Bark of Night is book 19 of the Andy Carpenter Series.

WOW! This is a fantastic cozy mystery that I believe is the author's best work so far.

In this instalment, we find Andy dealing with his veterinarian and a French bulldog that seems to be homeless. Truman's owner is nowhere to be found and Andy has agreed to find him a home. However, first, he must figure out who this person is that is claiming to be the owner as the real owner was murdered.

Highly recommend this book!

Loved this book. Plenty of devious surprises and crackling suspense, along with interesting characters. Just the sort of book to cause a lack of sleep, but I won't complain! Highly recommended.

*This book was provided to me as an ARC at no charge in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this program.*

I greatly enjoyed this fun mystery with Andy Carpenter and the team. My rating 4.5 of 5.0.

Andy Carpenter is a wealthy criminal lawyer who would rather enjoy time with his golden retriever, Tara, than working on a case. Especially, he doesn’t like getting dragged into a murder case where his skills stand between the accused and jail. On the other hand, he isn’t one to stand by and let an innocent young man be framed for murder.

Andy learns about the murder and the accused young man when his vet calls him in to introduce him to Truman, a tiny, French Bulldog. Truman was brought in by a man who paid to have him euthanized. However, the vet says Truman is perfectly healthy and they have learned the dog belonged to a recent murder victim, not the man who brought the dog in.

Andy, with the encouragement and support of his wife, Laurie, a former police cop and investigator, agrees to take on the defense of the accused young man. Andy’s team steps up to help, including Sam, the whiz accountant and computer hacker, and Marcus, the (mostly) silent, intimidating bodyguard. Even former client Willie, who now helps run Andy’s Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization, joins Marcus on the streets for stakeouts.

The investigation is layered and twisting, starting with Truman and his murdered human, and moving to a dead mobster hitman and his wife. Somehow a local gang leader and a murdered homeless man are involved too. Andy and his crew have to race against the trial clock to connect all of the dots. I loved the twisty mystery plot and the wry, self-deprecating humor.

The author, David Rosenfelt, puts in enough detail to introduce each regular character without bogging down the story. This allows the story to be read as a stand-alone although I do recommend enjoying the series from the beginning! I have enjoyed reading or listening through Book 10. This book 19 revealed that I have missed events in between, including the adoption of a son, Ricky. I also enjoyed the fact that, having listened to many of the books narrated by Glover Gardner, I could hear the characters in my head as I read. It makes me want to get the next book on audio.

You don’t have to be a fan of dogs to enjoy this series, but it adds to the enjoyment. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and detective mysteries.

Source: 2019 NetGalley.

Let me say this. I admire David Rosenfelt immensely for his care of dogs. However, I don't have a high tolerance for sameness. Not that I don't like his books, but with the repetition, I'm never going to be able to give his books a high grade. That happened when I was first introduced to the series. Now, they are my comfort read, and Mr. Rosenfelt delivers. I know in each book there will be a dog and a mystery. Andy will talk about how great Tara is, about the foundation, about how scary Marcus is, etc.

Some books I like more than others, mainly because of the plots. Some are just easier to suspend belief and as far as this plot went, I found it easy to believe that it could happen. And I do like how Rosenfelt plots Andy's lightbulb moment. I rarely make the jump to his conclusion but I do have an appreciation for the way he links it together after it is explained.

What I did find lacking are the details, or the fleshing out of the characters. In previous books, I felt like I got to know the accused (Andy's client). Now it seems like the crime happens, someone is arrested, Andy meets them in jail and that is the extent of his interaction with him. I miss the secondary characters like the sister who demonstrated the Pizza Dog trick. She added an emotional connection to her brother. In this story, we have the client's grandmother. But she is on stage maybe a total of two pages.

With many books, I find that I want more. Marcus had a baby. There is a lot that could have been shown here. Rosenfelt did a wonderful job on Hike. I just wish he would do the same to the other recurring characters.

So the stories and this one seem more abbreviated. Less humor.

Still, we do read the books because of Andy's love of dogs, and that is definitely in the picture. The opening chapter, where Andy is at the vet's office and is worried about Tara's health is one that all dog lovers can identify with.

If you like dogs and you like mystery books then you are going to be entertained, but I can't really say that there are any new surprises but on the positive side, no one came back from the dead either. If you love his books then you will enjoy this. If you are expecting something new, then you will be disappointed.

I'm looking forward to his new K-9 series featuring Andy's wife, Lori

Andy Carpenter takes his beloved Tara into the Vet for a routine check-up and ends up with a new client, Truman. Truman has been left at the vet to be put down by a mysterious man. Truman is a young healthy dog, so Andy is understandably angry and set out to find out what is happening. It turns out that Truman’s owner is actually a documentary filmmaker who has been murdered. Andy ends up defending the young man who has been framed for the murder. Figuring out what exactly happened and who was responsible takes many twists and turns, as Andy and his crew work to figure out what happened and who is responsible.

This is a nice cozy read for the summer. Though there was some involvement on the part of the dogs, there was not as much as there has been in other books in the series, and I missed it. This was basically an adult person mystery, with adults involved in every twist and turn and event. Nevertheless, the story line was a good one. The many characters were well done, especially Andy Carpenter and his wife and the ever-loyal Marcus. This is never going to be my favorite book in the series (I prefer more involvement by the canines), but it is still a great mystery. If you enjoyed the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one. If you have never read any of the books in the series, this might be a good time to begin and a good book to read. The author definitely can write a good mystery and provides the reader with great characters and plot, both of which are always well developed. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

I have read a few Andy Carpenter novels and I completely enjoy them. I love Rosenfelt's humor and love for dogs. Bark of Night was one the the best ones yet!! I have many patrons who love this series and they will enjoy this one.

Bark of Night has one of the most adorable covers. If you are not a dog lover, you might just become a convert after reading this series.
Andy Carpenter cracks me.up. He's semi-retired, but not so much. His wife Laurie is an ex coo and they have a dog rescue. They live large on dog love, a strict moral conduct, endless jokes poking fun at himself or one of his current dilemmas he always gets into, and Marcus, a large bodyguard who sounds like he's a tank.
What starts out as running interference on a pooch about to be euthanized (see aforementioned book cover) turns into accepting Andy's next case. He needs to find out what happened and make sure an innocent man doesn't go to prison for what someone else did.
One of my favorite series. At the minimum you will want to go get yourself a dog, I don't see how it's possible to love man's best friend more.
All the stars, a definite recommendation!

Bark of Night is the 19th(!!) book in the cozy mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and canine crew. Released 16th July by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This series has been consistently good from the beginning and this one lives up to the rest in quality of writing and readability. Despite being the 19th book, it's cleanly plotted and straightforward and new readers will have no trouble following the story or keeping the characters sorted out. The narrative is dialogue driven and the author is expert with witty repartee and banter. MC Andy is a smart mouthed criminal defense lawyer with a strong sense of justice which he's trying to convince everyone doesn't exist. (He's not fooling anyone). He's a beer drinking, back talking, everyman who gets involved when his dog's vet asks his advice about a dog which has been surrendered to the practice for euthenasia. The "owner's" story doesn't match up, and the dog, a French bulldog named Truman, comes under Andy's protection while the murders keep piling up.

This would make a super book selection for a book club read or just a fun solo read. I heartily recommend the series and this one in particular as a quick introduction to the series. I love binge reading these and went back and revisited earlier episodes after finishing this one.

The editing and formatting as always are top notch. The language is PG, a few damns and the like, no on-page graphic violence, apart from the opening prologue. The MC is happily married, with a kid and wife (who is an amazing character) and loves animals.

Five stars, I love this series and this book is a good addition. Looking forward to many more.

I love the Andy Carpenter series and Bark of the Night did not disappoint! David Rosenfelt has maintained an amazing character in Andy since the very first book. Each time I read the next in the series, I'm amazed at how well the personality of the characters has stayed in tact, almost like they're real people. (Are they real people? Can I be Andy's friend?) As if Andy wasn't enough to love, the dog aspect is what really pulls me to this series and has kept me. You can tell the author loves dogs as much as Andy does.


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

When lawyer and dog lover Andy Carpenter takes his beloved golden retriever Tara to the vet for a check up, he gets more than he bargained for. The vet tells Andy that Tara is the picture of health however he also has a perfectly healthy French Bulldog that has been left by the owner to be euthanized. Problem is that the dog has an implanted chip indicating that the dog’s name is Truman and that he really belongs to a recently murdered documentary film maker.

The cops have already decided that a young man named Joey Gamble is good for the murder since he was supposedly the last person to see the victim alive. The only problem is that the man who ordered Truman to be euthanized is now a murder victim too….as is his wife.

Of course, Andy and his crew decide to save Truman and represent the accused young man and in the process uncover a plethora of similar murders covering several states that all seem to be tied to one person.

For readers seeking a “dog acting like a human story” this is not one of those. In this case, the dog acts only as the catalyst in involving Andy and his team, as well as the Feds in what is a healthy helping of thriller/murder mystery with a side order of witty one-liners .

Another great legal adventure starring Andy Carpenter! This fits the pattern from a lot of the other books in the series - Andy gets pulled into a case he isn't sure he wants, his team works the investigation, there's a tie to organized crime or some criminal organization, and there's a dog involved. The inciting incident in this one was fresh and original. And as always, I loved Andy's sarcastic outlook on everything.

If you haven't tried this series before, I recommend starting with the first few so you understand the characters. From there, I think the books can be read in any order. This is a must read series for me - and this year there are two new books as there's a Christmas book out this fall. (Language)

I don't usually read mysteries with a smile on my face - - until I read this book. I was smiling, chuckling, and outright laughing out loud at the witty writing of David Rosenfelt. I haven't read previous books in this series so I didn't know what I was missing! Great characters, an interesting mystery, writing that's hilarious without being silly, and a perfect resolution to the mystery. What more could one want!

Loved this book!!

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This is the 19th book in the Andy Carpenter series, but the first book that I've read in the series. There is enough background in the book so that I didn't feel lost reading it, and the main story itself is a stand-alone mystery. I enjoyed the book, and while I probably won't go back and read the first 18 books in the series, I will read the next book that is released.

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer that claims he doesn't want to be a lawyer. Independently wealthy, he doesn't need to work but seems to stumble onto cases and winds up taking them on pro bono. When Andy's vet asks to speak to him in his office, he worries that something is wrong with his beloved dog Tara. The vet explains that a man surrendered a healthy french bulldog to be euthanized that he claimed was his dog, but it turns out the man didn't own the dog and the true owner has been murdered. Andy and his team get involved to solve the mystery.

This was a quick, light read. The first person narration, as well as the "dad jokes" get a bit old after awhile, but overall the book is a fun read. The mystery was interesting and there were a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. This isn't a hard-hitting mystery or crime novel, but it's a good read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bark of Night is the 19th book in David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter mystery series. Sufficient background information is provided to allow this great book to be read as a standalone. This is a cozy mystery, with a humorous protagonist, who has a happy home life with his human and canine family. There is adult language in this book, but no graphic violence or adult situations. I enjoy this author’s writing style and witty dialog. Mr. Rosenfelt has written a fast-paced book with a complex mystery, a good storyline, excellent character development, and twists and turns to keep readers engaged.

Andy Carpenter is a reluctant and independently wealthy defense attorney who runs the Tara Foundation, an animal rescue organization, with his friends, Willie and Sondra Miller. Andy lives in Paterson, New Jersey with his wife, Laurie, their adopted son, Ricky, and two dogs, Tara and Sebastian. Andy’s veterinarian, Dr. Dan Dowling, approaches him seeks his professional help when a man drops off a French bulldog, signs the required form, and pays to have him euthanized. Upon examination, Dr. Dowling discovers the dog is perfectly healthy, his chip indicates his name is Truman, not Buster, as the man claimed, the man isn’t even his registered owner, and that James Haley, Truman’s owner, has been murdered. Andy ends up representing the young man, Joey Gamble, who is accused of murdering James Haley, and his investigation leads him and his team to the discovery of police corruption, drugs, and multiple murders which may, or may not, be related to his client’s case.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Bark of Night had me with the cute French Bulldog on the cover. But I stayed for the hatred of veggies and pronounced love of dogs evident in this conflicted defense lawyer protagonist’s cozy mystery.

Truman, a healthy French Bulldog, is brought into a vet clinic to be euthanized. The vet asks one his patient’s fur daddy, defense attorney Andy, if he is legally obligated to kill Truman after the dog’s chip reveals that the man who dropped him off is not his owner. In fact, the owner is recently murdered. Andy says no and takes Truman in to his rescue association to be placed in a forever home.

Laurie, Andy’s wife, encourages semi-retired Andy to look into the death of Truman’s owner, James Haley, including defending the possibly innocent boy in jail for the crime. Andy finds layer upon layer of murder.

Bark of Night is the fastest paced cozy mystery I’ve ever read—and I’ve read a lot of them. There are four murders and one attempted dog “murder” before the 25% mark. The perspective is unique too. We hear first person from Andy about what he is discovering. However, we also get an omniscient third person narrative about the murders. Despite that viewpoint, there aren’t any explicit or graphic scenes of violence within the book.

I enjoyed the unusual narrative structure. It’s rare in cozies to know more than the main character does. I also liked the easy wordplay and dynamics between Andy and Laurie. Andy’s snarky asides about his hatred of vegetables and karaoke add some needed humor into the plot. The mystery is complicated and a challenge to solve. I would have appreciated more involvement by Andy’s two dogs and Truman in the book. Overall, Bark of Night is an excellent cozy mystery choice. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

David Rosenfelt continues to deliver interesting mysteries with Andy Carpenter. I like Andy's self-deprecating and sardonic humor. Andy would be lost without his wife Laurie. She was a respected police officer and has contacts with most of the agencies that will eventually help Andy to free his innocent client from jail. The characters are skillfully crafted and believable. I appreciate the author's commitment to dog rescue as well as his writing skills.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from St Martin's Press. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#BarkofNight #NetGalley

The lastest installment of the Andy Carpenter series does not disappont. It has multiple murders, courtroom drama (and humor), and as usual dogs play a central role in the book. This time it is a French Bulldog whose owner has been murdered and a young boy has been accused of the crime. Andy doesn't really want to take the case but between the dog and the boy's grandmother(who scares Andy a little) he can't say no. The book is filled with Andy's sarcastic quips and Rosenfelt's quiet humor which often left me chuckling out loud. The mystery was involved and interesting. I especially love Mr Rosenfelt's books because he is, like Andy in his books, a dog rescuer. I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. I highly recommend it.

If you never read an Andy Carpenter book, I feel sorry for you. David Rosenfelt is an excellent writer with many books to his credit...I've read them all...but his Andy Carpenter books are some of the best books a mystery lover can find. Always entertaining, the cast of characters is as familiar as your next door neighbors. The story line is full of clues and you'll still be amazed when Andy solves the crime...but then his family and friends are amazed when he solves the crime too. If you enjoy Kinsey Millhone or Stephanie Plum, you'll love Andy Carpenter.

In this 19th book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the defense attorney's client is accused of killing a documentary filmmaker. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

Ever since he inherited a large fortune, New Jersey defense lawyer Andy Carpenter takes very few cases. Instead, Andy devotes his time to hanging out with his wife, son, and dogs; watching baseball; schmoozing with his friends; helping run a canine rescue operation called 'The Tara Foundation'; and so on.

When Andy's veterinarian Dr. Dowling asks to speak to him, the lawyer is frightened for his golden retriever Tara, who's at the clinic getting a lump assessed.

Luckily Tara is just fine, but the vet is concerned about a French bulldog named Truman - who was brought in to be euthanized. The receptionist reports that the man who brought Truman in was a big intimidating guy in his mid-forties.

The vet examines Truman and finds him perfectly healthy. Moreover, a scan of Truman's chip reveals that the man who brought him in is not the owner. Andy is outraged by all this and takes custody of Truman, who stays at the Tara Foundation while Andy makes inquiries.

It turns out that Truman's owner is a documentary filmmaker named James Haley, who's been staying in Paterson, New Jersey to make a movie about urban blight. Moreover, Haley was murdered a couple of days ago, and a 20-year-old minor criminal named Joey Gamble was arrested for the crime. Andy is certain the menacing man who tried to put Truman down is the real killer, and he takes Joey's case.

Andy assembles his team, which includes his private investigator (and wife) Laurie - a tough ex-cop with connections in law enforcement; his law partner Hike - the most depressing man on Earth; his accountant Sam - a terrific computer hacker/data miner; his muscle Marcus - who could take out a battalion by himself; his friend (and co-owner of the Tara Foundation) Willie - a dog lover with a black belt in martial arts; and his secretary Edna - who threatens to retire if she has to do any work. (I always get a kick out of Edna).

Andy also regularly meets his friends, newspaper editor Vince Sanders and Homicide Captain Pete Stanton, at Charlie's Sports Bar. Since Andy is a millionaire, he always pays the bill - and sometimes gets useful information in return.

When Pete is shockingly absent one day, Andy remarks: "I always pick up the tab for dinner and beer, and Pete would never miss a free meal, no matter what. If I had to guess, he probably doesn't even have a refrigerator or stove in his house."

As Andy prepares to defend his client he discovers that the victim, James Haley, previously made a movie about sponge-diving in Florida. Andy also discovers that other murders are connected to the Haley case. This necessitates Andy, Marcus, and Willie going to Florida, and also leads to Andy consulting with FBI and DEA agents.

In Andy's personal life, his ten-year-old son Ricky is away at summer camp and Andy's daily letters go something like: 'How's camp?' 'You playing sports?' 'You enjoying yourself?' 'How's the food.?' Ricky's answers are even briefer: 'Good.' 'Yes.' 'Yes' 'Okay.' 😎

By the end of the trial Andy is ready to reveal the truth about Haley's murder, and he even has a few kind words for the prosecutor, Dylan Campbell.....which is a first!

Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter mysteries are always fun, and I'd recommend the book to fans of light suspense.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (David Rosenfelt), and the publisher (Minotaur Books) for a copy of the book.

This was a typical Andy Carpenter novel, so a joy to read for his many fans. For those not familiar with the characters, enough background is given to make them comfortable understanding the storyline. While we all know the convicted is innocent, the development of the discovery into the crime is quite complicated. Just when you think you know who is behind the killing,the killer is killed. An enjoyable read.