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Andy Carpenter #24
Best in Snow
In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect.
Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow – white Christmas and all that – but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.
When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer.
Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow in Best in Snow, the next Christmas mystery in the bestselling Andy Carpenter series from David Rosenfelt.
Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow – white Christmas and all that – but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.
When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer.
Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow in Best in Snow, the next Christmas mystery in the bestselling Andy Carpenter series from David Rosenfelt.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2021
402 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,912 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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December 2, 2021
Best in Snow is book #24 of Andy Carpenter cozy legal series. This one in particular is delightful with holiday backdrop that begins a little before Thanksgiving and ends after New Year. If you listen to the audiobook, there's Christmas music providing much holiday cheer.🎄🎵
Andy is a defense attorney with three dogs. Tara -a Golden Retriever, Sebastian -a Basset Hound, and Hunter - a pug. One cold evening while walking the dogs, Tara got very excited at something and starts digging the snow. Andy ran over to see if she found a squirrel, but instead, he saw a hand sticking out of the snow. Andy calls his friend Pete who is captain of Paterson PD Homicide. Turns out the victim is the Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey.
Andy represents Bobby, a journalist who did an expose on the mayor through Vince, Bobby's mentor. Vince who isn't fond of dogs has to take care of Bobby's Golden Retriever puppy "Duchess" while Bobby stands trial.
Grover Gardner is fantastic as Andy Carpenter! I highly recommend the audiobook.
Andy is a defense attorney with three dogs. Tara -a Golden Retriever, Sebastian -a Basset Hound, and Hunter - a pug. One cold evening while walking the dogs, Tara got very excited at something and starts digging the snow. Andy ran over to see if she found a squirrel, but instead, he saw a hand sticking out of the snow. Andy calls his friend Pete who is captain of Paterson PD Homicide. Turns out the victim is the Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey.
Andy represents Bobby, a journalist who did an expose on the mayor through Vince, Bobby's mentor. Vince who isn't fond of dogs has to take care of Bobby's Golden Retriever puppy "Duchess" while Bobby stands trial.
Grover Gardner is fantastic as Andy Carpenter! I highly recommend the audiobook.
October 25, 2021
***NOW AVAILABLE AND PERFECT FOR THE COMING SEASON***
I jumped into this series with #23 “Dog Eat Dog” and have been listening to some of this author’s previous novels, which I have enjoyed.
I am pleased to say that I think the writing and intricacy of the plots just keeps getting better and better!! I LOVED LISTENING TO THIS NOVEL!!!
I wouldn’t call it a Christmas book but it does start on Thanksgiving and continues into the New Year.
Andy can’t seem to stay retired!! He is walking his dogs after a snowstorm and Tara, his much beloved Golden Retriever, spots something partially buried in the snow. IT TURNS OUT TO BE A HAND!! After the police and forensics are called in they discover that it is the Mayor of Paterson and a suspect is immediately arrested.
“The murder victim, Mayor Alex Oliva, has had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer”.
The editor knows that his ex-reporter is innocent and begs Andy to take the case. Vince is a long time friend of Andy’s, so he is once again thrown into his lawyer mode.
This plot is multi-layered and involves local criminals and possibly ties to the mob.
I found the narration by Grover Gardner again to be stellar!! There are laugh out loud scenes but also tension as we don’t know how Andy will burrow through all of the incriminating evidence against Bobby Nash.
I love this cast of characters which always includes his wife Laurie, an ex-police officer and his all around muscle man, Marcus. Dogs are Andy’s passion and there are some fun scenes involving the dogs.
Andy never fails to make me laugh with his wit and humor. I enjoyed the bantering between lawyers during the courtroom scenes and Andy always pushes his opponent and the judge with his style of “lawyering” as he calls it!
I can highly recommend this audiobook as it will keep you interested and entertained with a great mystery to untangle!!!
I received this audiobook from the publisher and MacMillan audio, through NetGalley. It is set to publish on October 19, 2021.
I jumped into this series with #23 “Dog Eat Dog” and have been listening to some of this author’s previous novels, which I have enjoyed.
I am pleased to say that I think the writing and intricacy of the plots just keeps getting better and better!! I LOVED LISTENING TO THIS NOVEL!!!
I wouldn’t call it a Christmas book but it does start on Thanksgiving and continues into the New Year.
Andy can’t seem to stay retired!! He is walking his dogs after a snowstorm and Tara, his much beloved Golden Retriever, spots something partially buried in the snow. IT TURNS OUT TO BE A HAND!! After the police and forensics are called in they discover that it is the Mayor of Paterson and a suspect is immediately arrested.
“The murder victim, Mayor Alex Oliva, has had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer”.
The editor knows that his ex-reporter is innocent and begs Andy to take the case. Vince is a long time friend of Andy’s, so he is once again thrown into his lawyer mode.
This plot is multi-layered and involves local criminals and possibly ties to the mob.
I found the narration by Grover Gardner again to be stellar!! There are laugh out loud scenes but also tension as we don’t know how Andy will burrow through all of the incriminating evidence against Bobby Nash.
I love this cast of characters which always includes his wife Laurie, an ex-police officer and his all around muscle man, Marcus. Dogs are Andy’s passion and there are some fun scenes involving the dogs.
Andy never fails to make me laugh with his wit and humor. I enjoyed the bantering between lawyers during the courtroom scenes and Andy always pushes his opponent and the judge with his style of “lawyering” as he calls it!
I can highly recommend this audiobook as it will keep you interested and entertained with a great mystery to untangle!!!
I received this audiobook from the publisher and MacMillan audio, through NetGalley. It is set to publish on October 19, 2021.
November 3, 2022
3.5 stars
In this 24th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, set during the holiday season, the defense attorney represents a man accused of killing the mayor of Paterson, New Jersey. 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 hangs out with his wife Laurie - who's in Christmas mode; son Ricky - who likes to play sports; and three dogs - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Hunter.
Andy also schmoozes with his friends at a local sports bar; helps run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; watches football on television; etc.
Every evening before bed, Andy takes the dogs for a walk in the park. One snowy night before Thanksgiving Tara digs a hole in the ground and unearths a hand. The hand is attached to Alex Oliva, the mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, who's been shot in the back.
Within eight hours the police arrest a disgraced reporter named Bobby Nash, who had written an article saying the mayor took bribes to steer business to a local contractor. Bobby's 'proof' didn't hold up, he was accused of libel, and he lost his job. Bobby is arrested in the hospital because he was in a car crash on the night of the murder and is seriously injured.
Newspaper editor Vince Sanders - who's Bobby's mentor and Andy's friend - prevails on Andy to represent Bobby, and Andy reluctantly agrees. When Andy interviews Bobby in the hospital, the journalist confides he can't remember much about the night of the mayor's murder. Bobby also tells Andy that the woman who gave him 'proof' of Mayor Oliva's corruption later denied everything, and he thinks she purposely set him up. This woman comes to a bad end as well.
Bobby is eventually accused of two murders.
As Andy prepares for trial, he puts all his resources to work to prove Bobby's innocence. This includes Andy's law partner Eddie Dowd - a former football player who speaks in sports clichés;
the bubbeleh brigade - a cadre of elderly Jewish computer hackers;
and the K-Team - 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.
The bubbeleh brigade always brings homemade rugelach, which is a nice treat.
Andy and his team uncover a complicated conspiracy, and the conspirators want to make Andy and his client go away.
Luckily Marcus is equivalent to Spiderman, Superman, and Batman rolled into one, and Marcus always has Andy's back.
Andy is his usual sarcastic jokey self, and the narrative provides plenty of laughs. Moreover, newspaper editor Vince - who's NOT a dog person - get's temporary custody of Bobby's golden retriever Duchess....and it's fun to see Vince warm up to the pooch.
The story is set during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, so the narrative is interspersed with delicious meals; Christmas trees; Christmas decorations; Christmas music; gift-wrapping; televised football games; and so on - all of which provides a nice holiday vibe.
The conspiracy that drives the plot is a little over-complicated, but the book is fun and entertaining. Recommended to Andy Carpenter fans and readers who enjoy light mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
September 22, 2021
One of the funnest mystery series around is David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. This book marks #24. This is also the 5th Christmas themed book. Yes, the books tend to be formulaic and certain ideas are repeated. But they are still just plain old fun. And kudos to Rosenfelt for always providing a well thought out plot with lots of twists and endings I never see coming. He proves that mysteries don’t have to be dark to be engrossing.
This time, the mayor of Patterson has been murdered. And Andy and Tara are the ones to find the dead body. Reporter Bobby Nash had recently done an expose on the mayor which blew up in his face, so no surprise he’s arrested for the murder. Andy’s friend, Vince, convinces Andy to take the case. As always, there is so much evidence against Bobby, the case looks like a lock for the prosecution.
Vince’s awakening as a dog lover is alone worth the price of the book. But as always, there are lots more laughs throughout the book. Andy is a smart a** of the first degree and never wastes an opportunity to be one.
Grover Gardner is the perfect narrator. He totally channels Andy.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
This time, the mayor of Patterson has been murdered. And Andy and Tara are the ones to find the dead body. Reporter Bobby Nash had recently done an expose on the mayor which blew up in his face, so no surprise he’s arrested for the murder. Andy’s friend, Vince, convinces Andy to take the case. As always, there is so much evidence against Bobby, the case looks like a lock for the prosecution.
Vince’s awakening as a dog lover is alone worth the price of the book. But as always, there are lots more laughs throughout the book. Andy is a smart a** of the first degree and never wastes an opportunity to be one.
Grover Gardner is the perfect narrator. He totally channels Andy.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
December 18, 2025
Love this cozy mystery series...
It is...Perfect to read during the holidays.
And...For those of you who may not be familiar with the series, it is still okay to read as a standalone.
Although...You gain more if you have already connected to the earlier books.
Also...What I love too about this series is that the author proves that mysteries don’t have to be dark to be engrossing.
Some background…
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead...Andy hangs out with his wife Laurie - who's in Christmas mode; son Ricky - who likes to play sports; and three dogs - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Arthur. Andy also schmoozes with his friends at a local sports bar; helps run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; watches football on television; etc.
And...Every evening before bed, Andy takes the dogs for a walk in the park.
Which leads readers here...One snowy night before Thanksgiving Tara digs a hole in the ground and unearths a hand.
Now...That is about all the background you need, the rest is the story that comes up…
That...Is for you to read. You will enjoy courtroom drama, humor, mystery, and so much more to unravel along the way.
It is...Perfect to read during the holidays.
And...For those of you who may not be familiar with the series, it is still okay to read as a standalone.
Although...You gain more if you have already connected to the earlier books.
Also...What I love too about this series is that the author proves that mysteries don’t have to be dark to be engrossing.
Some background…
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead...Andy hangs out with his wife Laurie - who's in Christmas mode; son Ricky - who likes to play sports; and three dogs - golden retriever Tara; basset hound Sebastian; and pug Arthur. Andy also schmoozes with his friends at a local sports bar; helps run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; watches football on television; etc.
And...Every evening before bed, Andy takes the dogs for a walk in the park.
Which leads readers here...One snowy night before Thanksgiving Tara digs a hole in the ground and unearths a hand.
Now...That is about all the background you need, the rest is the story that comes up…
That...Is for you to read. You will enjoy courtroom drama, humor, mystery, and so much more to unravel along the way.
August 4, 2022
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 24th book in the Andy Carpenter series. I love Andy's dry humor in this book. I also love how cases just fall on his lap. I really love the case in this book, and I love all the dogs in this book. This was one of my favorite books in this series that I have read so far. The cover of this book was everything. I listen to the audiobook for this book, and the narrator made this book come alive. I was kindly provided an e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Macmillan Audio) or author (David Rosenfelt) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 18, 2021
Yeesh...it's getting so a guy can't even take his dogs for a walk without tripping over a body.
The story begins during what happens to be the week before Thanksgiving.....in most parts of America. However, in the Carpenter household it's also known as OMGIT'SALMOSTXMAS. Laurie may be enjoying the festive atmosphere but Andy is desperate.
In a bid to escape all the falala-ness, he decides to take his herd of dogs for a walk in the fresh snow. It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Then he let Tara off the leash...
"She expected a squirrel and instead got a mayor."
Tara's enthusiastic dashing through the snow first reveals a hand. Connected to an arm, followed by a body. Andy's disbelief turns to shock as he recognizes the victim.....Alex Oliva, (former) Mayor of Paterson. There's only one thing to do. Call buddy/cop Pete Stanton & make it his problem. Or at least that was the plan.
If you've read any of this series, you know Andy is an attorney with an impressive work ethic when it comes to avoiding clients. But once again, the universe conspires against him. Police quickly arrest former reporter Bobby Nash. He used to work with Vince, editor of the local paper & Andy's drinking buddy. This is a problem for Vince. And after some arm-twisting, it's also a problem for Andy. Unbelievable....looks like he's back in business. But there is a silver lining. He now has a legit excuse to avoid the most perilous event of the season....Tree Decorating Day.
I've read a whack of these & obviously something keeps me coming back. I could talk about recurring characters who feel like neighbours or witty dialogue that always entertains. Then there are the dogs.....such a pushover for a story with furry people. Reasons enough to add one of these to your TBR pile.
But what might get lost in the shuffle is the fact each book also contains a smart & intricately plotted mystery. You may begin by laughing/groaning at Andy's antics but before you know it, you're a wee bit nervous about where they'll find the next body. Rosenfelt likes to let you follow the bad guys in alternate chapters. Your job is trying to figure out how they tie in to the story & when they'll inevitably run into Andy (hopefully accompanied by Marcus, the human steamroller).
As usual, a great combination of laughs & eeks and humour & drama. And dogs....did I mention the dogs?
The story begins during what happens to be the week before Thanksgiving.....in most parts of America. However, in the Carpenter household it's also known as OMGIT'SALMOSTXMAS. Laurie may be enjoying the festive atmosphere but Andy is desperate.
In a bid to escape all the falala-ness, he decides to take his herd of dogs for a walk in the fresh snow. It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Then he let Tara off the leash...
"She expected a squirrel and instead got a mayor."
Tara's enthusiastic dashing through the snow first reveals a hand. Connected to an arm, followed by a body. Andy's disbelief turns to shock as he recognizes the victim.....Alex Oliva, (former) Mayor of Paterson. There's only one thing to do. Call buddy/cop Pete Stanton & make it his problem. Or at least that was the plan.
If you've read any of this series, you know Andy is an attorney with an impressive work ethic when it comes to avoiding clients. But once again, the universe conspires against him. Police quickly arrest former reporter Bobby Nash. He used to work with Vince, editor of the local paper & Andy's drinking buddy. This is a problem for Vince. And after some arm-twisting, it's also a problem for Andy. Unbelievable....looks like he's back in business. But there is a silver lining. He now has a legit excuse to avoid the most perilous event of the season....Tree Decorating Day.
I've read a whack of these & obviously something keeps me coming back. I could talk about recurring characters who feel like neighbours or witty dialogue that always entertains. Then there are the dogs.....such a pushover for a story with furry people. Reasons enough to add one of these to your TBR pile.
But what might get lost in the shuffle is the fact each book also contains a smart & intricately plotted mystery. You may begin by laughing/groaning at Andy's antics but before you know it, you're a wee bit nervous about where they'll find the next body. Rosenfelt likes to let you follow the bad guys in alternate chapters. Your job is trying to figure out how they tie in to the story & when they'll inevitably run into Andy (hopefully accompanied by Marcus, the human steamroller).
As usual, a great combination of laughs & eeks and humour & drama. And dogs....did I mention the dogs?
December 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Popular bestselling author, David Rosenfelt, has written 24 books in the Andy Carpenter series. He also has a new series, The K Team novels that include some of the same characters. I have read and enjoyed many of the Andy Carpenter books and hope to fill in the gaps by eventually reading the ones I have missed.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired lawyer. He has an inheritance and reluctantly returns to the courtroom when a dog is casually or remotely attached to the case. He has a sarcastic sense of humor that adds to the pleasure of reading a complicated legal thriller. Andy enjoys spending time at home with his wife, a former policewoman, their son, and their three beloved pet dogs. He is also involved in a dog rescue center.
Despite the adorable dog on the eye-catching cover, these books can't be classified as cozy, relaxing mysteries. Stories I have read feature mob violence, drug trafficking, smuggling, gang-related murders, terrorism, crimes involving technology, and a most wanted international criminal by Interpol, all within complex plots. A team of Andy's friends helped with the investigations and court trials.
One wintery night close to Christmas, Andy is walking his dogs in the park. Tara, his golden retriever digs up a body in the snow. The body is identified as that of the Mayor, Alex Oliva. Andy's friend, a newspaper editor, tries to persuade Andy to take the case of his former newspaper reporter, Robert Nash. Nash was fired after being tricked into publishing an expose on the mayor. A woman who passed on to Nash false evidence about the mayor has also been killed in a bomb explosion. Nash is now the main suspect in the murder of both the mayor and the woman who provided him with false proof regarding the mayor.
Nash is having a string of bad luck. Besides being the main suspect in two murders, there is plenty of evidence about his guilt. The mayor's blood has been found in the trunk of his car, an ingredient for an explosive is found in his home, he has been reported to have threatened the mayor by phone, and tracking his cell has shown him to be near crime scenes. He is now in hospital with serious injuries after a car accident and drugs and alcohol found in his system. While being treated in hospital, he is poisoned but survives.
When Andy interviews Nash, he believes against all the evidence that Nash is innocent and has been set up. This leads to an investigation of a possible conspiracy, and a suspenseful, serious courtroom drama involving crooked politics and the connection of organized crime. I found much concentration was required to sort out all the characters and the twists and turns involving them.
It is not looking good for the young reporter, and Andy is concerned he will be found guilty. The court needed to be cleared several times due to explosions in the town that ended with the deaths of two of Andy's alternative suspects.
The author, David Rosenfelt, had been working in the movie business but moved from California to Maine with 25 dogs. He and his wife set up the Tara Foundation that rescued 4,000 dogs
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired lawyer. He has an inheritance and reluctantly returns to the courtroom when a dog is casually or remotely attached to the case. He has a sarcastic sense of humor that adds to the pleasure of reading a complicated legal thriller. Andy enjoys spending time at home with his wife, a former policewoman, their son, and their three beloved pet dogs. He is also involved in a dog rescue center.
Despite the adorable dog on the eye-catching cover, these books can't be classified as cozy, relaxing mysteries. Stories I have read feature mob violence, drug trafficking, smuggling, gang-related murders, terrorism, crimes involving technology, and a most wanted international criminal by Interpol, all within complex plots. A team of Andy's friends helped with the investigations and court trials.
One wintery night close to Christmas, Andy is walking his dogs in the park. Tara, his golden retriever digs up a body in the snow. The body is identified as that of the Mayor, Alex Oliva. Andy's friend, a newspaper editor, tries to persuade Andy to take the case of his former newspaper reporter, Robert Nash. Nash was fired after being tricked into publishing an expose on the mayor. A woman who passed on to Nash false evidence about the mayor has also been killed in a bomb explosion. Nash is now the main suspect in the murder of both the mayor and the woman who provided him with false proof regarding the mayor.
Nash is having a string of bad luck. Besides being the main suspect in two murders, there is plenty of evidence about his guilt. The mayor's blood has been found in the trunk of his car, an ingredient for an explosive is found in his home, he has been reported to have threatened the mayor by phone, and tracking his cell has shown him to be near crime scenes. He is now in hospital with serious injuries after a car accident and drugs and alcohol found in his system. While being treated in hospital, he is poisoned but survives.
When Andy interviews Nash, he believes against all the evidence that Nash is innocent and has been set up. This leads to an investigation of a possible conspiracy, and a suspenseful, serious courtroom drama involving crooked politics and the connection of organized crime. I found much concentration was required to sort out all the characters and the twists and turns involving them.
It is not looking good for the young reporter, and Andy is concerned he will be found guilty. The court needed to be cleared several times due to explosions in the town that ended with the deaths of two of Andy's alternative suspects.
The author, David Rosenfelt, had been working in the movie business but moved from California to Maine with 25 dogs. He and his wife set up the Tara Foundation that rescued 4,000 dogs
October 5, 2021
I'm not someone who generally enjoys politics in books, even just as a political thriller. This book was about a mayor that was murdered and it involves other politicians and people involved with politicians. It is not my go-to type of story.
However, I absolutely love Andy Carpenter as our narrator. I love his quips and snarky comments. I find him really humorous. I also love Lori and the rest of the gang. I laughed out loud several times while listening to this book.
This is just a fun, intelligently written story.
I began this series with the audio of the last book, Dog Eat Dog, which was narrated by Grover Gardner and decided to continue with the audio. Grover Gardner is an excellent narrator and will forever be the voice of Andy Carpenter in my head. I was happy to find that he has been the consistent narrator for the entire series.
I look forward to going back to the beginning and reading the previous books about Andy, et al. I will listen to as many of them as I can on audio.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
However, I absolutely love Andy Carpenter as our narrator. I love his quips and snarky comments. I find him really humorous. I also love Lori and the rest of the gang. I laughed out loud several times while listening to this book.
This is just a fun, intelligently written story.
I began this series with the audio of the last book, Dog Eat Dog, which was narrated by Grover Gardner and decided to continue with the audio. Grover Gardner is an excellent narrator and will forever be the voice of Andy Carpenter in my head. I was happy to find that he has been the consistent narrator for the entire series.
I look forward to going back to the beginning and reading the previous books about Andy, et al. I will listen to as many of them as I can on audio.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 2, 2022
Aw, Best in Snow, a cute pup on the cover…it sounds like a fun, cozy Christmas mystery. It is, sort of. And sort of not. This is David Rosenfelt’s 24th Andy Carpenter book, and if I had read any of the previous ones, I’d have known that it’s not a cutesy sort of story. It’s not a nail-biting thriller, either, but it is highly entertaining.
Christmas is not exactly highlighted, except for the fact that Andy’s wife Laurie starts decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Andy’s not Scrooge; neither does he enjoy picking out the tree nor decorating nor listening to Christmas music ad nauseum. Give him a fabulous meal and a day filled with football, and he’ll be a happy man.
Unless…there is a diversion, such as a case. Andy’s a defense attorney. Actually, since I’m new to the Paterson, N.J., series, I got the impression that Andy would rather be retired. He is certainly reluctant to take on new clients. However, he and a dinner guest walk the dogs one evening, and his dog, Tara, excitedly digs in the snow. A HAND! Without waiting to see what else might be there, Andy calls the police. The hand is attached to a body, which turns out to belong to the mayor.
Things get complex, but never fear; Andy has a very competent crew to help him sort things out. Fortunately, some of these guys and gals have technical skills; others have muscle, all of which are needed to get to the truth, which may – or may not – set his client free. He’s also a dog lover, which the author is too, so that makes him a pretty decent guy.
Andy is an interesting guy. He seems to be disliked, to put it mildly, by quite a few cops and attorneys around town. He can be sarcastic, perhaps pushy. But he’s very smart, and he works hard to see that his client is well represented. Did I love him enough to read the other 23 books? No, definitely not. But Best in Snow was about as fun as a semi-cozy book can get.
3.5 stars
January 1, 2024
Best in Snow is the last of the Andy Carpenter Christmas time books I needed to catch up on. And what a great one to end with.
In this edition Tara (Andy's Golden Retriever) deserves all the credit for "digging" up what will turn into Andy's newest defense case. It all starts while Andy is on a walk with her on a snowy evening and she starts digging in one spot like there is no tomorrow. Well, imagine Andy's surprise when he discovers Tara's keen nose is responsible for uncovering the murdered body of the current Mayor of Patterson.
The main suspect is a reporter the (newly deceased) mayor had fired for previously writing an article which he considered slanderous and false. Now the reporter finds himself facing prison and in need of a an excellent defense attorney. Enter, Andy Carpenter.
This book was full of twists and turns as Andy chases down leads and faces off with some very dangerous people who are not afraid to kill to keep the truth from being told. Balancing this out, Andy mixes it up with plenty of snark from start to finish and kept me laughing all throughout.
Narrator Grover Gardner is why I will only listen to this series. The audiobooks are so much fun.
In this edition Tara (Andy's Golden Retriever) deserves all the credit for "digging" up what will turn into Andy's newest defense case. It all starts while Andy is on a walk with her on a snowy evening and she starts digging in one spot like there is no tomorrow. Well, imagine Andy's surprise when he discovers Tara's keen nose is responsible for uncovering the murdered body of the current Mayor of Patterson.
The main suspect is a reporter the (newly deceased) mayor had fired for previously writing an article which he considered slanderous and false. Now the reporter finds himself facing prison and in need of a an excellent defense attorney. Enter, Andy Carpenter.
This book was full of twists and turns as Andy chases down leads and faces off with some very dangerous people who are not afraid to kill to keep the truth from being told. Balancing this out, Andy mixes it up with plenty of snark from start to finish and kept me laughing all throughout.
Narrator Grover Gardner is why I will only listen to this series. The audiobooks are so much fun.
August 13, 2021
Vince asks Andy to take a case --his former protege Bobby is accused of two murders. Bobby, unfortunately, winds up in the hospital, and can't remember anything. There are others involved who might have set Bobby up, including crooked politicians and their cohorts in organized crime. Andy must put it all together before Bobby is convicted of the murders. Curmudgeon Vince is asked to care for Bobby's golden retriever puppy, and is surprised to find Duchess is just what he needs in his life. I always enjoy a visit with these characters, especially the canines. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
January 1, 2022
You'll have to admit puppies are cute, they are also mischievous and like to chew things. Puppies also need to go out quite a bit. When lawyer Andy Carpenter takes his puppy out one winter's evening for a walk in the park the puppy romps off to play in the snow, finding a body covered in newly fallen snow.
This gets the ball rolling for this semiretired lawyer to take the case, as a favor mind you for a friend.
The accused must have done it in this law mystery as the clues and evidence are piling up against him faster than the flakes coming down outside.
Quite entertaining, with the clues we had it didn't turn out how I expected at all.
Pub Date 19 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This gets the ball rolling for this semiretired lawyer to take the case, as a favor mind you for a friend.
The accused must have done it in this law mystery as the clues and evidence are piling up against him faster than the flakes coming down outside.
Quite entertaining, with the clues we had it didn't turn out how I expected at all.
Pub Date 19 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 26, 2021
4.3 Fun Stars!
I am a big Andy fan. This is #24 in the series and #18 for me.
For those us who have read and know Andy we were pleased to hear that Edna is getting married. Edna is in her mid-sixties and has worked ~oops has been employed for over 20 years. Yep back in the days when Andy was a busy Attorney. Since he came into a larger inheritance he doesn’t actually ‘work’!
Edna calls herself his Office Assistant, Executive Secretary actually has given herself many titles but she does NOT work in fact, hates it and does everything to avoid it. Well! She is marrying David who is retiring and owns twelve Taco Bells ~ so Edna can leave Andy Right?
In the meantime, she wants David to meet Andy’s family ~ wife Laurie and son Ricky so invited herself over for coffee. As the evening goes on and many cups of coffee are served, Andy and Laurie are hoping Edna and David will soon leave. Additionally, since it is November and Laurie loves Christmas so has been playing Christmas music for hours. Andy not is not a fan and decides it is time to walk the dogs!
There are three dogs now ~ Tara, according to Andy a golden retriever like no other; also Sebastian a sweet basset hound Andy has told as before that Sabastian takes walks with the speed of your average refrigerator! The newest addition is Hunter a pug.
David joins them even though it is in the middle of snowstorm.
As they are walking in the snow in a near-by park Tara, smells something buried in the snow. Yep a body and it is Alex Olivia, the mayor!!
Thus begins Andy’s involvement in defending the accused and of course, finding whodunit!
I know I spent a lot of time on Enda but the recurring characters are so much fun. In fact, they typically have me laughing out loud! I do enjoy David Rosenfelt’s wit.
I especially love the audio as narrator Grover Gardner is Andy Carpenter. In fact, as I am reading I can hear Mr. Gardner’s deadpan voice in my head!
As in most of Andy’s stories there is courtroom drama which I LOVE!
Also am so happy that the fun ‘Movie Talk’ returned ~ I sure missed it in the past few stories!
No spoiler but are you wondering if ……
….. there will be the traditional “Victory Party”?
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October, 19, 2021
I am a big Andy fan. This is #24 in the series and #18 for me.
For those us who have read and know Andy we were pleased to hear that Edna is getting married. Edna is in her mid-sixties and has worked ~oops has been employed for over 20 years. Yep back in the days when Andy was a busy Attorney. Since he came into a larger inheritance he doesn’t actually ‘work’!
Edna calls herself his Office Assistant, Executive Secretary actually has given herself many titles but she does NOT work in fact, hates it and does everything to avoid it. Well! She is marrying David who is retiring and owns twelve Taco Bells ~ so Edna can leave Andy Right?
In the meantime, she wants David to meet Andy’s family ~ wife Laurie and son Ricky so invited herself over for coffee. As the evening goes on and many cups of coffee are served, Andy and Laurie are hoping Edna and David will soon leave. Additionally, since it is November and Laurie loves Christmas so has been playing Christmas music for hours. Andy not is not a fan and decides it is time to walk the dogs!
There are three dogs now ~ Tara, according to Andy a golden retriever like no other; also Sebastian a sweet basset hound Andy has told as before that Sabastian takes walks with the speed of your average refrigerator! The newest addition is Hunter a pug.
David joins them even though it is in the middle of snowstorm.
As they are walking in the snow in a near-by park Tara, smells something buried in the snow. Yep a body and it is Alex Olivia, the mayor!!
Thus begins Andy’s involvement in defending the accused and of course, finding whodunit!
I know I spent a lot of time on Enda but the recurring characters are so much fun. In fact, they typically have me laughing out loud! I do enjoy David Rosenfelt’s wit.
I especially love the audio as narrator Grover Gardner is Andy Carpenter. In fact, as I am reading I can hear Mr. Gardner’s deadpan voice in my head!
As in most of Andy’s stories there is courtroom drama which I LOVE!
Also am so happy that the fun ‘Movie Talk’ returned ~ I sure missed it in the past few stories!
No spoiler but are you wondering if ……
….. there will be the traditional “Victory Party”?
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October, 19, 2021
December 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m absolutely loving listening to the audiobooks of this cozy mystery series!
I’m absolutely loving listening to the audiobooks of this cozy mystery series!
November 28, 2021
Tara (the dog) finds a dead body in the park on his nightly walk with Andy. So of course Andy ends up defending the accused killer. And because the victim was the mayor, it makes the case that much more prominent.
Many series get formulaic and static after so many books. While there is some formula to these stories, the writer hasn't stagnated at all.
Andy's sarcastic wit & the charismatic characters carry this series through (including the Bubelah Brigade who I love). I enjoy each new book just as much as when I started reading previous ones a few years ago.
The mystery keeps you guessing as well as if Andy will be successful in trial. (there's no rule that says he has to win...) And this story covers two holidays which is a nice twist on the typical seasonal cozy theme.
quotes:
"My eyes have been saying, When are they going to leave? Her eyes have responded with Be nice, Andy. My eyes haven't come up with a good enough comeback to that."
"Whereas Laurie was only a lieutenant in the Paterson Police Department, she has since risen to commissioner of the Calorie Police, and in that role she is not hesitant to enforce the law. Yet on Thanksgiving she does not even give me so much as an admonishing stare, no matter what desserts and snacks I suck down."
"Laurie is the Picasso of gift wrappers.."
"You need to stay alive. You don't want to miss the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl."I hadn't thought of that. "You're right; that is something to live for."
"Charlie Briggs, who says he is a New Jersey state cop with organized crime division. Briggs comes off as a tough, no-nonsense cop. That is not my favorite. I generally prefer the weak, nonsense types."
"So you called me here so that I can buy you losers dinner?" I ask.
"Of course not," Pete says. "Don't insult me. It would have gone on your tab whether you were here or not."
Many series get formulaic and static after so many books. While there is some formula to these stories, the writer hasn't stagnated at all.
Andy's sarcastic wit & the charismatic characters carry this series through (including the Bubelah Brigade who I love). I enjoy each new book just as much as when I started reading previous ones a few years ago.
The mystery keeps you guessing as well as if Andy will be successful in trial. (there's no rule that says he has to win...) And this story covers two holidays which is a nice twist on the typical seasonal cozy theme.
quotes:
"My eyes have been saying, When are they going to leave? Her eyes have responded with Be nice, Andy. My eyes haven't come up with a good enough comeback to that."
"Whereas Laurie was only a lieutenant in the Paterson Police Department, she has since risen to commissioner of the Calorie Police, and in that role she is not hesitant to enforce the law. Yet on Thanksgiving she does not even give me so much as an admonishing stare, no matter what desserts and snacks I suck down."
"Laurie is the Picasso of gift wrappers.."
"You need to stay alive. You don't want to miss the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl."I hadn't thought of that. "You're right; that is something to live for."
"Charlie Briggs, who says he is a New Jersey state cop with organized crime division. Briggs comes off as a tough, no-nonsense cop. That is not my favorite. I generally prefer the weak, nonsense types."
"So you called me here so that I can buy you losers dinner?" I ask.
"Of course not," Pete says. "Don't insult me. It would have gone on your tab whether you were here or not."
May 28, 2023
Twenty-four books and this series is still going full throttle. Andy Carpenter is about to enjoy the Christmas season, and there is plenty of snow on the ground. As beautiful as the snow is, walking his dog in heavy snow is not always easy. The nearly retired lawyer Andy has another case on his hands. While out walking with his dogs, Tara finds a body while playing in the snow.
It is not necessarily the dead body Andy plans on investigating, it is defending the suspect, a young reporter may have had a motive for killing the person found, Mayor Alex Oliva.
I had listened to the entire backlog of this series, including this title, which I got from my library. I love Grover Gardner's narration. I think he captures the quick-witted and sarcastic Andy Carpenter perfectly. For an entertaining read, pick up this and all of the books in this series, as well as the spinoff series. You will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 13, 2021
Oh no! Andy and Tara, out for a walk, find the body of the Mayor of Patterson, NJ, in the snow. And then- even more oh no- his buddy Vince convinces him to defend Bobby, a young reporter who is alleged to have committed the crime. Seems Bobby had tried to expose the Mayor's activities and was skunked by- wait for it- the woman whose garage explodes, killing her. Bobby himself is in the hospital from a poisoning and car crash. Whew. Rosenfelt has written a classic Andy Carpenter, with crooks and twists, and smart lawyering. Fans of the series know not to get too committed to any one theory and to watch out for red herrings. I adore this series as much for the characters as for the mysteries and must regretfully report there's precious little of the gang here (Marcus makes a cameo, Laurie's busy with Christmas, the Bubele squad is working away) but that's ok because I found myself caught up in the twists. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. And now Vince has a dog...
October 27, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Mr. Rosenfelt and I really enjoyed his sense of humor! Esp. the main character's sarcastic wit! I would have given this book a higher rating had it not been for all the swearing. It wasn't needed...in my opinion.
July 26, 2024
another satisfying crime case with Andy Carpenter and cast. never disappointed really.
laughs, characters, mystery and dogs. perfect.
laughs, characters, mystery and dogs. perfect.
November 25, 2021
I love the Andy Carpenter series! They are legal mysteries at it's best.
Andy was walking his dogs when Tara, his golden retriever, uncovered a hand in the snow. It turned out to be Mayor Alex Oliva. Bobby Nash had recently done an expose on the mayor which didn't go over well, leaving Bobby looking bad and losing his job. He was the first one the police looked at for the murder and arrested him.
Andy's friend, Vince, had been Bobby's mentor at the newspaper and asked Andy to take the case. Andy didn't want any clients but couldn't say no to Vince. With so much evidence against Bobby, Andy was going to have to work hard for his money. Actually, he wasn't getting paid to represent Bobby. Andy was so wealthy, he didn't care about getting paid. He only wanted justice for Bobby.
I liked the plot in this mystery. I enjoyed not being able to figure out who killed the mayor. Was it Bobby Nash or somebody else? I love the humour in all the books in this series. The characters are great and the dogs terrific. (I love their personalities.)
This book will have you wondering who the murderer was while have you laughing throughout. I highly recommend it.
Andy was walking his dogs when Tara, his golden retriever, uncovered a hand in the snow. It turned out to be Mayor Alex Oliva. Bobby Nash had recently done an expose on the mayor which didn't go over well, leaving Bobby looking bad and losing his job. He was the first one the police looked at for the murder and arrested him.
Andy's friend, Vince, had been Bobby's mentor at the newspaper and asked Andy to take the case. Andy didn't want any clients but couldn't say no to Vince. With so much evidence against Bobby, Andy was going to have to work hard for his money. Actually, he wasn't getting paid to represent Bobby. Andy was so wealthy, he didn't care about getting paid. He only wanted justice for Bobby.
I liked the plot in this mystery. I enjoyed not being able to figure out who killed the mayor. Was it Bobby Nash or somebody else? I love the humour in all the books in this series. The characters are great and the dogs terrific. (I love their personalities.)
This book will have you wondering who the murderer was while have you laughing throughout. I highly recommend it.
October 25, 2021
My first David Rosenfelt book was "Dachshund Through The Snow" and I liked it so much that I went back and started reading the series in order. It was a great choice as I have enjoyed each book. That said, this book is also just as good. I love the characters. Andy is funny, sarcastic, honest and not afraid to admit that he is basically a coward and needs all the help he can get. The descriptions of additional people in the main cast are all so real that you would swear you know someone just like them. I would be afraid to meet Marcus in the daylight, never mind a dark alley! The stories so far have been original and something that I can easily see happening in real life. And, of course, there are the dogs. May Tara live on forever, in David's heart and in the books.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins for a chance to read this great book.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins for a chance to read this great book.
December 19, 2022
The setting of Christmas, with a side of of murder, and adding in some cute doggos, made Best In Snow, a fun, smart quick read. The narrator had a very dry sarcastic type of humor that was entertaining, while also being an intelligent and cut throat lawyer. The author appeared to have a good working knowledge of politics and the legal system, making the story compelling and interesting.
October 31, 2022
This book was a very easy read because of how entertaining it was. A whodunnit novel with a bit of Christmas sprinkled in the background.
I didn’t know what to expect from this one but I very much enjoyed it!
I didn’t know what to expect from this one but I very much enjoyed it!
January 3, 2022
This is the author's 5th Christmas-themed book (I've read 3 now). I enjoy the author's dry wit and his love for rescue dogs, who always play a central part in the plot.
January 2, 2022
I love these books and always have a good time with them.
August 24, 2021
This series can easily be read out of order or just drop in anywhere and have a good read while laughing your sox off!
Andy Carpenter is a wise-mouthed lawyer who can afford to take semi retirement by only representing innocent clients while supporting an animal shelter. Add in that his wife is no longer law enforcement but works as his private investigator and more and you have the baseline for these convoluted mysteries. There are many other people who help Andy find out what the truth really is and make it courtroom admissible, including a crew of senior citizen hackers who don't work Friday evenings and bake wonderful goodies! The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook so I won't go there. Cackled my way through the whole thing!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I will definitely get the audio when it comes out.
Andy Carpenter is a wise-mouthed lawyer who can afford to take semi retirement by only representing innocent clients while supporting an animal shelter. Add in that his wife is no longer law enforcement but works as his private investigator and more and you have the baseline for these convoluted mysteries. There are many other people who help Andy find out what the truth really is and make it courtroom admissible, including a crew of senior citizen hackers who don't work Friday evenings and bake wonderful goodies! The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook so I won't go there. Cackled my way through the whole thing!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I will definitely get the audio when it comes out.
August 23, 2021
This 24th Andy Carpenter mystery begins on Thanksgiving and lasts into the new year. Andy and Edna's new boyfriend are walking the dogs when Tara discovers a body buried in the new snow. Andy is surprised to find that it is the body of Mayor Alex Oliva. He is surprised again when his friend newspaper editor Vince Sanders calls him and asks him to take the case of his young former employee Bobby Nash who has been accused of the murder.
Andy isn't excited about working again since he really enjoys his retirement, but Vince is a friend. Things aren't looking good for Bobby. He was in a car accident just after the murder and doesn't remember anything. But the mayor's wife said Bobby had phoned with threats and the mayor's blood was found in the trunk of Bobby's car.
Andy has lots of questions. Why transport the body three blocks from the murder site to dump it in a park? Who wanted the mayor dead besides Bobby? What is true about the newspaper article that cost Bobby his job and that claimed the mayor was receiving under the counter money from a local business man? The biggest question is why someone would kill the mayor and try to frame Bobby for it.
As the evidence piles up against Bobby including the presence of his cell phone at the mayor's house at the time of the murder, Andy needs to call on all his resources including the Bubelah Brigade - Jewish senior citizens with mad tech skills. After another death related to the case and an attempt on Bobby's life and on Andy's, Andy knows something is going on but it takes quite a while to figure things out.
I really enjoy Andy and his whole crew. I like his quick wit and sarcasm. I like that his wife Laurie gives it back to him as quickly. I like the way Andy views holidays with Thanksgiving being his favorite for the food and the football. I like the way Laurie celebrates Christmas for four months.
I enjoyed the large cast of characters who have appeared in so many of the stories. I even liked the courtroom drama.
Andy isn't excited about working again since he really enjoys his retirement, but Vince is a friend. Things aren't looking good for Bobby. He was in a car accident just after the murder and doesn't remember anything. But the mayor's wife said Bobby had phoned with threats and the mayor's blood was found in the trunk of Bobby's car.
Andy has lots of questions. Why transport the body three blocks from the murder site to dump it in a park? Who wanted the mayor dead besides Bobby? What is true about the newspaper article that cost Bobby his job and that claimed the mayor was receiving under the counter money from a local business man? The biggest question is why someone would kill the mayor and try to frame Bobby for it.
As the evidence piles up against Bobby including the presence of his cell phone at the mayor's house at the time of the murder, Andy needs to call on all his resources including the Bubelah Brigade - Jewish senior citizens with mad tech skills. After another death related to the case and an attempt on Bobby's life and on Andy's, Andy knows something is going on but it takes quite a while to figure things out.
I really enjoy Andy and his whole crew. I like his quick wit and sarcasm. I like that his wife Laurie gives it back to him as quickly. I like the way Andy views holidays with Thanksgiving being his favorite for the food and the football. I like the way Laurie celebrates Christmas for four months.
I enjoyed the large cast of characters who have appeared in so many of the stories. I even liked the courtroom drama.
December 24, 2022
Four Friends, Four Opinions, 1 Blog
Average Rating: 4/5
Corinna : 4/5
I picked this book up during a road trip with Sharaya where we had a bingo card of the types of books we needed to find at a variety of independent, used bookstores. This was my “Christmas” themed choice. The setting of Christmas, with a side of murder, and throwing in some cute dogs made this a fun, smart, quick read. I was pleasantly surprised, as we all know Christmas movies/stories have a reputation for loading on the cheese rather thick. This was totally different! The main character, Andy Carpenter, is a lawyer and had a dry, sarcastic humor that I loved. Rosenfelt appeared to have good working knowledge of politics and the legal system, making the story compelling and interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a light Christmas theme, without all the extra cheese.
Lydia : 4/5
I surprisingly loved this book. It was unexpected and very well written. It isn’t your traditional Christmas novel. Rather, the Christmas theme is present only to tell the reader the time in which the events take place, however I thought it was done wonderfully! A Christmas time whodunnit novel that left me questioning every character and their motives. Even more amazing, was the fact that the author included dogs – how can you not love a book with dogs in it?! It added to the cozy and cute themes that were present, alongside the mystery which ended up being a perfect balance.
This book was not gory, nor was it very dark. It was just really fun to read. I highly recommend you pick this one up for your next Christmas read if you like the mystery genre.
As an added bonus, I have heard that the audiobook plays Christmas music in the background for certain chapters.
Check out our full review here: http://fourhousesreview.ca/2022/12/24...
Average Rating: 4/5
Corinna : 4/5
I picked this book up during a road trip with Sharaya where we had a bingo card of the types of books we needed to find at a variety of independent, used bookstores. This was my “Christmas” themed choice. The setting of Christmas, with a side of murder, and throwing in some cute dogs made this a fun, smart, quick read. I was pleasantly surprised, as we all know Christmas movies/stories have a reputation for loading on the cheese rather thick. This was totally different! The main character, Andy Carpenter, is a lawyer and had a dry, sarcastic humor that I loved. Rosenfelt appeared to have good working knowledge of politics and the legal system, making the story compelling and interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a light Christmas theme, without all the extra cheese.
Lydia : 4/5
I surprisingly loved this book. It was unexpected and very well written. It isn’t your traditional Christmas novel. Rather, the Christmas theme is present only to tell the reader the time in which the events take place, however I thought it was done wonderfully! A Christmas time whodunnit novel that left me questioning every character and their motives. Even more amazing, was the fact that the author included dogs – how can you not love a book with dogs in it?! It added to the cozy and cute themes that were present, alongside the mystery which ended up being a perfect balance.
This book was not gory, nor was it very dark. It was just really fun to read. I highly recommend you pick this one up for your next Christmas read if you like the mystery genre.
As an added bonus, I have heard that the audiobook plays Christmas music in the background for certain chapters.
Check out our full review here: http://fourhousesreview.ca/2022/12/24...
November 27, 2021
Another Fine Outing
I do love Andy Carpenter... and it seems only right that his popularity has lasted for 24 books in the series. The plotting is flawless and the characters are familiar and fun to read. Andy and his self- depreciating humor is hard to beat anywhere. I have also very much loved the new spin off, a private investigation group, The K Team. It stars former cop Corey Douglas, his partner Simon Garfunkel (the K-9), and Andy's wife, also former cop Laurie Carpenter. Since Andy shows up by default, those books are the best of both worlds. All told, this time I could not figure out how Andy was going to save the day and was pleasantly surprised at the end. It was terrific, my definition of a feel good read!
I do love Andy Carpenter... and it seems only right that his popularity has lasted for 24 books in the series. The plotting is flawless and the characters are familiar and fun to read. Andy and his self- depreciating humor is hard to beat anywhere. I have also very much loved the new spin off, a private investigation group, The K Team. It stars former cop Corey Douglas, his partner Simon Garfunkel (the K-9), and Andy's wife, also former cop Laurie Carpenter. Since Andy shows up by default, those books are the best of both worlds. All told, this time I could not figure out how Andy was going to save the day and was pleasantly surprised at the end. It was terrific, my definition of a feel good read!
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