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Andy Carpenter #23
Dog Eat Dog
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
496 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,910 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 544 reviews
June 16, 2021
This series is my literary comfort food. Books by untried authors may be great or disappointing, fast paced or slow, gritty or poetic.....they're an unknown until I crack the cover. When I pick up the latest Andy Carpenter, I know I'm in for a complex mystery, legal drama, witty dialogue & great characters (with 2 legs or 4). Besides, look at that cover. A ridiculously cute dog AND donuts. Seriously? Just hand it over.
The story unfolds something like this. Andy & Laurie are out walking their herd when they witness a man assaulting a wee pug (see cover beast). Before they can intercede, a guy comes out of nowhere & saves the pupper by giving his attacker the thumping he deserves. Our hero's name is Matt Jantzen & once police arrive, he seems oddly resigned to being arrested. Andy hands over his business card & before he knows it, not only does he have another hairy child (that would be Hunter, the Wonder Pug) but a new client as well. Just when retirement was going so well.....
Obviously there's much more to Matt's story & he ends up extradited to rural Maine on murder charges. Andy follows & is soon surrounded by colourful locals, skeevy bad guys & a mountain of lobster rolls.
Recline your deck chair, grab a cold one & prepare to be entertained. There's a twisty mystery ahead punctuated by red herrings, action, humour & dogs. Like the rest of the series, this can be read as a stand alone but may be enjoyed on another level if you know the characters.
Honestly, I think these books should be available by prescription & covered by your healthcare plan. Over the past year I've gained a profound appreciation for anything that provides an escape from reality and/or makes me laugh. This series is as close to a sure thing as it gets & I'm looking forward to Best in Snow, the annual Carpenter Xmas Calamity-fest. Hopefully there will be donuts.
The story unfolds something like this. Andy & Laurie are out walking their herd when they witness a man assaulting a wee pug (see cover beast). Before they can intercede, a guy comes out of nowhere & saves the pupper by giving his attacker the thumping he deserves. Our hero's name is Matt Jantzen & once police arrive, he seems oddly resigned to being arrested. Andy hands over his business card & before he knows it, not only does he have another hairy child (that would be Hunter, the Wonder Pug) but a new client as well. Just when retirement was going so well.....
Obviously there's much more to Matt's story & he ends up extradited to rural Maine on murder charges. Andy follows & is soon surrounded by colourful locals, skeevy bad guys & a mountain of lobster rolls.
Recline your deck chair, grab a cold one & prepare to be entertained. There's a twisty mystery ahead punctuated by red herrings, action, humour & dogs. Like the rest of the series, this can be read as a stand alone but may be enjoyed on another level if you know the characters.
Honestly, I think these books should be available by prescription & covered by your healthcare plan. Over the past year I've gained a profound appreciation for anything that provides an escape from reality and/or makes me laugh. This series is as close to a sure thing as it gets & I'm looking forward to Best in Snow, the annual Carpenter Xmas Calamity-fest. Hopefully there will be donuts.
July 6, 2021
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
I’m a bit of an impulse reader so when I was looking for a light mystery to listen to I was drawn to the cover of this book. Yes I know that it’s the 23rd book in a series but I was undaunted.
This is easily a standalone novel. The narration was witty, sharp and fun to listen to and the mystery was more complex than I at first thought.
Andy Carpenter is enjoying his retirement, although he keeps getting pulled back into cases for various reasons. Dogs seem always to somehow be involved!
On this occasion he and his wife are walking their two dogs in their New Jersey neighborhood, something they do every day. Their enjoyable walk is interrupted as they hear a dog yelping in distress. They turn to locate what is going on and see someone kicking a dog who is offering no defense. Andy runs to intervene but someone beats him to it. His name is Matt and he lands some good punches to the offending man. The police get involved and both men are arrested. Andy offers to help, because that’s what he does. After all Matt was trying to save the poor dog!!
Turns out that Matt is wanted in Maine for a double homicide which he claims he knows nothing about. He says that he is innocent, doesn’t know the people who were killed but can’t explain how his DNA is found at the scene.
Andy ends up in Maine looking for a local lawyer to represent Matt. Since Matt doesn’t really have money to pay for an attorney, Andy gets involved in his case. He also manages to eat a fair amount of lobster rolls while he is there and enjoys the local pub scene!!
What follows is a hunt for the real killer. Andy gets a little too close to finding out what is going on and is threatened by some big very scary guys, he uses his wit to make the guys back down but knows they will be back.
At this point Andy's wife Laurie, a former police officer, gets involved as does their bodyguard and muscle man, Marcus. There are some hilarious scenes as this group, including the 3 dogs, settle into a two room motel suite.
After pulling some strings and digging into the case Andy finds that the man who was killed has connections to drug dealers and a dangerous private militia group.
There is some great courtroom drama in this book and I enjoyed the bantering between the lawyers. Andy always has an answer for EVERYTHING!!!!!
This was such an enjoyable audiobook. The narrator, Grover Gardner seems a perfect fit for this character.
I will certainly be searching out the other books in the series as I’ve read many rave reviews for all of the books!
I received an early reviewer audiobook from the publisher and MacMillan audio through NetGalley.
I’m a bit of an impulse reader so when I was looking for a light mystery to listen to I was drawn to the cover of this book. Yes I know that it’s the 23rd book in a series but I was undaunted.
This is easily a standalone novel. The narration was witty, sharp and fun to listen to and the mystery was more complex than I at first thought.
Andy Carpenter is enjoying his retirement, although he keeps getting pulled back into cases for various reasons. Dogs seem always to somehow be involved!
On this occasion he and his wife are walking their two dogs in their New Jersey neighborhood, something they do every day. Their enjoyable walk is interrupted as they hear a dog yelping in distress. They turn to locate what is going on and see someone kicking a dog who is offering no defense. Andy runs to intervene but someone beats him to it. His name is Matt and he lands some good punches to the offending man. The police get involved and both men are arrested. Andy offers to help, because that’s what he does. After all Matt was trying to save the poor dog!!
Turns out that Matt is wanted in Maine for a double homicide which he claims he knows nothing about. He says that he is innocent, doesn’t know the people who were killed but can’t explain how his DNA is found at the scene.
Andy ends up in Maine looking for a local lawyer to represent Matt. Since Matt doesn’t really have money to pay for an attorney, Andy gets involved in his case. He also manages to eat a fair amount of lobster rolls while he is there and enjoys the local pub scene!!
What follows is a hunt for the real killer. Andy gets a little too close to finding out what is going on and is threatened by some big very scary guys, he uses his wit to make the guys back down but knows they will be back.
At this point Andy's wife Laurie, a former police officer, gets involved as does their bodyguard and muscle man, Marcus. There are some hilarious scenes as this group, including the 3 dogs, settle into a two room motel suite.
After pulling some strings and digging into the case Andy finds that the man who was killed has connections to drug dealers and a dangerous private militia group.
There is some great courtroom drama in this book and I enjoyed the bantering between the lawyers. Andy always has an answer for EVERYTHING!!!!!
This was such an enjoyable audiobook. The narrator, Grover Gardner seems a perfect fit for this character.
I will certainly be searching out the other books in the series as I’ve read many rave reviews for all of the books!
I received an early reviewer audiobook from the publisher and MacMillan audio through NetGalley.
August 1, 2021
Andy Carpenter is a lighthearted mystery and legal drama series with a setting in Paterson, NJ. I've been following it for some time now, and aww look at that cover 😍, it gets cuter and cuter.
In Dog Eat Dog, Andy is there to defend Matt whom he met while Matt was saving a dog from its abusive owner. A few punches were thrown and police were called. Turns out Matt is wanted in Maine for a double murder after his DNA was found at the scene of the crime. Obviously, Matt denied being there. Because DNA is everything when it comes to proof, how will Andy win this case?
This is another fun book with more bad guys to be revealed and FBI involvement. The crime isn't gory nor violent and most of the time happens off the pages. Since Andy is a criminal defense lawyer there will be some courtroom towards the end. I want a lobster roll by the time I was done listening. 🦞
In Dog Eat Dog, Andy is there to defend Matt whom he met while Matt was saving a dog from its abusive owner. A few punches were thrown and police were called. Turns out Matt is wanted in Maine for a double murder after his DNA was found at the scene of the crime. Obviously, Matt denied being there. Because DNA is everything when it comes to proof, how will Andy win this case?
This is another fun book with more bad guys to be revealed and FBI involvement. The crime isn't gory nor violent and most of the time happens off the pages. Since Andy is a criminal defense lawyer there will be some courtroom towards the end. I want a lobster roll by the time I was done listening. 🦞
May 31, 2021
“We might be defending a double murderer.”
“He saved a dog”, she says. “Isn’t that the bottom line?”
“Apparently, it is.”
And isn’t that the reason Andy always accepts a client? This time, Andy, Laurie and Marcus end up in Maine, defending another dog lover. Someone whose DNA was found at the scene of a double murder.
This is such a fun series and this one is a worthy addition. I found myself chuckling on a regular basis (especially when Rosenfelt personally made an appearance). As always, Rosenfelt managed to take the ending in a way I never saw coming. He also managed to weave in some themes that made it feel very current in light of the ongoing political climate.
This can be read or listened to as a standalone, but why would you want to? It’s a great series and Rosenfelt manages to keep it fresh. The books make a welcome change from the darkness prevalent in so many mysteries. Yet, it never comes across as a “cozy” mystery.
Grover Gardner is Andy! This is one of the best pairings of a narrator embodying a character ever.
My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for advance copies of this book.
“He saved a dog”, she says. “Isn’t that the bottom line?”
“Apparently, it is.”
And isn’t that the reason Andy always accepts a client? This time, Andy, Laurie and Marcus end up in Maine, defending another dog lover. Someone whose DNA was found at the scene of a double murder.
This is such a fun series and this one is a worthy addition. I found myself chuckling on a regular basis (especially when Rosenfelt personally made an appearance). As always, Rosenfelt managed to take the ending in a way I never saw coming. He also managed to weave in some themes that made it feel very current in light of the ongoing political climate.
This can be read or listened to as a standalone, but why would you want to? It’s a great series and Rosenfelt manages to keep it fresh. The books make a welcome change from the darkness prevalent in so many mysteries. Yet, it never comes across as a “cozy” mystery.
Grover Gardner is Andy! This is one of the best pairings of a narrator embodying a character ever.
My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for advance copies of this book.
July 11, 2021
3.5 stars
In this 23rd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the defense attorney represents a man accused of a double murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead, Andy devotes his time to hanging out with his wife, son, and dogs.....
.....schmoozing with his friends; helping run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; watching sports; and so on.
Still, when a fellow dog lover gets in trouble, Andy feels compelled to help. This comes about when Andy and his wife Laurie are walking their dogs Tara and Sebastian, and hear a pooch yelping in pain. They look up to see a man kicking a cute pug. Laurie runs over to stop the miscreant, but another man beats her to it. The rescuer gets into a scuffle with the dog abuser.....
.....and the police take both the creep and the hero into custody, until they can determine what's what. Meanwhile, Andy and Laurie take home the pug, called Hunter.
It turns out there's a warrant for the dog rescuer, whose name is Matt Jantzen. Two years ago, Peter Charkin and his girlfriend Tina Welker were shot to death in Maine, and Matt's DNA was found at the crime scene. Thus Matt is arrested.....
.....and Andy, who believes a dog lover can't be a murderer, agrees to be his defense attorney.
Because the trial is being held in Maine, Andy needs a Maine lawyer to sign on. So Andy hires Charlie Tilton, who does most of the paperwork while Andy prepares for trial.
Andy's New Jersey team arrives in Maine as well, including computer hacker Sam Willis.....
.....and the K-Team. The K-Team is a detective agency composed of Andy's ex-cop wife Laurie;
tough guy Marcus;
ex-cop Corey Douglas; and Corey's K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel.
Laurie books everyone a suite in the Cod Cove Inn, and Andy observes, "It's perfect for what I need. It's unlike what I picture in a small town inn; it has running water, an elevator, stairs that don't creak, comfortable large rooms, and working telephones. Most important, it televisions in the rooms! With cable! And ESPN."
Andy likes the delicious breakfast muffins at the hotel.....
.....and the lobster rolls sold in eateries across the state (which do sound yummy).
As Andy prepares for trial, he and his team interview witnesses, including friends and colleagues of the murdered couple. Andy discovers that the male victim, Peter Charkin, had ties to drug pushers and right wing militias. So Andy decides his defense strategy will be 'the other guy did it' - which seems to get someone's hackles up, because Andy is threatened by goons.
A good part of the book consists of Andy walking his dogs, cracking jokes, and making snide remarks, which is usual in this series. In one scene, Andy and Laurie are eating at their favorite Maine restaurant, King Eider's, and Andy observes: "Laurie got something of a thrill. She noticed one of her favorite novelists, a guy named David Rosenfelt, having dinner in the next booth."
"Laurie considered asking him for his autograph, but decided it would be too pushy to interrupt his meal. I don't get it anyway. I tried reading one of his books and could barely get through fifty pages." 😀
When Matt's case goes to trial Andy shows his mettle as a clever cross-examiner, and I was on tenterhooks as the jury came in to deliver it's verdict.
I always enjoy the Andy Carpenter books, which are formulaic but fun. I especially like the dog scenes. For instance Andy's basset hound Sebastian "walks with the speed and dexterity of your average refrigerator/freezer" and "getting him to reverse direction is akin to turning the Queen Mary."
This is an entertaining novel, recommended to fans of amusing mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Minotaur Books for copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 4, 2022
This is a Mystery, and this is the 23rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. I just love this book series. Andy is a lawyer, and he loves dogs. There is a lot with dogs worked in this book which makes this book so much better. The characters in this book is so great, but Andy is everything in this book. The character, Andy has dry humor which is funny as well. This book was fun, and I could not put it down. I loved it so much. Let me just say the cover is so very cute, and I would want to read it just because of the book cover. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Minotaur Books) or author (David Rosenfelt) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 21, 2021
I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advance copy of Dog Eat Dog in return for my honest review. I am always pleased to read a new book in the enjoyable Andy Carpenter series. This is the 23rd book in the series, and the author has managed to keep each novel fresh and suspenseful with a new and exciting courtroom drama and investigation. This can be read as a standalone but may inspire new readers to seek out some of his previous works.
It is hard to resist the eye-catching covers depicting beautiful dogs. These may look like cozy mysteries, but the cases are tougher and more complicated than that. Although humorous, the books contain serious complex criminal cases and thrilling intense courtroom drama. The trials are complex, well-plotted legal proceedings with well-constructed and believable storylines. Andy's cases have contained mob violence, drug trafficking, gang-related killings, and terrorism. The adorable dogs may only on the periphery of the crimes, but they inspire Andy to return to his role as defence attorney reluctantly.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired attorney and an enjoyable narrator and protagonist. He has a witty, sardonic sense of humour that he displays in sarcastic conversations and thoughts. He is independently wealthy and only accepts cases if there is somehow a dog involved. The difficult and dangerous investigations leading up to the courtroom trial involve Andy, his wife (a former police officer), an experienced dog handler, a computer hacker, and a large, scary, quiet giant of a man. Andy's talents as a defence attorney in seemingly impossible trials add to the suspense.
Andy and his wife walk their dogs towards a New Jersey park near their home when they witness a man brutally beating a small dog. Before they can intervene, a stranger stops the vicious beating and gets in a fight with the enraged animal abuser. He knocks him out, and the police take the man to jail. He is a hero in Andy's estimation. When Andy questions him, he learns he is wanted in Maine for a double killing. A man and woman were tied to a chair and murdered. The man claims he did not know the couple and was unaware of the news of the double murder. He was charged when evidence of blood containing his DNA was found at the crime scene. He claims he is completely innocent. Andy travels to Maine to find a reliable lawyer to represent the accused but ends up as part of the defence. The outcome looks very bleak for his client as it is hard to ignore the client's DNA at the scene.
Andy decides his tactic will be to put suspicion on others that might have had a motive for murder. He learns that the dead man had connections with a mob of gangsters supplying cocaine in the district and a dangerous militia. The FBI is watching this right-wing conspiracy-minded group due to their plans to commit a deadly act of domestic terrorism soon.
Even if Andy can persuade the jury that the guilty party is from one of these alternative groups, how can the scientific evidence of his client's DNA at the crime scene be overlooked? Will it be a life sentence for the man? Andy feels he is innocent. He rescued a dog from harm after all, which makes him a decent person in Andy's eyes. What will be the verdict in this suspenseful trial?
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually helps run a dog rescue foundation responsible for 4,000 rescues. His family cares for well over a dozen dogs they have brought into their family home. I always look forward to new books in the series and appreciate the electronic copy of this book.
It is hard to resist the eye-catching covers depicting beautiful dogs. These may look like cozy mysteries, but the cases are tougher and more complicated than that. Although humorous, the books contain serious complex criminal cases and thrilling intense courtroom drama. The trials are complex, well-plotted legal proceedings with well-constructed and believable storylines. Andy's cases have contained mob violence, drug trafficking, gang-related killings, and terrorism. The adorable dogs may only on the periphery of the crimes, but they inspire Andy to return to his role as defence attorney reluctantly.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired attorney and an enjoyable narrator and protagonist. He has a witty, sardonic sense of humour that he displays in sarcastic conversations and thoughts. He is independently wealthy and only accepts cases if there is somehow a dog involved. The difficult and dangerous investigations leading up to the courtroom trial involve Andy, his wife (a former police officer), an experienced dog handler, a computer hacker, and a large, scary, quiet giant of a man. Andy's talents as a defence attorney in seemingly impossible trials add to the suspense.
Andy and his wife walk their dogs towards a New Jersey park near their home when they witness a man brutally beating a small dog. Before they can intervene, a stranger stops the vicious beating and gets in a fight with the enraged animal abuser. He knocks him out, and the police take the man to jail. He is a hero in Andy's estimation. When Andy questions him, he learns he is wanted in Maine for a double killing. A man and woman were tied to a chair and murdered. The man claims he did not know the couple and was unaware of the news of the double murder. He was charged when evidence of blood containing his DNA was found at the crime scene. He claims he is completely innocent. Andy travels to Maine to find a reliable lawyer to represent the accused but ends up as part of the defence. The outcome looks very bleak for his client as it is hard to ignore the client's DNA at the scene.
Andy decides his tactic will be to put suspicion on others that might have had a motive for murder. He learns that the dead man had connections with a mob of gangsters supplying cocaine in the district and a dangerous militia. The FBI is watching this right-wing conspiracy-minded group due to their plans to commit a deadly act of domestic terrorism soon.
Even if Andy can persuade the jury that the guilty party is from one of these alternative groups, how can the scientific evidence of his client's DNA at the crime scene be overlooked? Will it be a life sentence for the man? Andy feels he is innocent. He rescued a dog from harm after all, which makes him a decent person in Andy's eyes. What will be the verdict in this suspenseful trial?
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually helps run a dog rescue foundation responsible for 4,000 rescues. His family cares for well over a dozen dogs they have brought into their family home. I always look forward to new books in the series and appreciate the electronic copy of this book.
June 23, 2021
I was vey indecisive about whether I wanted to read this book or not. Judging by the cover (Yes, I do judge books by the covers! No, it doesn't always work out well for me. lol), I was concerned that this would be a pretty silly, cozy mystery. Sometimes, I find cozies to be a bit too light and unrealistic, so I didn't have high hopes. Yet, I kept coming back to it. I think I can partly blame that on Jana DeLeon. I picked up two of her series having similar misgivings and was pleasantly surprised by the humor.
I was also concerned about diving in to the series at book #23. It seems likely that I've missed quite a bit of back story to this point and I'm sure that is true, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading. I never felt that I was missing something or that there was an info dump to catch me up on the past 22 books. It was just a great story with a stand-alone feeling to it.
Fortunately, a couple of friends here on Goodreads left positive reviews and said I should ignore my concerns and give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I love the humor in this book. It wasn't overdone, but quick little bits that had me laughing out loud a couple of times. It isn't slapstick, but quirky with great dialogue.
In addition, the mystery part was good. It did not feel like a cozy mystery and I think it was really on the cusp of being too detailed to qualify. Yet, it wasn't graphic or gory. It just sort of toed the line. It told you what happened and how someone was murdered, but without giving the graphic details. Whereas, typically cozies have the murder happen completely off the page and there is just a body that is found.
One thing I will note is that there is minor animal abuse that can be triggering for some people, but if you read the blurb you already know that. It is just a short moment and, again, not graphic, but it is there. If you can't tolerate any form or mention of animal abuse, then you might want to skip this one or at least that short part.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Grover Gardner. I thought he did an excellent job and varied his voice appropriately. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of his voice, but he does fit the part well and I don't have any complaints about his work. I'm happy to see that he has been with the series since the beginning. I like when series are able to stick with the same narrator. I think it gives the characters some consistency. Andy Carpenter will forever have Grover Gardner's voice .
I intend to go back and start reading to this series from the beginning. I am planning to continue listening to the series and have already purchased the first couple of books.
My husband listened to this with me while on a road trip and he loved both the story and the narration. He will be posting his own review separately.
I would definitely recommend this book. 4.5⭐️
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance audio copy of this book on exchange for an honest review.
I was also concerned about diving in to the series at book #23. It seems likely that I've missed quite a bit of back story to this point and I'm sure that is true, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading. I never felt that I was missing something or that there was an info dump to catch me up on the past 22 books. It was just a great story with a stand-alone feeling to it.
Fortunately, a couple of friends here on Goodreads left positive reviews and said I should ignore my concerns and give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I love the humor in this book. It wasn't overdone, but quick little bits that had me laughing out loud a couple of times. It isn't slapstick, but quirky with great dialogue.
In addition, the mystery part was good. It did not feel like a cozy mystery and I think it was really on the cusp of being too detailed to qualify. Yet, it wasn't graphic or gory. It just sort of toed the line. It told you what happened and how someone was murdered, but without giving the graphic details. Whereas, typically cozies have the murder happen completely off the page and there is just a body that is found.
One thing I will note is that there is minor animal abuse that can be triggering for some people, but if you read the blurb you already know that. It is just a short moment and, again, not graphic, but it is there. If you can't tolerate any form or mention of animal abuse, then you might want to skip this one or at least that short part.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Grover Gardner. I thought he did an excellent job and varied his voice appropriately. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of his voice, but he does fit the part well and I don't have any complaints about his work. I'm happy to see that he has been with the series since the beginning. I like when series are able to stick with the same narrator. I think it gives the characters some consistency. Andy Carpenter will forever have Grover Gardner's voice .
I intend to go back and start reading to this series from the beginning. I am planning to continue listening to the series and have already purchased the first couple of books.
My husband listened to this with me while on a road trip and he loved both the story and the narration. He will be posting his own review separately.
I would definitely recommend this book. 4.5⭐️
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance audio copy of this book on exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2024
If you haven’t started this series yet, please consider it, especially if you like dogs.
Not that the dogs are the center of this story – but, they do create a reason for everything as part of these stories.
And, even if you don’t read these stories in order, they can easily be read as a standalone novel.
This series is my literary comfort food, to be honest.
I enjoy a cozy, but I also like a legal drama, too.
Good characters, no specific gore, a storyline you can follow, and a mystery that is somewhat complex, and interesting at the same time!
P.S. – how can you resist this cover image - of the dog - (not the donuts)?
(As a caution, we do not want to ever give a dog a human donut! Not good for their health!) See my review: If You Give a Dog a Donut: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Not that the dogs are the center of this story – but, they do create a reason for everything as part of these stories.
And, even if you don’t read these stories in order, they can easily be read as a standalone novel.
This series is my literary comfort food, to be honest.
I enjoy a cozy, but I also like a legal drama, too.
Good characters, no specific gore, a storyline you can follow, and a mystery that is somewhat complex, and interesting at the same time!
P.S. – how can you resist this cover image - of the dog - (not the donuts)?
(As a caution, we do not want to ever give a dog a human donut! Not good for their health!) See my review: If You Give a Dog a Donut: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 22, 2021
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife Laurie are out on a walk when they see someone kicking a dog. Laurie goes over to intervene, but someone else does first, incapacitating the abuser. Police are called, and Matt, the guy who rescued the pug, is found to have an outstanding warrant for murder in Maine. Because he intervened and helped the dog, Andy agrees to defend him. He of course says he is innocent, but the police have DNA evidence which places him at the scene of the murder. Andy and the team go up to Maine, where they find evidence of the murdered man's involvement in drugs and a local militia. But what about the DNA--can Andy successfully defend someone against the overwhelming evidence? Rosenfelt hits another home run, with his trademark humor, likable characters, and intriguing plot. And of course,there are the dogs: Tara, the beautiful golden retriever; Sebastian, the lazy bloodhound; Simon, the police dog; and Hunter, the pug who was being abused. I'm glad the publisher and Edelweiss provided me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2024
4 Stars for Dog Eat Dog: Andy Carpenter, Book 23 (audiobook) Dan Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
It’s always fun to see how the reluctant lawyer, Andy Carpenter gets dog loving people out of trouble with the law.
It’s always fun to see how the reluctant lawyer, Andy Carpenter gets dog loving people out of trouble with the law.
May 19, 2023
I chose this book because of its cover—a cute pug dog with a doughnut in his mouth. It promised a light, pleasant read, which is what I needed after a difficult root canal (two hours of agony), followed by a liquids only one-week recovery period.
DOG EAT DOG more than met my requirements. A book written in a humorous style with enough complexities to keep my mind engaged. I wasn’t even disturbed by the sections that took place in the courtroom. Generally legal thrillers bore me, with their emphasis on the rules and regulations of law, and the courtroom antics of lawyers. I can’t seem to “get into them”, not even those that other mystery/thriller addicts eagerly devour.
But this one was amusing.
The author’s self-deprecating, sarcastic style of humour will not coincide with everyone’s idea of comedy. It is an American style of witticism that I adored in my youth and still enjoy, now and then, even though I’m an octogenarian. As DOG EAT DOG is the 23rd book in the series, it appears that there are many others who also like this comedic style.
In addition, the mystery was complex enough to keep my interest. A series of incidents involving—what else—dogs, leads Andy Carpenter, a New Jersey lawyer, into a situation wherein he becomes part of a legal team defending a man accused of a double homicide in Maine. The accused says that he never met the victims, yet his DNA is found at the murder scene. Andy works with a local lawyer on courtroom tactics while, at the same time, searching for the real killer. Although I did figure out the answer to the DNA puzzle slightly before Andy, I enjoyed the chase, even when it became slightly ridiculous (e.g., Marcus Clark).
This was my first Andy Carpenter novel. It won’t be my last. Currently there are 28 books in the series, and my library has several of them in ebook format. Comfort food, whenever I need it.
DOG EAT DOG more than met my requirements. A book written in a humorous style with enough complexities to keep my mind engaged. I wasn’t even disturbed by the sections that took place in the courtroom. Generally legal thrillers bore me, with their emphasis on the rules and regulations of law, and the courtroom antics of lawyers. I can’t seem to “get into them”, not even those that other mystery/thriller addicts eagerly devour.
But this one was amusing.
The author’s self-deprecating, sarcastic style of humour will not coincide with everyone’s idea of comedy. It is an American style of witticism that I adored in my youth and still enjoy, now and then, even though I’m an octogenarian. As DOG EAT DOG is the 23rd book in the series, it appears that there are many others who also like this comedic style.
In addition, the mystery was complex enough to keep my interest. A series of incidents involving—what else—dogs, leads Andy Carpenter, a New Jersey lawyer, into a situation wherein he becomes part of a legal team defending a man accused of a double homicide in Maine. The accused says that he never met the victims, yet his DNA is found at the murder scene. Andy works with a local lawyer on courtroom tactics while, at the same time, searching for the real killer. Although I did figure out the answer to the DNA puzzle slightly before Andy, I enjoyed the chase, even when it became slightly ridiculous (e.g., Marcus Clark).
This was my first Andy Carpenter novel. It won’t be my last. Currently there are 28 books in the series, and my library has several of them in ebook format. Comfort food, whenever I need it.
August 4, 2021
"Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog." That would be my kind of man!
I think this might be my favorite Andy Carpenter book, ever. It contains all of my favorite things: mystery, a court case, humor, and best of all ... DOGS! Andy, Laurie, Tara, Sebastian, Corey, Simon Garfunkel, Sam, and Marcus are ALL in Dog Eat Dog. Oh, and there's a new pup - Hunter, the adorable pug!
I actually laughed out loud when I read "I get back, grab muffins for Laure and me, and head upstairs for a shower. Laurie is not back yet. Because she doesn't have her exercise bike here, she goes for a run every morning. She runs three miles, and I would join her if I was in shape and insane." (I'm pretty sure I've used those exact words, myself, snort!😆)
I think this might be my favorite Andy Carpenter book, ever. It contains all of my favorite things: mystery, a court case, humor, and best of all ... DOGS! Andy, Laurie, Tara, Sebastian, Corey, Simon Garfunkel, Sam, and Marcus are ALL in Dog Eat Dog. Oh, and there's a new pup - Hunter, the adorable pug!
I actually laughed out loud when I read "I get back, grab muffins for Laure and me, and head upstairs for a shower. Laurie is not back yet. Because she doesn't have her exercise bike here, she goes for a run every morning. She runs three miles, and I would join her if I was in shape and insane." (I'm pretty sure I've used those exact words, myself, snort!😆)
July 23, 2021
The guy who loves dogs HAS to be innocent, but can Andy prove it?
Andy Carpenter and his entire hilarious crew are back in “Dog Eat Dog.” It is familiar territory for regular readers; all the characters are there. They have matured a little, but their personalities have remained the same. Andy is still Andy, trying to change his phone to 1– 800-I’M RETIRED but somehow taking on a few clients when he absolutely cannot avoid it. Laurie gives him perspective; they both dote on an older Ricky, and everyone is preoccupied with dogs. The book opens with the inciting event for the story. The crime might have been a calculated vicious home invasion or it might have been just a robbery gone bad.
While out for a walk, with dogs of course, Andy Carpenter observes an altercation. Matt Jantzen, a fellow dog lover, stopped the abuse of a dog, and although the abuser threw the first punch, Jantzen is detained by the police. Andy gives Jantzen his card, and it will be needed. Jantzen is in much bigger trouble with the law; he is wanted for a long-past murder in Maine. Of course Andy is off to Maine to defend him; Jantzen saved a dog; that is the only thing that counts As far as Andy is concerned.
The plot has the expected elements, and the initial murder victim is not the only dead body. Readers follow Andy’s thought processes as he evaluates other possible suspects and tries to avoid being killed himself. There are just too many suspects, and none seem to be viable. Jantzen’s blood was at the scene, but bleeding in a specific place is not a crime. However, DNA evidence pretty much beats everything, and everyone’s DNA is readily available now that everyone submits their DNA to those ancestry sites. There is a possible drug connection, but there are so many informants and double agents that a new conspiracy is hiding under every rock. Of course the case goes to trial, but this trial feels like everyone is slowly being dragged to the edge of a cliff. The results are never really in doubt, Jantzen loves dogs after all, but the specifics are not what readers might have unimagined, and when the details are disclosed, the answers are bombshells.
Every Andy Carpenter book is filled with friendly banter, but the investigation is focused. “Dog Eat Dog" is enjoyable with the perfect balance of drama and suspense. The clues are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered, but easily overlooked. I received a review copy of “Dog Eat Dog” from David Rosenfelt, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Publishing Group. I read my first Andy Carpenter novel years ago, and enjoy each new adventure for Andy and the gang. For new readers, I recommend reading this book, and then going back and reading them all.
Andy Carpenter and his entire hilarious crew are back in “Dog Eat Dog.” It is familiar territory for regular readers; all the characters are there. They have matured a little, but their personalities have remained the same. Andy is still Andy, trying to change his phone to 1– 800-I’M RETIRED but somehow taking on a few clients when he absolutely cannot avoid it. Laurie gives him perspective; they both dote on an older Ricky, and everyone is preoccupied with dogs. The book opens with the inciting event for the story. The crime might have been a calculated vicious home invasion or it might have been just a robbery gone bad.
While out for a walk, with dogs of course, Andy Carpenter observes an altercation. Matt Jantzen, a fellow dog lover, stopped the abuse of a dog, and although the abuser threw the first punch, Jantzen is detained by the police. Andy gives Jantzen his card, and it will be needed. Jantzen is in much bigger trouble with the law; he is wanted for a long-past murder in Maine. Of course Andy is off to Maine to defend him; Jantzen saved a dog; that is the only thing that counts As far as Andy is concerned.
The plot has the expected elements, and the initial murder victim is not the only dead body. Readers follow Andy’s thought processes as he evaluates other possible suspects and tries to avoid being killed himself. There are just too many suspects, and none seem to be viable. Jantzen’s blood was at the scene, but bleeding in a specific place is not a crime. However, DNA evidence pretty much beats everything, and everyone’s DNA is readily available now that everyone submits their DNA to those ancestry sites. There is a possible drug connection, but there are so many informants and double agents that a new conspiracy is hiding under every rock. Of course the case goes to trial, but this trial feels like everyone is slowly being dragged to the edge of a cliff. The results are never really in doubt, Jantzen loves dogs after all, but the specifics are not what readers might have unimagined, and when the details are disclosed, the answers are bombshells.
Every Andy Carpenter book is filled with friendly banter, but the investigation is focused. “Dog Eat Dog" is enjoyable with the perfect balance of drama and suspense. The clues are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered, but easily overlooked. I received a review copy of “Dog Eat Dog” from David Rosenfelt, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Publishing Group. I read my first Andy Carpenter novel years ago, and enjoy each new adventure for Andy and the gang. For new readers, I recommend reading this book, and then going back and reading them all.
February 13, 2023
Andy ends up defending a (not paying) client in Maine.
He footed the bill .. which included quite a number of rented suites as the case grew. But the client rescued a dog in New Jersey so evidently AC felt compelled to take the case to the final verdict :)
Lots of humor .. and guess who Laurie’s favorite author is ?
All the Andy Carpenter book fans should like this one.
He footed the bill .. which included quite a number of rented suites as the case grew. But the client rescued a dog in New Jersey so evidently AC felt compelled to take the case to the final verdict :)
Lots of humor .. and guess who Laurie’s favorite author is ?
All the Andy Carpenter book fans should like this one.
September 24, 2024
Andy is out walking his dog, when another walker starts beating his own dog. A bystander gets in a fistfight over the dog's treatment, and is taken in by the police. On running his prints, he's wanted for a murder in Maine.
Andy volunteers to defend him in court, and does his usual investigation.
In this one, the conspiracy really isn't much, but the book as a whole is entertaining.
Andy volunteers to defend him in court, and does his usual investigation.
In this one, the conspiracy really isn't much, but the book as a whole is entertaining.
August 16, 2021
I just love the Andy Carpenter series and I'm always excited to pick his latest book up! This 23rd installment is full of the usual humor, excitement and a twisty plot full of surprises. The book opens up with Andy and Laurie witnessing a stranger abusing a pug - but before they (okay, well, Laurie) can intervene, a different stranger steps in and rescues the dog, although it leads to him being extradited to Maine on a murder charge.
Andy goes to Maine (where the real David Rosenfelt resides - he even inserts himself here in a rather meta moment) and ends up taking the case, never being able to leave a fellow dog-lover undefended in court. It's exciting, fast-paced and just a genuinely fun read! I loved every page of it! I had such a good time reading it that I really couldn't put it down! All of the regular characters show up here - and if you start here, I don't think that too much of the series is really given away - though, of course, I do recommend starting with the very first book, OPEN AND SHUT. This is such a fantastic series and I can't hardly believe that it's already the 23rd book in the series - already can't wait for number 24!!
Andy goes to Maine (where the real David Rosenfelt resides - he even inserts himself here in a rather meta moment) and ends up taking the case, never being able to leave a fellow dog-lover undefended in court. It's exciting, fast-paced and just a genuinely fun read! I loved every page of it! I had such a good time reading it that I really couldn't put it down! All of the regular characters show up here - and if you start here, I don't think that too much of the series is really given away - though, of course, I do recommend starting with the very first book, OPEN AND SHUT. This is such a fantastic series and I can't hardly believe that it's already the 23rd book in the series - already can't wait for number 24!!
May 29, 2025
On a dog walk, Andy, Laurie, and Tara are on a dog walk and a man is mistreating his dog. By the time the duo (trio) arrive, another dog lover is stopping the abuse but is then attacked by the abuser and the man protects himself and the dog putting the abuser down. By the cops come the protector is sure he will not be released even though Andy says that he will help him if the charges aren't dropped. Well wouldn't you know it, he is wanted by another state for murder, Maine, and now it is whether Andy will go to Maine and try to help this man, who seems to be a dog lover so must be a good man right? Well, it turns out that Andy cannot turn a good case down and it only takes a few times of him saying that he is "only going to..." to "OK, I'm his lawyer.", as the case seems not quite right though the DNA evidence seems cut and dry.
This was another great Andy Carpenter caper. Almost all the regulars return though there is a new FBI agent.
December 2, 2023
I am a big fan of the Andy Carpenter series. The mystery in this book was fun to follow. I would have loved more chat about the dogs in the book though!
Can't wait for the next one in the series!
Just finished reread. So enjoyable.
Can't wait for the next one in the series!
Just finished reread. So enjoyable.
June 30, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S DOG EAT DOG ABOUT?
Coming home from a walk, Andy and Laurie see a man abusing his dog across the street. Before they can intervene someone else jumps in to defend the dog (and it's probably good for the abuser that it happens before Laurie can get her hands on him). Both the man who protected the dog and the man who attacked it are arrested—but the way the defender reacts, Andy's sure it's about more than just the assault.
It turns out that this man, Matthew Jantzen, had used one of those online genetic tracing sites to try to find out if his father had left other kids when he died (Jantzen is pretty sure he did). This allows him to track down a half-sister and to put his DNA in a place where law enforcement can see it and compare that DNA to what was found at the scene of a murder. Jantzen knew it was coming (the police had visited his sister about the time of the murder a few years ago), but had hoped to avoid having to deal with it.
Andy just can't figure out why someone who was wanted by the police would expose himself the way Jantzen did when he protected the pug. So he has to learn more about Jantzen. Then he finds himself going to the town in Maine where the killing took place to help secure legal counsel on Jantzen's behalf. One thing leads to another, and Andy ends up in court defending Jantzen.
Little by little, Andy's team comes to join him in Maine, investigating the things the police were supposed to take care of. They find themselves looking into a mess of drugs, racist militias, and hard-to-explain DNA evidence.
HOW DID ROSENFELT MAKE IT THIS LONG?
Given the number of Dog-themed and Dog-Pun-Filled titles in this series, how has he not used Dog Eat Dog until book 23? Even if you subtract the holiday-themed titles, it's still nineteen novels without using it. You have to admire the restraint he's shown up to now.
STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND
Unless I'm forgetting something, this is the second time that Andy's taken on an out-of-state client (the last time was in 2007's Dead Center, the fifth book in the series). When he arrives in Maine he learns three things quickly: the people are friends and welcoming, the lobster rolls in Maine are a wonderful thing; just about everyone is convinced Jantzen did it, no matter what the big-shot New York lawyer says (he seems incapable of convincing anyone he's from New Jersey).
Andy has to employ a local lawyer for the purposes of the trial and hires a criminal defense attorney Charlie Tilton. Tilton has no desire whatsoever to take on Jantzen's case himself—but is perfectly content to take Andy's money to help out. He ends up taking on the role of Eddie Dowd, Kevin Randall, or Hike Lynch—he does the paperwork, legal research, and so on while Andy investigates, annoys the judge, and needles the prosecution. Charlie's pretty normal compared to the rest, maybe a little more mercenary than the others, but that's about it. It was a refreshing change (but I'm ready to see Eddie Dowd again).
It's nice seeing Andy in a new setting, unable to rely on his media and police contacts, etc.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DOG EAT DOG?
This is the second David Rosenfelt book I've read in 2021—there's one more to go (The holiday-themed novel). How he's able to write three solidly entertaining, frequently humourous, complex mystery novels in a year is mind-boggling. Once again, I thought I knew where Rosenfelt was going with the case and was ready for it—and then Rosenfelt pulled a rabbit out of his hat and I was caught unprepared a couple of times to see where he went.
I loved some of the recurring jokes in this-both those exclusive to this novel and some that are ongoing over the years.
There are series out there that ebb and flow in terms of quality—I don't think these books have done that—truly impressive at the 23rd book. You know what you're going to get when you crack open a David Rosenfelt book—and I'm so glad he continues to deliver.
Solid courtroom action, some good out-of-court detection, plenty of fun with characters old and new—particularly with Andy's narration. These can be read as stand-alones or as part of a series. Either way you go—you'll be happy you tried this.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
---
WHAT'S DOG EAT DOG ABOUT?
Coming home from a walk, Andy and Laurie see a man abusing his dog across the street. Before they can intervene someone else jumps in to defend the dog (and it's probably good for the abuser that it happens before Laurie can get her hands on him). Both the man who protected the dog and the man who attacked it are arrested—but the way the defender reacts, Andy's sure it's about more than just the assault.
It turns out that this man, Matthew Jantzen, had used one of those online genetic tracing sites to try to find out if his father had left other kids when he died (Jantzen is pretty sure he did). This allows him to track down a half-sister and to put his DNA in a place where law enforcement can see it and compare that DNA to what was found at the scene of a murder. Jantzen knew it was coming (the police had visited his sister about the time of the murder a few years ago), but had hoped to avoid having to deal with it.
Andy just can't figure out why someone who was wanted by the police would expose himself the way Jantzen did when he protected the pug. So he has to learn more about Jantzen. Then he finds himself going to the town in Maine where the killing took place to help secure legal counsel on Jantzen's behalf. One thing leads to another, and Andy ends up in court defending Jantzen.
Little by little, Andy's team comes to join him in Maine, investigating the things the police were supposed to take care of. They find themselves looking into a mess of drugs, racist militias, and hard-to-explain DNA evidence.
HOW DID ROSENFELT MAKE IT THIS LONG?
Given the number of Dog-themed and Dog-Pun-Filled titles in this series, how has he not used Dog Eat Dog until book 23? Even if you subtract the holiday-themed titles, it's still nineteen novels without using it. You have to admire the restraint he's shown up to now.
STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND
Unless I'm forgetting something, this is the second time that Andy's taken on an out-of-state client (the last time was in 2007's Dead Center, the fifth book in the series). When he arrives in Maine he learns three things quickly: the people are friends and welcoming, the lobster rolls in Maine are a wonderful thing; just about everyone is convinced Jantzen did it, no matter what the big-shot New York lawyer says (he seems incapable of convincing anyone he's from New Jersey).
Andy has to employ a local lawyer for the purposes of the trial and hires a criminal defense attorney Charlie Tilton. Tilton has no desire whatsoever to take on Jantzen's case himself—but is perfectly content to take Andy's money to help out. He ends up taking on the role of Eddie Dowd, Kevin Randall, or Hike Lynch—he does the paperwork, legal research, and so on while Andy investigates, annoys the judge, and needles the prosecution. Charlie's pretty normal compared to the rest, maybe a little more mercenary than the others, but that's about it. It was a refreshing change (but I'm ready to see Eddie Dowd again).
It's nice seeing Andy in a new setting, unable to rely on his media and police contacts, etc.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DOG EAT DOG?
This is the second David Rosenfelt book I've read in 2021—there's one more to go (The holiday-themed novel). How he's able to write three solidly entertaining, frequently humourous, complex mystery novels in a year is mind-boggling. Once again, I thought I knew where Rosenfelt was going with the case and was ready for it—and then Rosenfelt pulled a rabbit out of his hat and I was caught unprepared a couple of times to see where he went.
I loved some of the recurring jokes in this-both those exclusive to this novel and some that are ongoing over the years.
There are series out there that ebb and flow in terms of quality—I don't think these books have done that—truly impressive at the 23rd book. You know what you're going to get when you crack open a David Rosenfelt book—and I'm so glad he continues to deliver.
Solid courtroom action, some good out-of-court detection, plenty of fun with characters old and new—particularly with Andy's narration. These can be read as stand-alones or as part of a series. Either way you go—you'll be happy you tried this.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
April 10, 2022
Just entertaining as all heck. Engaged me mentally as a mystery should, and made me laugh too. The lawyer/protagonist of this book is a smart aleck and is funny. I listened to the audiobook and it made driving time fun.
June 3, 2023
This had plenty of his trademark humor, including a sighting by Laurie of renowned author David Rosenfelt. This book was primarily set near where the author lives in Maine, so it was an interesting change from the usual Paterson NJ setting.
October 9, 2021
Huh. OK, best I can say about this, though at least it doesn't mess around with training for the BIG dog. Or the end of the world
No. Not so much.
No. Not so much.
June 2, 2021
With each Andy Carpenter book there are really only a few questions.
1.) Do you like Andy Carpenter books? If you don't, why exactly are you reading number 23?
2.) Is it one of the better ones?
In the end, David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series is comfort food. They are cozies that are a bit grittier than the average "murder at a bake shop" cozies that are so popular. They follow a tried and true formula that has been extremely successful. Someone is charged with a murder. That murder features either someone that likes dogs, or there is some sort of dog witness. Andy doesn't want to take the case but Laurie convinces him. Andy makes a bunch of jokes. Marcus saves his life. He then solves the crime and everyone lives happily ever after.
Personally I love the familiarity of the novels and the fact that it is always a quick read that packed with laughs.
The twist in this particular book is that the case takes him to Maine where he is a bit out of his element. Yet most of his cast and crew follow him up for the investigation and innumerable jokes about lobster rolls. The murder this time has several possible motives including romantic, drugs and right wing terrorism. Of course Andy puts it all together in the nick of time as he always does.
Rosenfelt rarely disappoints or surprises. And that holds true here. This is an average to above average Andy Carpenter book. For me, that's pretty much all I ever want.
1.) Do you like Andy Carpenter books? If you don't, why exactly are you reading number 23?
2.) Is it one of the better ones?
In the end, David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series is comfort food. They are cozies that are a bit grittier than the average "murder at a bake shop" cozies that are so popular. They follow a tried and true formula that has been extremely successful. Someone is charged with a murder. That murder features either someone that likes dogs, or there is some sort of dog witness. Andy doesn't want to take the case but Laurie convinces him. Andy makes a bunch of jokes. Marcus saves his life. He then solves the crime and everyone lives happily ever after.
Personally I love the familiarity of the novels and the fact that it is always a quick read that packed with laughs.
The twist in this particular book is that the case takes him to Maine where he is a bit out of his element. Yet most of his cast and crew follow him up for the investigation and innumerable jokes about lobster rolls. The murder this time has several possible motives including romantic, drugs and right wing terrorism. Of course Andy puts it all together in the nick of time as he always does.
Rosenfelt rarely disappoints or surprises. And that holds true here. This is an average to above average Andy Carpenter book. For me, that's pretty much all I ever want.
May 9, 2021
No way this could be an unbiased review. I love Andy Carpenter's world with all the dogs, the complicated interesting characters, the excellent plots, and, in these days of a virus, the snarkiness and all the laughs. Andy Carpenter is the snarkiest un lawyer you'll ever meet. His greatest fans are dogs, his wife(a private investigator and former homicide lieutenant with lots of connections), and his son. Andy is a defense lawyer who (sort of) picks his cases, hates going to court, and always wins for the good guys (his clients). But still each book can stand alone.
Who knew that coming to the rescue of a dog being beaten by his owner could wind up taking Andy and another defender to Maine to defend the defender in what seems to be a hopeless two year old case in which the clueless guy's blood was present at the murder scene. The story involves lobster rolls and Andy's whole team plus the State police and the FBI. Positively riveting!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Who knew that coming to the rescue of a dog being beaten by his owner could wind up taking Andy and another defender to Maine to defend the defender in what seems to be a hopeless two year old case in which the clueless guy's blood was present at the murder scene. The story involves lobster rolls and Andy's whole team plus the State police and the FBI. Positively riveting!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 25, 2021
It’s a Dog Eat Dog world
If it’s not broke . . ..
Rosenfelt has his winning formula down pat. In his Andy Carpenter series, if you’ve read one book, you’ve read them all. Is it entertaining? Without a doubt Funny at times? Absolutely. The reluctant lawyer, the supportive wife, the schmoozing friends . . . toss in a few dogs and a some very bad guys and you have a winning formula.
The books may be fairly predictable but I still enjoy the formula. Plan to continue reading the series. The 23rd in the series and I’ve read them all. Looking forward to Best in Snow, that is next.
Listened to the audio version with the sublime narrator Grover Gardner who can read anything to me. He is that good.
If it’s not broke . . ..
Rosenfelt has his winning formula down pat. In his Andy Carpenter series, if you’ve read one book, you’ve read them all. Is it entertaining? Without a doubt Funny at times? Absolutely. The reluctant lawyer, the supportive wife, the schmoozing friends . . . toss in a few dogs and a some very bad guys and you have a winning formula.
The books may be fairly predictable but I still enjoy the formula. Plan to continue reading the series. The 23rd in the series and I’ve read them all. Looking forward to Best in Snow, that is next.
Listened to the audio version with the sublime narrator Grover Gardner who can read anything to me. He is that good.
September 21, 2021
I loved this book. It is a legal thriller, a dog story and Andy Carpenter's voice is smart, funny and irreverent. He loves his dogs and his family and is trying to retire. When Andy and his wife observe a man abusing a dog, he is drawn into taking a case when a fellow good Samaritan, also trying to save the dog, is arrested for a past crime. I loved the snarky humor, the well paced plot, and the smart legal descriptions. Clearly, this is a strong standalone story, since I haven't read any of the other Andy Carpenter books - but after this I will.
May 26, 2023
A fun read! Something to take your mind somewhere else for a while
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely not one of my favourite books by David Rosenfelt.
Definitely not one of my favourite books by David Rosenfelt.
December 8, 2025
There is a place for David Rosenfelt books besides in my ears and that would be in everyone else’s ears. The Andy Carpenter books are not great literature but they are great fun. Kooky characters, interesting mysteries and did I mention fun characters? I save them for black moods when I need a pickup or a laugh. Start at the beginning of the series and keep going.
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