there were some variations that were unexpected. Good for me as a loyal follower of Rosenfelt's series.
June 25, 2020
6/25/2020 Deftly entertaining, as always! Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
January 21, 2023
A quick listen, an intriguing mystery, read by a narrator with a lot of sarcasm in his voice, which added to the characters’ personalities. After reading a different book by the same author in this series, it is fun to know the characters and how they act and react.
August 18, 2022
Fun as always, though the l felt teary at times. Not saying why. No! Nothing happened to dogs! Don’t worry bout that.
February 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s
July 13, 2020
MUZZLED is the 21st entry in David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter mystery series, and it seems clear that his many fans hope it’s the first of at least 20 more.
The protagonist in the series, Andy Carpenter, is one of the most charmingly devilish characters in the world of legal mysteries, and he’s also one of the funniest. Andy might be viewed as the Don Rickles of defense attorneys; he’s a genius of insult humor. But unlike Rickles, Andy’s main target is himself. With his hilarious self-deprecating comments, he willingly exposes himself as a coward, a meanie and a downright jerk. However, he’s also a most lovable character. As he bravely places himself in dangerous, even life-threatening situations, he admits that he’s scared to death while, for example, shakily clutching a loaded pistol while dealing with a murderous villain, as he does in MUZZLED.
As usual, the unfolding of the novel’s plot begins with Andy’s big heart and sense of justice forcing him to take on the case of a man wrongly accused of murder. Alex Vogel has suspiciously escaped unscathed from a boat that has exploded, killing two of his business partners. Their company has been working on the development of a mysterious drug that is soon to be introduced to the world via a stock market IPO. Everybody but Andy believes that Vogel, a munitions expert, blew up the boat with the express intent of murdering his two partners --- though nobody knows exactly why this respectable (and dog-loving!) man would commit such a dastardly act. So Andy decides that he must defend Alex, thereby getting himself inextricably involved with shady characters, the Russian Mafia and assorted other villains.
MUZZLED boasts all the uniquely humorous characters and characteristics of the entire series: the wonderfully wacky and weirdly eccentric members of Andy’s investigative team and staff; the frustrated cops, lawyers and judges who have to cope with his antics and insults; and villains who are sly, smart and arrogant but who, in the end, can never quite match the hero’s off-the-wall brilliance.
If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter mystery, start with MUZZLED, and treat yourself to an enjoyable, laugh-inducing --- and, by the way, suspenseful --- good time. And if you’ve already read earlier entries in the series, rest assured that you’ll find this one every bit as involving, gripping and entertaining as the first 20.
Reviewed by Jack Kramer
The protagonist in the series, Andy Carpenter, is one of the most charmingly devilish characters in the world of legal mysteries, and he’s also one of the funniest. Andy might be viewed as the Don Rickles of defense attorneys; he’s a genius of insult humor. But unlike Rickles, Andy’s main target is himself. With his hilarious self-deprecating comments, he willingly exposes himself as a coward, a meanie and a downright jerk. However, he’s also a most lovable character. As he bravely places himself in dangerous, even life-threatening situations, he admits that he’s scared to death while, for example, shakily clutching a loaded pistol while dealing with a murderous villain, as he does in MUZZLED.
As usual, the unfolding of the novel’s plot begins with Andy’s big heart and sense of justice forcing him to take on the case of a man wrongly accused of murder. Alex Vogel has suspiciously escaped unscathed from a boat that has exploded, killing two of his business partners. Their company has been working on the development of a mysterious drug that is soon to be introduced to the world via a stock market IPO. Everybody but Andy believes that Vogel, a munitions expert, blew up the boat with the express intent of murdering his two partners --- though nobody knows exactly why this respectable (and dog-loving!) man would commit such a dastardly act. So Andy decides that he must defend Alex, thereby getting himself inextricably involved with shady characters, the Russian Mafia and assorted other villains.
MUZZLED boasts all the uniquely humorous characters and characteristics of the entire series: the wonderfully wacky and weirdly eccentric members of Andy’s investigative team and staff; the frustrated cops, lawyers and judges who have to cope with his antics and insults; and villains who are sly, smart and arrogant but who, in the end, can never quite match the hero’s off-the-wall brilliance.
If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter mystery, start with MUZZLED, and treat yourself to an enjoyable, laugh-inducing --- and, by the way, suspenseful --- good time. And if you’ve already read earlier entries in the series, rest assured that you’ll find this one every bit as involving, gripping and entertaining as the first 20.
Reviewed by Jack Kramer
September 9, 2020
Shorter than previous books (a 6 hour listen instead of 7), this installment in the series also felt more predictable than others. The first books in the series were each different and original, but if you, like me, read the entire series, I bet you won't find it difficult to guess everything long before the ending of this book.
(Spoiler Alert!!!)
Dear David Rosenfelt:
By now, you're exhausted this M.O. We know that the person (usually a wealthy executive) whom Andy goes to question about an hour into the book is the bad guy. You've done this so many times before! Other elements in the plot also repeat themselves.
You also went after Big Pharma a few times before, but that I actually like because many of them are corrupt.
Lastly. we love Andy. We want the series to continue, but you need to shake things up! I suggest you go back and read books 1 and 2. Those were top notch! We want some more of that, please, and thank you for all the fun reads!
(Spoiler Alert!!!)
Dear David Rosenfelt:
By now, you're exhausted this M.O. We know that the person (usually a wealthy executive) whom Andy goes to question about an hour into the book is the bad guy. You've done this so many times before! Other elements in the plot also repeat themselves.
You also went after Big Pharma a few times before, but that I actually like because many of them are corrupt.
Lastly. we love Andy. We want the series to continue, but you need to shake things up! I suggest you go back and read books 1 and 2. Those were top notch! We want some more of that, please, and thank you for all the fun reads!
November 18, 2020
3.9 stars
It was a real treat listening to this book on audio! Not only is the author very entertaining in his writings, but the reader is also top notch. Muzzled is the story of retired criminal lawyer Andy Carpenter who unwittingly becomes involved in defending an alleged murderer simply because the accused Alex Vogel is such an avid dog lover. It’s interesting to see how Andy goes about investigating the alleged crime and then uses the resources of the office staff and his wife, a retired cop, to begin unraveling The Who, what, when and where of the case. There’s a surprise toward the end of the criminal trial and I can’t go further without giving too much away.
If you’re looking for a light read and enjoy crime novels, this one might be for you.
It was a real treat listening to this book on audio! Not only is the author very entertaining in his writings, but the reader is also top notch. Muzzled is the story of retired criminal lawyer Andy Carpenter who unwittingly becomes involved in defending an alleged murderer simply because the accused Alex Vogel is such an avid dog lover. It’s interesting to see how Andy goes about investigating the alleged crime and then uses the resources of the office staff and his wife, a retired cop, to begin unraveling The Who, what, when and where of the case. There’s a surprise toward the end of the criminal trial and I can’t go further without giving too much away.
If you’re looking for a light read and enjoy crime novels, this one might be for you.
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