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The K Team #2
Animal Instinct
The K Team is back in the second installment in this spinoff series from bestselling author David Rosenfelt's beloved Andy Carpenter mysteries.
Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, a German shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, are recently retired police officers turned private investigators. Along with fellow former cop Laurie Collins and her investigating partner, Marcus, they call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon.
The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined.
Known for his dog-loving stories and addictive characters, bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt presents Animal Instinct , the second installment in this engrossing new series about a dynamite investigative team and their canine partner.
Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, a German shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, are recently retired police officers turned private investigators. Along with fellow former cop Laurie Collins and her investigating partner, Marcus, they call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon.
The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined.
Known for his dog-loving stories and addictive characters, bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt presents Animal Instinct , the second installment in this engrossing new series about a dynamite investigative team and their canine partner.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2021
457 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,900 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 372 reviews
April 6, 2021
3.5 stars
This fun series is a spin-off of David Rosenfelt's humorous 'Andy Carpenter' mystery books, set in Paterson, New Jersey. Andy is a criminal defense lawyer who's assisted by a team of private investigators called 'The K Team.' In this second K Team novel, one of the private detectives is accused of murder. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
Andy Carpenter's wife Laurie, an ex-cop, was his law firm's private investigator until she joined the K Team, which now does Andy's detective work. The members of the K Team are Laurie;
Corey Douglas, a retired cop, and his dog Simon Garfunkel, a K-9 German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department;
and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet.
The K Team is also assisted by Andy's accountant/computer hacker Sam Willis, who often uses 'extra-legal' means to get information.
As the story opens a woman named Lisa Yates is shot in the street. Former cop Corey Douglas feels guilty about Lisa's death because he thinks he let her down. As a Paterson, NJ police officer, Corey had investigated a domestic violence report at Lisa's house.
Corey was sure Lisa's boyfriend Gerald Kline hit her, but Lisa refused to press charges. Thus, other than threatening Kline, Corey was helpless to assist the injured woman.
Now that Lisa is dead, Corey is sure Kline killed her. When the police can't find evidence against Kline, Corey and the K Team decide to investigate themselves. Before long Kline is murdered as well, and Corey - who was known to have an animus towards the man - is arrested for murder.
Andy becomes Corey's defense attorney, and the K Team turns its energy toward finding the real killer.
The squad believes the same person killed Lisa and Kline, and looks for connections between the two victims. The investigators learn that Lisa did data entry work at Ardmore Medical Services, which stores medical records for use by doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, etc.
And Kline was a headhunter for medical service agencies and gave seminars about working in the medical services industry.
Thus medical services seems like a common factor in the murders, and the detectives hone in on and interview executives and employees of Ardmore Medical Services. This alarms the CEO of Ardmore (not a spoiler).....
.....and leads to additional murders, including an attempt on Corey's life.
The Paterson police and the district attorney don't believe the ongoing crime spree is connected to Kline's killing, and Corey's murder trial is put on the fast track. This chagrins and frustrates the K Team, whose investigation keeps running into dead ends.....almost like someone is manipulating them.
Rosenfelt's mysteries follow a pattern, and the reader can expect amusing banter among the characters, a huge conspiracy perpetrated by the evildoers, a trial scene where Andy shows his cleverness and mettle, and fun scenes with the dogs - including Corey's German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, and the Carpenters' golden retriever Tara and basset hound Sebastian.
The book's fun continues into the acknowledgements, where Rosenfelt thanks the many people who (allegedly) helped with his writing career. You'll probably recognize some of the names. 😃
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, and recommend it to fans of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Minotaur books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 22, 2021
A better read than the first K Team book. I wasn't crazy with the first and didn't plan to read this second one. I'm so glad I did. Humor is back, and more Andy Carpenter than just a name drop. Looks like the characters and their roles are well defined here as well. Corey, ex-cop turned PI truly feels like leading character now, and so is his partner Simon Garfunkel, a German Shepherd.
The mystery isn't cozy, don't let the cute cover fool you, but no complaints. A woman is found murdered. Corey remembers her from his days with the PD when he received a call for a domestic violence at her home. She didn't want to press charge against her boyfriend and now Corey feels he didn't do enough to help her.
The mystery isn't cozy, don't let the cute cover fool you, but no complaints. A woman is found murdered. Corey remembers her from his days with the PD when he received a call for a domestic violence at her home. She didn't want to press charge against her boyfriend and now Corey feels he didn't do enough to help her.
January 19, 2022
I like David Rosenfelt books as I'm a dog lover. This book didn't disappoint. This is a spinoff of Andy Carpenter stories with Corey Douglas and his dog Simon. Corey does investigative work for Andy but this time he is charged with murder! I love the humor that is weaved into a nice mystery!
March 31, 2023
3.5 Stars, rounded up.
Animal Instinct is the second outing for Paterson’s team of investigators, and this one finds one of their own members accused of a crime. Their investigation turns up many clues and leads, all of which end up exactly nowhere. Time is of the essence. Corey's trial date is getting closer and closer!
I will confess to not having read the first book in the series, due to its lower ratings. I will also confess that Animal Instinct took me a wee bit of time to get into. My biggest struggle was I found myself slipping into thinking I was reading Andy's thoughts when I was actually reading Corey's, as they felt rather too similar.
However! It wasn't long before I was hooked on the plot! I absolutely did not see that ending coming and I LOVED IT!!!
Animal Instinct is the second outing for Paterson’s team of investigators, and this one finds one of their own members accused of a crime. Their investigation turns up many clues and leads, all of which end up exactly nowhere. Time is of the essence. Corey's trial date is getting closer and closer!
I will confess to not having read the first book in the series, due to its lower ratings. I will also confess that Animal Instinct took me a wee bit of time to get into. My biggest struggle was I found myself slipping into thinking I was reading Andy's thoughts when I was actually reading Corey's, as they felt rather too similar.
However! It wasn't long before I was hooked on the plot! I absolutely did not see that ending coming and I LOVED IT!!!
February 23, 2022
Wonderful. K-Team series is well established now.
A puzzling mystery and kind of maddening to this reader but all is explained with a surprising twist at the end.
The question of medical privacy in our current computer world is addressed some in this plot.
Andy and family are doing well. It is always an interesting visit with the Carpenters.
Too many murders for me .. but all the dog scenes were wonderful as usual.
A puzzling mystery and kind of maddening to this reader but all is explained with a surprising twist at the end.
The question of medical privacy in our current computer world is addressed some in this plot.
Andy and family are doing well. It is always an interesting visit with the Carpenters.
Too many murders for me .. but all the dog scenes were wonderful as usual.
January 25, 2024
4.5 for great ending to mystery. Also because it is good appraisal of how jury would have to vote after hearing the evidence presented. I’ll explain my reasons below for not a 5.
I’ve been a happy fan of Andy Carpenter, so I missed #1 in this series because I was focused on catching up on the Andy Carpenter series. My husband insisted I read this one anyway. I may take up with #3 and catch up to date with this series also. It’s been a long cold snowy winter with dreaded cold rain soon to come -- Perfect for light, humorous mysteries on long sunless days!
LAURIE COLLINS and MARCUS CLARK team up with COREY DOUGLAS and his cop partner German shepherd SIMON GARFUNKEL. All but the fearless terrifying-looking Marcus are former cops who formed a private investigating firm called K Team. Laurie is finally married to Andy Carpenter and added their eleven-year old RICKY. K Team is Andy’s go-to for his investigations. The Paterson, New Jersey, people are sticking together. (My wedding invitation and baby announcement are still in mail, since I haven’t caught up yet.)
MARCUS is man of few grunts and fewer words that only Laurie can understand; she’s the only one to get a smile too. Even the smile scares Andy. New-to-me is EDDIE DOWD, former Giants football team, now Andy’s second in the courtroom I ASSumed; but apparently he's still with paperwork back at the "office" because he doesn't have anything to say in the courtroom; at least not in this novel.
~
At first it sounds like the all too familiar plot of a former cop’s second chance to get the “one that away” that haunts him. For Corey it’s with a domestic violence case for fodder, but we are promised that we will have surprising developments. (Object to: It takes me a few pages to adjust to narration by Corey instead of Andy - they “sound” much alike. In fact, the two women sound like nearly the same personalities, so these similarities are making it harder to understand why a new series just to add a new character? Is this explained in K Team #1?)
Sadly, this begins with LISA YATES long feeling trapped in a highly dangerous domestic violence situation. -- Although with other troubles too. This is endlessly frustrating to me because there are trustworthy, compassionate, resourceful shelters that can even arrange a hiding place and shelter out of reach of the abuser - unlike the police or even FBI who need evidence and proper paperwork to offer any protection. Instead, Lisa is dead.
DANI is Corey’s wife and she is telling him about this case in the newspaper they’re sharing. He feels he “may have killed her” for not being able to protect and save her from her living hell with Kline. He calls the K Team together to tell them he’s going after Lisa’s abuser GERALD KLINE just for the pleasure of tormenting the man whether he killed Lisa or not. Laurie and Marcus tell him they will help, money being overrated anyway. (This is Andy’s MO too) so they will immediately get SAM WILLIS to find out all he can with his computer "tricks." He's a magician with computers.
FIRST, Laurie & Corey (good grief, rhyming?) will meet with her friend, former police homicide cop, SAM BATTERBY of Teaneck. (Rosenfelt needs to consult with me for original names when he starts a new series. Even BATTERby is a terrible name for a cop, plus we already have a Sam.) Cop Sam says KLINE has an alibi for the killing, but doesn’t rule out murder-for-hire even though his captain prefers a drive-by scenario. Cop Sam’s agreeable to letting them help investigate IF they share important leads to his own investigation AND maintain regular lunch meetings AND with them picking up the tabs. (Also Andy’s MO) I don’t know what Corey’s financial status is, but it must be healthy enough to support this gratis investigation. (Sam the Cop disappears from the story!)
It will be suspect-interruptus when Corey is arrested for murdering his own suspect. Not to worry. He has the best attorney, one that will pay his one million dollar bail and work for free. And a top investigation team, his own. Plus Simon Garfunkel is in good paws with Andy’s family. What could go wrong?
Did you think we were not paying attention to who poor Lisa worked for? But, it’s proof we need, and that could leave a bloody trail on the way to trial? It’s an intriguingly circuitous investigation route and protector/investigator MARCUS will have a big job on his hands. Even Corey helps as much as they’ll allow him.
And it does have an exciting, mostly unpredictable conclusion!
I’ve been a happy fan of Andy Carpenter, so I missed #1 in this series because I was focused on catching up on the Andy Carpenter series. My husband insisted I read this one anyway. I may take up with #3 and catch up to date with this series also. It’s been a long cold snowy winter with dreaded cold rain soon to come -- Perfect for light, humorous mysteries on long sunless days!
LAURIE COLLINS and MARCUS CLARK team up with COREY DOUGLAS and his cop partner German shepherd SIMON GARFUNKEL. All but the fearless terrifying-looking Marcus are former cops who formed a private investigating firm called K Team. Laurie is finally married to Andy Carpenter and added their eleven-year old RICKY. K Team is Andy’s go-to for his investigations. The Paterson, New Jersey, people are sticking together. (My wedding invitation and baby announcement are still in mail, since I haven’t caught up yet.)
MARCUS is man of few grunts and fewer words that only Laurie can understand; she’s the only one to get a smile too. Even the smile scares Andy. New-to-me is EDDIE DOWD, former Giants football team, now Andy’s second in the courtroom I ASSumed; but apparently he's still with paperwork back at the "office" because he doesn't have anything to say in the courtroom; at least not in this novel.
~
At first it sounds like the all too familiar plot of a former cop’s second chance to get the “one that away” that haunts him. For Corey it’s with a domestic violence case for fodder, but we are promised that we will have surprising developments. (Object to: It takes me a few pages to adjust to narration by Corey instead of Andy - they “sound” much alike. In fact, the two women sound like nearly the same personalities, so these similarities are making it harder to understand why a new series just to add a new character? Is this explained in K Team #1?)
Sadly, this begins with LISA YATES long feeling trapped in a highly dangerous domestic violence situation. -- Although with other troubles too. This is endlessly frustrating to me because there are trustworthy, compassionate, resourceful shelters that can even arrange a hiding place and shelter out of reach of the abuser - unlike the police or even FBI who need evidence and proper paperwork to offer any protection. Instead, Lisa is dead.
DANI is Corey’s wife and she is telling him about this case in the newspaper they’re sharing. He feels he “may have killed her” for not being able to protect and save her from her living hell with Kline. He calls the K Team together to tell them he’s going after Lisa’s abuser GERALD KLINE just for the pleasure of tormenting the man whether he killed Lisa or not. Laurie and Marcus tell him they will help, money being overrated anyway. (This is Andy’s MO too) so they will immediately get SAM WILLIS to find out all he can with his computer "tricks." He's a magician with computers.
FIRST, Laurie & Corey (good grief, rhyming?) will meet with her friend, former police homicide cop, SAM BATTERBY of Teaneck. (Rosenfelt needs to consult with me for original names when he starts a new series. Even BATTERby is a terrible name for a cop, plus we already have a Sam.) Cop Sam says KLINE has an alibi for the killing, but doesn’t rule out murder-for-hire even though his captain prefers a drive-by scenario. Cop Sam’s agreeable to letting them help investigate IF they share important leads to his own investigation AND maintain regular lunch meetings AND with them picking up the tabs. (Also Andy’s MO) I don’t know what Corey’s financial status is, but it must be healthy enough to support this gratis investigation. (Sam the Cop disappears from the story!)
It will be suspect-interruptus when Corey is arrested for murdering his own suspect. Not to worry. He has the best attorney, one that will pay his one million dollar bail and work for free. And a top investigation team, his own. Plus Simon Garfunkel is in good paws with Andy’s family. What could go wrong?
Did you think we were not paying attention to who poor Lisa worked for? But, it’s proof we need, and that could leave a bloody trail on the way to trial? It’s an intriguingly circuitous investigation route and protector/investigator MARCUS will have a big job on his hands. Even Corey helps as much as they’ll allow him.
And it does have an exciting, mostly unpredictable conclusion!
October 25, 2021
How ‘bout if I get Marcus to eliminate Corey Douglas and put an end to this dreadful series? It is the poor mans version of the Andy Carpenter books - no humor or fun. I don’t even like the dog! Why Mr Rosenfelt decided to exchange Andy for Corey is beyond me - exact same plots from a different point of view.
Although Corey is a total wimp I keep getting his voice mixed up with Andy’s - wait a minute, who is talking? Laurie has become a shadow of her former self and is a boring blob. Even Marcus the Murderer has lost his appeal. It’s like Rosenfelt has dumbed down his writing to appeal to 10 year olds!!
The repetition was staggering, I couldn’t count how many times the same things were described over and over and over ad nauseam. I got it the first time - this isn’t rocket science. I’ve read ALL of Mr Rosenfelt’s books, this one belongs on the bottom of a pile of 30+👎
What cop is going to want revenge over the death of a domestic violence victim after the fact? He did what he could at the time. Maybe feel a bit guilty, but rant and rave and want to kill the abuser, I don’t think so. This theme dragged on till the bitter end.
Fortunately it was fast and easy. My usual note about Dan the Man - only Dani is the Dan in the K Team novels. So she will be a reoccurring character unless she wises up and leaves Corey for someone a bit more decisive and mature.
Although Corey is a total wimp I keep getting his voice mixed up with Andy’s - wait a minute, who is talking? Laurie has become a shadow of her former self and is a boring blob. Even Marcus the Murderer has lost his appeal. It’s like Rosenfelt has dumbed down his writing to appeal to 10 year olds!!
The repetition was staggering, I couldn’t count how many times the same things were described over and over and over ad nauseam. I got it the first time - this isn’t rocket science. I’ve read ALL of Mr Rosenfelt’s books, this one belongs on the bottom of a pile of 30+👎
What cop is going to want revenge over the death of a domestic violence victim after the fact? He did what he could at the time. Maybe feel a bit guilty, but rant and rave and want to kill the abuser, I don’t think so. This theme dragged on till the bitter end.
Fortunately it was fast and easy. My usual note about Dan the Man - only Dani is the Dan in the K Team novels. So she will be a reoccurring character unless she wises up and leaves Corey for someone a bit more decisive and mature.
February 20, 2021
Retired cop-turned-private-investigator Corey Douglas is a man with a conscience. When he learns that a woman he had been unable to help when he was on the beat has been murdered he feels somehow guilty and calls his K Team of investigators together to try to bring her justice. Corey never expects the investigation will lead to him being jailed.
The K Team is a colorful crew that got started assisting New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter in his more difficult cases before branching out on their own. Its name honors Corey’s former K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, who is a member of the team and shows up a little more in this book than in the previous one. The other members are retired cop Laurie Carpenter, who is Andy’s wife, and taciturn “muscle” Marcus Clark. As Corey says, between them, he and Laurie probably know every cop in New Jersey. Marcus, on the other hand, has good connections with the other side of the law. Occasional help, legal and maybe a bit illegal, is provided by Sam Willis, an accountant and tech whiz. In this book, the team, as well as the K Team series, hits its stride.
David Rosenfelt can be counted on to deliver a good story with interesting characters, but what makes his books so popular is almost certainly the humor (well, and also the dogs!). Narrator Corey Douglas has the same wry-but-not-mean New Jersey sense of humor as Andy Carpenter, and it is especially fun when Corey and Andy have a conversation. You gotta love a book where even the Acknowledgment section at the end makes you laugh!
One of the popular features of the Andy Carpenter series that was missing in the first book in this series is the dramatic and entertaining trial episode, and I was delighted to see it is back in Animal Instincts. Andy’s style may be a bane to the opposing attorneys and to the judges, but it is a delight for the reader. A good example is when the prosecutor objects to evidence Andy wants to introduce and says he wants some time to look at applicable New Jersey law. Andy says, “I would have hoped the prosecution …would have been familiar with New Jersey law. The defense should not be delayed in the search for truth because the prosecution is uninformed.” The opposition responds, “That is outrageous, Your Honor.” “Which part?”, Andy asks. “You just admitted you were uninformed. I was supporting your position.”
You can enjoy this book without reading The K Team, but you may as well start there, because you will want to go back and read it. Better yet, read the whole Andy Carpenter series, too, and get to know the whole crew better.
I received an advance review copy of Animal Instinct from the publisher and Netgalley.
The K Team is a colorful crew that got started assisting New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter in his more difficult cases before branching out on their own. Its name honors Corey’s former K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, who is a member of the team and shows up a little more in this book than in the previous one. The other members are retired cop Laurie Carpenter, who is Andy’s wife, and taciturn “muscle” Marcus Clark. As Corey says, between them, he and Laurie probably know every cop in New Jersey. Marcus, on the other hand, has good connections with the other side of the law. Occasional help, legal and maybe a bit illegal, is provided by Sam Willis, an accountant and tech whiz. In this book, the team, as well as the K Team series, hits its stride.
David Rosenfelt can be counted on to deliver a good story with interesting characters, but what makes his books so popular is almost certainly the humor (well, and also the dogs!). Narrator Corey Douglas has the same wry-but-not-mean New Jersey sense of humor as Andy Carpenter, and it is especially fun when Corey and Andy have a conversation. You gotta love a book where even the Acknowledgment section at the end makes you laugh!
One of the popular features of the Andy Carpenter series that was missing in the first book in this series is the dramatic and entertaining trial episode, and I was delighted to see it is back in Animal Instincts. Andy’s style may be a bane to the opposing attorneys and to the judges, but it is a delight for the reader. A good example is when the prosecutor objects to evidence Andy wants to introduce and says he wants some time to look at applicable New Jersey law. Andy says, “I would have hoped the prosecution …would have been familiar with New Jersey law. The defense should not be delayed in the search for truth because the prosecution is uninformed.” The opposition responds, “That is outrageous, Your Honor.” “Which part?”, Andy asks. “You just admitted you were uninformed. I was supporting your position.”
You can enjoy this book without reading The K Team, but you may as well start there, because you will want to go back and read it. Better yet, read the whole Andy Carpenter series, too, and get to know the whole crew better.
I received an advance review copy of Animal Instinct from the publisher and Netgalley.
January 18, 2021
The K Team, Marcus, Laurie, Corey, and Simon, are private investigators. Corey is an ex-cop, and he and Simon (a German Shepherd) pay a visit to the abusive ex of a recently murdered woman. When he finds the man dead, he realizes that he was set up. Corey is arrested for murder, and Andy Carpenter steps in to defend him. Another winning mystery with likable characters, both two and four legged, from Rosenfelt. I'm glad the publisher and Edelweiss provided me with this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
Rosenfelt is always a good read. Never gets your heart thumping, but always fun. I've read most of his Andy Carpenter series and, like those, I'd rate this a solid 4 stars.
December 20, 2021
Great book. Enjoyed this book so much. Highly recommend
September 13, 2021
I devoured this book. I’ll be reading everything he ever wrote in short order!
June 9, 2021
Animal Instinct” finds Simon and the K-Team on the job again in this, the second book in David Rosenfelt’s series about – what else – dogs, crime, criminals and the people and dogs who catch them. Did I mention dogs? “Animal Instinct” unfolds in the first person narrative by Corey Douglas, the person owned by Simon Garfunkel, retired Paterson police German shepherd. (Anyone who has read Carpenter’s books knows that I did not make a mistake, the dogs own the people.) Alternate chapters in third person allow readers to learn what participants do not know. Douglas is troubled; the victim in a domestic call he took while on the Patterson Police force is brutally murdered, and he feels guilty about not having helped enough at the time.
When there are other deaths, Douglas’s quest for redemption is viewed by the police as revenge and vigilantism; he is arrested for murder. Enter Andy Carpenter, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark to the rescue. Of course, anyone who loves dogs as much as Corey does is sure to be innocent, but this story is about the journey, even though readers know the ultimate outcome. The case is complicated; people lie for a reason, and unfortunately lots of them are lying. There are many layers of intrigue, complexity, and an assortment of possible additional victims and perpetrators. All this must be reconciled before Carpenter can determine the real killer.
Readers do not pick David Rosenfelt’s books because they wonder if Andy Carpenter will save the day; they absolutely know that from page one. Rosenfelt’s books are loved by readers because they know that at the end, (the actual, absolute, very last minute) the questions will be answered, the unexpected will be explained, good will triumph, the hero will win, and the dogs will live happily ever after. (Okay, so Andy is anti-hero, but the dogs will always be fine.) The stories are well constructed, filled subtle and sarcastic humor, with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. In the end, both readers and characters are happy, satisfied, and eager for more.
I received a review copy of “Animal Instinct” from David Rosenfelt and Minotaur Books. Sign me up for the next installment
When there are other deaths, Douglas’s quest for redemption is viewed by the police as revenge and vigilantism; he is arrested for murder. Enter Andy Carpenter, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark to the rescue. Of course, anyone who loves dogs as much as Corey does is sure to be innocent, but this story is about the journey, even though readers know the ultimate outcome. The case is complicated; people lie for a reason, and unfortunately lots of them are lying. There are many layers of intrigue, complexity, and an assortment of possible additional victims and perpetrators. All this must be reconciled before Carpenter can determine the real killer.
Readers do not pick David Rosenfelt’s books because they wonder if Andy Carpenter will save the day; they absolutely know that from page one. Rosenfelt’s books are loved by readers because they know that at the end, (the actual, absolute, very last minute) the questions will be answered, the unexpected will be explained, good will triumph, the hero will win, and the dogs will live happily ever after. (Okay, so Andy is anti-hero, but the dogs will always be fine.) The stories are well constructed, filled subtle and sarcastic humor, with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. In the end, both readers and characters are happy, satisfied, and eager for more.
I received a review copy of “Animal Instinct” from David Rosenfelt and Minotaur Books. Sign me up for the next installment
April 17, 2021
I am prefacing this review by saying I typically love David Rosenfelt books, in particular the Andy Carpenter series, but this book is a huge miss.
This is a crossover book with many of the same characters of the Andy Carpenter series but it reads as if it is trying too hard to be funny as in the slightly sophomoric poking at character Andy Carpenter. I like the crossover characters of Laurie and Marcus but bringing in Andy and Sam just confuses everything and it does not read smooth.
I do not recommend this particular series by David Rosenfelt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
This is a crossover book with many of the same characters of the Andy Carpenter series but it reads as if it is trying too hard to be funny as in the slightly sophomoric poking at character Andy Carpenter. I like the crossover characters of Laurie and Marcus but bringing in Andy and Sam just confuses everything and it does not read smooth.
I do not recommend this particular series by David Rosenfelt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
May 11, 2021
This series is an example of a great spin-off of another popular/successful series. I think it's a good companion to the Andy Carpenter series.
I like that beloved characters from the other series make appearances and don't detract from the individual/seperate aspects of this one. Also, b/c the other one is from Andy's POV, it's interesting to see that character from another's POV as this series is from Corey's perspective.
Fast, easy read as it moves at a quick pace with short chapters.
Has some humor. Great characters. Good story.
When Corey was a cop, he did a domestic dispute call. It's years later and that same woman involved is now a murder victim. Corey feels some guilt for not helping more w/the dispute and decides to investigate. Of course, this isn't a simple case of an abusive boyfriend hurting her. There's more to the story.
An interesting mystery which utilizes the "little grey cells" to puzzle it together. I was suspicious of certain characters but I didn't figure the whole thing out so some of it was surprising.
And the writer literally saved the build up to the suspense for the last few pages. Whew...and on edge ending.
One interesting thing is that the chapters aren't numbered. I wonder if that was a choice by the writer or the publisher.
I like that beloved characters from the other series make appearances and don't detract from the individual/seperate aspects of this one. Also, b/c the other one is from Andy's POV, it's interesting to see that character from another's POV as this series is from Corey's perspective.
Fast, easy read as it moves at a quick pace with short chapters.
Has some humor. Great characters. Good story.
When Corey was a cop, he did a domestic dispute call. It's years later and that same woman involved is now a murder victim. Corey feels some guilt for not helping more w/the dispute and decides to investigate. Of course, this isn't a simple case of an abusive boyfriend hurting her. There's more to the story.
An interesting mystery which utilizes the "little grey cells" to puzzle it together. I was suspicious of certain characters but I didn't figure the whole thing out so some of it was surprising.
And the writer literally saved the build up to the suspense for the last few pages. Whew...and on edge ending.
One interesting thing is that the chapters aren't numbered. I wonder if that was a choice by the writer or the publisher.
April 23, 2021
Kind of weird to have Andy Carpenter as a secondary figure in the book, but still, this is a mystery about a complicated issue that in some ways also is quite simple. The fact that stuff like this rally could occur is kind of frightening. And that is at least one reason why David Rosenfelt’s books always are so entertaining.
I’m enjoying the K Team series as much as I enjoy the Andy Carpenter series, maybe because the characters populate both series. Regardless, as soon as I finish reading the newest book in each series, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.
I’m enjoying the K Team series as much as I enjoy the Andy Carpenter series, maybe because the characters populate both series. Regardless, as soon as I finish reading the newest book in each series, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.
April 17, 2021
Cory finds himself in trouble and needs the help of his team to get him through. All because he felt bad about not helping a woman possibly in trouble while he was still a cop.
May 29, 2021
This was the second book in the K Team series and it was better than the
First. Corey Douglas and his dog Simon Garfunkel are out to solve an
Unsolved case of a murder victim he knew when in the force. The K Team and
Andy Carpenter join them when Corey is arrested. A fast enjoyable read with
Characters known and loved. There is wit, humor, murder, tension and suspense in this tale. Enjoy!!
First. Corey Douglas and his dog Simon Garfunkel are out to solve an
Unsolved case of a murder victim he knew when in the force. The K Team and
Andy Carpenter join them when Corey is arrested. A fast enjoyable read with
Characters known and loved. There is wit, humor, murder, tension and suspense in this tale. Enjoy!!
June 9, 2023
This is a spin off series of Rosenfelt's other series, featuring Andy Carpenter. It has all of the same characters as a Carpenter book, including Carpenter, but the protagonist is an ex-cop instead.
When given the chance to solve the case that got away, Corey Douglas finds himself framed for murder. Luckily, the K Team, basically, Andy and his friends, are around.
When given the chance to solve the case that got away, Corey Douglas finds himself framed for murder. Luckily, the K Team, basically, Andy and his friends, are around.
March 9, 2021
Corey Douglas and his K-9 companion Simon Garfunkel are both retired police officers. They have moved on to be part of an investigative team working in the private sector, often for attorney Andy Carpenter.
When Corey learns that Lisa Yates has been killed, he is brought back to a case that he wasn't happy about. Corey was called to a domestic situation between Lisa and her live-in boyfriend Gerald Kline but, when Lisa wouldn't accuse Gerald even though he obviously hit her, Corey's hands were tied. Now, for his own piece of mind, he decides to look into what first appears to be a drive-by shooting. Corey's sure that Gerald had something to do with it.
Corey is assisted by the rest of the K Team - Laurie Carpenter and Marcus Clark with assists by Andy Carpenter, Sam Willis, and Simon Garfunkel. Corey is surprised to be called to Gerald's home one evening for what he is told is evidence. When he arrives, Gerald is dead. Corey calls the police but a couple of days later he is arrested for the murder. Someone has built a really nice frame right around Corey including blood spattered track clothes.
Andy is drafted by Laurie to take Corey's case and the whole team tries to find out what is going on...because the bodies just keep piling up.
I liked that the story was from Corey's point of view because he is quite a character. I liked the twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing almost to the final page.
Fans of the Andy Carpenter mysteries will enjoy this series too. They have the same wit, quirky characters, and interesting plots that the other series has.
When Corey learns that Lisa Yates has been killed, he is brought back to a case that he wasn't happy about. Corey was called to a domestic situation between Lisa and her live-in boyfriend Gerald Kline but, when Lisa wouldn't accuse Gerald even though he obviously hit her, Corey's hands were tied. Now, for his own piece of mind, he decides to look into what first appears to be a drive-by shooting. Corey's sure that Gerald had something to do with it.
Corey is assisted by the rest of the K Team - Laurie Carpenter and Marcus Clark with assists by Andy Carpenter, Sam Willis, and Simon Garfunkel. Corey is surprised to be called to Gerald's home one evening for what he is told is evidence. When he arrives, Gerald is dead. Corey calls the police but a couple of days later he is arrested for the murder. Someone has built a really nice frame right around Corey including blood spattered track clothes.
Andy is drafted by Laurie to take Corey's case and the whole team tries to find out what is going on...because the bodies just keep piling up.
I liked that the story was from Corey's point of view because he is quite a character. I liked the twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing almost to the final page.
Fans of the Andy Carpenter mysteries will enjoy this series too. They have the same wit, quirky characters, and interesting plots that the other series has.
January 30, 2021
It really doesn't matter if you've read any of the Andy Carpenter books, this stands alone as a winner! Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, Simon Garfunkel, have recently retired from the police force only to join up with a former colleague, the ex-cop wife of early retired lawyer Andy Carpenter. The first body and Corey's reaction to what he views as a failure on his part several years ago are what result in the second murder and Corey's arrest. But that's not the last body even though Corey's case goes to trial. Another great story!
And when you're all done with the story, cross your legs and read the acknowledgements ;) and laugh your sox off!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
And when you're all done with the story, cross your legs and read the acknowledgements ;) and laugh your sox off!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 29, 2023
Cody is charged with a crime and its Andy Carpenter to the rescue as the K Team investigates to clear their partner of this crime. Simon Garfunkel, as always, ready to help.
April 1, 2021
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S ANIMAL INSTINCT ABOUT?
Every retired police officer or PI in fiction (maybe in real life, too, I don't know), has at least one case, one incident, one moment that haunts them. If only they'd done X, if only they'd been able to solve Y, or stop Z from happening. Corey Douglas has one of those—a few years ago, he responded to a call about domestic violence. He was unable to make any arrests that night, or anything else--he was convinced that the woman had been abused, but she denied it.
Years later, this woman is murdered and Corey's out to do the one thing he couldn't do before—get justice for her. He keeps telling himself that he wants the killer arrested, but really, he wants to finally arrest the boyfriend for the murder. Laurie and Marcus, his partners in the private investigator business—as well as his dog, Simon Garfunkel, a retired K-9 officer, join him in this investigation that turns out to be far more than anyone expected. The team needs Laurie's smarts and ability with people, Marcus's mysterious abilities (and brute force), Simon Garfunkel's teeth, and Corey's determination—and more than a little luck—to get to the bottom of this.
Especially when more murders are committed.
SIMON GARFUNKEL
The collective name for this group of investigators is The K Team, because of their K-9 member, right? So why doesn't he get more to do? I realize he's a dog. I'm not suggesting he join Sam in the hacking, or sit on stakeouts with Marcus (although I admit, I would pay good money for 10 pages or so of that). But Corey leaves him home a lot—yes, he retrieves him as quickly as possible and does what he can to spend time with him. But, I think he could do more.
When Simon Garfunkel is given a chance to do something—he's great. And even when he's just there for atmosphere, or as a conversational/narrative prop for Corey—he's a handy addition. I just think we could get some more of him. Bernie Little brings Chet to many more places that Corey tries. Maybe that's a function of Corey living in New Jersey and not the Southwest, and I think I could accept that as an explanation.
There's a scene toward the beginning of the novel where Corey takes Simon to the beach for the first time—and like most dogs, Simon loves the water and the sand. It's his enjoyment of the setting that gets Corey, who's apathetic at best toward the beach, to embrace the beach. I couldn't have enjoyed this scene more unless I was on the beach with them.
COREY'S OTHER RELATIONSHIP
Of course, the reason that Corey's at the beach for Simon to enjoy is his girlfriend, Dani. She's one of the best things about this book.
We're told in the last book that Corey's not really had any serious relationships as an adult, he's always looking for the reason to end things. He just doesn't want to end things with Dani. Whether it's because now that he's retired, he has time in his life for things other than police work; he's finally found "The One" (or a right one, depending on how you like to think of that); or he's finally maturing—or any combination of the three. Corey's letting himself grow, letting himself want things that he hasn't before—even at his age.
I love a character like that—I want to read about them, they're inherently interesting. And Rosenfelt is writing this just right—a little sappy and a little realistic.
It helps that Dani's a pretty fun character—but we could learn a bit more about her. Still, I like the way Corey seems to be changing because of her influence, I like him more than I did when we first met him in the Andy Carpenter series.
MY CONCERN...
This is about The K Team as a series as much as it is about this book specifically.
There's just too much Andy Carpenter.
Sure, this is a spin-off from that series, and as Andy's married to Laurie and they largely work out of the Carpenter house, he's going to be around. I don't mind, but he has his own series, and gets two books a year lately. Not only do we need more Simon Garfunkel, but we also need more Laurie and Marcus.
I like Andy Carpenter, I've read 22 novels about him (some more than once)—and I'm probably going to read at least two novels in that series this year. I thought Animal Instinct was a good way to use Andy, and I'm absolutely glad that I read this book. I just think for The K Team series to have any long-term success, they need to stand on their own feet more and not be propped up by Andy.
THE UNEXPECDTED HIGHLIGHT
I don't know if you typically read Acknowledgments pages/sections. I tend to glance at them, but like many people, I don't spend that much time with them. So let me draw your attention to the Acknowledgments for this novel—any David Rosenfelt novel, really. You simply must read them. They are the silliest, goofiest writing Rosenfelt ever does (and in some cases, that's saying something) and never fail to make me smile.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT ANIMAL INSTINCT?
So I have some long-term concerns with the series and a couple of things I wasn't crazy about when it comes to Animal Instinct, but I don't want those to overshadow the central point I have about this book: it's good*. I had a lot of fun while reading it, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I wish it didn't end when it did, because that meant it'd be a few months before I got to spend more time with any of the characters in this book.
* I've said it on this site before, I'll say it again: It takes few words to praise something, it takes several to fully explain a concern, problem, or even mild annoyance. As such, they tend to overshadow the praise. I think that's what is happening here. I don't mean it to.
David Rosenfelt is one of the most reliably entertaining novelists in Crime Fiction today. Every time I sit down with one of his books, I know I'm in for a good read. Characters you want to spend time with. Animal Instinct is a solid story with some great twists—and well-executed reveals. Corey's got a great narrative voice and his sense of humor (which isn't quite the same as Andy Carpenter's) permeates the book and livens up the text just enough when things are grimmest.
If you have no idea who Andy Carpenter, Corey Douglas, Simon Garfunkel, or the rest are? Don't let that stop you from trying this, it absolutely works as a jumping-on point—both to this series and the books it's spun off from. I'm in this series for the long haul, and I think you'll want to be, too.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this opportunity and the fun read.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S ANIMAL INSTINCT ABOUT?
Every retired police officer or PI in fiction (maybe in real life, too, I don't know), has at least one case, one incident, one moment that haunts them. If only they'd done X, if only they'd been able to solve Y, or stop Z from happening. Corey Douglas has one of those—a few years ago, he responded to a call about domestic violence. He was unable to make any arrests that night, or anything else--he was convinced that the woman had been abused, but she denied it.
Years later, this woman is murdered and Corey's out to do the one thing he couldn't do before—get justice for her. He keeps telling himself that he wants the killer arrested, but really, he wants to finally arrest the boyfriend for the murder. Laurie and Marcus, his partners in the private investigator business—as well as his dog, Simon Garfunkel, a retired K-9 officer, join him in this investigation that turns out to be far more than anyone expected. The team needs Laurie's smarts and ability with people, Marcus's mysterious abilities (and brute force), Simon Garfunkel's teeth, and Corey's determination—and more than a little luck—to get to the bottom of this.
Especially when more murders are committed.
SIMON GARFUNKEL
The collective name for this group of investigators is The K Team, because of their K-9 member, right? So why doesn't he get more to do? I realize he's a dog. I'm not suggesting he join Sam in the hacking, or sit on stakeouts with Marcus (although I admit, I would pay good money for 10 pages or so of that). But Corey leaves him home a lot—yes, he retrieves him as quickly as possible and does what he can to spend time with him. But, I think he could do more.
When Simon Garfunkel is given a chance to do something—he's great. And even when he's just there for atmosphere, or as a conversational/narrative prop for Corey—he's a handy addition. I just think we could get some more of him. Bernie Little brings Chet to many more places that Corey tries. Maybe that's a function of Corey living in New Jersey and not the Southwest, and I think I could accept that as an explanation.
There's a scene toward the beginning of the novel where Corey takes Simon to the beach for the first time—and like most dogs, Simon loves the water and the sand. It's his enjoyment of the setting that gets Corey, who's apathetic at best toward the beach, to embrace the beach. I couldn't have enjoyed this scene more unless I was on the beach with them.
COREY'S OTHER RELATIONSHIP
Of course, the reason that Corey's at the beach for Simon to enjoy is his girlfriend, Dani. She's one of the best things about this book.
We're told in the last book that Corey's not really had any serious relationships as an adult, he's always looking for the reason to end things. He just doesn't want to end things with Dani. Whether it's because now that he's retired, he has time in his life for things other than police work; he's finally found "The One" (or a right one, depending on how you like to think of that); or he's finally maturing—or any combination of the three. Corey's letting himself grow, letting himself want things that he hasn't before—even at his age.
I love a character like that—I want to read about them, they're inherently interesting. And Rosenfelt is writing this just right—a little sappy and a little realistic.
It helps that Dani's a pretty fun character—but we could learn a bit more about her. Still, I like the way Corey seems to be changing because of her influence, I like him more than I did when we first met him in the Andy Carpenter series.
MY CONCERN...
This is about The K Team as a series as much as it is about this book specifically.
There's just too much Andy Carpenter.
Sure, this is a spin-off from that series, and as Andy's married to Laurie and they largely work out of the Carpenter house, he's going to be around. I don't mind, but he has his own series, and gets two books a year lately. Not only do we need more Simon Garfunkel, but we also need more Laurie and Marcus.
I like Andy Carpenter, I've read 22 novels about him (some more than once)—and I'm probably going to read at least two novels in that series this year. I thought Animal Instinct was a good way to use Andy, and I'm absolutely glad that I read this book. I just think for The K Team series to have any long-term success, they need to stand on their own feet more and not be propped up by Andy.
THE UNEXPECDTED HIGHLIGHT
I don't know if you typically read Acknowledgments pages/sections. I tend to glance at them, but like many people, I don't spend that much time with them. So let me draw your attention to the Acknowledgments for this novel—any David Rosenfelt novel, really. You simply must read them. They are the silliest, goofiest writing Rosenfelt ever does (and in some cases, that's saying something) and never fail to make me smile.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT ANIMAL INSTINCT?
So I have some long-term concerns with the series and a couple of things I wasn't crazy about when it comes to Animal Instinct, but I don't want those to overshadow the central point I have about this book: it's good*. I had a lot of fun while reading it, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I wish it didn't end when it did, because that meant it'd be a few months before I got to spend more time with any of the characters in this book.
* I've said it on this site before, I'll say it again: It takes few words to praise something, it takes several to fully explain a concern, problem, or even mild annoyance. As such, they tend to overshadow the praise. I think that's what is happening here. I don't mean it to.
David Rosenfelt is one of the most reliably entertaining novelists in Crime Fiction today. Every time I sit down with one of his books, I know I'm in for a good read. Characters you want to spend time with. Animal Instinct is a solid story with some great twists—and well-executed reveals. Corey's got a great narrative voice and his sense of humor (which isn't quite the same as Andy Carpenter's) permeates the book and livens up the text just enough when things are grimmest.
If you have no idea who Andy Carpenter, Corey Douglas, Simon Garfunkel, or the rest are? Don't let that stop you from trying this, it absolutely works as a jumping-on point—both to this series and the books it's spun off from. I'm in this series for the long haul, and I think you'll want to be, too.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this opportunity and the fun read.
July 25, 2021
Corey Douglas is a retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner. They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K Team. Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy. Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.
About three years ago when Corey was a police officer, he answered a domestic dispute call ... Lisa, the victim, denied her boyfriend, Gerald, had hurt her. The case has always haunted Corey. When Lisa is murdered, Corey feels guilty because he thinks had he done more when he was a police officer, she would be alive today. Corey thinks Gerald has some involvement in her death and the K Team investigate. When someone else is murdered, Corey is arrested for their murder and it's up to the K Team to find out what's going on and Andy to defend Corey. Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack. Corey, as a retired police office, always had an issue with how Sam gets his information but he soon changes his mind now that his freedom is on the line.
There have been 23 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the second in the K Team spin-off series. Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.
I liked this book. I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/07...
About three years ago when Corey was a police officer, he answered a domestic dispute call ... Lisa, the victim, denied her boyfriend, Gerald, had hurt her. The case has always haunted Corey. When Lisa is murdered, Corey feels guilty because he thinks had he done more when he was a police officer, she would be alive today. Corey thinks Gerald has some involvement in her death and the K Team investigate. When someone else is murdered, Corey is arrested for their murder and it's up to the K Team to find out what's going on and Andy to defend Corey. Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack. Corey, as a retired police office, always had an issue with how Sam gets his information but he soon changes his mind now that his freedom is on the line.
There have been 23 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the second in the K Team spin-off series. Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.
I liked this book. I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing. It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/07...
April 26, 2021
David Rosenfelt never burns out in his writing. It seems as if each novel in both his K-Team series and the long-running Andy Carpenter series is as inspired as his first offering. He doesn't just cash it in like, say, Grisham or Patterson, but instead gives it his very best in every attempt.
I'm more a fan of the Carpenter series. After reading 20-plus novels featuring the New Jersey attorney, I have come to know him, like his wise cracks and expect that, despite some of his frailties, he can solve a case. Also, the Paterson police department's homicide division... wow, maybe they should disband for all their mistakes that Carpenter reveals.
But enough of that series. The K-Team is a spinoff of Carpenter, and he even makes appearances in the first two. There's still the humorous sarcasm, there are the same characters that appear in the Carpenter run and there's the great mystery.
In this one, it's a brilliant insurance scam that Rosenfelt reveals nicely. At 294 pages, its short, but fulfilling. Anytime you see a Rosenfelt book on the shelf, grab it. You won't be disappointed.
I'm more a fan of the Carpenter series. After reading 20-plus novels featuring the New Jersey attorney, I have come to know him, like his wise cracks and expect that, despite some of his frailties, he can solve a case. Also, the Paterson police department's homicide division... wow, maybe they should disband for all their mistakes that Carpenter reveals.
But enough of that series. The K-Team is a spinoff of Carpenter, and he even makes appearances in the first two. There's still the humorous sarcasm, there are the same characters that appear in the Carpenter run and there's the great mystery.
In this one, it's a brilliant insurance scam that Rosenfelt reveals nicely. At 294 pages, its short, but fulfilling. Anytime you see a Rosenfelt book on the shelf, grab it. You won't be disappointed.
February 28, 2025
Taken from the Goodreads synopsis "Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, a German shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, are recently retired police officers turned private investigators. Along with fellow former cop Laurie Collins and her investigating partner, Marcus, they call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon.
The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined."
I wish the rest of the book grabbed me like the first chapter did. Story was slow moving and lacked real interaction between the characters, felt forced. I am still going to read the rest of the series because I am invested enough to want to know what happens next but overall, an ok read with so so characters that I find not developed enough to like or hate.
The K Team’s latest case – a recent unsolved murder – gives Corey a chance to solve "the one that got away". Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined."
I wish the rest of the book grabbed me like the first chapter did. Story was slow moving and lacked real interaction between the characters, felt forced. I am still going to read the rest of the series because I am invested enough to want to know what happens next but overall, an ok read with so so characters that I find not developed enough to like or hate.
May 8, 2021
Private Investigator and former police detective Corey Douglas gets caught up in a dangerous situation dating back to his cop days. Years before, he had responded to a call about domestic violence, reported by a neighbor who heard screaming. The couple involved denied there was a problem. But Corey made no bones about wanting to hold the abusive boyfriend accountable for what he had done. Now, the girl is dead. Feeling responsible for not arresting the boyfriend years before, Corey wants to nail him for her murder. What Corey doesn’t know is that he is only seeing the surface of the water; strong currents run deep, and they threaten to pull him down before all is said and done. Corey is drawn into the miasma of death and corruption as the bodies pile up. It will take all the members of the K Team and Andy Carpenter to pull Corey’s butt out of the fire this time. Readers of David Rosenfelt’s novels have come to expect nothing but the best from him, and this thriller certainly lives up to that high standard. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2023
I’ve enjoyed the Andy Carpenter series and this is a great spin-off. I liked that there was more of Andy in this series and I enjoyed that Corey’s personality is beginning to mesh with Andy, Laurie, Marcus, and Sam. I would like to see more of Eddie in either this series or the Andy Carpenter series. Corey is framed for a murder and the team delves into solving the murder and life insurance fraud.
February 3, 2022
I haven’t read a book by David Rosenfelt that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. His newest series, “K Team,” includes characters from his Andy Carpenter series. But it isn’t necessary to read that series first. Clean read, interesting plot, humor, and great dogs are my favorite aspects of this book.
Just a pet peeve: I am not a fan of switching from first person to third person without any notification by font style or chapter headings. It obstructs the flow of the story when you have to back up and figure out where the main character went 😂
Just a pet peeve: I am not a fan of switching from first person to third person without any notification by font style or chapter headings. It obstructs the flow of the story when you have to back up and figure out where the main character went 😂
September 15, 2022
Corey Douglas, a member of the K-Team, has been charged with murder. It is up to the team to prove his innocence. This is book 2 in the K-Team series that is a spin off from the Andy Carpenter series. This one had moments that made it hard to put down.
#BookQuest categories=From a Display, present day, and Animal
#BookQuest categories=From a Display, present day, and Animal
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