What do you think?
Rate this book
Andy Carpenter #22
Silent Bite
ANDY CARPENTER AND HIS GOLDEN RETRIEVER, TARA, ARE FINDING THAT ALL IS NOT CALM OR BRIGHT IN 'SILENT BITE', THE LATEST CHRISTMAS MYSTERY IN THIS HEARTWARMING SERIES FROM BEST-SELLING AUTHOR DAVID ROSENFELT.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a breath; he's back on dry land after a family Caribbean cruise forced on him by his wife, Laurie, to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course the family's first stop is to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that has always been Andy's true passion.
But when Andy arrives, his partner, Willie Miller, needs his help. Willie's old cellmate, Glenn Anson, has been arrested for murder. Andy doesn't necessarily believe in Glenn, but Willie does. And Andy believes in Willie, which is why Andy decides to take the case.
Once again David Rosenfelt puts listeners in the Christmas spirit in a tale that is equal parts mystery and holiday cheer.
A MACMILLAN AUDIO PRODUCTION FROM MINOTAUR BOOKS
Praise for Grover Gardner as Andy Carpenter:
"Grover Gardner's narration of Rosenfelt's whodunits is what good audiobooks are all about. . . Gardner's delightful portrayal of defense lawyer Andy Carpenter continue to be be fresh, allowing listeners to glimpse Andy's soft heart and quick humor." (Audiofile Magazine on 'Outfoxed')
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Roenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit." (Audiofile Magazine on 'Bark of Night)
RUNNING TIME: 6hrs. and 31mins.
©2020 David Rosenfelt (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a breath; he's back on dry land after a family Caribbean cruise forced on him by his wife, Laurie, to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course the family's first stop is to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that has always been Andy's true passion.
But when Andy arrives, his partner, Willie Miller, needs his help. Willie's old cellmate, Glenn Anson, has been arrested for murder. Andy doesn't necessarily believe in Glenn, but Willie does. And Andy believes in Willie, which is why Andy decides to take the case.
Once again David Rosenfelt puts listeners in the Christmas spirit in a tale that is equal parts mystery and holiday cheer.
A MACMILLAN AUDIO PRODUCTION FROM MINOTAUR BOOKS
Praise for Grover Gardner as Andy Carpenter:
"Grover Gardner's narration of Rosenfelt's whodunits is what good audiobooks are all about. . . Gardner's delightful portrayal of defense lawyer Andy Carpenter continue to be be fresh, allowing listeners to glimpse Andy's soft heart and quick humor." (Audiofile Magazine on 'Outfoxed')
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Roenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit." (Audiofile Magazine on 'Bark of Night)
RUNNING TIME: 6hrs. and 31mins.
©2020 David Rosenfelt (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Audible Audio
First published October 13, 2020
892 people are currently reading
3630 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,918 followersI am a novelist with 27 dogs.
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
October 11, 2025
This is a Crime Mystery, and this is book 22 in the Andy Carpenter series. I have read the other books in this series. I normally do not love books that follows a lawyer, but this book is done right. It kept you wanting to read, and it has enough drama going on to keep you wanting to read. I love the Andy character, and the other characters where good as well. This is a gripping character-driven book. I have not read all the other 21 book in this series, but I have read and review some of the other books in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Press) or author (David Rosenfelt) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Note: I re-read this book. I have also since read all the other books in this series. I think I enjoyed it more since I have really got to know these characters. I do feel this book can be read as a standalone book.
Note: I re-read this book. I have also since read all the other books in this series. I think I enjoyed it more since I have really got to know these characters. I do feel this book can be read as a standalone book.
June 20, 2021
3.5*
Once again Andy steals the show with his witty banter. And the cameo of all the dogs a close second.
This is book 22 of the Andy Carpenter series and though I jumped in only a few books ago Andy quickly stole my heart with his wicked sense of humor.
Andy is a lawyer that is desperately trying to give up his profession. But he keeps getting dragged into cases… because he just can’t say no.
As I’ve seen in the few books I’ve read in this series the cast of characters is very long and I was once again was left confused and wishing I had kept a scorecard.
If you are looking for a mystery that will keep you chuckling along the way…well this is the perfect read for you. Don’t be scared to jump right into this long-standing series. David Rosenfelt supplies enough information on the main characters that you will feel like you’ve known them for years.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
Once again Andy steals the show with his witty banter. And the cameo of all the dogs a close second.
This is book 22 of the Andy Carpenter series and though I jumped in only a few books ago Andy quickly stole my heart with his wicked sense of humor.
Andy is a lawyer that is desperately trying to give up his profession. But he keeps getting dragged into cases… because he just can’t say no.
As I’ve seen in the few books I’ve read in this series the cast of characters is very long and I was once again was left confused and wishing I had kept a scorecard.
If you are looking for a mystery that will keep you chuckling along the way…well this is the perfect read for you. Don’t be scared to jump right into this long-standing series. David Rosenfelt supplies enough information on the main characters that you will feel like you’ve known them for years.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
September 10, 2020
When I get my mitts on the annual “Carpenter Christmas” book, I immediately check the date. As of today, there are about 100 shopping days until Dec. 24th. That’s the day I actually buy gifts (which pretty much explains some of my choices).
These are the only holiday themed books I regularly read, partly because I empathize with Andy. Like him, I tire of Xmas carols early, though thankfully no one in my house starts playing them in July (looking at you, Laurie…). But this book marks a couple of changes to the long running series which I’ll get to.
What hasn’t changed is Andy’s dream of retirement. Yeah, not happening. Once again his quest for permanent slackerdom is thwarted & this year it’s Willie’s fault.
Tony Birch once shared a prison cell with Willie but since being released 3 years ago, he’s opened his own garage & led an exemplary life. So when the body of an estranged childhood friend is found, it’s a bit of a shock when police arrest & charge Tony with murder. Ditto after the second body pops up. Tony has no idea what’s going on.…he just knows he needs that Carpenter guy who freed his friend.
Andy can’t say no to Willie so the case is a go & the digging begins. Turns out there’s actually a silver lining to working through the holidays…..they rarely play Xmas carols in jail or the court room.
With Andy comes the rest of the team plus Laurie’s partners Marcus, Corey & Simon the Wonder Dog. At this point, I won’t mention the rest because there’s been a change to the starting line-up. Yup, one of the old (ir)regulars has moved on & been replaced. And no, I’m not telling.
Which brings me to the second change. This series has always been known for its humour & much of that was due to the MC being a smart-ass. It’s a hard act to maintain without it becoming “schtick” & maybe that’s why the author has dialled it down in this outing. There’s still plenty to make you smile but it’s the investigation/mystery that takes centre stage & it’s a cracker.
In alternate chapters, we’re privy to some nefarious stuff going on in the background but even then, I bet you’ll have trouble spotting the person behind it all. If you’re read previous books, you know it’s like spending time with old friends….albeit friends who seem to attract death & dismemberment. Might have to rethink that.
Anyhoo, it makes for an effortless read that keeps you on your toes. An intricate mystery, great characters & a herd of dogs….pretty much all you need.
These are the only holiday themed books I regularly read, partly because I empathize with Andy. Like him, I tire of Xmas carols early, though thankfully no one in my house starts playing them in July (looking at you, Laurie…). But this book marks a couple of changes to the long running series which I’ll get to.
What hasn’t changed is Andy’s dream of retirement. Yeah, not happening. Once again his quest for permanent slackerdom is thwarted & this year it’s Willie’s fault.
Tony Birch once shared a prison cell with Willie but since being released 3 years ago, he’s opened his own garage & led an exemplary life. So when the body of an estranged childhood friend is found, it’s a bit of a shock when police arrest & charge Tony with murder. Ditto after the second body pops up. Tony has no idea what’s going on.…he just knows he needs that Carpenter guy who freed his friend.
Andy can’t say no to Willie so the case is a go & the digging begins. Turns out there’s actually a silver lining to working through the holidays…..they rarely play Xmas carols in jail or the court room.
With Andy comes the rest of the team plus Laurie’s partners Marcus, Corey & Simon the Wonder Dog. At this point, I won’t mention the rest because there’s been a change to the starting line-up. Yup, one of the old (ir)regulars has moved on & been replaced. And no, I’m not telling.
Which brings me to the second change. This series has always been known for its humour & much of that was due to the MC being a smart-ass. It’s a hard act to maintain without it becoming “schtick” & maybe that’s why the author has dialled it down in this outing. There’s still plenty to make you smile but it’s the investigation/mystery that takes centre stage & it’s a cracker.
In alternate chapters, we’re privy to some nefarious stuff going on in the background but even then, I bet you’ll have trouble spotting the person behind it all. If you’re read previous books, you know it’s like spending time with old friends….albeit friends who seem to attract death & dismemberment. Might have to rethink that.
Anyhoo, it makes for an effortless read that keeps you on your toes. An intricate mystery, great characters & a herd of dogs….pretty much all you need.
June 24, 2021
Review posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank goodness for Andy Carpenter!
Do you like a dry, witty, sarcastic sense of humor? If so, look no further than David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series! Truth be told, I read this series solely because of Andy Carpenter. His sense of humor makes me laugh out loud more times than I can count. I love Andy’s relationship with his wife Laurie and enjoy the storyline, but if the book simply focused on Andy trading witty barbs with others, I’d be one happy gal.
In “Silent Bite” a crime takes place (as it always does). This time, Andy’s partner Willie, asks Andy to represent a friend of his who was arrested for murder. Though Andy would prefer to stay semi-retired, as always, he agrees to represent Tony Birch, who he believes was wrongfully accused. Now comes the hard part, proving it. Thank goodness, Andy has his team behind him to assist.
A well-done mystery/suspense that kept me gripped to the storyline, while completely entertained by Andy Carpenter’s antics. I listened to the audiobook and truly enjoyed the narrator.
3.35 Stars
A buddy listen with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and David Rosenfelt for the arc. Thank you also to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
Thank goodness for Andy Carpenter!
Do you like a dry, witty, sarcastic sense of humor? If so, look no further than David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series! Truth be told, I read this series solely because of Andy Carpenter. His sense of humor makes me laugh out loud more times than I can count. I love Andy’s relationship with his wife Laurie and enjoy the storyline, but if the book simply focused on Andy trading witty barbs with others, I’d be one happy gal.
In “Silent Bite” a crime takes place (as it always does). This time, Andy’s partner Willie, asks Andy to represent a friend of his who was arrested for murder. Though Andy would prefer to stay semi-retired, as always, he agrees to represent Tony Birch, who he believes was wrongfully accused. Now comes the hard part, proving it. Thank goodness, Andy has his team behind him to assist.
A well-done mystery/suspense that kept me gripped to the storyline, while completely entertained by Andy Carpenter’s antics. I listened to the audiobook and truly enjoyed the narrator.
3.35 Stars
A buddy listen with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and David Rosenfelt for the arc. Thank you also to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
February 8, 2022
3.5 stars
In this 22nd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the attorney represents an ex-convict accused of 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 Andy's ex-con friend Willie Miller, who helps run The Tara Foundation, implores the lawyer to defend his old cellmate Tony Birch, Andy (reluctantly) says yes. Tony Birch once belonged to a gang called the Fulton Street Boyz, and is accused of killing two former gang members who ratted him out to the cops, sending him to prison for three years.
Tony has been out of jail for six years now, running an auto repair shop, and Andy deems it unlikely the ex-con waited this long to get revenge. Moreover, Andy learns that the Fulton Street Boyz was a satellite gang of The Blood Dragons, which is led by a thug called Luther.
Andy thinks Luther may have killed the dead Fulton Street Boyz and framed Tony. Things get even more complicated when additional bodies turn up, all of them connected to gang activity is some fashion.
Once Andy gets the Tony Birch case, he prepares his team to defend the ex-con. Andy's crew includes a new hire, attorney Eddie Dowd, who's a former football player;
secretary Edna - who does no work;
and computer genius Sam Willis - who can hack anything.
Andy is also assisted by his wife Laurie, an ex-cop who runs a detective agency.
Laurie's partners are Marcus Clark - the scariest man on Earth;
Corey Douglas - a former cop; and Simon Garfunkel - Corey's ex K-9 partner.
All this takes place during the Christmas season, which - in Laurie's eyes - lasts four months. This means four months of Christmas decorations and Christmas music, which is a tad too much for Andy.
Andy observes, "It doesn't take me long to get sick of Bing Crosby telling me that Santa knows when I've been sleeping and when I'm awake."
Andy's a good husband, father, and doggy-daddy, and he's very attentive to the family pooches Tara and Sebastian.
In this book Andy also helps care for Tony's dog Zooey, who's staying at the Tara Foundation while her owner is in the clink awaiting trial.
Part of the charm of the Andy Carpenter books is the humor, and new character, attorney Eddie Dowd - who loves sports expressions, adds to the fun. Eddie is replacing Andy's old partner Hike, who's moving away, and Eddie says, "I'd just like to say that it's a pleasure to pinch-hit for Hike, and as long as I'm in the lineup, I'll give a hundred and ten percent." Eddie also talks about legal matters in terms of spiking balls, the end zone, making a play, a slam dunk, and so on.
Andy can follow the baseball, football and basketball allusions, but says "If [Eddie] starts making cricket or badminton references, I'm going to be lost."
Andy's snarky humor permeates the story, including the courtroom scenes, and the book provides a lot of laughs. For instance, Andy has to chitchat in one scene and he remarks, "I'm forced into make conversation mode. It is not my favorite mode; 'cherry pie à la' is my favorite mode."
This is a fun cozy that would appeal to fans of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (David Rosenfelt), and the publisher (Minotaur Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 19, 2020
Whenever I need a break from serious, dark mysteries, I can count on Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. Not only do I enjoy the humor, the self deprecating wit of Andy, but the characters are all like old friends.
This was one of the few times I knew exactly who the murderer was, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment.
Grover Gardner continues to do a great job of channeling Andy, to the point I hear him in my head even when I read one of the books.
This was one of the few times I knew exactly who the murderer was, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment.
Grover Gardner continues to do a great job of channeling Andy, to the point I hear him in my head even when I read one of the books.
May 31, 2021
Rosenfelt mailed this one in. He's written much better stories. 2 of 10 stars
August 30, 2020
I wish to express a big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of Silent Bite. I am always delighted to read a new book in the Andy Carpenter series. It is hard to believe that this is book number 22 as the author always manages to keep his plots fresh and different.
It is hard to resist the beautiful dogs pictured on every book cover. The dogs may only play a minor role in the plots, but their presence earns them their place on the eye-catching covers. Although humorous, these books contain serious, complex criminal cases and interesting courtroom drama. These are excellent, intricately plotted crime thrillers with complicated, well- constructed and believable stories.
These books have contained mob violence, drug trafficking, smuggling, gang-related killings, terrorism, and international conspiracies. Silent Night keeps up with the previous despicable crimes.
Andy Carpenter, a semiretired defence attorney is an enjoyable protagonist and narrator. He has a witty, sardonic sense of humour that is displayed in his sarcastic thoughts and retorts. Being independently wealthy, he only accepts cases where a dog is somehow involved. The cases centre around difficult and dangerous investigations involving Andy, his wife (a former police officer), and friends with various skills. Andy's talents as a defence attorney arguing in seemingly impossible cases always add suspense.
In Silent Night, his client is an innocent man in prison for two murders. He has been previously incarcerated, and evidence against him keeps piling up. He does have a cute dog that is being cared for by Andy's Dog Rescue foundation while its master is in prison.
Andy feels he may have been set up by a mob boss who runs a gang involved in drug sales, sex trafficking, and business protection rackets. Soon there are 13 more murders. What is going on? How does all the mayhem and murder relate to his client? Is there a gang war? There is a big twist in the story when Andy is almost shot. At this time the killer and the motive are revealed. I did not anticipate this surprise ending.
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually runs a dog rescue foundation responsible for 4,000 rescues. He is presently the owner of 27 dogs.
It is hard to resist the beautiful dogs pictured on every book cover. The dogs may only play a minor role in the plots, but their presence earns them their place on the eye-catching covers. Although humorous, these books contain serious, complex criminal cases and interesting courtroom drama. These are excellent, intricately plotted crime thrillers with complicated, well- constructed and believable stories.
These books have contained mob violence, drug trafficking, smuggling, gang-related killings, terrorism, and international conspiracies. Silent Night keeps up with the previous despicable crimes.
Andy Carpenter, a semiretired defence attorney is an enjoyable protagonist and narrator. He has a witty, sardonic sense of humour that is displayed in his sarcastic thoughts and retorts. Being independently wealthy, he only accepts cases where a dog is somehow involved. The cases centre around difficult and dangerous investigations involving Andy, his wife (a former police officer), and friends with various skills. Andy's talents as a defence attorney arguing in seemingly impossible cases always add suspense.
In Silent Night, his client is an innocent man in prison for two murders. He has been previously incarcerated, and evidence against him keeps piling up. He does have a cute dog that is being cared for by Andy's Dog Rescue foundation while its master is in prison.
Andy feels he may have been set up by a mob boss who runs a gang involved in drug sales, sex trafficking, and business protection rackets. Soon there are 13 more murders. What is going on? How does all the mayhem and murder relate to his client? Is there a gang war? There is a big twist in the story when Andy is almost shot. At this time the killer and the motive are revealed. I did not anticipate this surprise ending.
The author, David Rosenfelt, actually runs a dog rescue foundation responsible for 4,000 rescues. He is presently the owner of 27 dogs.
November 25, 2020
3.5 ⭐
Andy #22 isn't really a Christmas nor a dog story. Silent Bite follows the same format- Andy, a semi retired lawyer ends up defending an ex-convict with help from amusing cast of characters.
Andy #22 isn't really a Christmas nor a dog story. Silent Bite follows the same format- Andy, a semi retired lawyer ends up defending an ex-convict with help from amusing cast of characters.
October 29, 2020
This is the 22nd book in the Andy Carpenter mystery series by David Rosenfelt. Andy is a defense attorney, and semi-retired. He's not looking for any new cases, but Willie asks Andy to defend his friend and former cellmate accused of murder. Willie is Andy's friend and business partner - they started the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization. Andy isn't thrilled about the case, but he decides to take it on.
This is a series I enjoy, and I'm always excited to read the latest addition to it. I recommend reading the series in order, but this book can be read as a standalone.
A fast-paced mystery with interesting characters and a gripping plot. Recommended for fans of legal thrillers and books featuring dogs. Complex, humorous, and exciting.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a series I enjoy, and I'm always excited to read the latest addition to it. I recommend reading the series in order, but this book can be read as a standalone.
A fast-paced mystery with interesting characters and a gripping plot. Recommended for fans of legal thrillers and books featuring dogs. Complex, humorous, and exciting.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
Andy Carpenter, semi-retired lawyer and rescue dog foundation co-founder, has a problem. His partner at the foundation wants him to take a case of a friend accused of murder. Tony is accused of killing the guy whose lies put him in prison the first time, but since Tony has a dog, Andy takes his case. Is someone trying to frame Tony, possibly an elusive local gang boss? Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter books are always a great reading escape for me. I can count on humor, well-defined characters, and a cleverly plotted mystery. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review an ARC.
December 29, 2025
Lawyer Andy Carpenter can finally take a breath; he’s almost back on dry land after a family Caribbean cruise forced on him by his wife, Laurie, to get into the Christmas spirit. Andy can’t wait to get back to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. But before the boat even docks, Andy gets several calls from his partner, Willie Miller. He needs to see Andy as soon as the Carpenters are back on solid ground. When Andy arrives home, he finds that all is not calm or bright, and Willie needs his help. Willie’s old cellmate, Tony Birch, has been arrested for murder. Andy doesn’t necessarily believe in Tony, but Willie does. And Andy believes in Willie, which is why Andy decides to take the case.
It's another Christmas season, which Andy's wife Laurie, celebrates from Thanksgiving dinner to the end of February. Andy gets involved in his next case soon after he gives a homeless man who's living on the street a $20 bill and a PetSmart gift card for his dog. I loved the gift card for the dog. I'd have also given the dog the $20 dollar bill:) Andy soon learns that one of his friends who runs a shelter has the man's dog and the man is sleeping outside the dog's cage. It seems that when the man was attacked, his dog bit the assailant. (GOOD DOG!) The Christmas Spirit convinces Andy to take the man and the dog to his garage apartment.
This made me love Andy...but I loved him even more when we find out that Don Carrigan is an Iraq war veteran who has PTSD and claustrophobia. He lives on the street because he can't tolerate being inside or in any closed in spaces. He had only recently adopted the dog, Zoey, who is soon to become a "MOM". A "feel-good" story that has an unexpected consequence. Soon...Don is arrested and charged with murder.
He's being accused of the murder of Steven McMaster, a wealthy grocery distributor. The murder was based on Don, by how the murder was carried out...a hair that when matched by DNA was found to belong to Don...and a ring found in Don's locker at a local soup kitchen. Don says that he doesn't even know Steven McMaster and certainly had no reason whatsoever to kill him. Andy assembles his team and begins to look into this collection of what is clearly only circumstantial evidence.
Meanwhile, there are some other deaths that don't appear to be connected to McMaster's, but some ARE connected to Don. The man who attacked him and was identified by DNA that was never matched at the scene, is now a murder victim. Now we have a dead lawyer, an ex -wife, a former boyfriend and a judge that was connected to a messy divorce some time earlier.
Andy uses his wit, charm, and cleverness to work his way to the truth in this holiday mystery for dog lovers and other fans of this series. I did really enjoy the book, but I really wanted to know that the dog got to spend his gift card at PetSmart.
It's another Christmas season, which Andy's wife Laurie, celebrates from Thanksgiving dinner to the end of February. Andy gets involved in his next case soon after he gives a homeless man who's living on the street a $20 bill and a PetSmart gift card for his dog. I loved the gift card for the dog. I'd have also given the dog the $20 dollar bill:) Andy soon learns that one of his friends who runs a shelter has the man's dog and the man is sleeping outside the dog's cage. It seems that when the man was attacked, his dog bit the assailant. (GOOD DOG!) The Christmas Spirit convinces Andy to take the man and the dog to his garage apartment.
This made me love Andy...but I loved him even more when we find out that Don Carrigan is an Iraq war veteran who has PTSD and claustrophobia. He lives on the street because he can't tolerate being inside or in any closed in spaces. He had only recently adopted the dog, Zoey, who is soon to become a "MOM". A "feel-good" story that has an unexpected consequence. Soon...Don is arrested and charged with murder.
He's being accused of the murder of Steven McMaster, a wealthy grocery distributor. The murder was based on Don, by how the murder was carried out...a hair that when matched by DNA was found to belong to Don...and a ring found in Don's locker at a local soup kitchen. Don says that he doesn't even know Steven McMaster and certainly had no reason whatsoever to kill him. Andy assembles his team and begins to look into this collection of what is clearly only circumstantial evidence.
Meanwhile, there are some other deaths that don't appear to be connected to McMaster's, but some ARE connected to Don. The man who attacked him and was identified by DNA that was never matched at the scene, is now a murder victim. Now we have a dead lawyer, an ex -wife, a former boyfriend and a judge that was connected to a messy divorce some time earlier.
Andy uses his wit, charm, and cleverness to work his way to the truth in this holiday mystery for dog lovers and other fans of this series. I did really enjoy the book, but I really wanted to know that the dog got to spend his gift card at PetSmart.
May 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m addicted to Andy Carpenter an amazing narrator. Love the story lines, the mystery and all the dogs.
I’m addicted to Andy Carpenter an amazing narrator. Love the story lines, the mystery and all the dogs.
October 15, 2020
This will not be a fun Christmas for Andy Carpenter, attorney-at-law; murder cases do not follow a holiday calendar, but it will be fun for readers; Carpenter and crew are back in book twenty-two. Readers know the characters; it is almost like visiting with relatives who live out of town; they have matured, but their personalities have remained the same. Andy is still Andy; Laurie still gives him perspective; they both dote on an older Ricky, and everyone is preoccupied with dogs.
The book opens with a scene that provides the inciting event for the story. Following the structure that readers expect and love, the story unfolds in Andy Carpenter’s first person narrative full of sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and astounding insight. All the familiar characters are there, along with a few new ones. Andy makes quick introductions for new readers, and then proceeds to try not to work, not to get killed, and to protect owners of dogs everywhere. He talks to readers, but mostly talks to himself as only Andy can. His account is occasionally interrupted by other accounts so readers know what Andy does not.
The plot has the expected elements; an innocent dog owner is unjustly accused of a dreadful crime. As bodies pile up, conflicting evidence is abundant. Things become complicated in a dark world of warring street gangs, organized crime, and a possible serial killer; it is New Jersey after all. Andy uncovers something awful that happened in the past and wonders if people might just be waiting a long time for revenge. Of course, the case goes to trial so Andy can have his “Perry Mason moment.” The results are never in doubt, the man owns a dog who loves him after all, but the details, the specifics, are dramatic and unanticipated.
Every Andy Carpenter book is funny, dramatic, and full of unexpected events; “Silent Bite” is no exception. It is enjoyable with just the right amount of drama and suspense. The clues are expertly hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered, but easily overlooked. I received a review copy of “Silent Bite” from David Rosenfelt, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Publishing Group. When I read my first Andy Carpenter novel several years ago, I just had to go back and read them all starting at the first one. For new readers, I recommend reading this book, and then doing the same thing, going back and reading them all.
The book opens with a scene that provides the inciting event for the story. Following the structure that readers expect and love, the story unfolds in Andy Carpenter’s first person narrative full of sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and astounding insight. All the familiar characters are there, along with a few new ones. Andy makes quick introductions for new readers, and then proceeds to try not to work, not to get killed, and to protect owners of dogs everywhere. He talks to readers, but mostly talks to himself as only Andy can. His account is occasionally interrupted by other accounts so readers know what Andy does not.
The plot has the expected elements; an innocent dog owner is unjustly accused of a dreadful crime. As bodies pile up, conflicting evidence is abundant. Things become complicated in a dark world of warring street gangs, organized crime, and a possible serial killer; it is New Jersey after all. Andy uncovers something awful that happened in the past and wonders if people might just be waiting a long time for revenge. Of course, the case goes to trial so Andy can have his “Perry Mason moment.” The results are never in doubt, the man owns a dog who loves him after all, but the details, the specifics, are dramatic and unanticipated.
Every Andy Carpenter book is funny, dramatic, and full of unexpected events; “Silent Bite” is no exception. It is enjoyable with just the right amount of drama and suspense. The clues are expertly hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered, but easily overlooked. I received a review copy of “Silent Bite” from David Rosenfelt, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin’s Publishing Group. When I read my first Andy Carpenter novel several years ago, I just had to go back and read them all starting at the first one. For new readers, I recommend reading this book, and then doing the same thing, going back and reading them all.
September 15, 2020
I am an Andy Carpenter fan.
This is #22 in the series and #16 for me.
I believe this just might be my favorite… I am like Laurie; I go a bit nutty with Christmas!
Much to my delight there is usually an Andy Christmas novel. If anyone else is like me, you may want to read: Deck the Hounds, Twelve Dogs of Christmas, and/or Dachshund Through the Snow.
I just love this series. Andy has me laughing out-loud. I do enjoy his wit.
This is my second Andy Kindle e-book. Typically I get the audio as narrator Grover Gardner is Andy Carpenter. In fact, as I am reading this I can hear Mr. Gardner’s deadpan voice.
I enjoy courtroom drama ~ Andy always has a twist ~ kind of a wait for it ~ as I know it is coming.
Yes this series follows a formula and only strays a little. In this case, the ending is a bit different but I like it!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eGalley of this book. This file has been made available to be before publication in an early form for professional review purposes. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 13, 2020.
This is #22 in the series and #16 for me.
I believe this just might be my favorite… I am like Laurie; I go a bit nutty with Christmas!
Much to my delight there is usually an Andy Christmas novel. If anyone else is like me, you may want to read: Deck the Hounds, Twelve Dogs of Christmas, and/or Dachshund Through the Snow.
I just love this series. Andy has me laughing out-loud. I do enjoy his wit.
This is my second Andy Kindle e-book. Typically I get the audio as narrator Grover Gardner is Andy Carpenter. In fact, as I am reading this I can hear Mr. Gardner’s deadpan voice.
I enjoy courtroom drama ~ Andy always has a twist ~ kind of a wait for it ~ as I know it is coming.
Yes this series follows a formula and only strays a little. In this case, the ending is a bit different but I like it!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eGalley of this book. This file has been made available to be before publication in an early form for professional review purposes. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 13, 2020.
January 3, 2021
These audibooks are always a light weight and enjoyable listen for me, partly because I really like Grover Gardner’s narration style and also because there are dogs, kids, and ‘nice’ characters.
December 13, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
I should really read more of Rosenfelt's books about attorney Andy Carpenter (who BTW, loves dogs). They are filled with just the right amount of humor and suspense. While not really a Christmas book, this story takes place in December (altho Andy's wife has been celebrating Christmas since Halloween).
I should really read more of Rosenfelt's books about attorney Andy Carpenter (who BTW, loves dogs). They are filled with just the right amount of humor and suspense. While not really a Christmas book, this story takes place in December (altho Andy's wife has been celebrating Christmas since Halloween).
October 29, 2020
A Christmas cozy with a bite, SILENT BITE was the first book I've read by author David Rosenfelt. Once I got to know the characters, the story came to life. I'll checkout more books by Mr. Rosenfelt.
October 21, 2020
I have a confession to make. I love David Rosenfelt"s books. Whether Andy Carpenter's series of a lawyer who would really rather not have clients to his stand alone books of mystery and thrillers, Rosenfelt has the ability to pull the readers in at page 1 and keep the story moving and the characters entertaining until the reveal where the bad guys are found out and get their just desserts.
SILENT BITE is book #22 in the Andy Carpenter series. While it's a perfectly great stand alone story, all of this series will keep readers chuckling at the snarky lawyer and his long suffering wife/ investigative partner. The characters quickly become old friends in the same vein as the Stephanie Plum series. The whole gang work very hard to keep Andy safe while he works towards the moment of genius that lets him save the day and his client. Silent Bite finds Andy relaxing at home after suffering through a cruise with his loving family...Andy suffers whenever he must leave home except to walk Tara and Sebastian, his dogs. Andy is asked to accept a client as a favor to a friend that he cannot turn down, even though he tries very hard to run it down. And the fun has started.
Everyone of my friends and family have read David Rosenfelt's books. They receive them for every gift giving occasion and many occasions that occur because there is a new book and they need to read it. If you love Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton books, you should read these. Heck, you should read them even if you don't like the others.
SILENT BITE is book #22 in the Andy Carpenter series. While it's a perfectly great stand alone story, all of this series will keep readers chuckling at the snarky lawyer and his long suffering wife/ investigative partner. The characters quickly become old friends in the same vein as the Stephanie Plum series. The whole gang work very hard to keep Andy safe while he works towards the moment of genius that lets him save the day and his client. Silent Bite finds Andy relaxing at home after suffering through a cruise with his loving family...Andy suffers whenever he must leave home except to walk Tara and Sebastian, his dogs. Andy is asked to accept a client as a favor to a friend that he cannot turn down, even though he tries very hard to run it down. And the fun has started.
Everyone of my friends and family have read David Rosenfelt's books. They receive them for every gift giving occasion and many occasions that occur because there is a new book and they need to read it. If you love Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton books, you should read these. Heck, you should read them even if you don't like the others.
August 28, 2020
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). This time his partner in dog rescue asks him to defend a friend he met in prison (see books 1 and 2). It's a case of murder and soon becomes a lot more than that. Lots of sleuthing combined with humor and suspense. Another winner in my book!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
December 8, 2021
Erm. Not quite up to 3 stars. Maybe I'm over this series. As I told my spouse, "at least there wasn't a world-threatening disaster which Andy stopped."
Dec 2021: These books don't have chapter designations in the Kindle index. Which is more annoying than it used to be, given some changes in how Kindle Paperwhites work in the last rounds of updates, especially that the 'back arrow' at the top of the header doesn't just go back to where you were, as it used to do, so conveniently.
Dec 2021: These books don't have chapter designations in the Kindle index. Which is more annoying than it used to be, given some changes in how Kindle Paperwhites work in the last rounds of updates, especially that the 'back arrow' at the top of the header doesn't just go back to where you were, as it used to do, so conveniently.
October 3, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Wow. Andy Carpenter #22. That's hard to believe. It doesn't seem that long ago that I started reading these (I think back in the single digits). But all-in-all, it's been a fun ride. How's this one stack up?
WHAT'S SILENT BITE ABOUT?
When Andy and his family return from a holiday cruise (a novella describing that in more detail than we got here would quickly become a fan favorite, no doubt), he's got a bunch of messages from Willie Miller. A friend, and former cellmate, of Willie's has been arrested for murder. Both Willie and his friend, Tony Birch, want Andy to take the case and clear him. Andy wants nothing to do with a problematic looking case*, but Willie's a friend—and Andy's son, Ricky, has pointed out that Willie does stuff for Andy all the time. Also, Tony has a dog that's miserable without him around.
* or any case, really.
The murder victim is one of the witnesses against Birch for the manslaughter charge that put him in prison with Willie years ago. At the trial, Tony threatened to kill him (and a few others) for turning on him, after years in a gang together. But upon his release from prison, years before this new murder, Tony had turned his life around—he owned and operated a fairly successful auto repair garage, and had no interest in criminal activity again. So why seek vengeance now?
And why be as utterly stupid with the murder weapon as the prosecution wants people to believe?
But then another witness against Tony in the original case turns up dead, and things start looking really bad for him. So it's up to Andy and his team to save the day.
ZOEY, THE NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TROLLING RETRIEVER
I really don't have much to say about Zoey, Tony's dog, but I've never heard of her breed before—and I don't feel too bad about that Andy hadn't seen one before. If your day could use a little lift, take a minute or two to scroll through some pictures online. Cute dogs.*
* That's a tautology, I realize.
THE NEW ASSOCIATE
In most of his cases, Andy Carpenter utilizes an associate to do the ugly detailed work, filing motions, looking up pertinent case law, and so on, while Andy goes around visiting people, investigating, getting saved from certain peril by Marcus Clerk, and being snarky and clever in court. He started with Kevin Randall, who owned a laundromat and gave legal advice to those who couldn't afford it. He eventually moved on and Hike Lynch moved in—largely, I think because Hike is a more entertaining character than Kevin. Well, Hike isn't around for this one and he suggests Eddie Dowd step in.
Eddie used to play for the Giants, but a knee injury ended that career, so he went to law school. He speaks almost entirely in sports phrases (spike the ball, put me in, pitch in, and so on). It's fairly ridiculous, but when done right, it's pretty funny. He's a nice change from the Eeyore-like character that Hike had been. I'm not sure if he'll be back, or if Hike will return—I'll be glad to see him if he is, even if it seems like the joke about his figures of speech will get old. I have faith in Rosenfelt. I'd have thought that Hike's extreme pessimism or Kevin's hypochondria would.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SILENT BITE?
I thought the identity of the killer was pretty obvious, but Rosenfelt's execution of the reveal and of keeping Andy from seeing the solution all along sold me. I can't be more descriptive of that because I don't want to tip anything. It was a great conclusion to a really solid legal thriller, that comes with all the canine affection, snappy dialogue, some clever courtroom action, and a solid plot. Pretty much what the doctor ordered.
Once we got The K Team this year, with Muzzled as well, I didn't figure we'd have a Holiday Andy Carpenter book. Then when I saw this was coming, I worried it wouldn't live up to the other Holiday books in this series. I kept being wrong about this book—we got it and it wasn't a let-down. Rosenfelt managed to give us three strong novels in 2020 (hey, look, 2020 didn't wind up in a disaster on one front!)—that right there, folks, is a sign of a professional.
Whether you're new to the world of this would-be retired criminal defense lawyer and are in the mood for a witty and sharp legal thriller, or if you're familiar with Andy and his associates—this will entertain you. You'd do well to give this a shot.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
---
Wow. Andy Carpenter #22. That's hard to believe. It doesn't seem that long ago that I started reading these (I think back in the single digits). But all-in-all, it's been a fun ride. How's this one stack up?
WHAT'S SILENT BITE ABOUT?
When Andy and his family return from a holiday cruise (a novella describing that in more detail than we got here would quickly become a fan favorite, no doubt), he's got a bunch of messages from Willie Miller. A friend, and former cellmate, of Willie's has been arrested for murder. Both Willie and his friend, Tony Birch, want Andy to take the case and clear him. Andy wants nothing to do with a problematic looking case*, but Willie's a friend—and Andy's son, Ricky, has pointed out that Willie does stuff for Andy all the time. Also, Tony has a dog that's miserable without him around.
* or any case, really.
The murder victim is one of the witnesses against Birch for the manslaughter charge that put him in prison with Willie years ago. At the trial, Tony threatened to kill him (and a few others) for turning on him, after years in a gang together. But upon his release from prison, years before this new murder, Tony had turned his life around—he owned and operated a fairly successful auto repair garage, and had no interest in criminal activity again. So why seek vengeance now?
And why be as utterly stupid with the murder weapon as the prosecution wants people to believe?
But then another witness against Tony in the original case turns up dead, and things start looking really bad for him. So it's up to Andy and his team to save the day.
ZOEY, THE NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TROLLING RETRIEVER
I really don't have much to say about Zoey, Tony's dog, but I've never heard of her breed before—and I don't feel too bad about that Andy hadn't seen one before. If your day could use a little lift, take a minute or two to scroll through some pictures online. Cute dogs.*
* That's a tautology, I realize.
THE NEW ASSOCIATE
In most of his cases, Andy Carpenter utilizes an associate to do the ugly detailed work, filing motions, looking up pertinent case law, and so on, while Andy goes around visiting people, investigating, getting saved from certain peril by Marcus Clerk, and being snarky and clever in court. He started with Kevin Randall, who owned a laundromat and gave legal advice to those who couldn't afford it. He eventually moved on and Hike Lynch moved in—largely, I think because Hike is a more entertaining character than Kevin. Well, Hike isn't around for this one and he suggests Eddie Dowd step in.
Eddie used to play for the Giants, but a knee injury ended that career, so he went to law school. He speaks almost entirely in sports phrases (spike the ball, put me in, pitch in, and so on). It's fairly ridiculous, but when done right, it's pretty funny. He's a nice change from the Eeyore-like character that Hike had been. I'm not sure if he'll be back, or if Hike will return—I'll be glad to see him if he is, even if it seems like the joke about his figures of speech will get old. I have faith in Rosenfelt. I'd have thought that Hike's extreme pessimism or Kevin's hypochondria would.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SILENT BITE?
I thought the identity of the killer was pretty obvious, but Rosenfelt's execution of the reveal and of keeping Andy from seeing the solution all along sold me. I can't be more descriptive of that because I don't want to tip anything. It was a great conclusion to a really solid legal thriller, that comes with all the canine affection, snappy dialogue, some clever courtroom action, and a solid plot. Pretty much what the doctor ordered.
Once we got The K Team this year, with Muzzled as well, I didn't figure we'd have a Holiday Andy Carpenter book. Then when I saw this was coming, I worried it wouldn't live up to the other Holiday books in this series. I kept being wrong about this book—we got it and it wasn't a let-down. Rosenfelt managed to give us three strong novels in 2020 (hey, look, 2020 didn't wind up in a disaster on one front!)—that right there, folks, is a sign of a professional.
Whether you're new to the world of this would-be retired criminal defense lawyer and are in the mood for a witty and sharp legal thriller, or if you're familiar with Andy and his associates—this will entertain you. You'd do well to give this a shot.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
Read
January 10, 2023Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt is one of the Andy Carpenter series. I’ve read a few of the books in the series, and they are a lot of fun. They are a combination of legal thriller and cozy mystery peopled with engaging characters and furry friends. Andy Carpenter himself, a wealthy lawyer who would prefer not to have any clients but always gets talked into it, has a humorous, self-deprecating voice and intimate style that makes him feel like a close friend.
As Christmas looms on the horizon, Andy is once again roped into taking on a murder case. He just can’t say no to his loyal friend and business partner Willie. But neither of them has any idea of the sinister secrets that lurk beneath the surface.
Andy dives into the case and finds himself in a tangled web of lies and deceit. As he nears the end of his investigation, things are not going well Andy must put everything he has into solving the case and proving his client’s innocence before it is too late. Join him in this edge-of-your-seat legal thriller as he solves this complex case with wit and determination.
As Christmas looms on the horizon, Andy is once again roped into taking on a murder case. He just can’t say no to his loyal friend and business partner Willie. But neither of them has any idea of the sinister secrets that lurk beneath the surface.
Andy dives into the case and finds himself in a tangled web of lies and deceit. As he nears the end of his investigation, things are not going well Andy must put everything he has into solving the case and proving his client’s innocence before it is too late. Join him in this edge-of-your-seat legal thriller as he solves this complex case with wit and determination.
October 8, 2020
The always-entertaining Andy Carpenter strikes again!
The last thing wanna-be-retired lawyer Andy Carpenter wants is a new client, but when his good friend Willie Miller asks him to defend Tony Birch, a former cellmate of Willie’s who has been charged with murder, Andy knows that friendship trumps his desire not to work. And when he finds out that Tony’s rescue dog Zoey is sitting at Willie’s missing Tony, he knows he has to do his best to reunite them.
What can you say about the 22nd installment of a series that I and many others have thoroughly enjoyed since book 1? Fortunately, I can say that narrator Andy is still at the top of his game, both legally and with his wry commentary on human nature, including himself, about whom he comments “I’ve never been big on self-introspection, or even self-awareness. I don’t even take selfies. Pretty much the only self I can identify with is selfish.” The law profession does not escape his wit either: “Willie has a way of making everything simple; he would have flunked out of law school.”
As usual, Andy has his usual supporting cast to help him out, including a new fellow attorney, Eddie Dow, a retired pro football player, to replace Hike, who has fallen in love and moved to South Carolina. Eddie has left the game but not the vocabulary, and he spices up the discussions with football jargon.
Andy may be both a reluctant and skeptical lawyer, but he is committed to his client, and he turns in his usual stellar performance in the courtroom, all the while annoying the heck out of the judge and opposing counsel.
My only very mild disappointment with the book was the relatively low presence of the dog theme other than Tony’s connection with Zoey and Tara’s and Sebastian’s companionship with Andy .
If you have not read other books in the series , you can enjoy Silent Bite anyway, but I highly recommend you read the first book, Open and Shut first, to get the backstory, after which you can enjoy them in any order. There is not a bad one in the bunch, and I am confident you will want to read them all.
Despite the Christmas-themed title, Silent Bite does not involve holiday celebrations, but I am sure it will be on many Christmas lists!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance review copy of this book.
The last thing wanna-be-retired lawyer Andy Carpenter wants is a new client, but when his good friend Willie Miller asks him to defend Tony Birch, a former cellmate of Willie’s who has been charged with murder, Andy knows that friendship trumps his desire not to work. And when he finds out that Tony’s rescue dog Zoey is sitting at Willie’s missing Tony, he knows he has to do his best to reunite them.
What can you say about the 22nd installment of a series that I and many others have thoroughly enjoyed since book 1? Fortunately, I can say that narrator Andy is still at the top of his game, both legally and with his wry commentary on human nature, including himself, about whom he comments “I’ve never been big on self-introspection, or even self-awareness. I don’t even take selfies. Pretty much the only self I can identify with is selfish.” The law profession does not escape his wit either: “Willie has a way of making everything simple; he would have flunked out of law school.”
As usual, Andy has his usual supporting cast to help him out, including a new fellow attorney, Eddie Dow, a retired pro football player, to replace Hike, who has fallen in love and moved to South Carolina. Eddie has left the game but not the vocabulary, and he spices up the discussions with football jargon.
Andy may be both a reluctant and skeptical lawyer, but he is committed to his client, and he turns in his usual stellar performance in the courtroom, all the while annoying the heck out of the judge and opposing counsel.
My only very mild disappointment with the book was the relatively low presence of the dog theme other than Tony’s connection with Zoey and Tara’s and Sebastian’s companionship with Andy .
If you have not read other books in the series , you can enjoy Silent Bite anyway, but I highly recommend you read the first book, Open and Shut first, to get the backstory, after which you can enjoy them in any order. There is not a bad one in the bunch, and I am confident you will want to read them all.
Despite the Christmas-themed title, Silent Bite does not involve holiday celebrations, but I am sure it will be on many Christmas lists!
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance review copy of this book.
August 17, 2021
quick mystery. I couldn't follow the conspiracy as well and the reveal came to abruptly at the end. Of course my library copy was missing 30 pages so oh well.
May 8, 2024
I always enjoy Andy and his antics. I love the familiarity of the anchor characters in his world. The dog element just feels like home to me. Great story fun adventure.
August 30, 2020
Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. Seasons Greetings. Andy Carpenter. These are terms readers have come to identify with the Christmas season. Thankfully, for us, David Rosenfelt is the Santa Claus of writers and gifts us with another new book for the holidays. Rosenfelt doesn't disappoint with the latest entry in his delightful series. His main character still excels in badinage (which never fails to produce literal laugh out loud moments). There are thrills and plenty of nefarious activities to keep the reader eagerly turning the page. The characters we've come to know and love are back. However, this time we get the added bonus of a new member to the team. The Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier with each passing year, but it's never too soon to enjoy a seasonal treat from David Rosenfelt. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
November 2, 2020
This is #22 in the Andy Carpenter crime/legal procedural series that always manages to get us laughing out loud.
Andy Carpenter, the main character, is a “semi-retired” criminal defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey who hates to work, but keeps taking on new litigation anyway, albeit reluctantly. In this book, he explains that even besides not liking to work, it is fear that is behind Andy’s reluctance to take on clients: “. . . the risk that scares the shit out of me is having an innocent client and not being able to convince a jury of that truth. . . . that’s why I have to be dragged kicking and screaming into a courtroom.” He actually doesn’t have to work; he came into a lot of money from a previous win in court.
Usually a case comes to his attention because of some involvement of a dog. In this book, it is not only a dog that draws him in, but a plea from his friend, former client, and current partner Willie Miller. Willie and his wife Sondra are Andy’s partners in the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue operation. [In real life, the author founded the Tara Foundation as a home for sick or injured dogs, and the foundation has rescued over 4,000 dogs from shelters.]
Willie’s friend Tony Birch has been accused of the murder of Frank Zimmer, shot in the back of the head, but Willie tells Andy he is sure Tony is innocent. For that matter, Tony’s dog Zoey, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also seems to believe firmly in Tony’s goodness.
Andy takes on the case but without his usual partner, the lawyer Hike Lynch, who is moving out of town. At Hike’s recommendation, Andy hires Eddie Dowd, a lawyer who is a former football player for the Giants, and who very amusingly heavily peppers his legal analyses with sports analogies.
Tony used to be in a gang, but now is a respected owner of a car repair shop. Nevertheless, he has no alibi, and a strong motive, not only for Zimmer’s killing, but for the other related killings that have happened recently, complicating Andy’s investigation.
As the case goes to trial, Andy remains clueless about how to help Tony, until a sudden insight at the last moment allows him to come up with a defense that just might work, or not….
Evaluation: My husband and I love these books, which, by the way, you don’t really need to read in order to enjoy. This one takes place during the Christmas season (four months long in Andy’s house, much to his chagrin), which mainly serves to allow Andy to inject many jokes about the horrors of ubiquitous Christmas music. Andy’s sarcasm and wit are unfailingly entertaining, as are his relationships with the rest of his team, which includes his ex-cop wife Laurie and their “muscle,” Marcus. For a quick, diverting read that challenges you at the same time, you can’t go wrong with David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series.
Rating: 3.5/5
Andy Carpenter, the main character, is a “semi-retired” criminal defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey who hates to work, but keeps taking on new litigation anyway, albeit reluctantly. In this book, he explains that even besides not liking to work, it is fear that is behind Andy’s reluctance to take on clients: “. . . the risk that scares the shit out of me is having an innocent client and not being able to convince a jury of that truth. . . . that’s why I have to be dragged kicking and screaming into a courtroom.” He actually doesn’t have to work; he came into a lot of money from a previous win in court.
Usually a case comes to his attention because of some involvement of a dog. In this book, it is not only a dog that draws him in, but a plea from his friend, former client, and current partner Willie Miller. Willie and his wife Sondra are Andy’s partners in the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue operation. [In real life, the author founded the Tara Foundation as a home for sick or injured dogs, and the foundation has rescued over 4,000 dogs from shelters.]
Willie’s friend Tony Birch has been accused of the murder of Frank Zimmer, shot in the back of the head, but Willie tells Andy he is sure Tony is innocent. For that matter, Tony’s dog Zoey, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also seems to believe firmly in Tony’s goodness.
Andy takes on the case but without his usual partner, the lawyer Hike Lynch, who is moving out of town. At Hike’s recommendation, Andy hires Eddie Dowd, a lawyer who is a former football player for the Giants, and who very amusingly heavily peppers his legal analyses with sports analogies.
Tony used to be in a gang, but now is a respected owner of a car repair shop. Nevertheless, he has no alibi, and a strong motive, not only for Zimmer’s killing, but for the other related killings that have happened recently, complicating Andy’s investigation.
As the case goes to trial, Andy remains clueless about how to help Tony, until a sudden insight at the last moment allows him to come up with a defense that just might work, or not….
Evaluation: My husband and I love these books, which, by the way, you don’t really need to read in order to enjoy. This one takes place during the Christmas season (four months long in Andy’s house, much to his chagrin), which mainly serves to allow Andy to inject many jokes about the horrors of ubiquitous Christmas music. Andy’s sarcasm and wit are unfailingly entertaining, as are his relationships with the rest of his team, which includes his ex-cop wife Laurie and their “muscle,” Marcus. For a quick, diverting read that challenges you at the same time, you can’t go wrong with David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series.
Rating: 3.5/5
October 23, 2020
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired lawyer who would prefer to be entirely retired so he could spend more time with the dog rescue he started with his friend, Willie, but somehow, something always drags him back into his law practice. This time, it’s as a favour to Willie whose friend and one-time cellmate, Tony Birch, has been charged with murder. Andy isn’t sure how he feels about it. Tony has a troublesome past as a member of violent gang and the man he was accused of murder had once testified against him many years ago which is how he had ended up in a cell with Willie. To make matters worse, after the earlier trial, he had been heard loudly threatening to kill the victim in front of dozens of witnesses.
But Willie has always been there when Andy needed help and, besides, Tony seems to have turned his life around since he got out of prison. But perhaps the most compelling evidence - he has a really sweet dog that clearly loves and misses him so Andy reluctantly takes the case. He figures there’s a slim chance he can win it...that is, until another man who testified agains Tony in the earlier case also turns up dead &, unfortunately, the forensic evidence shows it happened before Tony’s arrest.
Silent Bite is the twenty-second entry in the Andy Carpenter cozy mystery series by David Rosenfelt but it was the first I have read. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. It is smart and, if at times, it stretched my willing suspension of disbelief almost to the breaking, there is a good supply of wit and humour to make up for it. The story is told in the first person by Andy and the book is interspersed with self-deprecating jokes and anecdotes that, although having little to do with the story, are a whole lot of fun to read. If you’re looking for a fast, entertaining, and often laugh-out-loud funny Christmas cozy with plenty of wit and dogs, this may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
But Willie has always been there when Andy needed help and, besides, Tony seems to have turned his life around since he got out of prison. But perhaps the most compelling evidence - he has a really sweet dog that clearly loves and misses him so Andy reluctantly takes the case. He figures there’s a slim chance he can win it...that is, until another man who testified agains Tony in the earlier case also turns up dead &, unfortunately, the forensic evidence shows it happened before Tony’s arrest.
Silent Bite is the twenty-second entry in the Andy Carpenter cozy mystery series by David Rosenfelt but it was the first I have read. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. It is smart and, if at times, it stretched my willing suspension of disbelief almost to the breaking, there is a good supply of wit and humour to make up for it. The story is told in the first person by Andy and the book is interspersed with self-deprecating jokes and anecdotes that, although having little to do with the story, are a whole lot of fun to read. If you’re looking for a fast, entertaining, and often laugh-out-loud funny Christmas cozy with plenty of wit and dogs, this may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2020
Another touch down for Rosenfelt! Home-run hysterical!
the amusing character Hike has been replaced by another amusing one. Eddie is an ex-football player turned lawyer who speaks in sports analogies. (hence my reference)
Another interesting case that Andy has reluctantly taken on b/c of Willie & a dog.
Lots of laugh-out loud humor. The usual great supporting characters. And X-Mas as a backdrop theme which was also funny b/c Laurie considers it more than a 2 day holiday.
And if you're not aware, Rosenfelt has created a spin-off series w/his investigators called the K-Team. Because Andy isn't the featured protagonist in those books, the sarcastic humor isn't as prevalent but they're still good. I mention this b/c i'm glad that they're still present in the Carpenter books.
Though I will say, after the reveal of a clue, it became very obvious who the killer was. However, this didn't deter my reading enjoyment.
Normally i listen to these books on audio. (the narrator is good & it's an entertaining thing to do while i clean or do laundry) So i never noticed, but the writer doesn't number his chapters. I found that interesting & am curious as to the reason.
Some amusing quotes:
"..Laurie and Ricky wanted to go on one, so as we often do, we had a family vote. It would not have taken Gallup to predict that the final tabulation would be two votes in favor of going, and one opposed. I asked for the jury to be polled, but that didn't change the final count."
"The island shops were also decorated for Christmas, which seemed completely incongruous. It felt like 145 degrees outside, and all the windows were decorated with fake snow, candy canes and tinsel."
"We've also been doing our fair share of drinking, though it's embarassing that every drink I order comes with a little umbrella in it."
"I love Peanut M&M's. I used to think I preferred the blue ones, but then Laurie did a blind taste test on me, which demonstrated I couldn't tell the difference. I don't know why she does things like that to me; next she'll tell me there's no such thing as the tooth fairy."
the amusing character Hike has been replaced by another amusing one. Eddie is an ex-football player turned lawyer who speaks in sports analogies. (hence my reference)
Another interesting case that Andy has reluctantly taken on b/c of Willie & a dog.
Lots of laugh-out loud humor. The usual great supporting characters. And X-Mas as a backdrop theme which was also funny b/c Laurie considers it more than a 2 day holiday.
And if you're not aware, Rosenfelt has created a spin-off series w/his investigators called the K-Team. Because Andy isn't the featured protagonist in those books, the sarcastic humor isn't as prevalent but they're still good. I mention this b/c i'm glad that they're still present in the Carpenter books.
Though I will say, after the reveal of a clue, it became very obvious who the killer was. However, this didn't deter my reading enjoyment.
Normally i listen to these books on audio. (the narrator is good & it's an entertaining thing to do while i clean or do laundry) So i never noticed, but the writer doesn't number his chapters. I found that interesting & am curious as to the reason.
Some amusing quotes:
"..Laurie and Ricky wanted to go on one, so as we often do, we had a family vote. It would not have taken Gallup to predict that the final tabulation would be two votes in favor of going, and one opposed. I asked for the jury to be polled, but that didn't change the final count."
"The island shops were also decorated for Christmas, which seemed completely incongruous. It felt like 145 degrees outside, and all the windows were decorated with fake snow, candy canes and tinsel."
"We've also been doing our fair share of drinking, though it's embarassing that every drink I order comes with a little umbrella in it."
"I love Peanut M&M's. I used to think I preferred the blue ones, but then Laurie did a blind taste test on me, which demonstrated I couldn't tell the difference. I don't know why she does things like that to me; next she'll tell me there's no such thing as the tooth fairy."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews