What do you think?
Rate this book
Andy Carpenter #27
Flop Dead Gorgeous
Lights, camera, action in bestselling author David Rosenfelt’s Flop Dead Gorgeous , as Andy Carpenter goes bicoastal to prove an old friend’s innocence.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols―Andy’s high school girlfriend―the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.
Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see Jenny’s costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.
While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols―Andy’s high school girlfriend―the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.
Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see Jenny’s costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.
While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2023
597 people are currently reading
5150 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,899 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 554 reviews
July 5, 2023
Ooh, you read my mind David Rosenfelt!
Andy Carpenter is a wanna-retire criminal defense attorney from Paterson, NJ. His cases are usually related to dogs or their owners. Andy's a top-notch lawyer who pretty much never loses a case as far as I can tell (I'm still not caught up with the series) but I always wonder WHEN.
In Flop Dead Gorgeous Jenny Nichols a famous star visits her hometown. Andy and her dated while in high school. She also rescued a mini French poodle from Andy's Tara Foundation.
During dinner with the Carpenters, Jenny's ex and co-star Ryan shows up and makes a scene. The next morning, Ryan is found dead at Jenny's house! Even though Jenny alerted the cops about the body, they had no suspect but her. Evidently, Andy becomes Jenny's lawyer but sure has a tough case to solve this time.
Did I mention Andy use to date Jenny Nichols, the famous actress? It's all for laughs and giggles and Andy does it better than anyone. He constantly reminds us of this info which made me laugh out loud every single time. The audiobook read by Grover Gardner is fantastic and he's the best here as Andy.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published July 4, 2023!
Andy Carpenter is a wanna-retire criminal defense attorney from Paterson, NJ. His cases are usually related to dogs or their owners. Andy's a top-notch lawyer who pretty much never loses a case as far as I can tell (I'm still not caught up with the series) but I always wonder WHEN.
In Flop Dead Gorgeous Jenny Nichols a famous star visits her hometown. Andy and her dated while in high school. She also rescued a mini French poodle from Andy's Tara Foundation.
During dinner with the Carpenters, Jenny's ex and co-star Ryan shows up and makes a scene. The next morning, Ryan is found dead at Jenny's house! Even though Jenny alerted the cops about the body, they had no suspect but her. Evidently, Andy becomes Jenny's lawyer but sure has a tough case to solve this time.
Did I mention Andy use to date Jenny Nichols, the famous actress? It's all for laughs and giggles and Andy does it better than anyone. He constantly reminds us of this info which made me laugh out loud every single time. The audiobook read by Grover Gardner is fantastic and he's the best here as Andy.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published July 4, 2023!
February 6, 2024
Fans of Andy Carpenter will not be disappointed. There’s everything we expect including lots of sardonic humor and a gripping court case.
This time, Andy is representing Jenny Nichols. She’s a famous actress who grew up in Paterson and adopted a dog from the Tara Foundation. Oh, and did Andy mention he dated her a few times in high school?
As always, Andy thinks he knows who’s behind the murder. But, can he introduce the necessary information in the court case?
Rosenthal is proof that an author can use a formula without it becoming boring. I am always pleased that he can put together a mystery where I’m left wondering how it will all play out. These books are the perfect entertainment, not deep but always engaging.
I listened to this and Grover Gardner is Andy! I will admit to hearing his voice even when I’m reading one of these books.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
This time, Andy is representing Jenny Nichols. She’s a famous actress who grew up in Paterson and adopted a dog from the Tara Foundation. Oh, and did Andy mention he dated her a few times in high school?
As always, Andy thinks he knows who’s behind the murder. But, can he introduce the necessary information in the court case?
Rosenthal is proof that an author can use a formula without it becoming boring. I am always pleased that he can put together a mystery where I’m left wondering how it will all play out. These books are the perfect entertainment, not deep but always engaging.
I listened to this and Grover Gardner is Andy! I will admit to hearing his voice even when I’m reading one of these books.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
September 30, 2024
This is another Andy Carpenter mystery that can be read as a stand-alone, but to truly have fun with this series, it is better to start from the beginning.
Jenny Nichols was a hometown girl that is now a famous actress. Andy loves to mention how he use to date her when they were in high school whenever he has a chance. As it so happens, they have stayed in touch, and she is back in town and meets up with Andy, Laurie (Andy's wife) and their friends for dinner.
Unfortunately, her ex, who happens to also be a famous actor, shows up at this same dinner, makes a scene before the team kick him out. That same night, he winds up dead, at Jenny’s house with a knife in his back. Now Andy is representing Jenny and his team is doing everything to prove she didn’t do it.
Will they be successful?
As in any Andy Carpenter mystery, there is snarky humor, along with twists, turns, suspense and a satisfying end.
With…Much dog-love!
Series fans – keep an eye out for ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas’ which will release in October.
Jenny Nichols was a hometown girl that is now a famous actress. Andy loves to mention how he use to date her when they were in high school whenever he has a chance. As it so happens, they have stayed in touch, and she is back in town and meets up with Andy, Laurie (Andy's wife) and their friends for dinner.
Unfortunately, her ex, who happens to also be a famous actor, shows up at this same dinner, makes a scene before the team kick him out. That same night, he winds up dead, at Jenny’s house with a knife in his back. Now Andy is representing Jenny and his team is doing everything to prove she didn’t do it.
Will they be successful?
As in any Andy Carpenter mystery, there is snarky humor, along with twists, turns, suspense and a satisfying end.
With…Much dog-love!
Series fans – keep an eye out for ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas’ which will release in October.
April 12, 2025
In this 27th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the Paterson, New Jersey defense attorney represents a Hollywood actress accused of murder.
*****
Ever since he inherited a large fortune, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases.
Instead, Andy likes to hang out with his wife, son, and dogs; watch sports; schmooze with his friends; help run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; and so on. Still, Andy accepts the occasional client when there's a good reason.
Andy is a sarcastic quipster whose frequent wisecracks make him unpopular with cops, prosecutors, and judges. So it's lucky that Andy knows his way around a courtroom, because he needs all his skills to defend film star Jenny Nichols.
Jenny Nichols grew up in Paterson, and is in town to film a movie in New York. As it happens, Jenny and Andy dated very briefly in high school, and - now that Jenny is a famous celebrity - Andy mentions this 'dating history' every other minute, to anyone and everyone.
In any case, Andy arranges a dinner party for Jenny at his favorite eatery, Charlie's Sports Bar.
The guests are having a good time, enjoying the food and drinks, when the party is crashed by Jenny's ex-boyfriend, and current co-star, Ryan Griffin. Ryan is rude and pushy and insists that Jenny leave the party with him. Instead, Ryan and his bodyguards get thrown out by some of the guests, who know their way around a fight.
The next morning Ryan is found dead in the New Jersey house where Jenny is staying. Ryan was stabbed with a kitchen knife, and Jenny is arrested for murder. Andy immediately agrees to represent the actress, and he and his wife Laurie invite Jenny and her miniature poodle Mamie - who was adopted from The Tara Foundation - to stay with them pending trial.
Andy knows the best way to exonerate Jenny is to find the real killer, and he engages 'The K Team' detective agency to make inquiries. The K Team investigators are: Andy's wife Laurie - a former police officer;
Corey Douglas - a retired cop; Simon Garfunkel - a K-9 German shepherd who worked with Corey at the Paterson Police Department;
and Marcus Clark - the toughest, scariest guy on the planet.
In a scene where Andy and The K-Team are interviewing Ryan's belligerent bodyguards - Ruben, Danny, and Gurley - Ruben challenges Marcus to go out in the alley. Andy notes, "We just wait for the resolution of the dispute between the Moron Formerly Known as Ruben and Marcus. Unless Ruben has a marine battalion waiting in the alley to have his back, he is in major trouble. And even then......"
In addition to The K Team, Andy calls in his accountant Sam Willis - who can hack into any computer anywhere;
his assistant attorney Eddie Dowd - who's especially good with paperwork;
and his secretary Edna - who's too busy scouting locations for her destination wedding to actually do any work (so far Edna has ruled out North Korea and Somalia).
Andy also flies out to Hollywood to get the scoop on the victim, Ryan Griffin.
Andy learns that Ryan was independently wealthy; was a producer as well as an actor; was a heavy drug user; was a flagrant womanizer; was involved with a new streaming service; and was connected with a Belorussian gangster called Sergey Bondar. When more dead bodies turn up, Andy feverishly tries to prove that thugs were involved in all the homicides, including Ryan.
In between working hard to prepare for trial.....
.....Andy walks his dogs; watches baseball games; worries about his 14-year-old son Ricky's summer trip with a teen group; and so on. Musing about Ricky's vacation, Andy observes, "He's leaving tomorrow for the teen tour. I have this irrational fear that he's leaving a little kid, but in eight weeks is going to come back twenty-two years old, with a full beard wanting his own apartment."
Andy and his team eventually unearth a diabolical scheme that could conceivably happen in real life.
I'm a fan of the Andy Carpenter mysteries but this book isn't among the best in the series. The story has too many ancillary characters and the plot is confusing. Still, I enjoyed the mystery novel, which has a lot of Rosenfelt's usual humor.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Rosenfelt, and St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
July 8, 2023
3.5 ANDY CARPENTER WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT HE DATED JENNY NICHOLS IN HIGH SCHOOL.
Of course he is now married and she is a movie star. He loves his wife and the couple came into Jenny's orbit again through their dogs. Thins are going great for Jenny, that is until she is arrested for the murder of her co-star. She turns to the only lawyer she trusts. Yes, you guessed it, the guy she dated in high school, Andy Carpenter
Such a fun series, Andy has such a sardonic sense of humor. Has no hesitation in making fun of himself. the cases are interesting and all the main characters have their own special strengths and weaknesses.
Grover Gardner has become the narrated voice of Andy. He is excellent.
Of course he is now married and she is a movie star. He loves his wife and the couple came into Jenny's orbit again through their dogs. Thins are going great for Jenny, that is until she is arrested for the murder of her co-star. She turns to the only lawyer she trusts. Yes, you guessed it, the guy she dated in high school, Andy Carpenter
Such a fun series, Andy has such a sardonic sense of humor. Has no hesitation in making fun of himself. the cases are interesting and all the main characters have their own special strengths and weaknesses.
Grover Gardner has become the narrated voice of Andy. He is excellent.
April 24, 2023
Andy Carpenter dated Jenny in high school, and she is now a celebrity and has returned to Paterson, NJ for a visit and dinner with her rescue dog, Mamie. She has a confrontation with her ex, Ryan, at the dinner, and later that night, she finds Ryan dead in her house. Jenny finds herself on trial for murder and of course Andy is her attorney. Ryan seems to be involved in other activities, such as juggling multiple woman and some money shenanigans, but it's up to Andy to find the real murderer before Jenny is convicted. I enjoy revisiting these characters and canines, and thank Edelweiss and the publisher for an opportunity to review this novel.
May 26, 2023
This is the 27th in the Andy Carpenter series and I have only now discovered it thanks to the recommendation of a fellow bookstagrammer. It worked well as a standalone, although it would have been nice to have met the repeating characters earlier.
Andy Carpenter, an independently wealthy attorney, and his wife, Laurie, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Jenny Nichols, whom Andy once dated in high school and is now a well known actress who incidentally got her beloved dog, Mamie from the Foundation, is accused of murder. After a dinner with the Carpenters and some friends, her ex boyfriend is found dead in the kitchen of the house in which she is staying. Carpenter takes on the case, his investigation to find the real killer aided by Laurie and a cast of supporting characters.
The book has a decent, well paced plot. What I really enjoyed was the humor spread throughout the book. This is one of the few books I have ever read (and I have read many) that had me chuckling out loud. This is a book that is a mystery, legal thriller, and comedic. What more could you ask?
As an aside, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt…in real life he and his wife do have a Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They have rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not love this author?
I am adding this series to my list of must reads and am looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaur for the ARC.
Andy Carpenter, an independently wealthy attorney, and his wife, Laurie, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Jenny Nichols, whom Andy once dated in high school and is now a well known actress who incidentally got her beloved dog, Mamie from the Foundation, is accused of murder. After a dinner with the Carpenters and some friends, her ex boyfriend is found dead in the kitchen of the house in which she is staying. Carpenter takes on the case, his investigation to find the real killer aided by Laurie and a cast of supporting characters.
The book has a decent, well paced plot. What I really enjoyed was the humor spread throughout the book. This is one of the few books I have ever read (and I have read many) that had me chuckling out loud. This is a book that is a mystery, legal thriller, and comedic. What more could you ask?
As an aside, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt…in real life he and his wife do have a Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They have rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not love this author?
I am adding this series to my list of must reads and am looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaur for the ARC.
June 13, 2023
Once again, this is a great addition to the series. The banter is always so fun in these books. This one has a little bit of a twist in it, which was great.
Each book in this series is a complete story on its own, however there is a lot of background to the characters that will be missed if you skip a bunch. You can absolutely read this as a standalone and Rosenfelt gives enough information to get a feel for the characters, but you won't get all of the history and intricacies of the relationships.
I have to admit that the books do tend to be a bit formulaic. Andy wants to retire and suddenly someone needs him to defend them in court. He believes them to be innocent and grudgingly agrees to take on the case. There are certain additional things that you can expect in every book, but the formula works. The books are fun and witty. I look forward to each new release.
I try to listen to all of the books. Grover Gardner's voice is just perfect for Andy. It is always an enjoyable listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Each book in this series is a complete story on its own, however there is a lot of background to the characters that will be missed if you skip a bunch. You can absolutely read this as a standalone and Rosenfelt gives enough information to get a feel for the characters, but you won't get all of the history and intricacies of the relationships.
I have to admit that the books do tend to be a bit formulaic. Andy wants to retire and suddenly someone needs him to defend them in court. He believes them to be innocent and grudgingly agrees to take on the case. There are certain additional things that you can expect in every book, but the formula works. The books are fun and witty. I look forward to each new release.
I try to listen to all of the books. Grover Gardner's voice is just perfect for Andy. It is always an enjoyable listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 3, 2023
I have loved nearly all of the Andy Carpenter series. Especially the parts that have made me smile or laugh ... and that would be up until Laurie's love of decorating for Christmas and playing Christmas songs earlier and earlier each year. That had an easy solution, right? Just stop reading the books with Christmas themes.
Well, Flop Dead Gorgeous had its share of oft-repeated catchphrases. I'm not sure if I have just read too many of these books, but Mr. Rosenfelt this is for you: I truly feel that what is funny the first couple of times it's read stops being funny when repeated over and over.
On the positive side, it made me very happy to see all of Andy's gang together! I also love the fact that the author has promised his readers that Tara will never die!! I'm not throwing the towel in on this series, yet! On to the next one!
Well, Flop Dead Gorgeous had its share of oft-repeated catchphrases. I'm not sure if I have just read too many of these books, but Mr. Rosenfelt this is for you: I truly feel that what is funny the first couple of times it's read stops being funny when repeated over and over.
On the positive side, it made me very happy to see all of Andy's gang together! I also love the fact that the author has promised his readers that Tara will never die!! I'm not throwing the towel in on this series, yet! On to the next one!
May 15, 2023
I may have come late to this series, but I've quickly become a fan; as long as uber-likable retired attorney Andy Carpenter plays a prominent role, I can't turn the pages fast enough. This one finds him back in the courtroom to defend Hollywood film star Jenny Nichols, who's been charged with murder. She's talented, beautiful and, despite Andy's love of his ex-cop wife Laurie, irresistible; after all, he dated Jenny back in high school (as he's fond of reminding anyone who's within earshot).
When Jenny returns home to Paterson, New Jersey, where Andy lives and runs the dog rescue Tara Foundation, Andy arranges a private dinner party so some of his closest friends can meet her. It's almost spoiled by the appearance of Jenny's ex-husband, a big-shot movie producer who apparently didn't get the memo that divorce means she's no longer his wife. Andy's friends save the day and Jenny, but the next day doesn't go quite as smoothly when the ex-husband turns up dead in Jenny's recently deceased mother's home, where she's staying. Jenny, of course, denies any involvement - she was the one who found his body in the kitchen, yes, but she insists she didn't do it despite a ton of evidence to the contrary.
But hey - Andy dated her in high school, remember? So he makes it his mission to polish up his lawyering skills and try his best to prove to the jury that she's innocent. Given that preponderance of evidence, it won't be easy; but Andy calls in his team of experts - including his wife - and spends the rest of the book investigating, strategizing and arguing (the latter in court, where readers get to see the "old" Andy in action). How it turns out, of course, you'll have to find out for yourself (I will say that a very early guess I made turned out to be spot on). Now I just have to wait for the next installment and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.
When Jenny returns home to Paterson, New Jersey, where Andy lives and runs the dog rescue Tara Foundation, Andy arranges a private dinner party so some of his closest friends can meet her. It's almost spoiled by the appearance of Jenny's ex-husband, a big-shot movie producer who apparently didn't get the memo that divorce means she's no longer his wife. Andy's friends save the day and Jenny, but the next day doesn't go quite as smoothly when the ex-husband turns up dead in Jenny's recently deceased mother's home, where she's staying. Jenny, of course, denies any involvement - she was the one who found his body in the kitchen, yes, but she insists she didn't do it despite a ton of evidence to the contrary.
But hey - Andy dated her in high school, remember? So he makes it his mission to polish up his lawyering skills and try his best to prove to the jury that she's innocent. Given that preponderance of evidence, it won't be easy; but Andy calls in his team of experts - including his wife - and spends the rest of the book investigating, strategizing and arguing (the latter in court, where readers get to see the "old" Andy in action). How it turns out, of course, you'll have to find out for yourself (I will say that a very early guess I made turned out to be spot on). Now I just have to wait for the next installment and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.
July 4, 2023
3.5 stars
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired New Jersey lawyer, who runs a dog adoption foundation and prefers dealing with the dogs or watching sports to practicing law. Lucky for him, he inherited enough money so that he only works when he feels like it. This time, a movie star who grew up in his hometown of Paterson, NJ is in the area to shoot a movie. She and Andy dated for a short time in high school and when her costar and former lover is found murdered in her NJ house (actually her mom’s former house), she calls Andy for help.
Carpenter is a wonderful character, extremely snarky as only a “Jersey guy” can be. Despite these being mysteries, Rosenfelt always manages to make me laugh several times over the course of the story with Carpenter’s observations or comments. In this book, his observations about both Newark Airport and LAX struck me as both funny and quite true.
Flop Dead Gorgeous is the 27th (!!) book in the Andy Carpenter series and that’s not even counting his related K Team series, which is now up to 4 books. Rosenfelt has been writing this series for over 20 years, so yes, there’s a formula, but they are delightful, funny books with intricate mysteries in each one.
It’s always fun to revisit favorite characters in a long-running series. However, Rosenfelt always does a good job with providing just enough backstory that someone can probably jump in anywhere in the series. I did (with Holy Chow, book 25). And I liked it so much, I went back to read book one to see how Andy wound up becoming rich enough only to take the cases he feels like taking.
I’ve listened to some of these books on audio and I could “hear” Grover Gardner’s narration in my head as I read this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Andy Carpenter is a semi-retired New Jersey lawyer, who runs a dog adoption foundation and prefers dealing with the dogs or watching sports to practicing law. Lucky for him, he inherited enough money so that he only works when he feels like it. This time, a movie star who grew up in his hometown of Paterson, NJ is in the area to shoot a movie. She and Andy dated for a short time in high school and when her costar and former lover is found murdered in her NJ house (actually her mom’s former house), she calls Andy for help.
Carpenter is a wonderful character, extremely snarky as only a “Jersey guy” can be. Despite these being mysteries, Rosenfelt always manages to make me laugh several times over the course of the story with Carpenter’s observations or comments. In this book, his observations about both Newark Airport and LAX struck me as both funny and quite true.
Flop Dead Gorgeous is the 27th (!!) book in the Andy Carpenter series and that’s not even counting his related K Team series, which is now up to 4 books. Rosenfelt has been writing this series for over 20 years, so yes, there’s a formula, but they are delightful, funny books with intricate mysteries in each one.
It’s always fun to revisit favorite characters in a long-running series. However, Rosenfelt always does a good job with providing just enough backstory that someone can probably jump in anywhere in the series. I did (with Holy Chow, book 25). And I liked it so much, I went back to read book one to see how Andy wound up becoming rich enough only to take the cases he feels like taking.
I’ve listened to some of these books on audio and I could “hear” Grover Gardner’s narration in my head as I read this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2023
Did you know the MMC Andy Carpenter dated Jenny Nichols in high school?
No?
Don't worry, the author will tell you.
Over and over and over and over again.
Andy is a brodude (on purpose?) in all the worst ways throughout this book.
It was annoying and ruined the mystery that was held here.
The female characters were (painfully) obviously written by a man.
I had trouble getting past the overly masculine bits thrown into this book. It all felt too much.
Much love to Goodreads and Minotaur books for my ARC.
No?
Don't worry, the author will tell you.
Over and over and over and over again.
Andy is a brodude (on purpose?) in all the worst ways throughout this book.
It was annoying and ruined the mystery that was held here.
The female characters were (painfully) obviously written by a man.
I had trouble getting past the overly masculine bits thrown into this book. It all felt too much.
Much love to Goodreads and Minotaur books for my ARC.
May 28, 2023
Twenty-seven books in! I read Flop Dead Gorgeous in May, and already have started the book coming out in October, Twas the Bite Before Christmas. That is how much I absolutely love this series by David Rosenfelt.
Lights. Cameras. Action. Why is that? First of all, Andy should stop saying he is retired, because he takes case after case. In this case, he is defending an ex-girlfriend, and she is a movie star and comes with all of the glitz and glamour. Of course she has a dog, a dog she has adopted from Andy's organization, The Tara Foundation.
This Andy Carpenter series ties in with his spinoff series, The K Team, so not only do we have Andy's wife Laurie, there are Sam, a computer whiz; Marcus, his security guard; and ex-cop Corey, the latter two you see a lot of with Laurie in the K Team books. Oh, it was so nice to see Edna in this book. I remember when I was binge reading the series in January how averse Edna was to work, and I simply adore her. Fabulous continuity, but enough of a backstory for first time readers of a book in this series.
As per his regular style, Andy does more than take on his newest client, he also investigates the murder she is being accused of. Considering the victim died in her kitchen makes this no easy feat. With his usual charm, humor and intelligence, Andy is certainly up to the task.
You absolutely have to love Andy's love for dogs, as well as to how Laurie feels about them as well. I hated for this book to end, especially since I had it as an audiobook ARC expertly narrated by the talented Grover Gardner, but I also got the October title as an eARC and am reading it now.
I have no idea how I missed this series at the beginning but I am thrilled to be reading each book as it comes out as David Rosenfelt has written an addictive series.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Lights. Cameras. Action. Why is that? First of all, Andy should stop saying he is retired, because he takes case after case. In this case, he is defending an ex-girlfriend, and she is a movie star and comes with all of the glitz and glamour. Of course she has a dog, a dog she has adopted from Andy's organization, The Tara Foundation.
This Andy Carpenter series ties in with his spinoff series, The K Team, so not only do we have Andy's wife Laurie, there are Sam, a computer whiz; Marcus, his security guard; and ex-cop Corey, the latter two you see a lot of with Laurie in the K Team books. Oh, it was so nice to see Edna in this book. I remember when I was binge reading the series in January how averse Edna was to work, and I simply adore her. Fabulous continuity, but enough of a backstory for first time readers of a book in this series.
As per his regular style, Andy does more than take on his newest client, he also investigates the murder she is being accused of. Considering the victim died in her kitchen makes this no easy feat. With his usual charm, humor and intelligence, Andy is certainly up to the task.
You absolutely have to love Andy's love for dogs, as well as to how Laurie feels about them as well. I hated for this book to end, especially since I had it as an audiobook ARC expertly narrated by the talented Grover Gardner, but I also got the October title as an eARC and am reading it now.
I have no idea how I missed this series at the beginning but I am thrilled to be reading each book as it comes out as David Rosenfelt has written an addictive series.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 16, 2023
Book Title: Flop Dead Gorgeous
Series: Andy Carpenter #27
Author: David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Book
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 4, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages 272
This novel is #27 in the Andy Carpenter series and #21 for me! Although I am reading this, I have listened to many of the audiobooks in this series as I just love narrator Grover Gardner. David Rosenfelt has a great wit and I can totally hear Mr. Gardner ‘dead pan’ voice while reading this!
Andy Carpenter stories are always entertaining~ true they are formula driven ~ in addition to dogs; there will be courtroom drama (which I love and am never disappointed!), a surprising twist, and hopefully a Victory dinner!!!
If you are new to Andy, he is semi-retired as he came into a large inheritance. He typically only takes cases if there is a dog involved. He always has and needs help from friends and family: Laurie – his wife and Marcus- his bodyguard
In this story Andy reminds us-as well as everyone in Patterson, NJ multiple times that he dated beautiful and talented movie star Jenny Nichols in high school. Additionally there is another connection as she adopted a miniature French Poodle named ‘Mamie’ from the Tara Foundation shelter. Mamie was turned in to the foundation when her owner died. Jenny fell in love and took her back to Californian.
Jenny is currently in Patterson, as her mother died and she is in town for the funeral and is also getting her mother’s home ready to be sold.
She agrees to have dinner with Andy, Laurie and a few friends. However, Ryan her ex shows up at the dinner and makes a scene
Later that night, Jenny finds Ryan dead in her mother’s house.
Now Jenny is accused of his murder and, of course, retired from being a lawyer Andy steps up to be her attorney.
We know that Ryan wasn’t a model citizen and there are more than likely many suspects.
Will Andy and his assistants Laurie, Marcus, Sam, Corey, and Vince as well as fur buddies Tara, Hunter, and perhaps even Sebastian -the low energy basset hound, find the real murderer before Jenny is convicted and sent to prison?
Now it is your turn ~ you have to read to find out!!
This is one of the best ~ perhaps ‘The Best’ Might be because I just finished and it is fresh in my mind but I loved it!
Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this GREAT early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 4, 2023.
Series: Andy Carpenter #27
Author: David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Book
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 4, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages 272
This novel is #27 in the Andy Carpenter series and #21 for me! Although I am reading this, I have listened to many of the audiobooks in this series as I just love narrator Grover Gardner. David Rosenfelt has a great wit and I can totally hear Mr. Gardner ‘dead pan’ voice while reading this!
Andy Carpenter stories are always entertaining~ true they are formula driven ~ in addition to dogs; there will be courtroom drama (which I love and am never disappointed!), a surprising twist, and hopefully a Victory dinner!!!
If you are new to Andy, he is semi-retired as he came into a large inheritance. He typically only takes cases if there is a dog involved. He always has and needs help from friends and family: Laurie – his wife and Marcus- his bodyguard
In this story Andy reminds us-as well as everyone in Patterson, NJ multiple times that he dated beautiful and talented movie star Jenny Nichols in high school. Additionally there is another connection as she adopted a miniature French Poodle named ‘Mamie’ from the Tara Foundation shelter. Mamie was turned in to the foundation when her owner died. Jenny fell in love and took her back to Californian.
Jenny is currently in Patterson, as her mother died and she is in town for the funeral and is also getting her mother’s home ready to be sold.
She agrees to have dinner with Andy, Laurie and a few friends. However, Ryan her ex shows up at the dinner and makes a scene
Later that night, Jenny finds Ryan dead in her mother’s house.
Now Jenny is accused of his murder and, of course, retired from being a lawyer Andy steps up to be her attorney.
We know that Ryan wasn’t a model citizen and there are more than likely many suspects.
Will Andy and his assistants Laurie, Marcus, Sam, Corey, and Vince as well as fur buddies Tara, Hunter, and perhaps even Sebastian -the low energy basset hound, find the real murderer before Jenny is convicted and sent to prison?
Now it is your turn ~ you have to read to find out!!
This is one of the best ~ perhaps ‘The Best’ Might be because I just finished and it is fresh in my mind but I loved it!
Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this GREAT early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 4, 2023.
May 28, 2024
I loved this book! It kept my interest so much that I kept wanting to listen to it (I “read” the audiobook) this book also made me laugh several times!
July 26, 2024
Wish DR was my neighbor. Another slam dunk
September 7, 2023
Not up to his usual. I figured the thing out after 30 pages or so. There's always a main plot and then a sub plot that is just a red herring. Must say I was disappointed. And only 265 pages. Come on, David. Up your game.
September 6, 2023
This one had several chuckle moments. I was glad to see more in this series.
October 4, 2025
This is the 27th book in Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series of comfortable mysteries about a reluctant lawyer, his team of investigative specialists, and dogs. It's a warm and fuzzy series, familiar and formulaic, like favorite television mysteries from a few generations back. Rosenfelt always serves up a generous dose of humor, and Andy is a very rich yet self-deprecating character surrounded by a quirky team of associates. He seems to be rich beyond reason, some of his associates seem to have super-powers, and in this one he investigates the death of an actor who's the co-star of a movie in which the leading lady is an old flame of Andy's, Jenny Nichols. She is, of course, the prime suspect, and it's up to Andy and his team to prove her innocence and find the real killer. He just wants to play with his dogs and watch the Mets or Giants but, as always, gets caught up in proving the innocence of someone accused of murder. I listened to the audio of this one during a long drive and enjoyed Grover Gardner's performance very much. I listened to this one immediately after #25 of the series, Holy Chow, and the introductions and descriptions of the side-characters seemed to have been lifted verbatim from the earlier book, which maybe helps to explain why the series is so swiftly expanded. I found this one more entertaining and amusing than the other one, particularly because Andy keeps reminding us at every opportunity that he and Jenny used to date. The guest-star characters seem more engaging and better developed, too, and the mystery itself is quite cleverly revealed. It's a fun listen, neither my usual fare nor especially memorable, but it ate up a lot of miles and was very entertaining; I hope Andy never gets to retire, as he so frequently says he wants to do.
July 30, 2023
Published: 07/04/23
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for accepting my request to read and review Flop Dead Gorgeous.
A solid four star read. While being the 27th book in the Andy Carpenter series, this can be read as a standalone. I have read 3 or 4 books in the series, and enjoyed them all.
Andy is a somewhat retiring attorney. He has cop and private eye friends, a wife and son. In addition, he loves sports and has a passion for dogs. All of these characters and elements have reoccurring roles in each of the books.
I find the bantering smart, and the writing/humor comparable to Seinfeld not Roseanne. The key dynamic between Andy and his cast of characters is class and respect. Thus making the stories read quickly like a really good short story, yet 270 plus pages of mystery, intrigue and fun.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for accepting my request to read and review Flop Dead Gorgeous.
A solid four star read. While being the 27th book in the Andy Carpenter series, this can be read as a standalone. I have read 3 or 4 books in the series, and enjoyed them all.
Andy is a somewhat retiring attorney. He has cop and private eye friends, a wife and son. In addition, he loves sports and has a passion for dogs. All of these characters and elements have reoccurring roles in each of the books.
I find the bantering smart, and the writing/humor comparable to Seinfeld not Roseanne. The key dynamic between Andy and his cast of characters is class and respect. Thus making the stories read quickly like a really good short story, yet 270 plus pages of mystery, intrigue and fun.
June 29, 2023
Flop Dead Gorgeous is book #27 is the Andy Carpenter series. Readers will have no issues reading this title without having read previous books as the author does a fantastic job of filling in the history within each book although you're missing out on the introduction and development of several characters if you skip ahead.
In Flop Dead Gorgeous, we once again find independently wealthy, semi-retired lawyer Andy Carpenter pulled back into the middle of a murder mystery. Actress Jenny Nichols is home for the funeral of her mother when her ex's body is found murdered in the home she's staying in. Andy's one claim to fame is that he dated Jenny in high school, and he misses no opportunity to repeat this tidbit to everyone in town. Jenny also owns one of the Tara Foundation rescue dogs named Mamie. All evidence points to Jenny as the killer, but Andy is convinced she didn't do it. To prove her innocence, he'll need to reveal the killer's identity.
All the Andy Carpenter books follow a formula - Andy declaring he's retired, someone needing his expertise in the court room and Andy and his support cast investigating the murder on their own. Having said that, I find each book to be a refreshing read with a murder case to be solved and a client to represent in court. What I love most about these books is the dogs, of course, but also the mingling of humorous dialogue sprinkled throughout the story. There are always some laugh out loud moments. Readers of previous books will love seeing the repeat characters. A steady pace through a few twists and turns will keep readers turning pages to the final courtroom scene.
Flop Dead Gorgeous is a lighthearted, sometimes funny mystery. It's the perfect book for a summer afternoon on the porch or at the beach. There's no way to resist the adorable cover or the title. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and fans of lighter mysteries.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own. This book is scheduled for release on July 4, 2023. My review is published on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
In Flop Dead Gorgeous, we once again find independently wealthy, semi-retired lawyer Andy Carpenter pulled back into the middle of a murder mystery. Actress Jenny Nichols is home for the funeral of her mother when her ex's body is found murdered in the home she's staying in. Andy's one claim to fame is that he dated Jenny in high school, and he misses no opportunity to repeat this tidbit to everyone in town. Jenny also owns one of the Tara Foundation rescue dogs named Mamie. All evidence points to Jenny as the killer, but Andy is convinced she didn't do it. To prove her innocence, he'll need to reveal the killer's identity.
All the Andy Carpenter books follow a formula - Andy declaring he's retired, someone needing his expertise in the court room and Andy and his support cast investigating the murder on their own. Having said that, I find each book to be a refreshing read with a murder case to be solved and a client to represent in court. What I love most about these books is the dogs, of course, but also the mingling of humorous dialogue sprinkled throughout the story. There are always some laugh out loud moments. Readers of previous books will love seeing the repeat characters. A steady pace through a few twists and turns will keep readers turning pages to the final courtroom scene.
Flop Dead Gorgeous is a lighthearted, sometimes funny mystery. It's the perfect book for a summer afternoon on the porch or at the beach. There's no way to resist the adorable cover or the title. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and fans of lighter mysteries.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own. This book is scheduled for release on July 4, 2023. My review is published on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
July 12, 2023
I have now officially read entry book in the series! I spent much of 2023 reading Andy Carpenter books and I still want more!!
July 17, 2023
Felt like all the elements had been used many times before, which is not surprising for the 27th book in a series. The plot was convoluted. There weren’t any truly scary moments. Always enjoy Andy Carpenter’s sarcasm, but he got along with everyone much more than usual in this book. The client’s dog was not memorable, nor were other events in the book. A bit disappointing.
September 1, 2023
I may have read too many of these. I had it figured out pretty quickly and the plot was very predictable. The only “dog” part to this is that the suspected killer has a dog. I enjoy the characters a lot but maybe he needs to shake it up a bit more
September 11, 2023
A tad disappointed that I pegged the killer so early- David is coasting with this this one
October 29, 2024
Listened to audiobook. Narrator sounds exactly what l think Andy should sound like.
June 17, 2023
In this 27th book in the Andy Carpenter series, Andy is determined to prove that his high school girlfriend turned movie star Jenny Nichols did not stab her co-star in the back and leave his body lying on her kitchen floor.
The murder victim is Ryan Griffin who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager before deciding he wanted to act and produce movies. Personally, he was a charismatic and charming cheater. His relationship with Jenny was short-lived on her part but he was reluctant to let her go. After making a scene at a welcome party hosted by Andy, his next appearance is as a corpse lying dead in her kitchen.
Andy, who would love to be a retired lawyer, takes on her case but the evidence and the odds are against him, his client, and his team. The evidence clearly points to Jenny as the murderer. But Andy is undaunted and calls his team to action. Sam will look into the cyberworld while Marcus Clark looks into the criminal world.
Andy comes up with an alternate suspect in a Russian gangster who is somehow connected to the case but has difficulty connecting him to Griffin's murder. However, his investigation does give the FBI enough to take down a Russian cybercriminal. That's good but isn't going to free Jenny or prove her innocent.
Up until nearly the end of the book, it looks like this is one case that Andy won't be able to win using his legal intelligence and snarky manner.
I really enjoy Andy's snarky voice and his love of dogs. The dog in this story is a pampered toy poodle named Mamie that Jennie adopted from Andy's foundation. I also enjoy the way Andy and his colleagues investigate crimes.
The murder victim is Ryan Griffin who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager before deciding he wanted to act and produce movies. Personally, he was a charismatic and charming cheater. His relationship with Jenny was short-lived on her part but he was reluctant to let her go. After making a scene at a welcome party hosted by Andy, his next appearance is as a corpse lying dead in her kitchen.
Andy, who would love to be a retired lawyer, takes on her case but the evidence and the odds are against him, his client, and his team. The evidence clearly points to Jenny as the murderer. But Andy is undaunted and calls his team to action. Sam will look into the cyberworld while Marcus Clark looks into the criminal world.
Andy comes up with an alternate suspect in a Russian gangster who is somehow connected to the case but has difficulty connecting him to Griffin's murder. However, his investigation does give the FBI enough to take down a Russian cybercriminal. That's good but isn't going to free Jenny or prove her innocent.
Up until nearly the end of the book, it looks like this is one case that Andy won't be able to win using his legal intelligence and snarky manner.
I really enjoy Andy's snarky voice and his love of dogs. The dog in this story is a pampered toy poodle named Mamie that Jennie adopted from Andy's foundation. I also enjoy the way Andy and his colleagues investigate crimes.
February 6, 2024
David Rosenfelt is following the old adage “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!” All 28 books in this series follow the exact same outline, this one included. To say they are all the same is an understatement. But I keep reading them. Glad I get them from the library and aren’t shelling out money for these books. They are good light reading and this one actually has some good laugh out loud lines.
Andy is always Andy, Ricky seems to act rather young for 13, more like a 10 year old. It never mentions that he is adopted and that Danny was his father. Same as it never mention that Marcus is Black. I wonder why?
Remember Where’s Waldo? Well, finding Danny is always my search as I read these stories. I was not disappointed, Danny was a security goon this time around!! Why does Mr Rosenfelt insist there isn’t a meaning behind this name? Don’t authors keep a list of characters book by book, especially in such a long running series?
Just finished reading other reviews. How could you follow this series and not know that Paterson NJ has only one T?
Andy is always Andy, Ricky seems to act rather young for 13, more like a 10 year old. It never mentions that he is adopted and that Danny was his father. Same as it never mention that Marcus is Black. I wonder why?
Remember Where’s Waldo? Well, finding Danny is always my search as I read these stories. I was not disappointed, Danny was a security goon this time around!! Why does Mr Rosenfelt insist there isn’t a meaning behind this name? Don’t authors keep a list of characters book by book, especially in such a long running series?
Just finished reading other reviews. How could you follow this series and not know that Paterson NJ has only one T?
July 8, 2023
Thank you to Goodreads and Minotaur Books for this advanced readers copy!
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read an Andy Carpenter book, not sure why, but I was glad for the chance to get back to the series. This story brings back an old high school girlfriend, and I use that term loosely, who is now an actress out in Hollywood. She meets up with Andy and Laurie and shortly thereafter, is accused of murder. Of course, Andy takes on her case and the book takes off from there. All the usual characters are there to help solve this mystery. The story moves along briskly, never too much time spent on any one thing. There isn’t a lot of courtroom drama like you would see with a Mickey Haller book. Most of the time spent reading is following the investigation that Andy sets forth. I prefer this with a cozier type of mystery.
You can easily pick this book up and read as a stand-alone. However, now that I’ve had the chance to read it, I’m definitely hungry to get back at it. I won’t be wasting any time checking back in with Andy and the gang!
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read an Andy Carpenter book, not sure why, but I was glad for the chance to get back to the series. This story brings back an old high school girlfriend, and I use that term loosely, who is now an actress out in Hollywood. She meets up with Andy and Laurie and shortly thereafter, is accused of murder. Of course, Andy takes on her case and the book takes off from there. All the usual characters are there to help solve this mystery. The story moves along briskly, never too much time spent on any one thing. There isn’t a lot of courtroom drama like you would see with a Mickey Haller book. Most of the time spent reading is following the investigation that Andy sets forth. I prefer this with a cozier type of mystery.
You can easily pick this book up and read as a stand-alone. However, now that I’ve had the chance to read it, I’m definitely hungry to get back at it. I won’t be wasting any time checking back in with Andy and the gang!
August 4, 2025
Finally after 27 books in this series it is getting stale; too predictable. Same dialogue different names. I picked out the bad guy 1/3 of the way in to the story. Sad. This has been a reliable series, but it’s time to find something new. I’d still like to read the backstory on Marcus Clark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews