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Andy Carpenter #9
One Dog Night
For six years Noah Galloway has lived with a horrible secret and the fear that his rebuilt life could be shattered at any moment. Now his dread has become a certainty, and he has been arrested for the arson murder of twenty-six people.
What he needs now is defense lawyer Andy Carpenter, who most definitely is not in the market for a new client. So Noah plays his hole card: a shared love for Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, and the knowledge of what her life was like before Andy rescued her. Because Andy wasn’t her first owner—Noah rescued Tara first, and when he wasn’t able to care for her any longer, he did everything in his power to make sure that she was placed in the right home: Andy’s.
With that knowledge, Andy has little choice but to take Noah on, and he soon learns that the long-ago event that may destroy Noah’s life is only the beginning of an ongoing conspiracy that grows more deadly by the day. Andy will have to pull out all of his tricks to get to the bottom of this cold case turned white hot in the latest in David Rosenfelt’s popular mystery series.
387 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2011
822 people are currently reading
1632 people want to read
About the author
David Rosenfelt
74 books2,894 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 578 reviews
December 23, 2020
Andy Carpenter is a light legal series with humor and sarcasm throughout the story. A fun read for cozy and mystery readers and of course dog lovers!
The 9th book, One Dog Night is a special one. Finally we get to learn about Tara's past, her life pre Andy. Tara is a golden retriever that Andy rescued at the very beginning and is the star in this series.
The legal case involves Noah Galloway. Apparently, he was the guy who tried to break into Andy and his ex-wife's home in the first book, I have to admit I don't remember this. Galloway has serious secrets he's been keeping that finally caught up to him. He's been arrested for the arson that killed twenty six people.
The 9th book, One Dog Night is a special one. Finally we get to learn about Tara's past, her life pre Andy. Tara is a golden retriever that Andy rescued at the very beginning and is the star in this series.
The legal case involves Noah Galloway. Apparently, he was the guy who tried to break into Andy and his ex-wife's home in the first book, I have to admit I don't remember this. Galloway has serious secrets he's been keeping that finally caught up to him. He's been arrested for the arson that killed twenty six people.
April 12, 2018
This series continues to delight me. And frighten me. And I love every minute of the suspense and great storytelling.
This time around, we have a man who believes he is guilty of a mass murder committed 6 years earlier – one so horrendous it will ensure he will be in jail for the rest of his life. His wife has other ideas. She wants him to be a hands-on father to their son and at home with her where he belongs.
There are other people involved who want him to simply plead guilty – the last thing they want is a trial. There are other people who are being blackmailed into taking actions they normally would not – some linked to this case directly, and some almost invisibly.
Each scenario that sets the stage for these various involvements is quick, to the point, and scarier than the one before. Gradually, as the story moves along we start to see some of these puzzle pieces begin to come together.
This exciting 9th novel in the series also features a guest Mastiff and Andy takes the guest and Tara (his Golden Retriever) out for walks to help him think his way through the unfolding information. It is very complex and just when one of the bad guys is wiped out by another bad guy, just when I’ve taken a breath of relief – another bad guy steps in to take his place. So much for breathing.
Will there be a trial or won’t there? Will Andy be able to fit all the pieces together before more innocent people are hurt?
This novel had a strong surprise ending. I don’t want to say how I felt about it as I don’t want to give away the story. What I can say is that as this series continues to grow my fascination and enjoyment grows right along with it. This one is a perfect example!
This time around, we have a man who believes he is guilty of a mass murder committed 6 years earlier – one so horrendous it will ensure he will be in jail for the rest of his life. His wife has other ideas. She wants him to be a hands-on father to their son and at home with her where he belongs.
There are other people involved who want him to simply plead guilty – the last thing they want is a trial. There are other people who are being blackmailed into taking actions they normally would not – some linked to this case directly, and some almost invisibly.
Each scenario that sets the stage for these various involvements is quick, to the point, and scarier than the one before. Gradually, as the story moves along we start to see some of these puzzle pieces begin to come together.
This exciting 9th novel in the series also features a guest Mastiff and Andy takes the guest and Tara (his Golden Retriever) out for walks to help him think his way through the unfolding information. It is very complex and just when one of the bad guys is wiped out by another bad guy, just when I’ve taken a breath of relief – another bad guy steps in to take his place. So much for breathing.
Will there be a trial or won’t there? Will Andy be able to fit all the pieces together before more innocent people are hurt?
This novel had a strong surprise ending. I don’t want to say how I felt about it as I don’t want to give away the story. What I can say is that as this series continues to grow my fascination and enjoyment grows right along with it. This one is a perfect example!
June 26, 2011
When I received One Dog Night I laid it on the island in my kitchen turned to get a glass of ice from the refrigerator turned back and the book was gone, so I go on the hunt to find out who picked it up in that short period of a time. I look everywhere and the book is not to be found. Seldom do I go in my husband’s home office, he's an attorney and often brings work home and hates to have his train of thought broken. I decide after another run through the house, still nothing to peek in the office there are 5 huge legal books laying open on his desk he is in a big leather wingback desk chair turned away from me but I can tell he is reading, I don't say a word with it obvious that he is reading probably has one of those huge law books in his lap I tiptoe away. I decide someone picked up my book on their way out of the house. The next morning I'm fixing my cup of coffee and in walks my husband with my book he lays it on the island and all he says is "Good Book, thanks". He grabs a cup of coffee and is on his way out the door to court and all I can say is your welcome. That means he read that book in less than 6 or 7 hours, I know he's a fast reader but rarely does he read a book that quickly unless it's exceptionally good. Which means this is the highest form of a recommendation that can be given. A book so good you cannot put it down. I can say without hesitation if you want a really great read pick up One Dog Night, it's one of those books you will not put down.
Thanks, Goodreads!
I agree completly with my husband, One Dog Night is a great book and we will be reading all of David Rosenfelt books as we really enjoyed his style of writing. His charaters are well written, his descriptions are decisive. It is a book that you will not put down!
Thanks, Goodreads!
I agree completly with my husband, One Dog Night is a great book and we will be reading all of David Rosenfelt books as we really enjoyed his style of writing. His charaters are well written, his descriptions are decisive. It is a book that you will not put down!
August 14, 2025
4 Stars for One Dog Night: Andy Carpenter, Book 9 (audiobook) by David Rosenfelt read by Grover Gardner.
As much as Andy would like to say no to this case he just couldn’t. It’s a case representing his dog Tera’s first owner Noah. And when Andy heard what he went through to take care of Tera he had to try and help no matter what the odds were.
As much as Andy would like to say no to this case he just couldn’t. It’s a case representing his dog Tera’s first owner Noah. And when Andy heard what he went through to take care of Tera he had to try and help no matter what the odds were.
July 8, 2019
Andy has another case that falls right into his hands. His dog's previous owner's has been arrested and charged with murder of 26 people. The case starts off looking pretty clear, but as the novel goes on it is more much complicated than Andy thought it would be.
I love Andy's sense of humour and there were some parts that had me laughing out loud. The case wasn't my favourite, but I liked how the different pieces ended up coming together.
I love Andy's sense of humour and there were some parts that had me laughing out loud. The case wasn't my favourite, but I liked how the different pieces ended up coming together.
February 7, 2015
As always keeps you on the edge of your seat and Andy's sharp wit is so good!
September 14, 2021
This is a Legal Mystery, and this is the 9th book in the Andy Carpenter series. I love the characters in this series, and the Andy's character dry humor is the best. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. There is less about dogs in this book, and there is small bits which the dogs. I love this series.
September 8, 2015
Andy Carpenter seems to be on a streak as he tries to find the truth to a brutal fire which claimed the lives of 26 people in an apartment complex, 6 years ago. The suspect, a former drug addict who found Tara (formerly Hannah) as a young pup, by the side of the road, with a broken leg. Being an addict, he was no longer able to care for Tara and placed her in a shelter, to be adopted later by Andy. Now he is incarcerated for a crime that happened 6 years ago and it is up to Andy to save him.
A lot of high powered and prominent people are being blackmailed in a conspiracy planned for decades. How could this possibly be connected? Ever the brave, Andy digs deeper to find that connection only to fear that the truth may not be enough to exonerate his client.
I'm a loyal fan of David Rosenfelt but just once I'd like a real good twist to one of his cases. And does Andy always have to win? Give Andy a villain for a client and see how that goes. Edna is getting old, lazy and boring, kill her off! I'm getting real sick of her work habits or lack of. Sam, the computer wiz. Why is he and Andy not keeping up with the song banter anymore? I really enjoyed that character trait in them.
All in all, it is a good conspiracy mystery.
A lot of high powered and prominent people are being blackmailed in a conspiracy planned for decades. How could this possibly be connected? Ever the brave, Andy digs deeper to find that connection only to fear that the truth may not be enough to exonerate his client.
I'm a loyal fan of David Rosenfelt but just once I'd like a real good twist to one of his cases. And does Andy always have to win? Give Andy a villain for a client and see how that goes. Edna is getting old, lazy and boring, kill her off! I'm getting real sick of her work habits or lack of. Sam, the computer wiz. Why is he and Andy not keeping up with the song banter anymore? I really enjoyed that character trait in them.
All in all, it is a good conspiracy mystery.
April 12, 2022
Another great character driven story. I think the global scale of the crisis is still more than I want in this series, but aside from my personal feelings in that area, the book is good. The characters maintain their charm and the pace and impact of the story is well done. I like all the characters a lot and feel connected to them at this point. I think if you like legal action with a soft spot for animals woven into the plot, then you should commit and read this series.
October 23, 2014
In most ways, this was as good as the rest of the books, but gets one less star because I can't figure out why the bad guys
Maybe these were explained & I missed it. If so, someone please tell me & I'll change this review. Otherwise it was good & a fun way for Andy to get sucked into working again. Well read, as usual.
Maybe these were explained & I missed it. If so, someone please tell me & I'll change this review. Otherwise it was good & a fun way for Andy to get sucked into working again. Well read, as usual.
November 16, 2020
Complicated plot. Exciting ending.
June 28, 2021
Read 2013 will reread - Rereading 6/26/2021
I liked this one in spite of it following the same old formula - saving the world from a disaster. I now know Tara’s backstory, but still find it hard to believe a vet would bargain with a penniless drug addict for the operation on the dogs damaged leg??
This Book #9 introduces Sam’s geriatric computer class - they are a fun bunch.
And yes, heeeeeeere’s Danny on page 27!,
I liked this one in spite of it following the same old formula - saving the world from a disaster. I now know Tara’s backstory, but still find it hard to believe a vet would bargain with a penniless drug addict for the operation on the dogs damaged leg??
This Book #9 introduces Sam’s geriatric computer class - they are a fun bunch.
And yes, heeeeeeere’s Danny on page 27!,
July 10, 2011
I just love this series. Rosenfelt is able to inject humor into his stories without making the plot or the characters silly, which few mystery authors seem capable of. In this book Defense Attorney Andy Carpenter once again reluctantly decides to take on a case. Noah Galloway, a recovered drug addict, is accused of setting fire to the apartment building where his supplier lived when they cut him off. The chains placed around the doors ensured that 26 people who lived in the building died a horrible death. Noah is in fact sure he set the fire, and is ready to face the consequences. Until Andy realizes the evidence just doesn’t add up, and Noah may be innocent after all.
This was an extremely complicated mystery, with lots of smaller characters. It made it a little difficult to follow at times. The mystery and eventual reveal were complex but in the end made sense and was very well plotted out. After several books where dogs were the main focus of Rosenfelt’s books, I was happy to finally see a human client again. I always enjoy books from this series and this one was no exception. I especially recommend this series to dog lovers.
This was an extremely complicated mystery, with lots of smaller characters. It made it a little difficult to follow at times. The mystery and eventual reveal were complex but in the end made sense and was very well plotted out. After several books where dogs were the main focus of Rosenfelt’s books, I was happy to finally see a human client again. I always enjoy books from this series and this one was no exception. I especially recommend this series to dog lovers.
August 10, 2011
This is the first David Rosenfelt book have read although it his 12th; 3 are stand alones and nine feature the reluctant hero of this complicated mystery. I plan to read more.
The story features Andy Carpenter, a defense attorney who tries not to deal with clients and his Golden Retriever, Tara. I real life, the author and his wife live with twenty-seven Golden Retrievers. These are the un-adoptable left overs from The Tara Foundation, a rescue organization run by Mr. Rosenfelt and his wife. He grew up in Paterson, NJ which is the locale for his story.
Although Andy is a lawyer, the author was involved in marketing motion pictures, a job he worked hard to get by being the nephew of the studio.
The mystery in this tale is well hidden until the end. There are numerous people causing trouble from off stage, committing murder everywhere including the twenty-eight deaths that start off all the legal problems that form the basis of the novel.
It's a quick, light read with plenty of humor despite all the killing.
The story features Andy Carpenter, a defense attorney who tries not to deal with clients and his Golden Retriever, Tara. I real life, the author and his wife live with twenty-seven Golden Retrievers. These are the un-adoptable left overs from The Tara Foundation, a rescue organization run by Mr. Rosenfelt and his wife. He grew up in Paterson, NJ which is the locale for his story.
Although Andy is a lawyer, the author was involved in marketing motion pictures, a job he worked hard to get by being the nephew of the studio.
The mystery in this tale is well hidden until the end. There are numerous people causing trouble from off stage, committing murder everywhere including the twenty-eight deaths that start off all the legal problems that form the basis of the novel.
It's a quick, light read with plenty of humor despite all the killing.
October 21, 2021
Pretty typical Andy Carpenter, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I really like the series and the people.
Normally, Andy wont take a case unless he's sure the defendant is innocent. In this one, the defendant himself thinks he's guilty, but nobody else agrees. What's worse is that the crime involved burning a group of people trapped in a building to supposedly get revenge on drug dealers that lived there and would not give him any more credit to buy drugs. Not exactly the type of guy that endears himself to the jury.
The prosecution has a confession purportedly made to a "friend", dna evidence on a gas can found at the scene, and witnesses to the argument with the dealers. It looks bleak the whole way. Even the defence admits they would vote to convict.
But as usual, Andy comes through in the end. I don't think this is a spoiler, because he always comes through in the end. The fun parts are always how he does it.
Normally, Andy wont take a case unless he's sure the defendant is innocent. In this one, the defendant himself thinks he's guilty, but nobody else agrees. What's worse is that the crime involved burning a group of people trapped in a building to supposedly get revenge on drug dealers that lived there and would not give him any more credit to buy drugs. Not exactly the type of guy that endears himself to the jury.
The prosecution has a confession purportedly made to a "friend", dna evidence on a gas can found at the scene, and witnesses to the argument with the dealers. It looks bleak the whole way. Even the defence admits they would vote to convict.
But as usual, Andy comes through in the end. I don't think this is a spoiler, because he always comes through in the end. The fun parts are always how he does it.
February 4, 2019
Andy defends a man accused of an arson that resulted in multiple deaths. Andy isn't looking for a new client, but this one has a special connection to Tara, Andy's golden retriever.
The 9th book in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt. Andy is a defense attorney who loves to have clients he believes in. It also helps if they have a dog. Andy has a soft spot for dogs.
A legal thriller with humor. Interesting characters. Entertaining story.
The 9th book in the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt. Andy is a defense attorney who loves to have clients he believes in. It also helps if they have a dog. Andy has a soft spot for dogs.
A legal thriller with humor. Interesting characters. Entertaining story.
January 2, 2021
Take a wisemouthed lawyer who can afford to take semi retirement by only representing innocent clients while supporting an animal shelter, add in that his wife is no longer law enforcement but works as his private investigator and more and you have the baseline for this convoluted mystery. There are many other people who help Andy find out what the truth really is and make it courtroom admissible. This one is kind of scary in the *it is uncomfortably possible* sense. No spoilers, and the snarkfest keeps it from being too realistic. Lots of twists and turns in the plot and the characters certainly are, but there's no need for spoilers or an attempt at a summary. I found it to be a real brain grabber and it is one in a series of interesting and well written mysteries. At no time does the reader feel lost or as if missing background info.
Grover Gardner narrates this complicated snarkfest very well!
Grover Gardner narrates this complicated snarkfest very well!
September 24, 2022
Andy takes the case of an accused arsonist who killed 26 people-six years after the fire. Why? The accused was the previous owner of Andy’s dog. The accused was also previously a drug addict but is now married and turned his life around to the point of getting presidential recognition.
Andy goes to work and what ensues is a rather far fetched plot involving blackmail, organized crime, and national security- with lots of additional murders to ensure the secret is kept.
Andy goes to work and what ensues is a rather far fetched plot involving blackmail, organized crime, and national security- with lots of additional murders to ensure the secret is kept.
November 2, 2022
We get to meet Tara's original owner. However, he is accused of murdering 26 people from when he owned Tara. Obviously, he cannot be guilty because he was a good owner to Tara. There is a moment where we experience a flashback to the movie Se7en. Blackmail, international terrorism, and a large dog make this story fun.
July 16, 2021
Noah has lived with a horrible secret for 6 years, it comes out and he is in jail for the murder of 26 people. Andy thinks he is innocent and sets out to prove it. Several trips and using the FBI before he can solve the case.
February 10, 2013
Attorney Andy Carpenter gets his toughest case yet when he agrees to defend Noah Galloway on charges he murdered 26 people six years ago, a crime Noah has confessed to committing.
I love the Andy Carpenter books. Andy’s honest view of himself is refreshing – no posing as a tough guy and no superhero stunts – and his tongue in cheek descriptions are dead on. He’s also more realistic than many fictional lawyers, who have the Perry Mason-eque ability to leap the tallest piles of irrefutable evidence in a single bound and never doubt their ability to get their client off.
But the Carpenter books are starting to suffer ‘case inflation." That's where the first book has the lawyer defending an accused party in a simple case (ususally murder) and each subsequent book ups the ante until defending the accused leads to exposing global conspiracies, terrorists, and other mega-bad guys. I gave up reading Steve Martini’s Paul Madriani series for that reason.
Andy Carpenter has gone from defending a local man accused of murder in his first book (Open And Shut) to a case that has its roots in the war in Iraq in his eighth (Dong Tags). One Dog Night, the ninth, takes us a step further with a case that ends up exposing the illegal sale of nuclear weapons grade material.
Throughout the book, several additional murders are committed by killers who are so skilled they never leave any clues behind, and no one but Andy thinks, ‘Hey! Maybe these murders are connected.’ I realize this series is not a police procedural but it seems even the most basic police investigation into any of these murders never takes place.
This is by far the most serious of the Carpenter books so far. Missing is much of the banter between Carpenter and Laurie, his significant other, and between him and other regulars in the series. Granted the subject matter isn’t one conducive to witty exchanges, but that banter between Carpenter and others was a respite from the mounting tension of the main plot and made these books a lighter, fun read.
Quite a few chapters are written in other characters' points of view. They fit well with the flow of the story, but I would have preferred the whole novel be in Andy's point of view (as the majority of the other novels were)and the information revealed in those chapters be 'discovered' by Andy.
The true killer is never revealed, merely hinted at when the explanation of what really happened to the 26 people Galloway is supposed to have killed is hidden behind the mask of ‘national security.’ It’s a convenient way for Rosenfelt to wrap up the novel without having to create a realistic and plausible solution to the crime. Readers like to see the main character solve the crime, identify the guilty party, and bring them to justice. That doesn’t happen here.
I've rated every other Andy Carpenter book 4 stars. I'd rate this one 2 if I didn't like the series so much, yet 3 stars seems falsely kind. So call it 2.5 stars for what I feel is the weakest entry so far in the series.
I hope Rosenfelt goes back to what made the earlier books so unique and refreshing.
I won’t give up on this series, but if Rosenfelt continues escalating the stakes to world crisis level, I may have to rethink that.
I love the Andy Carpenter books. Andy’s honest view of himself is refreshing – no posing as a tough guy and no superhero stunts – and his tongue in cheek descriptions are dead on. He’s also more realistic than many fictional lawyers, who have the Perry Mason-eque ability to leap the tallest piles of irrefutable evidence in a single bound and never doubt their ability to get their client off.
But the Carpenter books are starting to suffer ‘case inflation." That's where the first book has the lawyer defending an accused party in a simple case (ususally murder) and each subsequent book ups the ante until defending the accused leads to exposing global conspiracies, terrorists, and other mega-bad guys. I gave up reading Steve Martini’s Paul Madriani series for that reason.
Andy Carpenter has gone from defending a local man accused of murder in his first book (Open And Shut) to a case that has its roots in the war in Iraq in his eighth (Dong Tags). One Dog Night, the ninth, takes us a step further with a case that ends up exposing the illegal sale of nuclear weapons grade material.
Throughout the book, several additional murders are committed by killers who are so skilled they never leave any clues behind, and no one but Andy thinks, ‘Hey! Maybe these murders are connected.’ I realize this series is not a police procedural but it seems even the most basic police investigation into any of these murders never takes place.
This is by far the most serious of the Carpenter books so far. Missing is much of the banter between Carpenter and Laurie, his significant other, and between him and other regulars in the series. Granted the subject matter isn’t one conducive to witty exchanges, but that banter between Carpenter and others was a respite from the mounting tension of the main plot and made these books a lighter, fun read.
Quite a few chapters are written in other characters' points of view. They fit well with the flow of the story, but I would have preferred the whole novel be in Andy's point of view (as the majority of the other novels were)and the information revealed in those chapters be 'discovered' by Andy.
The true killer is never revealed, merely hinted at when the explanation of what really happened to the 26 people Galloway is supposed to have killed is hidden behind the mask of ‘national security.’ It’s a convenient way for Rosenfelt to wrap up the novel without having to create a realistic and plausible solution to the crime. Readers like to see the main character solve the crime, identify the guilty party, and bring them to justice. That doesn’t happen here.
I've rated every other Andy Carpenter book 4 stars. I'd rate this one 2 if I didn't like the series so much, yet 3 stars seems falsely kind. So call it 2.5 stars for what I feel is the weakest entry so far in the series.
I hope Rosenfelt goes back to what made the earlier books so unique and refreshing.
I won’t give up on this series, but if Rosenfelt continues escalating the stakes to world crisis level, I may have to rethink that.
May 22, 2012
Andy Carpenter is a happy curmudgeon. Wealthy enough not to work, he only takes a legal case when he feels compelled to do so. In this case, the defendant is responsible for Andy finding the love of his life - his dog, Tara. Noah, a former drug user, is accused of setting a devastating fatal fire 6 years ago. Noah remembers nothing of the incident, given his drug-induced state, but Andy quickly begins to suspect that Noah is innocent and sets out, with the help of his friends, to prove he's been set up. Rosenfelt keeps the plot ticking along, dropping pieces of a puzzle that Andy & Co. eventually put together. Andy is an appealing character, both lovable and sarcastic. Even his bad moods are funny. Unlike dog mysteries, Rosenfelt's dog doesn't help solve the crime but merely helps Andy relax and think on their leisurely walks together.
February 27, 2021
Andy Carpenter has to be one of my favorite recurring characters in a book series. His crew is perfect b/c they cover all personalities. In this book Andy is asked represent Noah who has been charged with a horrendous arson 6 years after the fact which he doesn't remember since at the time he was a drug addict. Noah just wants to plead guilty so he doesn't have to put his family through a trial but his wife thinks different and talks Andy into representing him. Is this a set up or did Noah really do it. Bodies start piling up once Andy gets involved but can Andy prove that it is connected to Noah's case. The book has a surprise ending that may leave you jaw on the floor.
December 4, 2024
Andy Carpenter #9 finally tells the origin story of Tara, Andy's beloved dog. We learn about a man who is taking the fall for a horrific fire that killed a lot of people. Did he do it or not? This was a complicated plot that took a while to get to, and felt a little too serious to me, especially the fire details. I prefer the stories that are a bit lighter. Like other reviewers, I'm kind of tired of Andy's secretary, Edna, as a character, as well as Marcus being the man of virtually no words. Makes them out to be caricatures vs real humans we can relate to a bit. 3 stars on this one, but still love Andy.
December 1, 2017
I always think of these legal mysteries as a nice, light read, akin to a cozy mystery without being cozy. They come with an interested group of ongoing characters (Marcus, OMG, Marcus) and plot lines that keep the reader interested. With this book, I noticed that the complexity of the plot is definitely greater than I've given them credit for before with an intense web of people, politicians, judges and even organized criminals playing a part in the ultimate intrigue.
Still loving these books as I get caught up on the series.
Still loving these books as I get caught up on the series.
March 29, 2016
As soon as I started reading this, I knew I had already read it. But since I couldn't remember how it ended, I decided for rad it again. The Andy Carpenter series is always great fun and this was no exception.
June 27, 2022
This is yet another Andy Carpenter book and I love them. Andy is a Defense Lawyer who doesn't like to work independantly wealthy, so really doesn't HAVE to work either but, when he takes on a case he works it hard and the the utmost best of his ability. Noah Galloway is accused of setting a fire that burned 26 people to death in an apartment building 6 years earlier. Noah is also the first owner of Andy's beloved dog Tara. Noah's wife Becky has asked Andy to prove her husband innocent of this horrible crime....What ensues is a deep look into what happened that fateful night. But with bodies incinerated by a napalm like gas mixture the answers Andy needs won't be easy to find...With Laurie Collins, Marcus Clark, Sam Willis and his intrepid team of "over the hill" computer students Andy is up for the task. A very good book
June 23, 2020
It's rare that a lawyer is defending a client who thinks he's guilty, but this time Andy Carpenter feels that his defendent is innocent of the crime of starting an apartment fire that killed 26 people. With no memory of the incident as he was so high on drugs, Noah Galloway sees the evidence, admits he could have set the fire, and is ready to plead guilty. But Andy sees the setup, and tries to prove that his client was framed. It's especially tough as the fire was 6 years ago and the case is 'cold'.
July 1, 2023
Another fun and entertaining trip with Andy Carpenter. This story becomes dark and suspenseful, as well as detailed and convoluted. Yet the humor and sarcasm are there and obvious. It's a wonderful read.
Mixed into this convoluted story is Tara's back story. Her history before she was adopted by the best dog owner ever, Andy Carpenter.
This series continues to delight me. I look forward to reading more.
Mixed into this convoluted story is Tara's back story. Her history before she was adopted by the best dog owner ever, Andy Carpenter.
This series continues to delight me. I look forward to reading more.
March 1, 2020
In this fun, tense instalment, Andy only agrees to represent a defendant accuse of a heinous crime because he used to own Tara before he did. As the bodies continue to drop, Andy begins to suspect Noah is innocent, even though he confessed to doing the crime--but he doesn't remember doing it.
As usual, a very tense, satisfying mystery that Andy and his team must solve.
As usual, a very tense, satisfying mystery that Andy and his team must solve.
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