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Andy Carpenter #1
Open and Shut
Edgar-award nominated author David Rosenfelt's hilarious hero, Andy Carpenter, takes on a high-profile murder case, with his favorite golden retriever, Tara, by his side--now with a new cover look.Whether dueling with new forensics or the local old boys' network, irreverent defense attorney Andy Carpenter always leaves them awed with his biting wit and winning fourth-quarter game plan. But Andy prefers the company of his best friend, Tara, to the people he encounters in the courtroom. Tara, a golden retriever, is clearly smarter than half the lawyers who clog the courts of PassaicCounty. However, just as it seems Andy has everything figured out, his dad, New Jersey's legendary ex-D.A., drops dead in front of him at a game in Yankee Stadium. The shocks pile on as he discovers his dad left him with two unexpected a fortune of $22 million that Andy never knew existed . . . and a murder case with enough racial tinder to burn down City Hall. Struggling to serve justice and bring honor to his father, Andy must dig up some explosive political skeletons--and an astonishing family secret that can close his case (and his mouth) for good.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
1816 people are currently reading
9019 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
81 books2,858 followersI am a novelist with 27 dogs.
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.
My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, "Ozzie and Harriet's" clan seemed bizarre.
I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every "Rambo", "The Natural" and "Rocky", there are countless disasters.
I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.
A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It's safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.
About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It's total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidr...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,874 reviews
July 24, 2017
This is the first in a legal thriller series that I’m sure I will continue to enjoy if this first book is any indication. This story is funny – the writing is witty and smart. In fact, Andy Carpenter, a defense lawyer, is a bit of a cut-up and on occasion it gets him into trouble – particularly with judges.
Andy’s father, a previous prosecutor, tells his son to check into a case that put Willie, a young black man, into prison for the past seven years and who is now on death row. Shortly afterward, Andy’s father dies and Andy inherits 22M that no-one in the family knew about.
The further Andy looks into Willie’s case after winning an appeal for a new trial, the more suspicious events from 40 years before become – and those events may even involve his father. Andy decides to defend Willie from the perspective that he was set up, and the further he looks into the case, the more his suspicions become reinforced.
The trial is coming up fast, and Andy receives threats and is being harassed. His estranged wife is trying to reconcile but Andy and his beautiful investigator are also attracted to each other. Meantime, there is Tara – another love interest, but of the 4-legged variety. She is a lovely golden retriever who helps Andy to calm down and to rejuvenate when the case and all the puzzle pieces become frustratingly vague and unrelated.
This novel is fast-paced, funny, frightening, and has many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Even the ones I did see coming were deliberate bread crumbs that increased the tension and suspense.
I am definitely looking forward to more reads in this series and recommend it to anyone who enjoys smart legal thrillers with a great supporting cast, including a golden retriever!
Andy’s father, a previous prosecutor, tells his son to check into a case that put Willie, a young black man, into prison for the past seven years and who is now on death row. Shortly afterward, Andy’s father dies and Andy inherits 22M that no-one in the family knew about.
The further Andy looks into Willie’s case after winning an appeal for a new trial, the more suspicious events from 40 years before become – and those events may even involve his father. Andy decides to defend Willie from the perspective that he was set up, and the further he looks into the case, the more his suspicions become reinforced.
The trial is coming up fast, and Andy receives threats and is being harassed. His estranged wife is trying to reconcile but Andy and his beautiful investigator are also attracted to each other. Meantime, there is Tara – another love interest, but of the 4-legged variety. She is a lovely golden retriever who helps Andy to calm down and to rejuvenate when the case and all the puzzle pieces become frustratingly vague and unrelated.
This novel is fast-paced, funny, frightening, and has many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Even the ones I did see coming were deliberate bread crumbs that increased the tension and suspense.
I am definitely looking forward to more reads in this series and recommend it to anyone who enjoys smart legal thrillers with a great supporting cast, including a golden retriever!
April 9, 2025
Open and Shut is a legal case or other matter that is easy to prove or decide because the facts are very clear.
It is also the debut novel of David Rosenfelt that introduces his reoccurring character, Attorney Andy Carpenter.
As the beginning of the series, this novel also explains a lot about who Andy is, and how he conducts himself.
We also learn about secrets held by his father that actually help Andy prove that maybe this case isn't so 'Open and Shut' as it appears.
I have undoubtedly become a fan of David Rosenfelt. I think you will, too...if you haven't already!
A quick, twists & turns (intricate, complicated dealings and circumstances) read.
And then of course, there are the dogs... 🐾
It is also the debut novel of David Rosenfelt that introduces his reoccurring character, Attorney Andy Carpenter.
As the beginning of the series, this novel also explains a lot about who Andy is, and how he conducts himself.
We also learn about secrets held by his father that actually help Andy prove that maybe this case isn't so 'Open and Shut' as it appears.
I have undoubtedly become a fan of David Rosenfelt. I think you will, too...if you haven't already!
A quick, twists & turns (intricate, complicated dealings and circumstances) read.
And then of course, there are the dogs... 🐾
October 26, 2024
This is a Suspense Mystery, and this is the first book in the Andy Carpenter series. I found the mystery/suspense part so great. The suspense built up through out this book at a great pace. The characters where good, but in this book it felt like you did not get a full picture of any of the characters. I listen to this book's audiobook, and I really enjoyed this audiobook.
April 8, 2017
More Sue Grafton than John Grisham, this courtroom drama with a private eye feel has a high level of "smart-assery" that at times made me laugh out loud and definitely kept me turning pages. I have high hopes for this series!
June 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Though I've read many novels in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, I hadn't read the first book until now. In this initial story, set in Paterson, New Jersey, attorney Andy Carpenter defends a convicted killer who gets a new trial.
*****
Like his father Nelson Carpenter, Andy Carpenter is a lawyer. The difference is that retired New Jersey District Attorney Nelson Carpenter was a prosecutor, and Andy is a criminal defense attorney.
Seven years ago District Attorney Nelson Carpenter tried Willie Miller for the murder of Denise McGregor.
The following evidence was brought out at trial:
⦾ Denise's body was found in the alley behind the bar where Willie worked, and a witness testified she saw Willie standing over the dead woman.
⦾ The bloody murder knife was discovered in a nearby trash can, covered with Willie's fingerprints.
⦾ Willie had scratch marks on his face, and his skin was found under Denise's fingernails.
For his part, Willie pled not guilty. He claimed he was drunk that night and couldn't remember anything.....but insisted he didn't kill Denise.
Willie was convicted of first degree murder and given the death penalty.
Now, seven years on, Willie is getting a new trial because of juror misconduct, and former prosecutor Nelson Carpenter asks his son Andy to take the case.....even though Willie will undoubtedly be convicted again.
Sadly, Nelson passes away before the trial begins. Afterwards, Andy finds a hidden photo, taken 35 years ago, of Nelson with three friends - men who are now wealthy and prominent.
Moreover, Andy is shocked to learn his father had an investment account worth 22 million dollars, which Andy inherits.
As Andy prepares to defend Willie, he also pursues his curiosity about his dad's concealed photo and the windfall inheritance. But when Andy approaches the men in the picture, each one claims it's not him. Of course this fires up Andy's inquisitiveness, and he keeps digging.
Meanwhile, Andy is threatened and attacked, and it seems SOMEONE wants to stop Andy from doing SOMETHING, but it's not clear who or what.
In Andy's private life, his estranged wife Nicole wants to give the marriage another try JUST when Andy has started dating his private investigator Laurie.
This sets up an uncomfortable situation, but Andy is comforted by his wonderful golden retriever Tara, a rescue pooch.
Since this is the first book in the series, some of the core characters aren't present yet, but we do meet Laurie Collins - a former New Jersey cop who's now Andy's investigator;
Edna - Andy's secretary who doesn't do any work;
and Sophia Hernandez, the fruit vendor downstairs from Andy's office, who pays for Andy's legal services with watermelons and cantaloupes.
Andy's personality as a wise-cracking quip artist and jokester is also established, and Andy's examination of witnesses in court is clever and funny. In fact the book is full of amusing scenes, and I got plenty of laughs amidst the serious issues of murder and mayhem.
This is a good start to the series, which I recommend in it's entirety.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
Want to read
July 18, 2019This hardcover edition is the first Mysterious Press edition.
June 15, 2024
**** 6/15/24 **** FINISHED! Thanks to my friend Michelle who recommended this series to me. I love legal mysteries, and this tips into the lighter side of this genre with many unanswered questions / side mysteries that will provide plot points for future books, I'm sure. There are many characters introduced - I really liked investigator Laurie. Overall, the tone is good people are good people, and bad guys are baaaad, which I kind of like. So no big dramatic 'reveals' but an enjoyable read with characters I liked. 4-stars.
**** 6/10/24 **** Just started this series based on the recommendation of a fellow voracious reader who I have known since college! Love the start of this legal drama/mystery, the lighter, not violent/hard core vibe, plus DOGS! Looking forward to a new legal series with David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter.
**** 6/10/24 **** Just started this series based on the recommendation of a fellow voracious reader who I have known since college! Love the start of this legal drama/mystery, the lighter, not violent/hard core vibe, plus DOGS! Looking forward to a new legal series with David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter.
April 9, 2014
I am not usually someone who likes reading about lawyers and courtroom dramas. My years watching Law and Order was strictly for the investigation and the hunky cops in uniform. I decided to read Open and Shut purely because of the fact that there is a dog character and the author is obviously an animal lover(I mean...27 dogs?! Holy cow). I was quickly hooked by the first few pages. Andy Carpenter is a sarcastic lawyer who often crosses the lines to make a point in the courtroom and he will do anything to save his clients. He bends the rules a lot. But beneath all that he is still a pretty nice guy who sometimes takes his payment in melons. You really have to love him. He's like My Cousin Vinny, only a much better lawyer.
I was intrigued by the plot and I couldn't put the book down. There is a lot of mystery, a lot of humor, and some pretty intense courtroom scenes that never get dry or boring. It was a perfect blend of everything. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was intrigued by the plot and I couldn't put the book down. There is a lot of mystery, a lot of humor, and some pretty intense courtroom scenes that never get dry or boring. It was a perfect blend of everything. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 6, 2018
I requested this book on Overdrive because I read the author's two memoirs about his dogs and I love supporting dog people and was hoping his fictional series would be fun. Someone told me his dog is in all the books and that fact made me request it. However, I am simply not a fan of the legal drama. And this is one of those and I was snoozing through some of the courtroom bits. His dog Tara plays a wee, tiny role and didn't have much character. She puts her head on his lap, he pats her head, takes her for a walk. That was IT. I was soo incredibly disappointed with the lack of doggy thoughts or action!! Does that change in later books? At any rate, I'll give this one a 3. It was decent but not my kind of thing. There's some humor, a little of it a bit old-timey and corny and some of the humor is based on old tropes that might insult some people. Andy, the main character, is a huge boob when it comes to his dealings with the ladies too. Ugh. I hope he's figured out some things in the later books or he might just lose his nuts!
That's my "review". Yell at me (but don't be a dick) if the later books get better and maybe I'll try again.
That's my "review". Yell at me (but don't be a dick) if the later books get better and maybe I'll try again.
October 23, 2014
This was better than I thought it would be at first. It's got a broad streak of humor which was a bit irritating, then grew on me, perhaps because the reader did it so well. The main character is a lawyer, not the heroic type, but he does stick through thick & thin. The problem was a twisty one & wound up well. While there's certainly room to continue the series, there wasn't any cliff hanger.
I'd like to give this 4 stars because it's the beginning of a good series & I usually bump the first book up, but there was one part of the plot that really bugged me. Too coincidental & it just never really fit in well for me.
Still, it was a fun book & I've started the second.
I'd like to give this 4 stars because it's the beginning of a good series & I usually bump the first book up, but there was one part of the plot that really bugged me. Too coincidental & it just never really fit in well for me.
Still, it was a fun book & I've started the second.
May 6, 2022
I enjoyed the humor in this book despite the serious topics being dealt with. And of course, the dog lover in Andy only endears him even more. I can’t decide if he is a genius or just bumbles into things but he is a likable lead. Lucky for me, there are many more offerings in this series to enjoy.
December 20, 2024
I've been meaning to give this series a try. I found it okay enough that I'll give the next one a whirl someday, as long as Tara, Andy's beloved golden retriever, gets some more page time than she did here.
What to expect:
~ single 1st person POV, present tense
~ lawyer
~ courtroom proceedings
~ dead father with secrets to uncover
~ some humor that might be overdone after a while
Narration notes:
He sounded fine.
What to expect:
~ single 1st person POV, present tense
~ lawyer
~ courtroom proceedings
~ dead father with secrets to uncover
~ some humor that might be overdone after a while
Narration notes:
He sounded fine.
March 11, 2020
I'm so happy to have discovered this series (thanks Barbara). Good humor mixed with an entertaining story is one of my guilty pleasures. In this book, the humor starts out strong, and the story kind of sneaks up from behind, starting out slow and seemingly benign, but eventually exploding into a complex case with lots of action and twists.
Andy Carpenter is a wise guy, but not quite as bad as others like Spenser. And he has a great partner/girlfriend that is just as capable in both humor and detective work. They make a great team, and I look forward to more from both. The client in this book was also pretty interesting, and I wouldn't mind seeing more from him in future stories. All in all, a very pleasant read.
Andy Carpenter is a wise guy, but not quite as bad as others like Spenser. And he has a great partner/girlfriend that is just as capable in both humor and detective work. They make a great team, and I look forward to more from both. The client in this book was also pretty interesting, and I wouldn't mind seeing more from him in future stories. All in all, a very pleasant read.
September 1, 2017
Yay! I'm really happy that I picked this book up. Wasn't quite sure what kind of mystery but was pleasantly surprise it turned out to be a legal thriller with humor here and there. It's hard to find good legal thrillers to read. Seems other authors like Grisham and Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer) now just focus on mysteries. Will be reading more and glad to know I have a lot in this series to catch up.
May 31, 2011
This book is entertaining. I'll give it that much. But there were several things about this novel that just didn't work (at least for me).
I seem to be in the minority, but I didn't like the protagonist, Andy Carpenter. For starters, almost immediately you find out that he is married, but sleeping with a co-worker. He attempts reconciliation with his wife, but you can tell it is a very half hearted attempt. His constant attempts at humor throughout the first person narrative, are at times funny, but eventually just become annoying. His lawywering techniques are often questionable and in the real world would probably lead to disbarment. In his favor, he does have a golden retriever who is probably my favorite character in the book (although sadly she doesn't get a lot of screen time).
There were several legal inaccuracies that were difficult for me to overlook. At one point during the case, Carpenter is questioning a witness and she begins to relate a story someone told her. This is arguably the most important moment in the case, but the prosecutor does not even bother making the "hearsay" objection. There were also several instances where the "relevance" objection should have been made and sustained. But the judge basically lets Carpenter get away with just about everything under the sun.
Some of the plot points were just too far-fetched and contingent on coincidence to be believable. There was one instance in particular involving Carpenter's wife that just didn't add up, but I won't risk a spoiler by going into it.
Content analysis: Profanity- profanity in this novel was present but not pervasive; none of the characters were particularly foul mouthed. Mostly only milder profanities are interjected into the first half of the book, but it does seem like the author's misuse of "Jesus Christ" and his combination of God's name with damn increases throughout the last half of the book. There were no sex scenes, and no gore although some of the descriptions of the crime were detailed (necessary for the court case).
All in all, this wasn't a bad novel, I just didn't particularly enjoy it either.
I seem to be in the minority, but I didn't like the protagonist, Andy Carpenter. For starters, almost immediately you find out that he is married, but sleeping with a co-worker. He attempts reconciliation with his wife, but you can tell it is a very half hearted attempt. His constant attempts at humor throughout the first person narrative, are at times funny, but eventually just become annoying. His lawywering techniques are often questionable and in the real world would probably lead to disbarment. In his favor, he does have a golden retriever who is probably my favorite character in the book (although sadly she doesn't get a lot of screen time).
There were several legal inaccuracies that were difficult for me to overlook. At one point during the case, Carpenter is questioning a witness and she begins to relate a story someone told her. This is arguably the most important moment in the case, but the prosecutor does not even bother making the "hearsay" objection. There were also several instances where the "relevance" objection should have been made and sustained. But the judge basically lets Carpenter get away with just about everything under the sun.
Some of the plot points were just too far-fetched and contingent on coincidence to be believable. There was one instance in particular involving Carpenter's wife that just didn't add up, but I won't risk a spoiler by going into it.
Content analysis: Profanity- profanity in this novel was present but not pervasive; none of the characters were particularly foul mouthed. Mostly only milder profanities are interjected into the first half of the book, but it does seem like the author's misuse of "Jesus Christ" and his combination of God's name with damn increases throughout the last half of the book. There were no sex scenes, and no gore although some of the descriptions of the crime were detailed (necessary for the court case).
All in all, this wasn't a bad novel, I just didn't particularly enjoy it either.
November 3, 2018
A 3.5 ⭐️ legal mystery. Me and my husband listened to the audio of this on a road trip and I thought the narrator did a great job! Because of the great narration, and Andy’s sarcastic humor—which I also loved—I’ve rounded up!
October 19, 2021
This is the third book I've read in this series. I started with the two most recent 2021 publications, Dog Eat Dog and Best in Snow. I greatly enjoyed those stories. I find them humorous, particularly the snark and banter. I didn't love this one quite as much as those two, but it was fun to go back to the beginning and see how Andy got his millions and the beginning of his relationship with Laurie and others. I look forward to seeing how everything develops moving forward.
3.5★
3.5★
April 7, 2011
This is book one of the Andy Carpenter lawyer series that read like part crime novels and part standup comedy routines.
Evaluation: This is not only a really good crime novel, but a very, very funny book. I read this because I stumbled into the series at the end with the book Dog Tags, and knew at once this series was worth going back to the beginning, in spite of my obsessive/compulsive horror at going backwards in a series. But I love this guy! I can’t wait to read more!
Evaluation: This is not only a really good crime novel, but a very, very funny book. I read this because I stumbled into the series at the end with the book Dog Tags, and knew at once this series was worth going back to the beginning, in spite of my obsessive/compulsive horror at going backwards in a series. But I love this guy! I can’t wait to read more!
March 30, 2020
Note: I've read a few of this series out of order. Decided to start from the beginning to find out some back story.
I enjoy the character of Andy Carpenter. I find him humorous, warm, friendly and vulnerable. Having read 3 later books in this series, it was nice to come to the beginning and get a few answers to questions I've picked up.
A really fun, feel-good book, with a dog. Tara is a wonderful side-kick.
I enjoy the character of Andy Carpenter. I find him humorous, warm, friendly and vulnerable. Having read 3 later books in this series, it was nice to come to the beginning and get a few answers to questions I've picked up.
A really fun, feel-good book, with a dog. Tara is a wonderful side-kick.
June 11, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this legal mystery, the 2002 first of a series. Andy Carpenter is a lawyer whose father has asked him to defend on appeal a case his father had prosecuted & won. There seems to be no purpose to this but since it was his father that requested it, he agreed to defend what looked like an open and shut murder that can come up for an appeal on a technicality. Soon, Andy discovers a mystery about his father that he doggedly pursues despite threats and begins to wonder if there is a connection between the murder case, a photograph that had been hidden and money, lots of it. There is the requisite romantic entanglements thrown in and a faithful dog. There were some humorous quips thrown in that made me laugh out loud.
I really liked the M.C., the story got me hooked, the pacing was just right and I read it at a pretty good clip for me!
I really liked the M.C., the story got me hooked, the pacing was just right and I read it at a pretty good clip for me!
August 20, 2014
RATING: 4.5
We’ve all heard of an “open and shut” case. That’s when the evidence is so incontrovertible that the accused is convicted without a moment’s hesitation on the part of the judicial system. But what if the “open and shut” case has a crack in it? Is it possible that a person could somehow be wrongly convicted even in the face of overwhelming evidence against them?
That’s the situation that attorney Andy Carpenter faces. His father, a well-respected former district attorney, asks him to handle the appeals case of Willie Miller, who’s been in prison for 7 years and is awaiting execution for the brutal murder a young woman reporter. Nelson Carpenter had been the prosecuting attorney in the previous case, so it seems strange that he should ask Andy to now defend Miller. Andy doesn’t really get to find out why because his father dies a few days after making the request.
It’s then that Andy finds he is a very, very rich man. He’s inherited 22 million dollars that he never knew his father had. It turns out that there was a deposit of 2 million dollars many years earlier that Nelson never once touched, and it has grown to the fortune that Andy inherits. Just another mystery for Andy about a man who he thought he knew intimately. The mystery deepens when Andy finds a photograph from many years earlier with a group of men including his father. He feels that it has something to do with the money and maybe even to do with the Miller case, but it’s really an enigma that eludes him for most of the book.
Andy is a great character. He is sarcastic, irreverent and a wise guy—and an unexpectedly excellent attorney. The strategies he uses in the courtroom are brilliant. You know that “incontrovertible evidence”? Well, suddenly it’s becoming questionable, there’s doubt about little things that others have just taken for granted. It’s so believably presented, with such élan, that the reader is high fiving every interview that Andy conducts with the various witnesses.
I loved this book. At first, I was hooked by the humor. I was genuinely chuckling about every 32 seconds during my reading. Not at anything silly, but just at Andy’s way of looking at things. For example, he is attacked by a guy with a ski mask and thinks “…since it hasn’t snowed in the office in quite a while, I instinctively cover up.” Just sort of an unexpected take on things.
And then the pivotal appeals trial begins. During that time, I marveled at Andy’s way of looking at things, of questioning things that didn’t seem to have any question around them. It was interesting to see the reasoning for why he did various things in the courtroom. Rosenfelt did a very suspenseful job of building to the jury coming back with the verdict. The reader definitely wasn’t sure which way it would go. And he also did something unique in presenting the opposing attorney as a very honorable man who put justice in front of his own ego.
There are a few first author blips along the way, a few points that seem to be a bit of a stretch, but nothing that diminishes the overall enjoyment of the book. For me, Rosenfelt has created an open and shut book—once you open it, you won’t want to shut it until the final word and the final sentence. Wonderful stuff!
We’ve all heard of an “open and shut” case. That’s when the evidence is so incontrovertible that the accused is convicted without a moment’s hesitation on the part of the judicial system. But what if the “open and shut” case has a crack in it? Is it possible that a person could somehow be wrongly convicted even in the face of overwhelming evidence against them?
That’s the situation that attorney Andy Carpenter faces. His father, a well-respected former district attorney, asks him to handle the appeals case of Willie Miller, who’s been in prison for 7 years and is awaiting execution for the brutal murder a young woman reporter. Nelson Carpenter had been the prosecuting attorney in the previous case, so it seems strange that he should ask Andy to now defend Miller. Andy doesn’t really get to find out why because his father dies a few days after making the request.
It’s then that Andy finds he is a very, very rich man. He’s inherited 22 million dollars that he never knew his father had. It turns out that there was a deposit of 2 million dollars many years earlier that Nelson never once touched, and it has grown to the fortune that Andy inherits. Just another mystery for Andy about a man who he thought he knew intimately. The mystery deepens when Andy finds a photograph from many years earlier with a group of men including his father. He feels that it has something to do with the money and maybe even to do with the Miller case, but it’s really an enigma that eludes him for most of the book.
Andy is a great character. He is sarcastic, irreverent and a wise guy—and an unexpectedly excellent attorney. The strategies he uses in the courtroom are brilliant. You know that “incontrovertible evidence”? Well, suddenly it’s becoming questionable, there’s doubt about little things that others have just taken for granted. It’s so believably presented, with such élan, that the reader is high fiving every interview that Andy conducts with the various witnesses.
I loved this book. At first, I was hooked by the humor. I was genuinely chuckling about every 32 seconds during my reading. Not at anything silly, but just at Andy’s way of looking at things. For example, he is attacked by a guy with a ski mask and thinks “…since it hasn’t snowed in the office in quite a while, I instinctively cover up.” Just sort of an unexpected take on things.
And then the pivotal appeals trial begins. During that time, I marveled at Andy’s way of looking at things, of questioning things that didn’t seem to have any question around them. It was interesting to see the reasoning for why he did various things in the courtroom. Rosenfelt did a very suspenseful job of building to the jury coming back with the verdict. The reader definitely wasn’t sure which way it would go. And he also did something unique in presenting the opposing attorney as a very honorable man who put justice in front of his own ego.
There are a few first author blips along the way, a few points that seem to be a bit of a stretch, but nothing that diminishes the overall enjoyment of the book. For me, Rosenfelt has created an open and shut book—once you open it, you won’t want to shut it until the final word and the final sentence. Wonderful stuff!
May 11, 2024
4 Stars for Open and Shut: Andy Carpenter, Book 1 (audiobook) David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
I started out reading a book well into the series and it was interesting to go back to the beginning and see how it all started out. Andy Carpenter is already an established lawyer and a dog lover. His father just died and left him a large sum of money, so that explains how he can be so choosy with new clients throughout the series. And then there’s the strange murder appeal that his father had dropped on him right before his passing. The deeper he digs into the facts the more he thinks it has something to do with the money he inherited. And for the first time he knows that his client is innocent.
I started out reading a book well into the series and it was interesting to go back to the beginning and see how it all started out. Andy Carpenter is already an established lawyer and a dog lover. His father just died and left him a large sum of money, so that explains how he can be so choosy with new clients throughout the series. And then there’s the strange murder appeal that his father had dropped on him right before his passing. The deeper he digs into the facts the more he thinks it has something to do with the money he inherited. And for the first time he knows that his client is innocent.
September 6, 2007
OPEN AND SHUT (Legal Thriller) – G
David Rosenfelt – 1st book
Mysterious Press/Warner Books, 2002 – Hardcover
His father, a retired district attorney, asks without an explanation New Jersey Attorney Andy Carpenter to take on the appeals case of death row inmate Willie Miller, whom he had prosecuted. Andy’s father dies a few days later and leaves an inheritance of over $22 million, about which Andy had never known. When he discovers an old photo in his father’s possessions that seems to have a connection to the current case, and threats are made against Andy, it becomes clear that the three elements are tied together.
*** I found the beginning of the story rather slow and Andy’s humor somewhat annoying. But as the investigation picked up, so did the story. There were some definite holes in the plot and a major coincidence, but the courtroom scenes were interesting and it was a very enjoyable book overall. I shall probably read another by this author.
David Rosenfelt – 1st book
Mysterious Press/Warner Books, 2002 – Hardcover
His father, a retired district attorney, asks without an explanation New Jersey Attorney Andy Carpenter to take on the appeals case of death row inmate Willie Miller, whom he had prosecuted. Andy’s father dies a few days later and leaves an inheritance of over $22 million, about which Andy had never known. When he discovers an old photo in his father’s possessions that seems to have a connection to the current case, and threats are made against Andy, it becomes clear that the three elements are tied together.
*** I found the beginning of the story rather slow and Andy’s humor somewhat annoying. But as the investigation picked up, so did the story. There were some definite holes in the plot and a major coincidence, but the courtroom scenes were interesting and it was a very enjoyable book overall. I shall probably read another by this author.
March 31, 2025
This was #1 in the Andy Carpenter series, and I read it after I had enjoyed two of the later entries in the set. OPEN AND SHUT was first published in 2002, and although it didn’t break any new grounds in the legal thriller field, it was an immediate hit because of Andy’s self-deprecating sense of humour.
When the story begins, Andy has been working as a defence lawyer for four or five years. His father—a former District Attorney (now retired)—has asked Andy to represent the appeal of a death row inmate, Willie Miller, who the elder Carpenter prosecuted seven years earlier. Andy has his investigator, Laurie Collins, look into the case. Laurie is not only his investigator, but also his girlfriend.
I was not surprised at Laurie’s presence in the story, as she played a prominent role in the later ones in the series as well. I was surprised by the fact that Andy had a wife, Nicole, from whom he was estranged. In the two books I had read, Nicole was never mentioned; she had disappeared from the series.
Early in the story, Andy’s father has a stroke while he and Andy are attending a baseball game and, after his funeral, Andy discovers that he has become a millionaire—his father left him 22 million dollars in a tax-free investment account. Andy never has to work again—except that he promised his father that he would represent Willie Miller. His last case, if Andy wants it to be.
In addition to Laurie, Andy has a secretary-receptionist named Edna, and hires Kevin Randall as an assistant lawyer. He also obtains information from two close friends—Police Lieutenant Pete Stanton, and newspaper editor Vince Sanders. These characters continue to appear in the later books in the series.
This could have been a one-off had it not been popular. Instead, Andy, Laurie, Ken, Pete, and Vince still carry on, 18 years after the first book was published. And so far I have enjoyed them all (some more than others), not because of their outstanding plots, but because they make me laugh without being cutesy, saccharine sweet, cozies.
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My reviews for books in this series that I have read:
The More The Terrier (Andy Carpenter, #30)
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
Dachshund Through the Snow (Andy Carpenter, #20)
Hounded (Andy Carpenter, #12)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the story begins, Andy has been working as a defence lawyer for four or five years. His father—a former District Attorney (now retired)—has asked Andy to represent the appeal of a death row inmate, Willie Miller, who the elder Carpenter prosecuted seven years earlier. Andy has his investigator, Laurie Collins, look into the case. Laurie is not only his investigator, but also his girlfriend.
I was not surprised at Laurie’s presence in the story, as she played a prominent role in the later ones in the series as well. I was surprised by the fact that Andy had a wife, Nicole, from whom he was estranged. In the two books I had read, Nicole was never mentioned; she had disappeared from the series.
Early in the story, Andy’s father has a stroke while he and Andy are attending a baseball game and, after his funeral, Andy discovers that he has become a millionaire—his father left him 22 million dollars in a tax-free investment account. Andy never has to work again—except that he promised his father that he would represent Willie Miller. His last case, if Andy wants it to be.
In addition to Laurie, Andy has a secretary-receptionist named Edna, and hires Kevin Randall as an assistant lawyer. He also obtains information from two close friends—Police Lieutenant Pete Stanton, and newspaper editor Vince Sanders. These characters continue to appear in the later books in the series.
This could have been a one-off had it not been popular. Instead, Andy, Laurie, Ken, Pete, and Vince still carry on, 18 years after the first book was published. And so far I have enjoyed them all (some more than others), not because of their outstanding plots, but because they make me laugh without being cutesy, saccharine sweet, cozies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for books in this series that I have read:
The More The Terrier (Andy Carpenter, #30)
Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23)
Dachshund Through the Snow (Andy Carpenter, #20)
Hounded (Andy Carpenter, #12)
Leader of the Pack (Andy Carpenter, #10)
Dead Center (Andy Carpenter, #5)
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February 17, 2020
I am coming to the series late. At this time, there are 22 books in the series and this is book 1. I enjoyed it very much.
Many reviewers have given a synopsis of the plot so I am going to say what I like about the book. There were many things, I liked. I liked the character of Andy Carpenter who is a defense lawyer. He has undertaken a case that does seem open and shut against his client. I liked his sense of humor. He strives to do the right thing. He is an animal lover. He lives with his golden retriever Tara who is based on his most perfect dog in the world that has passed away.
The plot of the mystery was very good. His time is very limited to prepare for the trial and you go along with him as he tries to find some break through. During this time, he finds himself in danger as someone doesn't like him poking his nose into the past.
If you like legal mysteries, with engaging characters, humor , a very good plot and the location being New Jersey, you should really like this book. I know I did as I have already ordered the next three books for my Kindle.
Many reviewers have given a synopsis of the plot so I am going to say what I like about the book. There were many things, I liked. I liked the character of Andy Carpenter who is a defense lawyer. He has undertaken a case that does seem open and shut against his client. I liked his sense of humor. He strives to do the right thing. He is an animal lover. He lives with his golden retriever Tara who is based on his most perfect dog in the world that has passed away.
The plot of the mystery was very good. His time is very limited to prepare for the trial and you go along with him as he tries to find some break through. During this time, he finds himself in danger as someone doesn't like him poking his nose into the past.
If you like legal mysteries, with engaging characters, humor , a very good plot and the location being New Jersey, you should really like this book. I know I did as I have already ordered the next three books for my Kindle.
June 26, 2024
***2nd read***
Returning to this series after a long hiatus. More than anything, I enjoyed the humor, but the story is a winner, too! I’m also interested in how the characters develop. Dog lovers who enjoy legal thrillers and humor would enjoy this too. I’ve heard good things about this series, so I’m hopeful that the second book will be as good as the first!
The audio version is also terrific, and available on Libby and Hoopla. Many laughs and chuckles, which we all need more of these days 😀
***First read***
4.5 stars. This book hooked me right away and I didn't want to put it down. Sarcastic humor, interesting, likable characters, and several interlocking storylines. Not quite five-star material, but I really enjoyed it. It's the first of a series to which I'll be returning, for sure.
Returning to this series after a long hiatus. More than anything, I enjoyed the humor, but the story is a winner, too! I’m also interested in how the characters develop. Dog lovers who enjoy legal thrillers and humor would enjoy this too. I’ve heard good things about this series, so I’m hopeful that the second book will be as good as the first!
The audio version is also terrific, and available on Libby and Hoopla. Many laughs and chuckles, which we all need more of these days 😀
***First read***
4.5 stars. This book hooked me right away and I didn't want to put it down. Sarcastic humor, interesting, likable characters, and several interlocking storylines. Not quite five-star material, but I really enjoyed it. It's the first of a series to which I'll be returning, for sure.
October 1, 2024
I’ve read a few of the later entries in this series and enjoyed their humor and tightly plotted mysteries. So I picked up the first book to get an introduction to the characters, keeping in mind it might not measure up to what I was used to. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. This was every bit as well-written as the later books and the glib humor and sarcasm along with a large dose of suspense made it hard to put down. 4 ½ stars
June 18, 2020
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt is the first book in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series. Defence Attorney Andy carpenter is asked to take on a case by his father, a retired D.A., just before his death. He believes a man currently on death row was wrongly convicted and as Andy investigates, finds links to his fathers past. A nice start to the series. At first I found Andy's jokes and flipancy a bit annoying but as the book progressed, I enjoyed it more. Would have loved to see more of Tara.
September 3, 2016
I like a sarcastic intelligent type of humor, and defense attorney Andy Carpenter fits that to a tee. The story and courtroom details are fast moving and suspenseful. I will read more of this series.
December 30, 2015
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt.
Andy's Dad taught him all there was to know about being a lawyer...a good lawyer. Then one day his Dad asked him to defend a man who he had sent to death row 7 years ago for killing a woman. This was indeed one of the strangest requests his Dad ever made but Andy would answer his Dad's request and go and meet this man, Willie Miller.
At the same time Andy's social life is taking some turns he didn't know were coming. His wife who he has been separated from shows up and wants to try again. Andy isn't one for confrontations except in the court room and so another episode begins with his wife. This latest development can only be concluded by Andy himself.
I've read 10 books in the Andy Carpenter series and enjoyed every one of them so I decided it was about time to read the first Book. This was one of my favorites in the series. Tara, Andy's Golden Retriever, is only mentioned here and there in this story but takes on a greater role in later books.
Excellent reading with characters I've grown to rely on. There is an in-depth look at the legal planning for a trial and the investigation that goes with it.
Andy's Dad taught him all there was to know about being a lawyer...a good lawyer. Then one day his Dad asked him to defend a man who he had sent to death row 7 years ago for killing a woman. This was indeed one of the strangest requests his Dad ever made but Andy would answer his Dad's request and go and meet this man, Willie Miller.
At the same time Andy's social life is taking some turns he didn't know were coming. His wife who he has been separated from shows up and wants to try again. Andy isn't one for confrontations except in the court room and so another episode begins with his wife. This latest development can only be concluded by Andy himself.
I've read 10 books in the Andy Carpenter series and enjoyed every one of them so I decided it was about time to read the first Book. This was one of my favorites in the series. Tara, Andy's Golden Retriever, is only mentioned here and there in this story but takes on a greater role in later books.
Excellent reading with characters I've grown to rely on. There is an in-depth look at the legal planning for a trial and the investigation that goes with it.
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